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MEETING MINUTES October 28, 2009 "Working to Develop Human Resources and Promote Long-Term Sustainability of the Diverse Natural Resources of the Central Coast." Click here to download a pdf file of the minutes using Adobe Acrobat Reader |
1. Call to Order: |
The meeting was called to order by DJ Funk at 1:00 PM. Introductions were made. The following Council members were present: Chuck Pritchard, Upper Salinas-Las Tablas RCD, Tom Lockhart, Cachuma RCD; Kathie Matsuyama, Coastal San Luis RCD; Joseph Issel, RCD of Santa Cruz County; Ellen Pirie, County of Santa Cruz; Jane Parker, AMBAG; Jeane Errea, RCD of Monterey County; Leroy Scolari, Cachuma RCD; Patty Marfia, Loma Prieta RCD; Mary Ann Vasconcellos, CAFF; and Paul Robins, RCD of Monterey County. Others present: Daniel Mountjoy, NRCS; Jeff Rodriguez, RC&D Project Coordinator; Royce Larson, UCCE; Marti Johnson, AWQA; Julie Thomas, Coastal San Luis RCD; and Bill Brooks, Council Liaison. |
2. Additions to the Agenda: None |
3. Treasurer's Report: |
Treasurer Matsuyama submitted the following report: bills for $360 to Shawn Meara Bookkeeping Service, $45 to eVision Designs, $1189 to Beehive Insurance, $450 to the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Council (NARC&DC) for annual dues, $195 to the CARC&DC for annual conference registration, $523.13 to Kathie Matsuyama for CARC&DC conference expenses, and $20 for volunteer Brooks council meeting registration. There was a $125 deposit for council dues from ALBA. Total bills of $2,782.13 were presented for payment. The checking account balance is $18,963.71. Parker moved to approve treasurer's report and pay bills; seconded by Pirie; motion passed unanimously. |
4. The 2010 budget was presented and discussed. Rodriguez reported the indirect expense allocation was denied for the CSREES grant the council received this year. Pirie moved to approve the budget; seconded by Vasconcellos; motion passed unanimously. |
| 5. The minutes of August 12, 2009 were reviewed. Pirie moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Parker, motion passed unanimously. |
6. Correspondence: |
Rodriguez read a letter from Beehive Insurance transmitting our new policy; a letter of support he wrote in support of a grant application submitted by the UC Small Farm Center for the development of regional Ag Tourism education; and a letter from the NARC&DC requesting 2010 dues. |
Old Business |
7. Chuck updated the Council on the Liberty High School Green Works project. A second grant application was submitted to the Stewardship Council, but has been denied. The project is now on hold pending further support from the school district. |
8. Tom Lockhart reported on the joint Cachuma RCD/RC&D proposal to the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, now called the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, for a risk management training program for Spanish-speaking farmers in the Santa Maria Valley. The $97,000 proposal was funded and has recently started. Tom gave an overview of the project and their team. |
9. Rodriguez reported that the Agricultural Water Quality Enhancement Program (AWEP) application recently submitted by the Council to NRCS was funded. $1.8 million was approved for 2009. This will be a 5 year program with project funding for each of the first 4 years. Farmers in Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, San Benito, Monterey, SLO, and Santa Barbara Counties will receive special funding to install water conservation and water quality practices. Supervisor Parker moved to accept the project agreement with NRCS, seconded by Matsuyama, motion passed unanimously. |
| 10. Rodriguez reported on the unsuccessful grant application with the Central Coast Ag Tourism Council to the Ag Marketing Service to fund a cross promotional effort for farm operators. |
| 11. Tom Lockhart reported on the joint Cachuma RCD/RC&D proposal to the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service for a risk management training program for Spanish-speaking farmers in the Santa Maria Valley. The $97,000 proposal looks like it has been funded and we should be receiving a contract soon. |
| 11. Matsuyama reported on the CA RC&DC Conference in Nevada City. Sustainability was the theme with many examples of RC&D projects saving water and promoting local food systems. She will work on the Circle of Diamonds national certification for the council. |
| 12. Rodriguez reported that the Central Coast Agricultural Water Quality Enhancement Program (AWEP) was able to use their $1.8 million allocation by the FY-09 deadline. This will be a 5 year program with project funding for each of the first 4 years. |
New Business |
13. The Council reviewed the 2010 Annual Plan of Work. Parker moved to approve the Plan; seconded by Pirie; motion passed unanimously. |
14. Election of Officers: Pirie nominated Matsuyama for Treasurer; seconded by Vasconcellos. Matsuyama accepted nomination. Motion passed unanimously. Pirie nominated Tom Lockhart for Vice President, seconded by Errea. Lockhart accepted nomination. Motion passed unanimously. |
15. New project requests: Lockhart presented a new project request that will test different charcoal or biochar applications to farm fields. There may be multiple soil benefits realized including increased water holding capacity and organic matter, increased nutrient holding capacity and a potential fumigant characteristic. They were unable to get bio-char at this time. Their request is $1000 for a 25% cost-share. The ALBA proposal was put on hold until we hear from Brett Melone. The council reviewed the project requests on hand. Rodriguez to work with those that have not submitted project budgets for next meeting. Vasconcellos moved to fund the biochar project at $1000 from the Info/Edu grant; seconded by Matsuyama; motion passed unanimously. |
16. Proposed 2010 Council Meeting Schedule: after discussion the dates will be February 24, May 26, August 25 and October 27 with a 12:30 start time. |
17. Informational items: Chuck reported that BLM will discontinue their use of categorical NEPA exemptions for fuel management, revegetation, and grazing permit issuance activities. This will restrict the BLM's ability to implement programs in a timely manner. GLCI will have their semi-annual conference in Sparks, NV, on December 13-16. Chuck also reported hopefully by next year the permit coordination program in SLO County will have signed project agreements with the various agencies. Lockhart indicated the same for Santa Barbara County. |
| The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m. |
| August 2009 |
| May 2009 |
| February 2009 |
| October 2008 |
of the diverse natural resources of the Central Coast. |
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