Regular session on Wednesday, March 13, 2019.
Brevard Soil and Water Conservation District Minutes
The Brevard Soil and Water Conservation District met in regular session on Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at 4:00 p.m., in the Lecture Room, UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County, 3695 Lake Drive, Cocoa, Florida.
The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Bud Crisafulli, at 4:00 p.m.
Board members present were: Bud Crisafulli; Henry Minneboo; Adam Perez; Jonathan Schuman; and James Sloan.
Staff members present were: Mike Engelgau; Chuck O’Rourke; and Joe Walter.
Additional attendees: Dave Millard; Stacey Simmons; and Lessa Souto.
Approval of February 13, 2019, Minutes
Motion by Adam, seconded by James, to approve the minutes of February 13, 2019. The vote passed unanimously (Henry absent).
Approval of Treasurer’s Report for the Period of February 13, 2019 – March 12, 2019
Motion by Jonathan, seconded by James, to approve Treasurer’s report as presented. The vote passed unanimously (Henry absent).
Old Business
Joe gave an update on the planning of Farm Tour 2019, stating that implemented best management practices from the perspective of water quality and quantity will be the primary focus of the tour. Possible locations to host the farm tour include Kempfer Cattle Company and Deseret Ranch. Possible dates for Farm Tour 2019 are April 15th and 29th.
James provided the Board with an update on the development of an agricultural land use database. James mentioned that he will provide the Board with a technical report on the database at the May meeting.
New Business
Chuck briefed the Board on the State of Florida’s Sunshine Laws.
Stacey Simmons with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Office of Agricultural Water Policy spoke on the status of best management practice contracts.
Dr. Lessa Souto with the Marine Resources Council presented on the ongoing scientific research into the health of the Indian River Lagoon.
The Board discussed James’s letter addressed to the Commissioner of Agriculture proposing a schedule of annual budget funding levels for Florida soil and water conservation districts. Motion by James, seconded by Jonathan, to send the letter to the Commissioner of Agriculture in the name of the Brevard Soil and Water Conservation District. Motion failed (Ayes: James and Jonathan) (Nays: Adam; Bud; and Henry).
Upon consensus of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:48 p.m.