Henderson County  Farmland Preservation Taskforce: July 8, 2024  The Farmland Preservation Taskforce held a meeting on July 8, 2024, at 6:001 PM ini the King Street Meeting  Room located at 100 N. King Street.  Taskforce Member  Present V V  Absent  Commissioner Rebecca McCall, Chair Commissioner David Hill, Chair Hunter Marks = Planning Board Danny McConnell - Soil & Water Conservation District Gary Steiner - NC Cooperative Extension Jimmy Cowan- - NC Farm Bureau Joffrey Merrill -4 AgHC Jason Edney - At large Justin Patwin - At large Linda Pryor At large Alan Ward -1 Atl large Danielle McCall- - At large  Randy Newman - Hendersonville Board ofRealtors  V  Also present:  R= attendedremotely  Chris Todd, Business & Community Development Director Autumn Radcliff, Planning Director Jonathan Wallin, Soil & Water Conservation District Dr. Terry Kelley, NC Cooperative Extension The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM. Invocation & Pledge ofAllegiance:  Commissioner and Taskforce Chair David Hill lead the invocation and pledge after the meeting was called to  order.  Adjustment and Approval of Agenda:  Commissioner and Taskforce Chair Rebecca McCall motioned to approve the meeting agenda as presented.  Motion carried. Public Comment:  Lynn Williams gave aj public comment regarding her support for the farmland preservation program. Taskforce member Jimmy Cowan motioned to approve the. June 24, 2024; meeting minutes as presented.  Adjustment and Approval ofJune 24, 2024, Meeting Minutes:  Motion carried.    StaffUpdates:  Staff provided an update on the Agricultural Growth Zone (AGZ) grant. Staff let the Taskforce know that they reached out to Evan Davis at the NC: Farmland Preservation Division and were informed that more information on the AGZ grant will be made available in mid-September. The application period for the AGZ grant is from October 2024-I December 2024. Staff will update the Taskforce as more information becomes available. At their last meeting, the Taskforce requested information on the Present-Use Value Program rollback amounts. Staff contacted the County Finance Department and were able to receive the PUV rollback amounts and recapture values from the last several years. Staff shared these amounts with the Taskforce.  Guest Speakers:  Rachel Meriweather, Horticulture Program Lead Instructor - Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) The Taskforce heard from Rachel Meriweather, the Horticulture Program Lead Instructor at Blue Ridge Community College. Ms. Meriweather shared the program' 's website and provided an overview oft the Horticulture Technology Program. The program curricula include courses such as pest management, plant science and soil science, and landscaping. BRCC offers several different certificates, such as in Landscaping and Business ofHorticulture. BTCC also offers al Horticulture Technology Diploma and Associate Degree program. After Mc. Meriweather presented the Taskforce had an opportunity to ask questions about the Shanda Bedoian, Director of Corporate & Customized Training - Blue Ridge Community College The Taskforce also heard from Shanda Bedoian, the Director of Corporate and Customized Training at Blue Ridge Community College. Ms. Bedoian provided the Taskforce with an overview oft the Apprenticeship Blue Ridge program. BRCC offers many different apprenticeship "tracks", such as automotive, electrical, HVAC, manufacturing, and more. The apprenticeship program allows students to work and attend courses while building skills in various industries. Students are also provided with ai mentor through support from their variety oflocal partner companies. The Taskforce has an opportunity to ask questions after Ms. Bedoian' s presentation. Staffinformed the Taskforce that the Planning Department met with the Soil and Water Staff, Conserving Carolina, and the NC Cooperative Extension prior to the meeting. At this meeting, Staffbegan working on a draft Farmland Preservation Program. Some ofthe proposed program inclusions are VAD, EVAD, Conservation Easements, and the PUV Program. Staff also shared the NC ADFPTF Application Scoring for Agricultural Conservation Easements. Staff also shared the Mills River Land Preservation Program Scoring for their The Taskforce requested several items to be discussed at their next several meetings such as the 2010 Agricultural Preservation Plan, funding recommendations, and a draft program ordinance.  program. (BRCC)  Discussion:  Conservation Easement program.  Next Meeting:  The Taskforce agreed to schedule a Special Called Meeting for. July 29th, 2024, at 6:001 PMi in the King St.  Meeting Room. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM.  Ayhhosw  Commissioner Rebecca McCall, Chairand Commissioner David Hill, Chair  Henderson County Farmland Preservation Taskforce