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HomeMy WebLinkAbout26.02.19 - Minutes, Ag Land Preservation BoardMINUTES Regular meeting of the Washington County Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board held on February 19, 2026 Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Board Vice Chair, Robert Meyers, at 6:03 p.m. Board Chair, David Roth, arrived shortly thereafter. In addition to Mr. Meyers and Mr. Roth, present at the meeting were Board Members Jason Hose, Suzanne Hayes, and Joshua Miller, as well as Couty Staff Representative Chris Boggs. February 26, 2025 Minutes Mrs. Hayes moved to approve the minutes form the February 26, 2025 meeting, seconded by Jason Hose, unanimously approved. Financial Disclosures Financial disclosures for County board members were distributed to the Board members and collected after the meeting. Member Expiration Dates Mr. Boggs reviewed the member expiration dates for the Board, noting that Mr. Roth’s 2nd term was set to expire on 4/30/2026 and Mr. Hose’s 1st term was set to expire on the same date. The Board voted and unanimously approved the re-appointment of both members of the board to additional terms. Chair and Vice-Chair Vote The Board unanimously voted to name Jason Hose as Board Chair and Suzanne Hayes as Vice-Chair. Arena IPP Stream Restoration Easement Mr. Boggs reviewed the Stream Restoration Easement proposal for the Anthony Arena’s County Installment Purchase Agreement easement property. Given that the easement and all associated tree-planting and stream restoration activities do not adversely effect the agricultural operation of the property, Mr. Miller moved to approve the proposal, with a second from Mrs. Hayes followed by unanimous approval. Weller MALPF Residential Subdivision Mr. Boggs reviewed the residential subdivision proposal for the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) property owned by Audrey Weller. Given that the easement does not preclude subdividing existing dwelling units from the easement, and that the subdivision does not adversely affect agricultural operation on the property, Mr. Hose moved to approve the proposal, with a second from Mr. Roth and unanimous approval. PPA/Comprehensive Plan Update Mr. Boggs informed the Board that with the Comprehensive Plan being ratified by the County, the next step would be for the County to adopt the new zoning map proposed in the plan. Once the zoning map is adopted, the Board may then revisit their proposal to revise the existing Priority Preservation Areas (PPA) in the County. Mr. Boggs noted that this make take up to two (2) years to accomplish. MALPF Easement Updates Mr. Boggs informed the Board on all of the MALPF easements that have settled over the past year, gave updates on the easements that are working through the FY25/26 cycle, and noted that the FY27 cycle would soon be underway. He also mentioned that the State has not determined as of this point whether the coming cycle would be a one-year or two-year cycle. 2026 District Renewals Mr. Boggs updated the Board on the progress of the 2026 Agricultural Land Preservation District renewals, noting that the first of three letters have been sent to landowners. 2026 District Petitions After a review of the qualifications required for a landowner to apply for the County’s Agricultural Land Preservation District (Ag District) Program, Mr. Boggs reviewed all of this year’s applications for new Ag Districts. After review, the Board elected to vote on them as a batch. Mrs. Hayes moved to approve all of the petitions and move them forward for County Commissioner approval. This motion was seconded by Mr. Roth and unanimously approved. Adjournment Mr. Miller moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 p.m., seconded by Mrs. Hayes with unanimous approval.