New Deposits:                      $ 0.00

Ending Balance:                  $ 31,028.30

Projects Account: 

January 2008

Opening Balance:                  $ 84,110.90       

Checks Cleared:                  $ (14,577.46)

Deposits Cleared:                  $ 14,710.70

Balance in Checkbook:     $ 84,244.14 (matches statement)

Checks Not Cleared:           $ 11,881.49

Deposits Not Cleared:         $ 0.00

New Checks:                        $ 0.00

New Deposits:                      $ 0.00

Ending Balance:                  $ 72,362.65

February 2008

Opening Balance:                  $ 84,244.14       

Checks Cleared:                  $ (10,510.99)

Deposits Cleared:                  $ 83,712.88

Balance in Checkbook:     $ 157,446.03 (matches statement)

Checks Not Cleared:           $ (4,209.11)

Deposits Not Cleared:         $ 0.00      

New Checks:                        $ 0.00

New Deposits:                      $ 0.00

Ending Balance:                  $ 153,236.92

The bank statements for both accounts for the months of January and February were reconciled with the checkbook.  Details of the above financial activities are on the reconciliations, which are being distributed.  If there are specific questions concerning this activity, you may view statements, reconciliations, and original receipts which are kept in the RC&D office.

Insurance

The D&O insurance policy was reviewed by BB&T Insurance Services.  An application was filled out and returned for renewal.  The premium for 2008 is due March 18.  The estimated premium is $750.00 based on the binder and is subject to change upon receipt of the policy.

Website

In February, Shenandoah RC&D renewed its webhosting subscription with Khimaira Webhosting Solutions for another year.  Khimaira has provided reliable service, personal attention, and excellent technical support as the host for the website.

AGUA FUNDS AND OTHER FUNDING SOURCES

Jim Lawrence stated that he wanted to make everyone aware of where we are with Shenandoah RC&D’s grant and administrative funds.  The Agua Fund granted $55,000 for the 07-08 fiscal year with the check arriving in February.  Some of those funds have already been committed.  Overall this is a reminder to Council that there are many projects coming forward today that may not be funded at the requested level due to limited funds for the rest of the year. Jim asked the chairs of all committees to consider how funds the Council provides for projects might be reduced for each proposal they consider.

GUEST PRESENTATION

Rosemary Wallinger, Chairwoman of Shenandoah Forum, a group of Shenandoah County citizens whose mission is to raise public awareness on educational topics and global issues that are critical to the area in terms of growth and development.  Ms. Wallinger showed a PowerPoint presentation.

They have tackled the issue of I-81.  The county representatives enjoyed the public forums concerning this topic.  They have used local media to get the word out about their public workshops. 

Another project they are working on is the Shenandoah Community Dialogue Project, which addresses reviewing the county’s ordinances to ensure they achieve the vision established in the County’s recently revised comprehensive plan.  A cross-section of the county’s population and interests is participating in the Dialogue.  They have many goals that have been defined by the participants, and hope to foster strong working relationships between the Supervisors and the six towns in implementing the comprehensive plan.  The county’s ordinances need to be actionable yet flexible.  The process is through persuasion.  The decisions are workable solutions.  The Shenandoah Forum calls the meetings and handles the logistics; they do not make the decisions.  Funding in part is provided by the Shenandoah Forum.  www.shenandoahforum.org

Summaries of meetings are posted on the website.

Dr. Mike Chandler was hired to analyze the comprehensive plan and give some perspective on it.  He stated that there is a disconnection with the vision of the communities and the comp plans.  He gave a list to help make a connection.  One suggestion was that towns need to be part of the discussion.  He also feels that comprehensive  plans need to have phased implementation.  He says that counties should build good water and sewer systems and then control access to them as a way to manage growth.  He also feels that they need to take into consideration the topography and geography of the land.  The next meetings will include breakout sessions then they will come back together as a group and talk about the different plans.

Ms. Wallinger entertained questions from those in attendance.  Jim Lawrence thanked her on behalf of all for her presentation.

COUNCIL OPERATIONS

New Projects

SVAREC Demonstration Forest.  Joan Comanor presented this project for the Forestry Committee.  This proposal came from Matt Yancey, extension forester.  He is requesting $4,800 for an intern to oversee the work as outlined in the proposal.  The Forestry Committee recommends this project with funding coming from the Firewise grant.  Joan Comanor made a motion to accept this project.  John Eckman seconded and it was unanimously approved.  Jim Lawrence stated that funding needs to be stretched out as far as possible.  The original motion was amended so that Joan can negotiate with VCE by the beginning of April and suggest an award of $3,000.  Rick Shiflet seconded the amendment.

Mini-Grants to Promote Community Forestry.  Joan Comanor presented this project for the Forestry Committee.  Mini grants would be awarded to towns that are sponsoring and promoting an urban forestry project with an award of a maximum of $500 each.  Each community would be required to have a 50% match.  They are requesting $2,500 for this project.  A possibility of five separate communities could be impacted with this project.  The Forestry Committee recommends this project with funding coming from the Firewise grant.  Joan Comanor made a motion to accept this project.  Rick Shiflet seconded and it was unanimously approved. 

Smith Creek Watershed Initiative.  Carl Luebben presented this project for the Natural Resources Committee.  The Natural Resources Committee approved this project.  There is no Shenandoah RC&D commitment unless the funds, applied for through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, come through.  John Eckman stated that it is a request to improve BMPs in Rockingham and Shenandoah counties with Shenandoah RC&D as the fiscal agent and Faye Cooper, DCR, as the project manager.  They are looking to hire a full-time coordinator for 2-3 years.  Carl Luebben made a motion to accept this project.  Dave Frackelton seconded and it was unanimously approved.

Advanced Soil Fertility Management: Beyond N, P and K.  Carl Luebben presented this project for the Natural Resources Committee. Brian Jones has been working with this project.  He stated that a significant amount of nutrients are lost through commercial fertilizer sources.  He also stated that fertilizer prices are almost three times the price they were last year.  This project will manipulate when fertilizer is applied and how it is applied to get the most efficiency.  There are two parts:  field components - demos to produce field data (this year); classroom - instruction and discussions (next winter or spring).  He is requesting $6,000 for the field component (equipment); $4,000 for speakers and their travel expenses (classroom).  Brian stated that he could use local university speakers to decrease the cost of the speakers.  Mike Liskey stated that the word needs to be spread over the whole Shenandoah RC&D area.  Council suggested that VCE hold two conferences.  Brian stated that even if he uses university speakers, holding two conferences would require close to the same amount of money.  Council agreed to award $9,000 for the field component and the two workshops (reimburseable)--one in the northern part of the Area and the other in the southern part.  Joan Comanor made a motion to accept this project.  Rick Shiflet seconded and it was unanimously approved. 

Energy Savings on-Farm: Outreach and Education.  Carl Luebben presented this project for the Natural Resources Committee. The original project request was $5,000.  It was suggested by the Committee that this amount be reduced to $2,000 for a cash match for any grants applied for and to get a commitment to plan workshops to look at simple ways to save energy on farms.  This is a follow-up to another RC&D project, Poultry House Lighting Audit, and it has shown how changing light bulbs to dimmable compact fluorescents, for example, can reduce energy costs on farms.  Kathy would give technical assistance in planning the workshops and assist with grant applications to further this project.  Council agreed that this would be a valuable project.  Rick Shiflet made a motion to accept this project.  Joan Comanor seconded and it was unanimously approved. 

Phosphorus Removal from Dairy Manure.  Carl Luebben presented this project for the Natural Resources Committee. The Committee recommended tabling this project because they may be able to get different funding for this project.  This project may come back to the Committee and the RC&D Council in May.

Organic Certification.  Carl Luebben presented this project for the Natural Resources Committee.  The Committee recommended tabling this project because the new Farm Bill may have legislation to get help with organic certification.  This project may come back to the Committee and the RC&D Council in May.

Completed Projects

Poultry House Lighting Audit.  Kathy reported on this project for Maria Papadakis.  The final report was distributed which also included a fact sheet.  This project was a great success and spurred on another project that was presented at this meeting.

Partnering Request: 2005 Stevens Amendment (Firewise).   Kathy reported on this project for David Richert.  The final report was distributed.  A more complete copy of David’s report is in the RC&D office.  There is also a CD available.  All of the Firewise funds were used.  There is no more money left in either location.  This project was a great success in the Shenandoah Valley and in the New River Highlands.

Farm Transition Management III.  John Eckman reported on this project for Bill Whittle.  The final report was distributed which included a letter of thanks from Bill Whittle.  This project was a great success.  Kathy brought out that the RC&D has supported this project three times and Bill is aware that the Council will be unable fund another farm transition workshop series.

Harrisonburg Farmers Market.  Kathy and John reported on this project together.  The final report was distributed.  The grant that was awarded to the HFM was used to fund their market manager last season and also fundraising.  The fundraising was very successful in helping secure funding for construction of a permanent market pavilion which is expected to begin construction in 2008. 

Dave Frackelton made a motion to declare all of these projects completed.  Joan Comanor seconded and it was unanimously approved. 

Project Updates/Additional Business

Waste Solutions Forum.  Becky Barlow presented the update on the project.  She distributed the 2007 Hotline Activity Report.

Southeastern Association RC&D Meeting.  This meeting will be held in Wytheville, September 10 - 13, 2008.  There is a call for sponsorship and exhibitors.  A contact list of potential sponsors from Wytheville was distributed.  It was suggested that Shenandoah RC&D keep a similar list for their potential contacts.  John suggested that the Council approach Conservation Partners and People Incorporated in Southwest Virginia.  Kelly suggested Farm Credit.  Joan suggested the Land Trust Alliance, National Arbor Day Foundation, National Rural Development, and Habitat for Humanity.  Jim Lawrence suggested Trout Unlimited National and Dominion Power.  Joan will work with Kathy on drafting a letter and a packet that Council members can send to potential sponsors/exhibitors.  There is a monetary incentive for individual Councils if their members recruit sponsors/exhibitors.  Jeff Rinker said that he would ask about Coors sponsoring or at least donating some beverages.

Council members should let Kathy know if they would like to attend.  Registration is approximately $250 per person and it will come from the Council’s administrative funds.  It includes some meals.   To secure lodging, rooms should be reserved by August.

Virginia Association RC&D Meeting.  This meeting will be held at Breaks Interstate Park in Breaks, Virginia, which will be hosted by Black Diamond RC&D.  It will be held April 30 - May 2.  Council members should let Kathy know if they would like to attend.  Joan, who is the VARC&DC Treasurer, stated that she would be willing to go.  Registration fee will be approximately $150 and it will come from the Council administrative funds. 

COUNCIL INFORMATION

2008 Leadership Forum.  Jim Lawrence, Joan Comanor and Chris Anderson attend the Forum February 25-27, 2008 in Washington, DC.  Jim Lawrence reported on the trip.  He said that this has been the most severe year Council has dealt with.  The visits on Capitol Hill were very successful.  They talked to Congressman Goodlatte.  Congressman Goodlatte stated that he is supporting the RC&D.  They did mention to Congressman Wolfe’s staffer that Congressman Goodlatte is a strong supporter of the RC&D.  They met with Congressman Cantor’s Aide, who was completely unfamiliar with RC&D.  Chris was able to get an appointment with them.  It turned out to be an introductory session.  There was no feedback one way or the other from this office.  The next day they went to Senator Warner’s and Webb’s office.  These aides knew about the program, wanted more information, and wanted to be kept up during the year.  He stated that letters of support are very essential.  Quite a number of Shenandoah RC&D’s members have sent letters.  The letters are needed by March 19, in order to make money decisions.  Joan suggested that Council members ask legislator’s to come to local RC&D meetings.  Dave Frackelton stated that Virgil Goode would be an important person to write to.  Becky Barlow stated that she is in his district.

OTHER BUSINESS

Coordinator’s Report

This was distributed for information only.

Announcements

Chris Price, Executive Director, of NSVRC was introduced to Council.  He replaced Shelley Owens.  He has worked with the RC&D in Pennsylvania. 

Land Protection and Farming Seminars

Protecting our Communities and Farm Futures

March 18

Mount Crawford, Virginia

Call VCC for more information – 886-3541

Community Food Systems Seminar

March 27, 2008

Blue Ridge Community College

Weyers Cave, Virginia

They are offering RC&D three free registrations.  There will also be an evening event to get together with the speakers.  Please let Kathy know by March 14 if you are interested in going.  Becky Barlow will be attending.

Conservancies and Cold Water Strategic Summit

April 18, 2008

Waynesboro, Virginia

Call VCC for more information – 886-3541

Joint VCE/NRCS Training Program

April 29, 2008

Re: Cover Crops

Next Meeting :  May 12, 2008, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Augusta County Government Center, Smith's Transfer Room – West, Verona, Virginia

Rick Shiflet made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  John Eckman seconded and it was unanimously approved.

Meeting adjourned 12:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorraine M. Cormier

Administrative Assistant

Approved:  Chair                                                                                                                 Date