Minutes

Marion Soil and Water Conservation District (MSWCD)

Regular Board Meeting
2710 East Silver Springs Boulevard

Ocala, FL 34470

September 11, 2023

9:30 AM

PLEASE NOTE: Individuals wishing to address the Board will need to sign in. A three-minute time limit will be administered to each of these individuals. PLEASE MUTE ALL PHONES. This agenda acts as a guidance for the structure of the meeting. Thank you.

l. Call to Order

Vice-Chairman Richard McGinley called the meeting to order at 9:34AM.

•   Roll Call

Richard McGinley, Vice-Chairman

Lee Black, Secretary

Justin Albright, Public Relations

Absent:

Vivi Serena, Chairman/Treasurer

David Shults, Supervisor

Others in Attendance

Jorge “George” De Jesus Rosado, NRCS

Brigitte Smith, MSWCD Associate

Ann Bishop, MSWCD Staff

Stefani Duarte, MSWCD Volunteer

•  Proof of Publication

Star-Banner – On December 17, an email was sent regarding this meeting; a reminder was sent on September 1.

Florida Administrative Weekly – It was posted in the FL Admin Weekly on December 30.

NRCS – On December 17, an email was sent regarding this meeting; a reminder was sent on September 1.

Marion County Board of County Commissioners – On December 17, an email was sent regarding this meeting; a reminder was sent on September 1.

      II.            CONSENT AGENDA

                                i.            MSWCD Board Minutes

                               ii.            MSWCD Board Financial Report

PROPOSED MOTION: Justin Albright moved that the MSWCD consent agenda be approved as presented. Lee Black seconded; all were in favor.

    III.            Office of Park Planning DEP Public Meeting

Department of Environmental Protection Public Meeting was discussed.

PROPOSED MOTION:  Lee Black moved that Ann Bishop, represent MSWCD and attend the DEP Public Meeting on October 11 from 3 PM – 7 PM at the College of Central Florida. Justin Albright seconded; all were in favor.

    IV.            Central Florida Aquatic Research

After a discussion, the Board asked Ann Bishop to reach out to Elena Amesbury and see if she can attend the next board meeting to discuss the CF Aquatic Research Program further.  

      V.            AIIM International/AIIM Florida Chapter Solutions Showcase & Strategy Summit

The Association for Intelligent Information Management Summit was discussed.

PROPOSED MOTION: Justin Albright moved that MSWCD allow Ann Bishop to attend the AIIM International/AIIM Florida Chapter Solutions Showcase & Strategy Summit October 3 – 4 in Tampa. Lee Black seconded; all were in favor.

    VI.            NRCS Report

Jorge “George” De Jesus Rosado gave a recap and stated that the new District Conservationist, Sierra Ayers, will start on October 8.

  VII.            FDACS Report

Ann Bishop gave a recap on both the cost share and tech contracts. Ann Bishop will follow up on the 401K close out with Paychex. A discussion occurred on the vehicles, and it was suggested that the 2015 vehicle be traded in before it hits 100K miles. The Board asked Ann Bishop to send out the cost share spreadsheet.

• Cost Share
•   Technician

PROPOSED MOTION: Justin Albright moved that MSWCD approve the servicing of the vehicle 2015 and an email be sent to the Board. Lee Black seconded; all were in favor.

VIII.            Staff Report & Recap (Update)

•  Budget

The MSWCD and County budgets were discussed. Ann Bishop stated that she will have the actual budget after the end of the fiscal year. The Board asked Ann to reach out to the insurance company and see if we could obtain a discount on the 2015 vehicle since the mileage will be under 1000 miles per year.  A discussion occurred on goals for the new, part time employee.

PROPOSED MOTION: Justin Albright moved that MSWCD approve the proposed budget for FY 2023-2024. Lee Black seconded; all were in favor.

• AFCD/FCDEA Meeting

Ann Bishop reminded the Board of the FCDEA/AFCD Meeting.

•   Staff Evaluation

Ann Bishop reminded the Board that her evaluation is due.

•   Emerging Leadership Program (SWCS)

Ann Bishop mentioned that she was accepted into the Emerging Leadership Program and gave a recap on what it entails.

    IX.            Upcoming Events

Ann Bishop mentioned that Yilin of UF/IFAS is scheduling a farm tour if anyone is interested on October 24, and Ann will sent the information to the Board if they are interested.

-           SpringsFest Planning Meeting – September 12 or 15

-           FCDEA Monthly/Annual Meeting  - September 25

-           AFCD Annual Meeting – September 26-27

-           Staff Evaluation Due – October 1

-           AFCD Quarterly Meeting – October 6

-           MSWCD Monthly Meeting – October 9

-           FL DEP Parks & Rec Meeting – October 11

      X.            General Public Comments

Brigitte Smith asked if goats have a BMP manual and asked about barber pole worms. The Board suggested she reach out to UF/IFAS, Ag Extension.

    XI.            Supervisor Comments

Justin Albright and Lee Black cannot attend the next meeting.

  XII.            Meeting Adjournment

-           Our next meeting is October 9, 2023 at 9:30 AM in the Growth Services Building.

-           With no other business needing addressed, Vice-Chairman Richard McGinley adjourned the meeting at 10:51 AM, until our next meeting.

MSWCD’s regular meetings are held at 9:30 AM on the 2nd Monday of each month, and their workshops are held the 4th Monday of each month at 9:30 AM, tentatively. Both meetings are located in Growth Services, located at 2710 E. Silver Springs, Ocala, FL 34470. For more information, call (352) 438-2475

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