Morris County Soil Conservation District

The meeting included discussions on the Conservation Districts' involvement in Agriculture and their role as a backup for Farmland Assessment. Stormwater structure maintenance and inspections were addressed due to issues discovered after storm IDA, with training planned for the Partnership Meeting in March 2022. A 20% salary increase was approved for Kara due to her Certified Planner Certification. The Hickory Tavern Road project's compliance was confirmed. Concerns were raised regarding timely Farmland assistant program requests and defining district responsibilities. A request for staff to use sick time for COVID-19 testing was made. A motion to deny assistance for a Conservation Agreement in Chester Township was carried. A forestry fee increase for 2022 was approved, along with 251 Certifications and RFA Authorizations. An executive session was held for negotiations.

The approved budget for FY2025 includes income from soil erosion and sediment fees, AG Conservation Program, interest income, Morris County 251 Program Support, other income, and stormwater permit revenue. Expenses cover auto, conferences and seminars, dues and registration, employee benefits, insurance, office, other, payroll tax, professional fees, reserve for future soil, salaries and wages, supplies, and telephone.

This document outlines the Morris County Soil Conservation District's mission to conserve soil and protect waterways for future generations. The vision is to be a leading source of soil conservation best practices, education, technical assistance, and regulation, achieved through effective collaboration with farmers, land developers, residents, municipalities, and partner agencies. The organization is committed to preserving environmental quality for residents, ensuring compliance with state regulations, educating communities on soil health, fostering a positive work environment for employees, and cooperating with state and federal partners to advance sound environmental and economic policies.

The meeting included officer elections for the Board, resulting in the appointment of Louise Davis as Chair, Phil Roehrich as Vice Chair, Marc Slaff as Treasurer, and Bob McEwan as Secretary. The Board approved standing resolutions related to agricultural land activities, certification chain of command, rules of decorum for public meetings, delegating enforcement authority, District and NRCS priorities, fiscal and financial procedures, and the personnel policy manual. Additionally, the 2026 Mission, Vision, and Credo Statements were adopted. The Board also ratified Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plans, authorized Requests for Authorization of NJDEP 5G3 Permit applications, accepted the Financial Report, and approved the payment of regular bills. An Agricultural Conservation Program Manager was approved to be hired.

The meeting included discussion of program certifications, with 63 Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plans ratified. Requests for Authorization of NJDEP 5G3 Permit applications were authorized. The Financial Report was presented and approved, along with the payment of regular bills. The board discussed potential litigation in Executive Session, but no action was taken as a result. Funding was approved for a new laptop computer with GIS capability, ArcGIS software, and rewiring the large printer/scanner/copier.