Cori Turntine

The board meeting addressed several administrative and financial matters, including the acceptance of the Consent Agenda, which covered the current agenda, previous meeting minutes from October and November 2025, and the December 2025 Payables Report for $185,161.97. The Board recognized a supervisor for 10 years of service. Significant discussion focused on the 2025 Budget Amendment, which included adjustments related to a BARS code, deferral of CERB loan proceeds, and the inclusion of a $250,000 Healthy Food Financing Initiative grant, resulting in a reduced projected fund excess. The Board also accepted the proposed 2026 Draft Budget, which incorporated updated salary and benefit projections, a 3% COLA, and planning for a potential NACD grant. Staff reports covered updates on the Farm and Food Symposium success, post-fire restoration efforts in the Forestry Program, and planning for major Water Resources projects. The Board approved writing off six On-Site Sewage System (OSS) loans totaling $7,500.16. The 2026 meeting schedule was reviewed, with the next meeting set for January 13, 2026. An executive session was held to review the performance of a public employee.

The meeting focused on the concept of 'keeping the water we get' as a strategy for water conservation, contrasting it with traditional methods of water disposal to prevent flooding. Discussions emphasized that Spokane uses significantly more water than similarly sized cities and that capturing rainwater could lead to lower overall water usage. Key topics included the role of waterwise programs, methods for water retention such as biochar, landscape redesign, and composting. Soil was highlighted as the primary water retention system, a sponge capable of holding vast amounts of water, which supports groundwater recharge and ecosystem health. Specific attention was given to composting, detailing its controlled decomposition process, its value in reducing landfill waste (and subsequent methane gas creation), and the proper ratios (3:1 carbon to nitrogen) and conditions (air and moisture) for effective composting. Examples of water-retaining designs, such as Village Homes in Davis, California, were presented, along with an overview of the Bionic Pump theory concerning forest-driven rain generation.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The board approved the modified agenda, the updated 2025 Budget Proposal, and the 2026 Election Resolution. The 2026 Budget Draft was presented, and the final proposal will be reviewed at the next meeting. Results from the commodity buffer survey indicated support for the program. Jacob Taylor's departure from the Water Resources Department was announced. John Heaton was presented with the 2025 Hangman Creek Watershed Champion Award.

The meeting included updates on water resources initiatives, such as livestock improvement and streambank stabilization projects, the SCD Commodity Buffer Program, and the Riparian Conservation and Restoration Program. There were discussions regarding financial reports, including a review of year-to-date revenue and expenditures, and an introduction to the first draft of the 2026 Budget Proposal. The board also considered grant addendums and a letter supporting the Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025. Staff reports covered production agriculture, forestry, community engagement, and operations, including community wildfire initiatives. Additionally, potential adjustments to the 2026 board meeting schedule were discussed.

The meeting included the acceptance of the consent agenda, which comprised the board agenda, regular board meeting minutes, and the payables report. The board approved the 2025 Election Resolution, setting the election as a mail-in event on March 11, 2025. Staff reports covered topics such as DNR's request for assistance with prescribed fires, updates on the Water Resources team's activities, and permitting challenges. The director's report included discussions on the 2025 proposed meeting schedule, attendance at national and state meetings, and the EPA's PICES Award for the Direct Seed Loan Program. Updates were provided on the Quarry project, including boundary line adjustments and construction progress. The board also accepted a WSCC grant for a post-fire recovery project and reviewed the 2025 projected budget.