MINUTES

ST. LUCIE SOIL AND WATER

CONSERVATION DISTRICT

DECEMBER 8, 2015

The St. Lucie Soil and Water Conservation District regular board meeting was called to

order at 1:40p.m., at the St. Lucie County Agricultural Complex. Those in attendance were:

Mike Adams – Vice Chairman

Robbie Johnson - Supervisor

Linda Minton - Supervisor

Jennifer Abbey – District Conservationist, USDA NRCS

Bess McKinney – District Administrator; St. Lucie SWCD

Leona Yates – Ag MIL Team Leader, St. Lucie SWCD

Mr. Adams called the meeting to order at 1:40p.m.

Mrs. Minton motioned to approve the September minutes. Mr. Johnson seconded, motion passed.

Mrs. McKinney went over the treasurer and budget reports with the board. Mrs. Minton motioned to approve the treasurer and budget report, with the understanding that Mrs. McKinney will check with other banks to see how their fees compare with PNC Checking account fees. Mr. Johnson seconded, motion passed.

Mrs. Abbey went over the USDA NRCS report with the board. She told the board there are currently 15 active EQIP contracts (3 were completed); 20 applications. There are 4 active Contracts for CSP and 4 Applications for WRE. Mrs. Abbey told the board that she is conducting field visits now. She reminded the board that the EQIP signup deadline is December 18, 2015.

OLD BUSINESS

Mrs. Yates went over the Ag MIL report, and read a letter from Sun Ag thanking the St. Lucie Ag MIL for all their hard work. Mrs. Yates also showed a promotional video that was created with the help of USDA NRCS to help promote the Ag MIL program in Florida. Mrs. Yates updated the board on a BMP meeting held in Tallahassee that some MIL’s attended to discuss the BMP involvement with the Ag MIL’s.

Mrs. McKinney told the board that it was a nice turnout for the Farm-City Ag Bar-B-Q this year, where Mr. Gates presented the 2015 Outstanding Conservationist Award to Mrs. Donna Smith for all of her outstanding work with agricultural in St. Lucie County.

Mrs. McKinney told the board that Ms. Smith was very surprised and happy.

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MINUTES

ST. LUICE SWCD

DECEMBER 8, 2015

Mrs. McKinney showed the board the new St. Lucie SWCD website. After discussing and looking over it. Mr. Johnson motioned to approve the website. Mrs. Minton seconded, motion passed.

Mrs. McKinney and Mrs. Yates updated the board on the Envirothon. Mrs. McKinney ask the board if they wanted to continue to help fund the breakfast for the Indian River Lagoon Envirothon. After discussing, Mr. Johnson motioned to continue funding the breakfast at $150.00. Mrs. Minton seconded, motion passed.

Mrs. McKinney and Mrs. Yates discussed the $100.00 donation to the Science Fair by the St. Lucie SWCD each year. After discussing, Mrs. Minton motioned to approve continue funding the $100.00 donation to the Science Fair. Mr. Johnson seconded, motion passed.

Mrs. McKinney presented the AFCD dues for $350.00 to the board. After discussing, Mrs. Minton motion to approve paying the AFCD Dues at $350.00. Mr. Johnson seconded, motion passed.

There being no further business to bring before this board, the meeting was adjourned at 2:45pm. The next regular board meeting will be held January 12, 2016 at 1:30pm at the St. Lucie County Agricultural Complex located at 8400 Picos Road, Ft. Pierce Fl.

Philip C. “Flip” Gates Jr.

Chairman, St. Lucie SWCD