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January 30, 2009 (Board Retreat)
<br />Page 1220
<br />test the soil fertility and such. The spinach is delicious and
<br />the garlic will be ready by May. There are 9 beginning farmers,
<br />9 resource gardeners, and 1 mentor farmer on site beginning
<br />February 1. The educational classes begin January 22 and the
<br />topics include: Business Planning, Economics of Fruit and
<br />Vegetable Production, Farm Resources FSA and NRCS, Crop Planning
<br />and Scheduling, Marketing, Display, Insurance, Transplant
<br />Production, Planting, Record Keeping, Taxes, Soils and Fertility,
<br />Groundwater, Irrigation, Measuring Quality of Fruits and
<br />Vegetables, Post Harvest Handling, Cultural practices (Mulching,
<br />Staking), Insects and Disease, Pesticide Handling, Storage, and
<br />Disposal, Safety, and Business Plans Presentations. WK Dickson
<br />is currently working on a layout and grading plan for the
<br />greenhouse and parking.
<br />Next steps: continue educational program, get the farmers on site
<br />and started with the growing process based on their business
<br />plans, develop the post harvest handling facilities, and apply
<br />for the grant from the NC Tobacco Trust Fund.
<br />Goal No. 1 - Year 2 Outcomes
<br />1. Work with the school boards to determine any advantages in offering
<br />more distance learning classes.
<br />PROGRESS: Issue has been raised in Chair/Vice Chair meeting. No additional
<br />progress.
<br />NEXT STEPS: Ask BOEs (Board of Educations) to study technology improvements,
<br />to include costs, space impacts, benefits, etc. Could then be funded
<br />separately like other current expense items.
<br />Dinner Break
<br />Dinner was served at 6:00 p.m. The Board resumed its discussion of
<br />goals, progress and next steps at 6:54 p.m.
<br />Goal No. 1 - Year 3-5 Outcomes
<br />1. Develop and implement a single comprehensive plan which defines areas
<br />for future utility extensions, land uses and densities, consistent, high
<br />quality development standards; water use and conservation; annexations, road
<br />and other transportation and transit improvements, school construction and
<br />other public improvements in a collaborative effort involving the public, the
<br />county, all municipalities, the school systems and WSACC.
<br />PROGRESS: Interlocal agreement with Concord and adoption and implementation
<br />of Central Area Land Use Plan and zoning results in lower densities, controls
<br />utility extensions and pushes development into municipal controlled areas
<br />with existing infrastructure for 15 years. This successful effort could
<br />serve as a model for replication with other municipalities. The success of
<br />this strategy depends on willingness of other local governments to
<br />participate.
<br />NEXT STEPS: Approach other municipalities in 1st quarter of 2009 about
<br />replicating planning process used with Concord. Consider a community town
<br />hall/summit on sustainable development. :Seek dynamic speakers. Use multiple
<br />approaches: book readings, etc.
<br />Next, the Board reviewed and discussed the following news articles as
<br />published recently in THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER: "What not to build: Rethink
<br />big road projects", "Use transit, travel smart", both by Alex Marshall;
<br />"Nurture existing neighborhoods, boost quality of life", by Alex Marshall and
<br />Neal Peirce; and "`Green' eggs and ham? Perfect place to start" and "Steps
<br />for a greener tomorrow" by Neal Peirce.
<br />Goal No. 2
<br />Achieve community-wide preparedness to protect public safety, respond
<br />to routine and catastrophic events, and maintain and restore the well-being
<br />of all residents.
<br />Goal No. 2 - Year 1 Outcomes
<br />1. Complete the National Incident Management report, assess the fire
<br />suppression response in the unincorporated areas, identify short comings and
<br />provide recommendations for improvement.
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