CM Regional Council
March 7, 2005
County Representatives Present:
Karen Heitmeyer – Audrain
Jayne Wehmeyer – Audrain
Cindy Harris – Benton
Art Gelder - Boone
H.C. Russell - Boone
Jan Leakey – Carroll
Sherri Kempf – Cooper
Don Case – Cooper
Larry Lackey – Morgan
Dana Binder – Pettis
UMC Staff and Guests Present:
Mary Sobba – Audrain, CPD
Jamie Thompson – Benton, CPD
Vera Nichols – Boone, CPD
Mark Stewart – Callaway, CPD
Parma Green – Carroll, CPD
Mark Stillwell – CM Region Director
Chris Thompson – Cole, CPD
Mary Anne Patten – Morgan, CPD
Kathy Dothage – Osage, CPD
Rich Hoormann – Morgan, Agronomy Specialist
Tony Delong - Marketing of UM Extension
Beverly Coberly - Director of Off Campus Operations
Welcome and Introductions: Regional Council Chair Larry Lackey called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Larry introduced Beverly Coberly, Director of Off Campus Operations and Tony DeLong, Marketing of UM Extension. Larry then went around the room and had everyone introduce him or herself.
Approval of December 6, 2004 Minutes: Larry asked everyone to look over the December 6th meeting minutes. Wayne McReynolds made a motion to accept the minutes as written. Jayne Wehmeyer seconded motion. Motion carried.
Council Elections: Larry introduced Election Committee Chair Wayne McReynolds. Wayne reported that nominations were as follows:
Chair - Sherrie Kempf
Vice Chair - Dana Binder
Secretary - None
Larry opened nominations for Chair position. No additional nominations were made. Larry called for voice vote for Sherri Kempf as Chairman. Sherrie was elected Chair. Larry opened nominations for Vice Chair, no additional nominations were made. Larry asked for voice vote on Dana Binder as Vice-Chair. Dana was elected. Larry opened nominations for Secretary. Jayne Wehmeyer nominated Karen Heitmeyer as Secretary with second by Sherri Kempf. Larry called for voice vote. Karen was elected Secretary.
Larry thanked the Executive Council. Mark thanked the past officers and presented them with coffee mugs with the new Extension Logo.
Larry turned the meeting over to Sherri as new officers took over their respective positions.
Communicating with your Elected Officials: Sherri Kempf reported that Legislative Day is March 16th and encouraged everyone to attend and visit with his or her representatives. Need to educate legislators on what is important to individuals. She recommended everyone go to their respective representatives web site and find out information on what their interests are. Need to let legislators know that we are excited about our communities. Encourage them in what is important to your counties. If individuals are unable to attend, it was recommended that “positive” letters be sent to representatives.
Council Leadership: Beverly Coberly and Tom DeLong presented information on the State Council. Work is in process on hiring an individual to be Director of Development for Extension to help with large development sums to grow extension.
Discussion was held on Council Leadership. Modules are being completed for council training on the regional and state level to inform the county levels of their functions. Many county levels do not understand what the regional and state council do. If issues arise, should try and solve problem issues at the lowest level before advancing up.
Councils Role in Extension: Beverly Coberly reported that the process was not quite ready yet as some pieces are missing.
Discussion was held concerning the “Plan of Work” (P.O.W.) process. This process is needed to enable us to receive Federal dollars. Some of the pieces for this process are:
1. Web and phone surveys
2. Community conversation at community level (targeted community level)
3. Marking image perception. Help social economic data.
Will have training facilitators to work with council members in completing this.
Discussion was held concerning “Day of Discovery” program plan of work to show people the “big picture” of extension.
The County Extension councils are available, as a resource for local community needs. What needs are in the county and what information is available.
Mark Stillwell reported that one-third of current council members are new across the region.
CPD – County Program Directors: Discussion was held concerning completing a simple template that everyone can use. This is not final yet. Trying to get counties excited about making a difference in people’s lives and how the CPD’s have an important role.
Need to go back to council members to give them an opportunity to make history and a difference in their communities.
Beverly Coberly said “Thank you” to everyone for his or her support and encouraged everyone to attend programs that faculty puts on.
Federal Budget: Discussion was held concerning the Hatch Fund. Wanting to change from formulary funds into competitive funds. In 1914 created Extension partner with land grant universities. The Smith Lever Act would open this up to over universities that are not land grant funded to apply for funding. Asking to restore back to formulary funds.
County Appropriations: Beverly Coberly complimented everyone as county appropriations are up over the entire state.
CPD Training: Larry reported that eight individuals are on a committee to work on County Program Director training. A questionnaire has been designed to help the CPD’s answer questions and look at areas of need.
It was reported that CPD’s are valued individuals to get communication from. There are a couple of phases in completing the training.
Regional Update:
Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA): Mark Stillwell reported that county extension staff fall under the FSLA. If they are on hourly wages and work over 40 hours, they have to be paid overtime.
Regional Staffing: Mark Stillwell reported that Rich Hoormann is the new Agronomy Specialist in Morgan County. Also, Eleanor Kloeppel is the new 4-H Youth Specialist in Audrain County.
Mark also reported that currently there are eight specialist positions open in the region. Probably in six-eight months, will be looking at staffing.
County Appropriations: 2005 was a good year.
Vice Provost and Director of Cooperative Extension Search: A committee is being formed with 18-20 members to look at position descriptions. There are currently 17 applications.
The next Regional Council meeting will be held on Monday, June 6th at 7:00 p.m. at Cooper County (tentatively).
Dana Binder made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by H.C. Russell. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Heitmeyer, Secretary