CM Regional Council

December 6, 2005

FAPRI Center

 

County Representatives Present:

Audrain – Jane Wehmeyer, Pat Sternberg,

Benton

Boone – H.C. Russell, Art Gelder, Vera Nichols

Callaway – Mark Stewart

Carroll – Bruce Trussell, Belinda Flick, Parman Green

Chariton

Cole – Chris Thompson

Cooper – Sherri Kempf,

Howard

Moniteau

Morgan – Larry Lackey, Bob Killius, Jim Carroll, Wes Wade, Mary Anne Patten

Osage – Kathy Dothage

Pettis – Dana Bender, Nancy Burkhalter, Beverly Pfeiffer

Saline - Wayne McReynolds, Cynthia Crawford

 

State Rep. Howard Simmons

 

UMC Staff and Guest Present:  Darlene Beaman, Dr. Mark Stillwell, Brent Carpenter, Debbie Robison, and Sandy Stegall.

 

Welcome and Introductions:  Regional Council Chair, Larry Lackey called the meeting or order at 7:15 pm.  Mr. Lackey welcomed everyone and asked that everyone introduce themselves.

 

FAPRI:  Mr. Brent Carpenter welcomed everyone to the Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute Center.  Mr. Carpenter is a Research Associate at the center and he presented information on what type of work goes on at FAPRI and their connection to the University of MO.

 

 Approval of the September 13, 2004 minutes:   Mr. Lackey asked if there were any additions or corrections to the September 13, 2004 minutes.  Mr. Wayne McRenolds made a motion to accept the minutes as written. Motion 2nd by Mr. Bob Killius.  Motion carried.

 

UM State Extension Council Update:  Howard Simmons reported the council meets regularly by several different means; in person, conference calls, and ITV meeting.  Mr. Simmons asked for more input from counties about their local activities to be shared with other councils around the state.  Mr. Simmons stressed their importance of council members contacting their legislatures and encouraged everyone to do so.

 

Extension Staffing and Program Development Update:  Debbie Robison, Associate Vice Provost/Associate Director University of MO Extension gave an overview of the current staffing procedures and what the future may hold.  Mrs. Robison stated that open and honest communications is very important.  She reported that over the last 3 years at the State level alone, the university has suffered 4.4 million dollars in budget cuts.  After close review it was determined that the university could financially support 248 off campus extension specialist positions.  At that time the number of filled position was under that figure.  A total of 14 positions were opened and are in the process of being filled to reach the 248 fundable positions.  Mrs. Robison reported the university is committed to keeping currently filled positions filled.  If a currently filled extension position becomes vacant it will be filled.  Mrs. Robison said alternative funding through grants and contracts are continuing to be pursued as a means of funding for programs and she encouraged council members to pursue alternative funding for programs.  Mr. Robison reported work will soon begin on the next 5 year planning cycle for 2007 – 2011, and the search for a permanent replacement for Interim Vice Provost and Director of Cooperative Extension, Tom Henderson would soon begin.

 

 

Getting to Know New Legislators & Legislative Information Network:  Sandy Stegall, Coordinator of Constituent Relations reported that in 2005 Missouri will have 30 new House Representatives and 17 new Senators.  She stressed the importance of getting to know our representative and showing them the importance of extension in our communities.  Sandy encourages members to invite legislators to extension and activities and tell them face to face how extension has helped us.  She reported that Legislators Day is March 16, 2005.  Council members can on legislator at the capital until 10:00 am, then a rally and lunch will take place, after that member can continue calling on legislators.

 

Nomination Committee and Election for March 2005:  Mr. Lackey asked Wayne McReynolds of Saline County and Bob Killius of Morgan County to serve as the Nomination Committee, both agreed.  Election of CR Executive Council:  Council Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary will be held by ballot during the March council meeting.  Council members or a county representative may submit a nominee’s name to Wayne or Bob for consideration.  Mr. McReynolds or Mr. Killius will contact possible candidates to fill slate and nominations will be accepted form the floor that evening, also.  Mr. Lackey reminded members that state bylaws state, counties may have only one elected officer on the executive council at a time.

 

Success Program Sharing:  Regional Council Vice Chair, Sherri Kempf, shared with council members a successful event that had been held in Cooper County and also the success that had been seen through the state by having the regional training programs.  Sherri then asked each county to share a success they had  had this past year.  Carroll County reported their council had voted to wave program charges for their council member to attend programs in their county.  Boone County reported the excellent success of the MO Master Naturalist program held in their county.  Saline County reported the success of the Women in Ag and New Landowners Program they had held.  Program on Planning and Zoning are working well in Morgan County and they also had a reception for University President Dr. Floyd which was a great success.  Pettis County reported the success of the Master Gardner’s Day and Open House with lots of activities it had held.

 

 

Mo Extension Leadership Development for Regional Specialist:  Dr. Stillwell reported that over the next 18 months there will be 5 exercises for specialist to develop leadership.

 

Dr. Stillwell reported the Audrain county 4-H position had been filled and an offer is on the table for the Morgan county Agronomy specialist.

 

Dr. Stillwell reported travel expenses are now being paid at 40.5 cents per mile.  As of Jan. 1, 2005 Morgan County will participate in the Regional travel account.  No rate increase is expected this year in the travel account.

 

Regional Council Directory with Pictures:  Mr. Lackey reported the web site has been set up to have pictures of council members on it.  Council members are asked to come at least 30 minutes early to the March meeting to have pictures taken or member can bring a picture to use.

 

Mr. Lackey reminded council members that each county is entitled to 1 council member and 1 alternate and has 1 vote when voting on issues at the regional level.

 

It was the consensus of those present to set the date and place of the next meeting as follows:  March 7, 2005 meeting at 7:00 p.m. (pictures at 6:30), at the Boone County Extension office.

 

H. C. Russell made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion 2nd by Bob Killius meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

Dana Binder, Secretary