2015_07_07 - Laserfiche WebLink

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(4 -B) FY 2016 Budget Proposal Update Dennis reported that the budget adopted by the county commissioners in June reflects the amounts requested by the district during the budget presentation with adjustments made at that time, including the requested increases for education and professional development. (4 -C) Rainfall Simulator Grant Chris reported that he is partnering with neighboring district conservationists Shaunte Britt and Nathan Lower to obtain funding to purchase the first -in- the -state mobile rainfall simulator to support ongoing soil health outreach efforts by the conservation partnership. This mobile unit will include a mobile rainfall simulator, infiltration test demonstration, and root boxes. The trailer comes equipped with a solar panel for constant battery charge, as well as a 65 gallon water tank with pumps. (4 -D) Land Use Planning Protecting Clarke Creek Heron Rookery and Other Significant Natural Heritage Areas Dennis reported that following the called meeting on June 18, the resolution calling for the use of green growth planning strategies was distributed to Cabarrus County municipalities. District staff and Kelly met with city Councilman Al Brown and city engineer Sue Hyde at The Conservation Field School at Clarke Creek as a follow up to an earlier meeting with Councilwoman Jennifer Parsley. Presentation have already been made to county commissioners and the Concord council at their work sessions. Conversations continue with Concord staff and leaders concerning proposed residential developments adjacent to the Clarke Creek heritage area. (4 -E) Update on Conservation Easement Closings Proposed deed combining two parcels of 117 and 65 acres into one 182 -acre parcel is under federal review. County attorney has commented that legal description in proposed parcel combination deed has various legal issues which have been communicated to all parties. Deadline for combining two parcels into one was June 30, 2015. The deadline for the state contract on this conservation easement has been extended to June 30, 3016. Vicky explained the difficulty of combining two parcels in a way that does not place them in a precarious status with the Internal Revenue Service when they attempt to execute a 1031 exchange.