January 2008 Meeting Minutes

PACD Executive Council Meeting
Ramada Conference Center, State College
January 18, 2008

Call to Order -Larry Kehl, PACD President
PACD President Larry Kehl welcomed everyone to the meeting and called the meeting to order.

Roll Call - Andrew Gilchrist, PACD Secretary
PACD Secretary Drew Gilchrist called the roll. Thirty-nine district delegates answered the roll, which constituted a quorum.

Reading of the Minutes of the Preceding Meeting - Andrew Gilchrist, PACD Secretary
PACD Secretary Drew Gilchrist presented the minutes of July 18, 2007, for approval.

It was moved by Drew Gilchrist (Montgomery) and seconded by Gerald Breininger (Lehigh) to approve the minutes of July 18, 2007, as presented. Motion carried.

Reports of Officers:

President's Report - Larry Kehl
PACD President Larry Kehl provided the following verbal report, and indicated that he will provide a written report in the future.

• He attended a banquet held by Juniata Conservation District.
  
• He attended the NACD Legislative Conference, where a great deal of work was going on related to the farm bill.
  
• He will be attending the NACD Annual Meeting, where Pennsylvania will be well-represented.

NACD Director's Report - Patricia Sueck
NACD Director Patricia Sueck was not available to present the report.

Executive Director's Report - Susan Fox Marquart
PACD Executive Director Susan Marquart provided a written report, and highlighted the following items:

• PACD staff are working on PACD Capitol Day. Susan encouraged all of the districts to attend, as this will encourage legislators to attend. She noted that this is an opportunity for districts to present the case for additional funding and other priorities, and that the meeting location in downtown Harrisburg is convenient for legislators.
  
• PACD staff have been working on the state budget request. The request is part of the State Council of Farm Organizations Yellow Book, and is supported by the County Commissioners Association of PA, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, and others.
  
• Staff are also working on dedicated funding, and are pursuing an energy initiative that will provide funding for districts to address increased agricultural production driven by increased use of alternative fuels.
  
• Staff worked with Senate staff on amendments to SB1020.
  
• PACD staff continue to work on policy related to Chapter 102 and Chapter 105, and other issues. Susan will be working with DEP related to the delegation agreement for Chapter 102.
  
• PACD representatives continue to represent districts at various meetings and conference calls.
  
• PACD is working on the PACD/SCC Joint Annual Conference, which is going to incorporate additional training opportunities for district directors and district staff.
  
• Staff continue to work on nutrient trading, as well as education and training through our education grants.
  
• Staff continue communications activities, including the PACD listserves, website, newsletter, and PACD Front Page, press releases
  
• The PACD Awards program continues.
  
• PACD staff are working with PACD committees and subcommittees on the action items determined as part of the strategic planning process.
  
• The draft PACD budget for the next fiscal year is on hold until we hear about grant awards for Growing Greener. The Ways and Means Committee will be reviewing the dues in March based on the updated numbers from the grant awards.

Treasurer's Report - Susan Fox Marquart, PACD Executive Director
PACD Executive Director Susan Marquart provided the Treasurer's Report, in the temporary absence of a PACD Treasurer. It was explained that Patricia Powley, who was voted in as PACD Treasurer in July of 2007, was not re-appointed as a director on the Dauphin Conservation District board, and therefore was not able to retain her position as PACD Treasurer.

Susan noted that the PACD Auditor, Tammy Specht with Specht and Co., was planning to be here to present the audit report. However, she was unable to attend due to inclement weather, and is going to mail a copy of the audit report to each district. Any questions about the report should be provided to Susan Marquart, who will forward them to the auditor, so that she can provide written responses. Susan said that Tammy offered to present the audit report in July, if the Council prefers. Susan told the Council that, due to new requirements for federal single audits, Specht and Co. will not be able to provide auditing services for PACD in the future. PACD will be forming an audit committee and will be taking proposals for a new auditor.

Reports of PACD Committees

PACD Legislative Committee
PACD Legislative Committee Chairman Ron Rohall presented the report for the PACD Legislative Committee:

• The committee discussed a number of items of legislation, and passed one resolution on the prevailing wage that will be presented later in the meeting.
  
• Ron reminded everyone to attend PACD Capitol Day on March 17, 2008.
  
• Ron also noted that the AML Coalition is working on the SMCRA funds that are coming in for Pennsylvania. Ron said that Irvil Kear with Schuylkill Conservation District is going to be taking his place as part of the Coalition, and urged everyone to support her efforts and those of the Coalition.

PACD Conservation Committee
PACD Conservation Committee Chairman Bob Ritchey presented the report for the PACD Conservation Committee:

• PACD staff presented reports to the committee on Nutrient Trading, and the Stormwater and Urban Subcommittees.
  
• Brenda Shambaugh reported to the committee that US Department of Energy officials announced that they will re-examine the declaration of the Mid-Atlantic power corridor.
  
• The committee discussed preliminary 102 regulation changes, the allocation of incoming SMCRA funds, water conservation, and PACD Capitol Day.
  
• Gene Odato with the Bureau of Forestry provided an update, including information on a large tree-planting initiative in urban areas.

PACD Ways and Means Committee
The PACD Ways and Means Committee did not meet, due to the temporary lack of a chair, and the pending status of the Growing Greener grants.

PACD District Employees Committee
Committee Chairman Don McNutt presented the report for the PACD District Employees Committee.

• The committee discussed the staff pay and benefits survey.
  
• The Joint Annual Conference will offer extended training opportunities for district staff.
  
• The committee is seeking an NACDE Representative.

PACD Education and Outreach Committee
PACD Education and Outreach Committee member Katherine Shelly presented the following report:

• Eric Eckl with Water Words that Work provided an overview of the strategy for marketing conservation districts and PACD. The committee will be working with him on that project.
  
• PACD will be hosting a grant-writing workshop on July 29, 2008, as part of the Joint Annual Conference. A survey will be distributed soon, so that the session can be tailored to the needs of the attendees.
  
• Another survey, on conservation district environmental education programs, was distributed to committee members and will be distributed to districts soon.
  
• PACD and the Northumberland Conservation District will be hosting a training session for district staff who conduct educational programs and/or provide educational services.

PACD Operations Committee
Operations Chairwoman Irvil Kear presented the report for the PACD Operations Committee:

• The Long-Range Planning Subcommittee reported to the committee. Irvil noted that the work of this subcommittee also relates to marketing, which coincides with the marketing project that PACD is working on for the districts and PACD.
  
• There are openings on PACD committees, including Operations. Irvil urged those in attendance to think about signing up and becoming involved.

Old and Unfinished Business
No old or unfinished business was presented.

New Business:

Motions and resolutions from PACD Committees:

PACD Education and Outreach Committee
No motions or resolutions were presented.

PACD Legislative Committee
Chairman Ron Rohall presented a resolution on prevailing wage policy from the PACD Legislative Committee.

It was moved by Ron Rohall (Westmoreland) and seconded by Mike Lovegreen (Bradford) to replace the current PACD prevailing wage policy with the following policy:

PACD supports an increase in the threshold of the prevailing wage law. Following each twelve month period thereafter, the estimated cost threshold shall be increased by an annual cost adjustment calculated by applying the percentage change in the consumer price index. Because of the limited amount of funding available for conservation projects, this increase will allow conservation districts to work more effectively with the agricultural and conservation community.

Motion carried.

PACD Conservation Committee
No motions or resolutions were presented.

PACD Ways and Means Committee
No motions or resolutions were presented.

PACD District Employees Committee
No motions or resolutions were presented.

PACD Operations Committee
Copies of the proposed amendment to the PACD Bylaws were provided to the council for review.

It was moved by Irvil Kear (Schuylkill) and seconded by Jack Tressler (Somerset) that the proposed amendment to the PACD Bylaws be presented for final adoption during the PACD Executive Council Annual Meeting on July 30, 2008. Motion carried.

Election of PACD Treasurer
On behalf of the nominating committee, Victor Cappucci presented the name of Kenneth Meck from Lancaster Conservation District as nominee for PACD Treasurer.

It was moved by Ron Rohall (Westmoreland) and seconded by Jack Tressler (Somerset) to elect Kenneth Meck. Motion carried.

It was moved by George Hildenbrandt (Centre) and seconded by Harold Kulp (Chester) to close nominations. Motion carried.

Kenneth Meck was elected PACD Treasurer.

Raffle Winners
The raffle winners were drawn, and the winners were Jack Dehoff (York) and Bruce Pysher (Northampton).

Reports from Partner Organizations

SCC Report
Karl Brown, SCC Executive Secretary, presented the following report:

• Karl thanked everyone for coming and announced that SCC staff-member Mike Brubaker is the proud father of a baby boy!
  
• The REAP program has drawn quite a bit of participation. Karl thanked the partners for their support.
  
• Karl encouraged everyone to come to PACD Capitol Day to remind legislators that the monies they have been providing have make the REAP program successful, and that increases are needed.
  
• Karl announced that reserves in the nutrient management fund are at an end, which will mean a reduction in programs that are supported by this fund.
  
• The SCC will need to move from a calendar year to a state fiscal year for the Dirt and Gravel Roads Program
  
• The Commission continues to work on odor management regulations.
  
• Karl noted that the Leadership Development Session on developing and fostering relationships with county governments was an outstanding session, and provided excellent examples of flourishing relationships with county commissioners. Karl noted that these relationships are built on communication, and are very important.
  
• Karl urged districts to look for, and be aware of, opportunities.

NRCS Report - Bill Bowers, Acting State Conservationist, NRCS
Bill Bowers presented the following report:

• Bill reported that he has appreciated opportunities for informal discussions at the meeting.
  
• He greeted those in attendance on behalf of Craig Derickson, who is currently in the role of Acting Chief Financial Officer in Washington, DC. Craig was glad that he was able to participate in the partnership session on Wednesday.
  
• Bill spoke about the partnership between NRCS and districts, and said that NRCS looks forward to working to overcome challenges alongside the districts.
  
• He noted that NRCS is looking at some challenges in the coming fiscal year. The House and Senate are working to come up with a final version of the Farm Bill. Until that occurs, NRCS is working with an incomplete financial picture, and is forced to be conservative in their spending. Bill thanked the districts for being patient.
  
• Bill reported that NRCS is working to obligate $10.2 million for EQIP by the end of the month, if possible.
  
• The Emergency Water Protection Program is coming to an end.
  
• Bill reminded districts about the Conservation Innovation Grants Program, on which Noel Soto presented on Wednesday.
  
• Registration for Boot Camp will begin soon (ag conservation planning training, summer agronomy tillage).
  
• NRCS continues to emphasize core conservation practices.

PACD Auxiliary Report - Sharon Sweitzer, President, PACD Auxiliary

• Auxiliary members met on January 17 for the Auxiliary Luncheon and Business Meeting.
  
• The Auxiliary quilt will be displayed during Capitol Day on March 17, and the winner will be drawn during the PACD/SCC Joint Annual Conference in July 2008. There will be a photograph of the quilt on the PACD website, as well.
  
• The Auxiliary will be sending a letter to each district office to encourage districts to give a $30 donation, so that raffle money can go directly to the scholarship fund. The names of districts who donate will be displayed during the conference in July.
  
• Sharon asked districts to encourage eligible students to look for scholarship information on the PACD website.
  
• She noted that any and all accompanying persons are welcome at Auxiliary meetings.
  
• She thanked Susan Marquart, PACD Executive Director, for working with the Auxiliary on the new Auxiliary section of the bylaws.
  
• Sharon said that she is looking forward to the NACD Annual Meeting in Reno and planning for the conference in July.
  
• She thanked everyone for their support.

Adjournment
It was moved by Don Baker (Mifflin) and seconded by Bob Ritchey (Cambria) to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 10:48