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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes April 23, 2013St. Lucie County Extension Advisory Council Minutes of Meeting April zg, zoi3 Extension Classroom Members in Attendance: Mike Adams; Bob Bangert; Gracie Bryant; Pat Dunn; Buzz Eaves; Louis Forget, Jr.; Conrad Hardie; Debbie Hawley; Doug Heighton; Kathryn Hensley; Parker Platts; Charles Powell; Donna Rhoden and Ed Lounds Members Excused: Calvin Arnold; Linda Cox; Pat Gostel and Linda Minton Staff/Guests in Attendance: Anita Neal; Ken Gioeli; Tim Gaver; Sue Munyan; Ed Skvarch; Karen Murphy; Faye Outlaw, County Administrator; Ben Balcer, ERD Senior Environmental Planner The meeting was called to order at g A.M, by Chairman Hensley. Old Business I. Approval of the October 2.xrd and January 22°a Meeting Minutes Chairman Hensley asleed for a motion for approval regarding the minutes. Bob Bangert made a motion for approval and Conrad Hardie seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously. IL Recap of USDA Open House Tasting "Taste of Florida" Anita Neal reported that the "Taste of Florida" event went well. Survey results said that 6i% of those surveyed would be interested in learning to grow and preserve vegetables and fruits. 9i% indicated they were more likely to purchase Florida-grown fruits or vegetables. There were five vendors there (growers). This event gave the public an opportunity to try different vegetables like bok choy, to see what is being grown locally, and to experience food options. The black bean brownies were a big success. The 4-H students surveyed the public, and Peggy Ash, Culinary Director and the culinary department of Fort Pierce High School prepared the food. This event gives students experience in preparing larger quantities of food as well as how to manage money. New Business IL Nomination of New Member Todd Bank There was discussion of new potential member Todd Bank. It was unknown if he resides in St. Lucie County. He is currently working with Farm Credit in Vero Beach and has a history of working with agricultural and commercial funding. After some discussion, Chairman Hensley SLCEAC Minutes 4.z3.iz Meeting Page 2 of g asked if there was a motion to approve. Parker Platts moved for approval and Bob Bangert seconded. Approval was unanimous. Mr. Bank's first meeting will be July 23~d. IIL Discussion of Membership/Purpose of an Advisory Member Anita delivered a presentation on what the mission of the Advisory Council was, and suggested members craft a mission statement. She indicated that Extension is trying to provide educational programming that complies with the long-range plan of IFAS. She stressed the need for members to remain involved with Extension and its core values, and to provide suggestions for educational programming that will improve the quality of life for everyone in the community. She asked that members stay involved and notify us if they are not able to attend a meeting. It was noted that the current group was comprised from people working in a variety of areas that could lend expertise and experience in suggestions for Extension programming. Other areas of diversity being considered are representatives from the fishing industry, ornamentals, tourism, and food processing. Cultural diversity in new membership is encouraged as well. Chairman Hensley noted that improvements are coming to the area, such as the widening of Kings Highway to 4 lanes from Okeechobee Road to Orange Avenue. There was discussion of the Research Parlc and the changes happening there. It was requested that information be dispersed in the form of a press release to keep the public aware of the Research Park and its status. Another possible improvement mentioned was a separate exit off the turnpike for agricultural traffic. An opportunity was missed at the airport due to a mitigation technicality. Chairman Hensley noted that sometimes minor details are responsible for derailing planned improvements. Ed Skvarch reported that there maybe an opportunity for this region to grow potatoes for potato chip and vodka companies. Farmers are thinking differently; considering alternative crops. There was also discussion on "water farming" and there have been discussions between Martin County and IFAS on this subject. The impact of climate change has affected farming and sea rise. Instead of fresh water going down the street drains, salt water is rising up from them. Ken Gioeli noted that Saint Lucie Westin Port St. Lucie has had to pump fresh water from an aquifer indicating water shortages do occur in St. Lucie County. Chairman Hensley reported that agriculture is frequently blamed for water pollution, especially problems with the Lagoon water. However with the implementation of Green Industries Best Management Practices (GIBMP's) this is becoming less frequent as agricultural businesses voluntarily comply with GIBMP guidelines. Parker Platts asked if anyone has heard about the purchase of McCarty Ranch in Port St. Lucie. Advisory Council member Donna Rhoden, also Utility Safety and Public Affairs Manager for the City of Port St. Lucie noted that the city of Port Saint Lucie is taking great strides for water storage. The City has purchased 3ioo acres, the former McCarty Ranch/mining project which is SLCEAC Minutes 4.23•r2 Meeting Page 3 of g currently in cleanup stages. She reported that the City now serves 66,000 people with i5 million gallons per day and by 2060 hopes to serve 400,000 projected customers with ~o million gallons per day. She noted that future aquifer locations are becoming harder to find and another source of water is needed. Other minor uses for this location include conservation projects, wildlife education, and camping opportunities. Excess fresh water would be pumped below ground level and would be pumped back up when needed. Chairman Hensley noted that there is a need to tie residential development to potable water availability. Ed Lounds asked Faye Outlaw, St. Lucie County Administrator if anything is being done to make it easier for agricultural businesses to get building permits. Ms. Outlaw indicated that some regulations have been relaxed for small businesses such as parking. In addition, the Board of County Commissioners has given the Planning division the ability to waive some requirements due to time impact and that certain approvals may possibly be done at the staff level. Pete Spyke reported that agricultural buildings are exempt from most building codes; except for power, setbacles, and septic tank codes. It was noted that a bill is being proposed now which would make a building on the property used for agricultural sales exempt as well. IV. Discussion of Possible Di(ferentMeetina Time/Day Chairman Hensley suggested an email query among members to obtain suggestions for a time and day more agreeable with everyone's schedules. It was noted that Tuesdays and Thursday mornings were not good for some members. Mike Adams invited everyone to the Student Water Farming Competition Presentation and Awards Ceremony at the Treasure Coast Research Park, on Monday, Apri129t~~. Donna Rhoden said the City of Port St. Lucie won the Bloomberg Award for the City Center community garden. There being no further discussion the meeting ended at 10:20 A.M ~~ ~~~ Pat Dunn, Secretary Cc: Dr. Joe Schaefer, DED