BC 2014 07 07 Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 7, 2014 (Work Session) Page 2109 Jonathan Marshall, Infrastructure and Asset Management Director, reported the budget eliminated funding for the Elma C. Lomax Incubator Farm. In order to supply water, as directed by the Board, electricity has been maintained for the two wells. Minimal electricity is also being used to control the temperature in a building in order to maintain that asset. He stated other items have been removed and secured at the Infrastructure and Asset Management site. He further advised the coolers, ice machines and other items have been turned off. Kelly Sifford, Planning and Development Director, advised a proposal has been received from Aaron Newton and the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association to try to transition the program into a non - profit status. Aaron Newton, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA) board member, stated the CFSA is a member- based, farmer- driven non - profit organization with a mission to promote local and organic agriculture in the Carolinas, including education and support for new farmers. He advised CFSA is willing to assume the role of fiscal sponsor as well as assume immediate operational management of the Lomax Farm and will assist in the development of a long -range plan for its continued operation. He introduced Ann Morris, RCCC; Thomas Gentry, UNC Charlotte; and Robert Furr, Cooperative Extension Director; in attendance due to their assistance in putting together the proposed plan. Roland McReynolds, CFSA Executive Director, presented an overview of CFSA's role since its inception in 1979 and their interest in the work at the Elma C. Lomax Incubator Farm. Commissioner Oesterreich expressed support for the proposal. He also expressed concerns in regards to legal issues as it relates to deed restrictions for the property. He stated the Board received a letter from Franklin Lomax indicating his approval of the Elma C. Lomax Incubator Farm Public to Private Transition Proposal. He requested the other parties named on the deed be contacted to seek their approval of the proposal. He also requested the county be reimbursed for funds expended on capital expenses for the farm. In regards to the grantor's intentions for the property, he urged the public to send their opinions to the Board before the regular meeting. Mr. Newton advised, in 2009, the Board established a trust fund to support local food economy and the purchase of conservation easements utilizing the payment of deferred taxes on property removed from the present - use value system. He requested the Board consider allowing capital expenses funded from the Cabarrus County Agricultural Development and Farm Preservation Trust Fund, funds specifically earmarked for the local food economy, to remain at the farm versus being reimbursed. A discussion ensued. Issues addressed included turning on the equipment at the farm in order to save the farmer's crops. Commissioner Morris MOVED to suspend the Boards' Rules of Procedures in order to take action on this issue due to time constraints. Vice Chairman Burrage seconded the motion. The MOTION carried, with Vice Chairman Burrage and Commissioners Measmer and Morris voting for and Commissioner Oesterreich voting against. Vice Chairman Burrage MOVED to restore power to the cooler until the CFSA takes over operations of the farm. Commissioner Morris stated he would second the motion if Vice Chairman Burrage would amend the motion to include restoring all facilities at the farm, including the ice machine, the cooler and the other equipment the farmers were using at the farm pending the outcome of the vote at the regular meeting on July 21 Vice Chairman Burrage amended his MOTION to include any equipment already being used at the farm; that they continue to use it until the farm is turned over to the non - profit. Commissioner Morris seconded the motion. Commissioner Oesterreich expressed his intent to vote against the motion. A discussion ensued. Chairman Poole arrived at the meeting at 5:02 p.m. and was present for the remainder of the meeting.