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Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District
2741 Penn Avenue
Suite 3
Marianna, FL 32448

PH:   (850) 372-4793
FAX:   (850) 482-7952

The 1930's Dust Bowl disaster spurred the U.S. Congress to declare soil and water conservation a national policy and priority in 1935. To elicit the active support of land owners on a local level, soil and water conservation districts serving conservation needs at a county level were created to work in partnership with the federal government. Today there are approximately 3000 conservation districts nationwide involved in efforts as varied as their conservation needs and the local citizenry that they serve.

The governing body of a soil and water conservation district consists of five elected supervisors. The office of a soil and water conservation district supervisor is nonpartisan and district wide. Candidates are elected in a general election to a 4-year term. Vacancies are filled by appointment by the remaining supervisors until the next general election. Supervisors receive no monetary compensation for their services.

The Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District was established effective July 20, 1987 as an independent special district in accordance with the provisions of the Soil and Water Conservation Law, Chapter 582, Florida Statutes, originally enacted by the Florida Legislature in 1937. This action was taken by the Florida Department of Agriculture, in concert with the Florida Department of State. The District received it's charter in 1988. The Jackson Soil & Water Conservation District operates as a governmental subdivision of the State as evidenced by its certificate of due organization on file with the United States Department of Agriculture.

The Jackson Soil & Water Conservation District was organized for the purpose of providing procedures for assisting landowners with agricultural issues related to the conservation of natural resources. As a subdivision of State Government, we have the ability to seek, utilize and coordinate financial and technical assistance from all available sources, be they local, state or federal, so that all people will have a better environment in which to live. It is our goal to identify present and future needs for the conservation protection and development of natural resources within Jackson County. We are prepared to exercise, within our boundaries, public powers as authorized by law, as amended and supplemented.

It is our hope that Jackson County becomes a strong "Conservation Community", a group of informed citizens and agencies who work together to protect our natural resource base by providing education and information about critical local natural resource issues. It is a pleasure and an honor to serve you and to help raise conservation awareness within Jackson County, Florida.

For information regarding any of our services and/or funding opportunities, please contact Alisha Dunaway @ (850) 482-1240 ext 13.



District: Jackson Soil & Water Conservation – Monthly Board Meeting Agenda

February 02, 2023

2741 Penn Ave. – Clover Room

8:00 A.M.

Call to Order

Prayer & Pledge

Welcome guests and public attendees

Approval of agenda

Approval of January board meeting minutes

Reports according to each department’s attendance:

NRCS Report                                        Brendaly Rodriguez-Munoz

BMP Report                                         Garrett Williams

FDACS/OAWP Report                         Steven Fulford/Chris Denmark          

NWFWMD                                           John Alter – (S. Harrell, email, Land Mgmt Reviews 3/29/23)

UF/IFAS Report                                   Doug Mayo                            

Any guests that have joined us:       Report/Request

MIL Report                                          Rex Patterson                         

Business Analyst & Financial Report   Alisha Dunaway                                 

District Coordinator Report                Peggy Gilley                           

Supervisor reports:

            Group 1 and Chair                  Mack Glass                 

            Group 2                                   Jeff Pittman                

            Group 3 and Treasurer           Tom Stadsklev            

            Group 4 and Vice Chair           Steve Basford             

            Group 5                                   B.E. ‘Sonny’ Davis Jr.  

Old Business:                                       Insurance-meeting with Rogers Insurance, Chipley to go over policies

                                                               March meeting conflicts with Panhandle Row Crop Short Course

                                                               SARP Contract-Garrett

                                                                                                                                               

New Business:                                     Accountants-Audits, 1099 processing, and Bookkeeping

                                                           

Announcements:                                 Next meeting is March, day to be voted on, 2023, at 8:00 a.m.

                                                            UF/IFAS 2741 Penn Ave. Marianna - Clover Room    

Adjournment:                                     

Contact: Peggy Gilley 850-372-4793 (office)















District: Jackson Soil & Water Conservation – Monthly Board Meeting Agenda

January 06, 2022

2741 Penn Ave. – Clover Room

8:00 A.M. CST.Anchor

Call to Order-Chair

Prayer & Pledge-Vice Chair

Roll Call, attendance, and approval of agenda-District Coordinator

Welcome guests and public attendees-Chair

Reading and approval of December Minutes-District Coordinator

NRCS Report                                        Brendaly Rodriguez-Munoz               

4-H Report                                          Caroline Chappell                              

UF/IFAS Report                                   Doug Mayo                                        

BMP Report                                         Garrett Williams

AFCD Report                                       Charlene Meeks                                 

Business Analyst & Financial Report   Alisha Dunaway                                 

District Coordinator Report                Peggy Gilley                           

Supervisor reports:

            Group 1                                   Mack Glass                 

            Group 2 and Vice Chair           Greg Hall                    

            Group 3 and Treasurer           Tom Stadsklev            

            Group 4                                   Steve Basford             

            Group 5 and Chair                  B.E. ‘Sonny’ Davis Jr.  

Old Business:                                       Bill 1078

New Business:                                    

Announcements:                                 Next meeting February 03, 2022 @ 8:00 a.m. CST

                                                            UF/IFAS 2741 Penn Ave. Marianna - Clover Room    

Adjournment:

Contact: Peggy Gilley 850-372-4793 (office)

​​​​​​​END~

District: Jackson Soil & Water Conservation – Monthly Board Meeting Agenda

February 03, 2022

2741 Penn Ave. – Clover Room

8:00 A.M. CST.

Call to Order

Prayer & Pledge

Approval of agenda

Welcome guests and public attendees

Reading and approval of January Minutes

BMP Report                                         Garrett Williams

FDACS Report                                      Welcome Steven Fulford

NRCS Report                                        Brendaly Rodriguez-Munoz               

4-H Report                                          Caroline Chappell                              

UF/IFAS Report                                   Doug Mayo                                        

AFCD Report                                       Charlene Meeks

MIL Report                                          Rex Patterson

Anyone guests that have joined us: Report/Request                               

Business Analyst & Financial Report   Alisha Dunaway                                 

District Coordinator Report                Peggy Gilley                           

Supervisor reports:

            Group 1                                   Mack Glass                 

            Group 2 and Vice Chair           Greg Hall                    

            Group 3 and Treasurer           Tom Stadsklev            

            Group 4                                   Steve Basford             

            Group 5 and Chair                  B.E. ‘Sonny’ Davis Jr.  

Old Business:                                      

New Business:                                     March Board Meeting is 3/3/22, The 2022 Panhandle Row Crop

                                                            Short Course is the same day. How many Supervisors plan to

attend? The room has been saved for 3/10 if you would like to move it.

Announcements:                                 Next meeting (see above-it will be what is voted on)

                                                            UF/IFAS 2741 Penn Ave. Marianna - Clover Room    

Adjournment:

Contact: Peggy Gilley 850-372-4793 (office)

END~

District: Jackson Soil & Water Conservation – Monthly Board Meeting Agenda

March 10, 2022

2741 Penn Ave. – Clover Room

8:00 A.M.

Call to Order

Prayer & Pledge

Welcome guests and public attendees

Approval of agenda

Approval of February Minutes

FCSA Request                                      Terri Keith and Andrea Albertin

BMP Report                                         Garrett Williams

FDACS Report                                      Steven Fulford/Chris Denmark

NRCS Report                                        Chris Menhennett for Brendaly                                             

UF/IFAS Report                                   Doug Mayo                                        

AFCD Report                                       Charlene Meeks

MIL Report                                          Rex Patterson

Any guests that have joined us:       Report/Request       

 Business Analyst & Financial Report   Alisha Dunaway                                 

District Coordinator Report                Peggy Gilley                           

Supervisor reports:

            Group 1                                   Mack Glass                 

            Group 2 and Vice Chair           Greg Hall                    

            Group 3 and Treasurer           Tom Stadsklev            

            Group 4                                   Steve Basford             

            Group 5 and Chair                  B.E. ‘Sonny’ Davis Jr.  

Old Business:                                       Holmes Creek S&WCD MOA              

New Business:                        

Announcements:                                 Next meeting April 7, 2022

                                                            UF/IFAS 2741 Penn Ave. Marianna - Clover Room    

Adjournment:

Contact: Peggy Gilley 850-372-4793 (office)

END~

District: Jackson Soil & Water Conservation – Monthly Board Meeting Agenda

April 7, 2022

2741 Penn Ave. – Clover Room

8:00 A.M.

Call to Order

Prayer & Pledge

Welcome guests and public attendees

Approval of agenda

Approval of March Minutes

FCSA Request                                      Terri Keith and Andrea Albertin

BMP Report                                         Garrett Williams –

FDACS Report                                      Steven Fulford/Chris Denmark

NRCS Report                                        Chris Menhennett for Brendaly                                             

UF/IFAS Report                                   Doug Mayo                                        

AFCD Report                                       Charlene Meeks

MIL Report                                          Rex Patterson

Any guests that have joined us:       Report/Request       

Business Analyst & Financial Report   Alisha Dunaway                                 

District Coordinator Report                Peggy Gilley                           

Supervisor reports:

            Group 1                                   Mack Glass                 

            Group 2 and Vice Chair           Greg Hall                    

            Group 3 and Treasurer           Tom Stadsklev            

            Group 4                                   Steve Basford             

            Group 5 and Chair                  B.E. ‘Sonny’ Davis Jr.  

Old Business:                                       MOA’s with HCSWCD & NRCS

                                                            Local Work Group

                                                            Bill 1078         

New Business:                                     Thank you letter from Ken Barton on behalf of the Saunders family

Announcements:                                 Next meeting May 5, 2022

                                                            UF/IFAS 2741 Penn Ave. Marianna - Clover Room    


Adjournment:


Contact: Peggy Gilley 850-372-4793 (office)

District: Jackson Soil & Water Conservation – Monthly Board Meeting Agenda

May 5, 2022

2741 Penn Ave. – Clover Room

8:00 A.M.

Call to Order

Prayer & Pledge

Welcome guests and public attendees

Approval of agenda

Approval of April Minutes

FCSA Request                                      Terri Keith

BMP Report                                         Garrett Williams

FDACS Report                                      Steven Fulford/Chris Denmark

NRCS Report                                        Chris Menhennett for Brendaly                                             

UF/IFAS Report                                   Doug Mayo                                        

AFCD Report                                       Charlene Meeks

MIL Report                                          Rex Patterson

Any guests that have joined us:       Report/Request       

 Business Analyst & Financial Report   Alisha Dunaway                                 

District Coordinator Report                Peggy Gilley                           

Supervisor reports:

            Group 1                                   Mack Glass                 

            Group 2 and Vice Chair           Greg Hall                    

            Group 3 and Treasurer           Tom Stadsklev            

            Group 4                                   Steve Basford             

            Group 5 and Chair                  B.E. ‘Sonny’ Davis Jr.  

Old Business:                                       MOA’s with HCSWCD & NRCS

                                                            Local Work Group

                                                            Bill 1078                                                      

New Business:                                     Natural Analytic Services-Scott Yates

Announcements:                                 Next meeting June 2, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

                                                            UF/IFAS 2741 Penn Ave. Marianna - Clover Room    

Adjournment:

Contact: Peggy Gilley 850-372-4793 (office)

END~

District: Jackson Soil & Water Conservation – Monthly Board Meeting Agenda

June 2, 2022

2741 Penn Ave. – Clover Room

8:00 A.M.

Call to Order

Welcome guests and public attendees

Approval of agenda

Approval of May Minutes

Prayer & Pledge

BMP Report                                         Garrett Williams

FDACS/OAWP Report                         Steven Fulford/Chris Denmark

NRCS Report                                        Chris Menhennett for Brendaly                                             

AFCD Report                                       Charlene Meeks

MIL Report                                          Rex Patterson


Anyone wishing to have a "LINK" or contact information placed on our website, please contact Peggy Gilley at (850) 372-4793.

***Jackson County Board of County Commissioners (Jackson County, Florida) - Jackson County BOCC

***Florida Conservation District Employees Association - FCDEA
http://afcd.us/fcdea/

***Association of Florida Conservation Districts - AFCD

***National Association of Conservation Districts - NACD

***Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services/Office of Agricultural Water Policy - FDACS / OAWP
http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Agricultural-Water-Policy

***United States Department of Agriculture / Natural Resources Conservation Service - USDA / NRCS

Florida website

***Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences / University of Florida Extension - IFAS / UofF
Jackson County, Florida IFAS Extension Office

***Northwest Florida Water Management District - NWFWMD

The Water Management District's cost-share program is focused on the Jackson Blue Spring BMAP area but is fairly robust within that area. All information (map, brochure, application, etc.) is available at:

Or you may contact:
Northwest Florida Water Management District
Angela Chelette
(850) 539-2650/ FAX (850) 539-2777



​Revenue and Financial Information

The Jackson Soil & Water Conservation District does not collect or impose taxes, fees, or any charges for services rendered. We are a Non Profit Organization.  

FISCAL YEAR:  October 1 to September 30
Tentative Budget FY 2021 / 2022 (Final Adopted Budget Requested)

Click  http://www.jacksoncountyfl.net/images/stories/Docs/budget/tentative%20FY16-17%20Budget.pdf  to view the JSWCD's working budget for the current fiscal year. Scroll through the Jackson County BOCC Budget. 


To view the special district's Annual Financial Report (required by Section 218.32 (1) (g), Florida Statutes):

To view the Special District's Audit Report for the most "recent" fiscal year, please visit:







The next general meeting of the Jackson Soil & Water Conservation District:

Date:

Time:

Location:








February 02, 2023

8:00 a.m.

University of Florida IFAS Jackson Co.      Extension Office
2741 Penn Ave
Marianna, FL. 
Clover Room



If you plan to attend our meeting and/or have an item(s) that you would like placed on the Agenda, please contact:

Peggy Gilley
District Coordinator
(850) 372-4793
jswcd1987@outlook.com

   Board Meetings have been scheduled monthly
every first Thursday
at UF/IFAS Extension-Clover Room
8:00 a.m. CST.  






Jackson Soil & Water Conservation District Meeting Minutes

January 05, 2023

8:00 a.m.

UF/IFAS-Clover Room

Board members present: Steve Basford, Tom Stadsklev, Jeff Pittman, Mack Glass = Quorum  Absent: Sonny Davis Jr.       Administrative staff: Alisha Dunaway, Business Analyst, Peggy Gilley, District Coordinator. Others present: Rex Patterson, JSWCD-MIL, Kevin Warren, JSWCD-MIL, Garrett Williams, JSWCD BMP Tech, Doug Mayo, UF/IFAS Ag Director of JC, John Alter, NWFWMD, Carol Dunaway, Jackson County Supervisor of Elections, Peter Scott, FDACS, Ethan Carter-JC regional crop IPM Agent, and Chris Denmark, FDACS/OAWP-Environmental Administrator, North Florida Field Staff.

 Supervisor Basford called the meeting to order at 8:01 a.m.

Supervisor Basford welcomed attendees and guests.

Supervisor Stadsklev made a motion to approve the agenda, second by Supervisor Pittman. Carried unanimously.

Motion to approve the December board meeting minutes made by AnchorSupervisor Stadsklev, second by Supervisor Pittman. Carried unanimously.

Supervisor Stadsklev made a motion to fill the Supervisor vacancy on the board with Mack Glass. Supervisor Pittman second, Supervisor Glass accepted, carried unanimously.

Miss Carol Dunaway our Jackson County Supervisor of Elections performed the swearing-in of the four Supervisors present.

Supervisor Pittman made a motion to maintain the current officers on the board, second by Supervisor Stadsklev. Carried unanimously.

BMP Report: Garrett Williams reported he’s been working IVs and Cost Share, July 1st there will be more money coming. Garrett has no major issues.

Chris Denmark announced the new Commissioner of AG is Wilton Simpson. No word on the new Director of OWAP. There is talk that there has been a selection made. They have gone 9 months without a Director, and they are in need of an Assistant Director too. Supervisor Basford asked if they have heard about plans for the future. Chris replied with in the next week they’ll decide on the new director then word for the future will come down.

NWFWMD Report: John Alter reports that their board meeting is next week. Mr. Alter met the new Secretary of AG last month. John is optimistic about a farmer being in that position. John also invited everyone to the February 9th NWFWMD board meeting at the Bascom School House.

UF/IFAS Report: Doug Mayo reported on training opportunities coming up. There has been a new part-time hire to help with 4-H office administration, Leigh started yesterday. Doug is very happy with how quickly 4-H took off & there are new volunteers and families involved. They are shifting staff around due to losing an office admin support position and having to regroup with the new budget. So everyone knows, the office will be closed for lunch from Noon to 1:00 p.m. every day.

Ethan Carter reported he will be hosting a week-long training series with CEU’s in Mid-February. It will be 4 days, several categories, $15.00 per section. Also, Ethan let the board know there is a request letter in their packets for a $250.00 sponsorship that credits the spring and fall courses, $125.00 each. Ethan also shared the research numbers that are being worked. Supervisor Basford made a motion to sponsor the $250.00, second by Supervisor Pittman. Carried unanimously.

MIL Report: Rex Patterson reported they have started the new year, all going well.

Financial Analyst Report: Alisha Dunaway reported that they are having internet issues at the health department building, and she was not able to access the reports. As soon as she can get in, she will email the report to Peggy to send out to the Supervisors. Craig Bishop was taken care of in December-done for another year. Other than that, December was a slow month. Alisha asked the board how they would best like the report to be done. With the meetings on the 1st Thursday some months the end of the month is the day before. Should she cut it off on the 25th instead? Or another date? Supervisor Glass advised Alisha to report as current as she can, not necessarily to be the end of the month, but maybe just a few days prior will work.

District Coordinator Report: Peggy Gilley reported that there are checks to be signed. Peggy also reported in November JSWCD was represented on the Farm City Banquet Committee by Supervisors Glass, Pittman, and Peggy. The banquet was outstanding. The committee did a fantastic job planning and organizing the event.  

JSWCD will be represented and giving our information out at the Caverns Cultural Celebration tomorrow and Saturday 9 am – to 2 pm. With the comp hours from that event and annual leave, thJC admin has approved some holiday time off. Peggy will be out of the office from the afternoon of 12/20 through12/26. Back in our office on 12/27 and covering the door and phones in the empty NRCS office on 12/28, 29 & 30th, all the NRCS employees have taken that week off. Also, there was some confusion at Christmas and New Year with 3 different government employee types working together. We have a copy of the the list of days off from the JSWCD employee handbook in your packets. The group discussion ended with what is in the handbook is what the JSWCD employees take off, state employees follow the state calendar and county-county. Peggy let the board know that in their packets they have information about the hotel for the AFCD Annual Meeting on February 6th-9th. Peggy offered to make all arrangements for anyone going. Supervisors Glass and Pittman will let Peggy know. Alisha and Peggy will be there. Peggy let the board know that the LWG meeting was held on 11/10. On behalf of Brendaly and herself, she thanked everyone that came and was involved with the meeting. It was our first go at an LWG meeting, all comments and suggestions are welcomed. Good comments and a few suggestions were expressed and duly noted.

Supervisor reports: None.

Old Business:  Peggy reported that Palm Beach S&W does not meet in December, so she did not reach out for a lobbyist update.

New Business: SARP contract extension-Garrett let the board know that the SARP contract needs the chair to close the contract. He is getting that ready for signatures.               

Peggy let everyone know that just like last year, we are double booked with our March meeting and Ethan’s Row Crop Short Course, what would like the board like to do? The board replied that we will cover that at next month’s meeting.                

Peggy also reported that a website company has contacted us, she looked at what they have to offer because the Comcast website seems to change every month regarding how to get to the webpage to make changes, and she has to call support to learn the new nuances.  Also, it is very difficult to get around. Suggestions were made by the group; she will bring more information to the next meeting.

Motion to adjourn was made by Supervisor Pittman seconded by Supervisor Stadsklev. Carried unanimously.

Adjourned at 8:10 a.m.


​​​​​​​                                             Jackson Soil & Water Conservation District Meeting Minutes

February 03, 2022

8:00 a.m.

UF/IFAS-Clover Room

Board members present: Steve Basford, Mack Glass, & Tom Stadsklev.

Administrative staff: Alisha Dunaway, Peggy Gilley.

Others present: John Alter, NW FL Water Mgmt. Dist., Chris Denmark, FDACS-via phone, Stephen Fulford, OAWP, Doug Mayo, UF/IFAS, Rex Patterson, JSWCD-MIL, Brendaly Rodriguez-Munoz, NRCS, Kevin Warren, JSWCD-MIL, Garrett Williams, JSWCD-BMP.                                                                    

Meeting called to order at 8:05 a.m. by Supervisor Mack Glass

Supervisor Glass welcomed attendees and guests.

Motion to approve the January 06, 2022, meeting minutes by Supervisor Basford, second by Supervisor Stadsklev. Carried unanimously.

BMP Report: Garrett Williams has concerns about a cover crop payment that with our other monthly bills would go over the monthly allotment for wire transfers through the bank. Alisha said she double checked with the bank, that limit is only for wire transfers, we could work out a 2 or 3 month written check payout for the producer. There was discussion about how the contract was put in effect due to Hurricane Michael damage and for 5 years, we don’t do 5-year contracts. Stephen Fulford, with Chris Denmark on the phone, stated they have a copy of the contract and will get that to the Supervisors before authorizing to pay. Supervisor Glass asked if we pay the producer will FDACS cover it, Stephen Fulford said Yes. Stephen kept going with the BMP part of the report to ask the board if FDACS could contract Alisha Dunaway to be the Holmes Creek Administrator. FDACS is in the process of hiring a new tech for HCSWCD. The new tech employee will work out of the Holmes Creek Soil & Water Conservation District office and can get the mail and information to Alisha as needed. Alisha stated that Holmes Creek does about a third of the contract load that Jackson does, so it should not affect her current workload by much. Stephen said that FDACS will cover a raise for the extra work load that Alisha will incur.  Motion to use Alisha Dunaway as the Holmes Creek Soil & Water Conservation District Administrator 100% made by Supervisor Stadsklev and seconded by Supervisor Basford. Carried unanimously. Stephen also had some news to share with the group regarding Chris Pettit, Agricultural Water Policy Director, he is resigning in March. Clegg Hooks and Lisa Mustain are Deputy Directors and will be in charge locally until more decisions are made concerning the open position.

NRCS Report: Brendaly Rodriguez-Munoz: Quinn Carter will be focused on CRP’s. Quinn will be covering contract reviews and field visits, mainly with Forestry here. Quinn has a cattle farming background and is learning about forestry now. CRP Marianna has 28 contracts expiring this year. BRM has been working closely with Peggy Gilley teaching CSP contracts and field visits. BRM would like to take Peggy under her wing and use more with NRCS. The MOU between JSWCD & NRCS is old and vague regarding how we work together. Brendaly would like to go over it with Peggy and see if we can update the MOU. There was discussion about what the needs are, Brendaly said she would like to use Peggy to speak with producers, managerial projects, like getting very old contracts ready for shredding. Maybe get Peggy the training to become a certified planner, there are a lot of details, laws, and a significant amount of work to learn that. For now, administrative assistance will be very helpful. Brendaly announced that February 14th she will be going to California for 120 days to get more experience. Chris Menhennett out of Defuniak Springs will be our interim District Conservationist. Brendaly will return the end of May. A supervisor interjected that a Local Work Group needs to be formed, it has been a long time. Brendaly agreed. A supervisor asked if all the staff is back in the office, Brendaly replied it will be the end of March with a telework agreement for them to work 1 day a week at home. The employees will be staggered, and the office will be open. For EQIP contracts the funding will be selected in March or April.

UF/IFAS Report: Doug Mayo highlighted trainings that are coming up. 2/9 Beef Cattle Conference, 2/11 Corn

& Soy update, new this year. 2/17 Citrus meeting in Quincy. February 21st – 24th is pesticide applicator

training to get licensed and CEU’s, if needed. 3/3 Row Crop Short Course. Take advantage of the trainings in

the interests that you have. There was table discussion regarding fertilizers, trying different alternatives,

there are no easy answers. Doug let the group know that the Agents have planned a short introductory

meeting with a brief overview of what they do for the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners on

2/8. Peggy will be giving an overview of Jackson Soil & Water Conservation District. We have had a dress

rehearsal and Doug mentioned that Peggy should have some stats regarding how much money has come

through to producers. Brendaly and Alisha will get the 2021 numbers to Peggy, and we will include those on

the slide presentation.

Financial Analyst Report:

Alisha Dunaway has completed getting all the W-9 information to the accountant for both Jackson and Holmes Creek Districts. That was quite a debacle to get all the information together for 2021. Alisha has started a file so everything she needs to file 2022 W-9’s will be all together. Doug mentioned that he went to look at our website and it is not very well done. Alisha and Peggy told the group that Charlene is working on the funding that will provide us with a whole new website, so we are just keeping up with the meeting dates and minutes on this one until the change over takes place. Alisha is in the process of going over every invoice from last year, some were missed. We are waiting on over $176K of reimbursement, by the time she is done with the audit there should be $200K+ invoiced. Alisha has been working with Gina closely to double check that all the producers that were paid were invoiced.

There is a contract amendment to extend the office of energy contract by 6 months. This is so all the invoices get processed before the contract ends.

When we payout the cover crop money we will go over our monthly allocation for payouts. Our monthly allocation is only for the wire transfers, we can break up the balance into 2 or 3 payments, so we have wiggle room to pay other producers, payroll, etc. It was suggested that a paper check for that one producer be cut. We will need to check with FDACS, Supervisor Mack will ask Angela.  Supervisor Mack also mentioned that the Local Working Group is a good way to get information on a 2-way street.

MIL Report: Rex Patterson reports all is going good. They are working towards the end of March. Rex has his neck surgery scheduled on 3/22/22 and Kevin will be off for spring break.

Guest from NW FL Water Mgmt. District board member, John Alter, had several handouts with him. Peggy will scan them and email to the Supervisors to read. John highlighted Ag programs, budget numbers and metrics for Jackson County. John also brought brochures for the newly renovated Bascom School House to let everyone know it is available for meetings and events and has a museum too.

New Business: March 3rd the Row Crop Short Course is being held here, some of our board members will be attending. That is the date of our next board meeting. Peggy has checked with Terri and 3/10 the Clover Room is available if we would like to move the meeting date. Supervisor Basford made a motion to move the March 2022 board meeting from 3/3 to 3/10, seconded by Supervisor Stadsklev. Carried unanimously.

District Coordinator Report: Peggy Gilley read a text from Supervisor Mack regarding the Bill about Soil & Water Districts, it appears to be a dead issue for us.

There is a letter requesting donation money from the Cottondale FFA. Supervisor Basford made a motion to donate $500.00 to the Cottondale FFA, seconded by Supervisor Stadsklev. Carried unanimously.

Land Judging 2022 is set for Friday March 4th in Graceville. Peggy is working on that and can use volunteers to help if anyone is free that morning.  

Supervisor Stadsklev brought up that we need a building for Soil & Water. Supervisor Glass suggested a workshop to discuss that, and that we need an honorable way to spend any money.

Garrett Williams brought up that the UF sign needs to be moved out front, it is in the way of seeing traffic coming before you pull out of the Extension Office driveway.

Meeting adjourned at 9:33 a.m.

END~


                                          Jackson Soil & Water Conservation District Meeting Minutes

March 10, 2022

8:00 a.m.

UF/IFAS-Clover Room

Board members present: Mack Glass, & Tom Stadsklev. (No Quorum)

Administrative staff: Alisha Dunaway, Peggy Gilley.

Others present: John Alter, NW FL Water Mgmt. Dist., Chris Denmark, FDACS., Stephen Fulford, OAWP., Terri Keith, UF/IFAS Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Doug Mayo, UF/IFAS County Extension Director, Rex Patterson, JSWCD-MIL, Chris Menhennett, NRCS Defuniak Springs District Conservationist, Kevin Warren, JSWCD-MIL, Garrett Williams, JSWCD-BMP.

Meeting called to order at 8:07 a.m. by Supervisor Mack Glass and let everyone know we do not have a quorum. Reports will be made but nothing may be voted on.

Supervisor Glass welcomed attendees and guests.

Terri Keith-UF/IFAS Family and Consumer Services Agent has a request for monetary assistance for a new class they are setting up. It will teach residents about their Water Well & Septic Systems. Terri is looking for monetary donations to help pay for the water samples that will be brought in and sent to the lab through Environmental Health at the Health Department. It is $22.50 per test, they are hoping to do 25-30 tests with the first class. There was discussion and questions but not able to vote on anything due to the lack of a quorum. Supervisor Mack said he would like to say that the board would like to help but will have to hold the thought until our next meeting.

NRCS Report: Chris Menhennett from the Defuniak Springs NRCS office came to introduce himself and give the NRCS report. Chris is our interim District Conservationist while Brendaly is working in California and wanted to let us know that she is doing well. The State office is funding applications ahead of schedule for the end of March. There are 6 CSP renewals in Jackson County. Evaluations and ranking will be done by 3/28/22 to fund in April. Covid limitations are still at 25% of staff. The date is set for 5/1/22 to re-open the office doors. Everything is going well, and Chris is trying to be here a couple of days a week if anyone needs assistance.

BMP Report: Garrett Williams is bumping along to get the Cost Share work in. He is doing visits and getting work done that is assigned to him. Garrett just finished up Cost Share at HCSWCD.

OAWP Report: Steve Fulford. Cost Share has over 1.7Million dollars allocated for Jackson County. There is still money available for people with projects that can be done before 6/30/22. The $200,000. remaining dollars is split up between 3 producers. The contract has been found & crops have been verified. Supervisor Glass asked for the contract to be sent to Peggy so she can forward it to the Supervisors. S. Glass said he did not get to speak with Angela about paying the one producer by check(s) instead of ACH. Steve Fulford said he did, and she said that would be fine in this circumstance. Supervisor Glass asked Peggy to email Angela to confirm before we write the check(s).

FDACS Report: Chris Denmark reports that Tallahassee has been given permission to reorganize departments. The current Director is leaving, today is his last day. The day-to-day operations shouldn’t change-work will get

done. There are 10 new positions to pass through legislature with OAWP. They asked for 27, getting 10 to place throughout the state.

UF/IFAS Report: Doug Mayo reported that Caroline our 4-H Agent has taken the position as BMP Tech

at HCSWCD. She will be missed by the Ag team, but everyone here will be working more closely with her.

Ethan Carter had the Row Crop Short Course last Thursday, Doug felt there was good positive energy despite

the gloomy extra costs we are all facing. Input costs have been the discussion. An AGA speaker showed them

how to still make a profit. Doug also reported on the drought we have been in. We have abnormally low

rainfall numbers, relief is coming this week. CEU’s have been offered to those that expired. Ethan is working

on it. Pesticide training class in Blountstown went well. We are in the meeting season and people are getting

back out it’s good to see interaction going again. The drought is being monitored and hopefully it is not going

to be a big issue. There was some more discussion about the Well & Septic class, it is structured more for

homeowner well testing, not ag wells. Also, it is for anyone that wants to learn more, the owner or the

tenant.

MIL Report: Rex Patterson reports they are moving along. The 22nd is still on for Rex’s neck surgery and Kevin will be off for Spring Break. Their numbers will be in for the quarter.

John Alter, district board member of NW FL Water Mgmt. reported that on March 3rd the NW FL Water Mgmt District celebrated the planting of its 20 millionth longleaf pine tree with a ceremony @ Econfina Creek Water Mgmt. Area. John also reported that the Peacock Bridge land acquisition is moving along-good news.

Financial Analyst Report: Alisha Dunaway reported that there isn’t a financial report in the Supervisor packets this month. QuickBooks would not let her update. Alisha is working on FDACS funding. She has checked the tracker, approximately $104K is due to deposit today, payments to date total approximately $103K, the invoicing is in process for those. She is still working with Misty at FDACS to check on any missing invoices. Alisha is tracking down the information they need to get those done. Alisha was asked if there was any news on the audit process. Alisha thought that was done, she is working with Grimsley to get them the information. They have sent an email with a list of information they have to have. Alisha said all the info was supposed to filed in Peggy’s office. Alisha has some of the information needed that Lolla had, the rest is available at the bank or in Peggy’s office. The bank had issues with ACH & bill pay processing in their system recently that affected the amounts to send out.  

District Coordinator Report: Peggy Gilley reported that she has a check that needs to be signed for The Times. The Times has asked if we want to pay for a year of monthly meeting ads. Peggy suggested that we wait until we get through a year of meetings. The busy season for farmers is upon us, let’s see how our meetings pan out for the summer first. We can bring up that option again in Oct or Nov. All agreed. The Supervisor of Elections office emailed that both Supervisors, Basford and Hall have picked up their packets. Was going to ask if they are filled out and turned in yet, but they are not here today. On 3/3/22 we had a table set up at the Row Crop Short Course with our new table cover, it was a great morning.

The Land Judging event was held on 3/4/22 in Graceville. The list of winners and some pictures are in the Supervisor packets. Some stats for you: 9 schools from 5 counties, 12 High School teams with 42 students, 8 Middle School teams with 28 students totaling 70 students. With 32 adults made up of school personnel, Ag agents, Soil & Water Conservation Districts staff and Natural Resources Conservation Service staff. 102 people total. 30 pizzas, 2 huge pans of salad + waters, sodas, and tea.  Farm Credit is covering the cost of the pizza and salad as soon as Peggy gets them our W-9 form. Winn Dixie donated 8 24packs of water and the Ag agents had a pile of sodas that we were allowed to use. Caroline Chappell and her parents allowed us to use their pasture for the event, the City of Graceville let one of their guys bring over a rig to dig the pits, and Graceville Assembly of God opened their church to us for registration and lunch with awards. Teamwork made an excellent morning for everyone involved.

This past Tuesday Peggy was a judge at the FFA Ornamental Horticulture event as well. Peggy brought up a call she just received about someone wanting to cut down Black Gum in a creek. That the people have reached out to the EPA. Supervisor Mack suggested we not get involved, let them make that call and do what the EPA tells them.

Peggy said there is a flyer in the packets for the JC Cattlemen’s Assoc. 2022 Golf Classic. We do not have a quorum, so discussing any donation is not on the table today.

Chris Menhennett mentioned the MOU between JSWCD and NRCS. He said he will have a draft done by 4/1/22. The board will then have a chance to go over it. Chris said it will remain vague according to State needs.

Supervisor Tom, asked about an update regarding the Bills before the FL House and Senate.  The authors have changed the verbiage. There are 2 inactive Districts that will go, but the bills are nothing like they started out. They are now worded that Supervisors have to be people with Ag backgrounds.

Supervisor Mack asked about Holmes Creek Soil & Water Conservation District. Alisha replied that she and Chris Denmark met last week with the Holmes Creek board, with Steve Fulford on the phone. There were a lot of questions. They have reached out to Angela to ask if they need an MOU. Angela said it is not necessary, but one would help with language and address the issues that have been discussed. It would be great to get the members of both boards together for a meeting. Supervisor Mack mentioned that Alisha needs to self-protect, we want to be able to work together, but they need to strategize to fix the back load at HCSWCD and not dump it all on Alisha. They will continue with the process and let us know.

Meeting adjourned at 8:56 a.m.

END~


                                           Jackson Soil & Water Conservation District Meeting Minutes

April 7, 2022

8:00 a.m.

UF/IFAS-Clover Room


Board members present: Steve Basford, Mack Glass, & Tom Stadsklev.

Administrative staff: Alisha Dunaway, Peggy Gilley.

Others present: John Alter, NW FL Water Mgmt. Dist., Stephen Fulford, OAWP, Camilo Gaitan, FDACS, Terri Keith FCS Ag Agent with Dr. Andrea Albertin, Water Resources Regional Specialized Agent, Doug Mayo, UF/IFAS Director, Rex Patterson, JSWCD-MIL, Chris Menhennett, NRCS, Kevin Warren, JSWCD-MIL, Garrett Williams, JSWCD-BMP.                                                                           

Meeting called to order at 8:05 a.m. by Supervisor Mack Glass

Supervisor Glass welcomed attendees and guests.

Motion to approve the March 10, 2022, meeting minutes by Supervisor Stadsklev, second by Supervisor Basford. Carried unanimously.

Family & Consumer Sciences Agent Terri Keith brought Dr. Andrea Albertin to answer any questions the group had about the May 17th class for Well and Septic tanks. Miss Terri had asked for a donation from the board for help with the lab fees for the well testing last month, but we did not have a quorum. There was discussion among the group. The Board decided that they will donate towards the program success not so much the samples. Supervisor Stadsklev made a motion that we donate to support the program, Supervisor Basford seconded with an amendment to make it a $500.00 donation.  Carried unanimously.

BMP Report: Garrett Williams states they are bumping along closing the Cost Share program that ends on 6/30/22. Garrett brought up the Ensave energy audits. Garrett stated they completed the terms of the contract, they are done, and he has located another company to work with. Supervisor Glass asked Garrett to invite them to our next meeting and we can decide from there. Garrett said tomorrow is the Cattlemen’s Golf Outing, he plans to go to that and talk about the programs to the producers there. Also, there is a field day on 4/22/22, 2 farms-Granberry and Yoder/Bishops. They will be showing BMP’s and how they are implemented on the farms.

Steven Fulford OAWP report-They are finalizing the cover crop cost share program. They tracked down all the paperwork from the 5-year contracts. That happened in the heat of Hurricane Michael and the contracts came down from the top of OAWP. We can not eliminate the extra years. We can move the contract to another district, but that did not make sense. Our board says they will follow through on our commitment to FDACS to make the flow work. Supervisor Basford asked Steven to make sure this never happens again. The board does not need to take any action, the commitment is already in place.

NRCS Report: Chris Menhennett for Brendaly (working out of town): They are approving applications for Equip. They have 76 applications, 4 for CSP. 1 has met the threshold for CSP and 1 for Equip. The state has begun funding initiatives too. They start the funding then work it through. Next month they are looking for more approvals. The State Conservationist has asked for more money for the state and is looking to get our area more money.  They have May 2nd planned for the office to be fully open, business as usual, no mask mandates, producers can come in. Brendaly sends her best; she is due to be back here 6/15/22. Chris has a couple of appointments here with producers today and is available if anyone needs anything.  Doug Mayo asked if there is any way to push up deadlines?  The producers are applying for this help, but it takes a whole year for the process. They are not allowed to touch the area applied for until they know if they have been selected or not. Chris said they are aware of the issue and are working on moving deadlines, so the process works more in the producer’s favor. Question from the Supervisors: Local working groups, it has been a few years since any have been formed, we need to make that happen. Invasive weeds in the hay fields need to be addressed. Chris agreed, he knows Juan wants that feedback.

UF/IFAS Report: Doug Mayo, the open 4-H position has a positive prospect, it is still open until the 15th if

anyone knows someone that wants to apply. Dr. Andrea Albertin is heading up two field days, 4/22 is a BMP

farm tour with cattle producers. 2 farms, for free, RSVP with Miss Terri Hardin. On 6/30/22 there is a similar

field day with row crop farmers. (They set this date when planting season is winding down.) Will be visiting

farms that have participated in cost share outreach.

There was some discussion about where the Senate Bill 1078 process is at. Peggy mentioned the email she

forwarded to the Supervisors from Miss Charlene Meeks, AFCD. Do any of the Supervisors have questions

that can be emailed to Charlene for a Zoom meeting they are planning? None at this time. Peggy will let

Charlene know and will let the Supervisors know the specifics of the Zoom meeting when the email arrives.

MIL Report: Rex Patterson reports all went well with his surgery. They have finished another quarter and got their numbers in. Weather is not cooperating this month, slow start. While we are here, Alisha gave the contract amendment to the Supervisors to sign. Camila Gaitan went over the highlights of the amendment. It gives the MIL teams more flexibility per grower than before. It used to have a 5 year stipulation, this changes it to 3 years. Also changes the timing, due to producers planting, weather conditions, etc. On 7/1 the eval’s change from 10 to 13. Camila wants to see how it goes and if the teams can accomplish the new criteria. Will make changes if needed. The moment-to-moment time tracking has been eliminated but the teams still have an electronic calendar that Camila can access to make sure the teams are scheduling growers. Rex agreed that the flexibility will help. Camila mentioned that one goal of the Director that left was that the BMP’s and MIL’s work together better. Camila feels JC has a very good team that works great together.

NW FL Water Mgmt. District board member, John Alter, did not have much to report this month. He should get an update on Peacock Bridge this week.

Financial Analyst Report: Alisha Dunaway, the financial report goes back to the beginning of February because she was not able to print it before last months meeting. She has highlighted the entries that are waiting on payouts. $68,859.06 is on the way. Alisha asked if any Supervisors had any questions about the bank statement, no questions. Supervisor Glass thanked Alisha and said this is a big improvement.  Alisha was contacted by Angela regarding pay increases. Supervisor Basford made a motion to accept the salary increases for Garrett Williams and Kevin Warren that Angela recommended. Seconded by Supervisor Stadsklev. Carried unanimously.

District Coordinator Report: Peggy Gilley. Supervisor Mack asked Peggy to contact Wendy Schlesinger about JSWCD being added to the planning boards meeting notifications. They have been working on flood zone changes with FEMA. Our board has a lot of knowledge about our county water, how it flows and where it collects, that others are probably not aware of. The board would like to be included in changes that are made to the flood plain.

Old Business: Holmes County MOA, Steve Fulford said they are still ironing out the details, almost there. Someone asked about the REDA grant. It was transferred to HCSWCD, we need to know where we are on that. Steve is just hearing about it. JSWCD needs to make sure we have no liability. Supervisor Glass asked Peggy to find out where the REDA grant is at now, will revisit next meeting.

Motion to adjourn by Supervisor Basford and seconded by Supervisor Stadsklev.

Carried unanimously at 9:40 a.m.

END~


                                             Jackson Soil & Water Conservation District Meeting Minutes

May 5, 2022

8:00 a.m.

UF/IFAS-Clover Room


Board members present: Steve Basford, Mack Glass, & Tom Stadsklev=Quorum

Absent: Sonny Davis and Greg Hall.

Administrative staff: Alisha Dunaway, Peggy Gilley.

Others present: Stephen Fulford, FDACS/OAWP, Chris Denmark, FDACS/OAWP, Rex Patterson, JSWCD-MIL, Chris Menhennett, NRCS, Kevin Warren, JSWCD-MIL, Garrett Williams, BMP, Scott Yates, Natural Analytic Services.                                                                        

Meeting called to order at 8:08 a.m. by Supervisor Mack Glass

Supervisor Glass welcomed attendees and guests.

Motion to approve the April 7th, 2022, meeting minutes by Supervisor Basford, second by Supervisor Stadsklev. Carried unanimously.

BMP Report: Garrett Williams introduced Mr. Scott Yates of Natural Analytic Services. Scott gave a brief history of the company and highlighted some of the contracts they have worked on for other soil & water districts. There was some discussion. Scott asked the group what it was that upset them the most about working with Ensave. Everyone agreed it was that Ensave made promises and told producers about programs they had no business discussing with the producers. Scott emphasized that their team understands they are there for an audit, nothing else. NAS is currently working with Suwannee S&W and will work our contract the same way they work there, and added they do a post evaluation too. Alisha and Garrett will get a copy of the Ensave contract to Scott to read over. We can do the NAS contract the same way as the Ensave contract reads. Scott was invited to come back next month to the board meeting and possibly sign a contract.

Motion was made by Supervisor Basford to offer NAS the contract with option to sign at the next meeting. Second by Supervisor Stadsklev. Carried unanimously.

Garrett reported that he is finishing up Cost Share money for Jackson County, just a few thousand dollars left, he is looking to work a couple of small projects in to use that up. Garrett is also working on other normal business.

Steven Fulford FDACS/OAWP report-Nothing real pressing or new, finalizing Cost Share. Chris has been helping with the Holmes Creek S&W MOA.  

Chris Denmark added a thank you to all that assisted getting the MOA for Holmes Creek going so Alisha could get started at the HCSWCD office.

MIL Report: Rex reported the templates for the center pivot evaluations has been updated to gather specific information for the state. Rex asked for $500.00 to purchase the new template, they have had the one they are using for a long time. Supervisor Basford made a motion to purchase the template for the MIL

Department, second by Supervisor Stadsklev. Carried unanimously. Rex reported that they made of couple of stops on their way to the meeting this morning, they are out there knocking them down.

(Supervisor Tom had an appointment to get to, he left after this vote.)

NRCS Report: Chris Menhennett for Brendaly (working out of town): They still have money in the hopper and are still working on getting more money for the area. There were 58 applicants, 7 were approved with funding. They are working on getting equip contracts pre-approved and getting signatures for 4 more. Chris spoke about a farm tour given by FAMU regarding historically underserved farms. About 50 people were in attendance, Chris gave a presentation, there were about 10 more interested producers present that he met there. A very successful day. Juan, the state conservationist is in town with Brendaly visiting all the NRCS offices.

Financial Analyst Report: Alisha Dunaway reported things are going. Payments have been submitted, more money is coming, approximately $90-$100K. Supervisor Mack said it looks like there is a lot of money going out, Garrett explained it looks bad because of the cost share going through. Through the end of June, they will be invoicing the state for a lot. Supervisor Mack asked for a better way to do the financials, he would like them explained better.

District Coordinator Report: Peggy Gilley reported that we have checks that need signatures after the meeting. Follow up regarding Supervisor Hall, he has been in the hospital, Peggy passed around a get-well card for everyone to sign and will send to the house. Wendy Schlessinger was contacted; our email address will be adde