The Allegany County Commissioners hereby create an Agricultural
Land Preservation Advisory Board pursuant to § 2-504.1 of
the Agriculture Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, 1957 Edition,
as amended.
This Board shall consist of five members, at least three of
whom shall be owner/operators of commercial farms who earn 50% or
more of their income from farming.
All members shall serve without compensation and may be removed
by the County Commissioners for inefficiency, neglect of duty or malfeasance
in office.
The Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board shall have
the following duties:
A. To
advise the County governing body with respect to the establishment
of agricultural districts and the approval of purchases of easements
by the Foundation within the County;
B. To
assist the County governing body in reviewing the status of agricultural
districts and land under easement;
C. To
advise the Foundation concerning County priorities for agricultural
preservation;
D. To
approve or disapprove an application by the County for certification
under § 5-408 of the State Finance and Procurement Article;
E. To
promote preservation of agriculture within the County by offering
information and assistance to farmers with respect to establishment
of districts and purchase of easements;
F. To meet at
least annually with forest conservation district boards in order to
work cooperatively to encourage the promotion and retention of farmland
and woodland in their respective jurisdictions; and
G. To perform
any other duties as assigned by the County governing body.
The Board shall have the power to elect officers and to draft
bylaws for conducting business pursuant to carrying out its duties.