Boone/DeKalb/Ogle Extension Unit 2
Extension Advisory Council Meeting
May 27, 2015
Iron Skillet Restaurant, Rochelle IL
Minutes
Present: Mary Brubach(B), Kari Eskew(B), Joe Fortmann(B), Carl Dumoulin(D), Rod McQueen(D), Jamie
Willrett(D), Phil Bratta(O), Nancy Etnyre(O), and Susana Guzman-Holland(O). Absent: Brenda Holm (O),
Jeremy Franseen(B), Lynette Limberis(D), Larry Hageman(O). Also present: Vicky Broos, County
Director.
Call to Order/Introductions
The meeting was called to order by chair, Nancy Etnyre, at 7:01 pm. Members introduced themselves.
Minutes of 2-11-15 Meeting
Motion by Rod McQueen, second by Phil Bratta, to approve the minutes as distributed. Motion carried.
Financial Matters
A. The current FY 15 financial statement for July 2014 – April 2015 was reviewed by the council.
Vicky reviewed and explained various items.
B. Vicky shared the draft budget for FY 16. The Council discussed the budget and Vicky answered
questions. We are budgeting for a 65% match rate and will be using reserves to meet budgeted
expenses. Vicky shared there are concerns about next year’s state budget.
C. Extension Board—Vicky shared that the Extension Board for Unit 2 will meet May 29. The Board
includes representatives from each county board and representatives from the council. The
meeting will be held in Monroe Center at the Village Hall at 7 pm. The purpose of this meeting
is to review proposed funding for FY 17 and to have the County Board representatives share
their thoughts about future funding in support of Vicky’s work with the counties.
Civil Rights Compliance Review & Discussion of Program Diversity
Vicky shared that every 3 years, Extension Units undergo an internal Civil Rights Compliance Review
process. Our review will be June 2. The purpose is to review our programs and employment practices
to ensure that we are in compliance with Federal laws prohibiting discrimination in programs receiving
federal assistance. The reviewers will look to see that we are making and documenting all reasonable
efforts to reach underserved and underrepresented groups as identified by race, ethnicity and gender.
Vicky shared a document from Data for Decision Makers providing data for Boone, DeKalb and Ogle
Counties regarding population, race and ethnicity, and changes over time.
The council discussed efforts to increase audience diversity through the INEP program and more
recently through the 4-H Latino pilot. Vicky shared that we need to be more intentional in our efforts
and be sure to be documenting those efforts. Vicky will plan to share program data at a future meeting.
BDO Staffing Update
Lisa Hepker has been hired for the second Youth Development Educator for the unit. Her focus will be
on youth education initiatives and working with partner organizations. Lisa was the Extension Program
Coordinator in Ogle County. This creates a vacancy in that position that will temporarily be filled for the
summer and then opened as a permanent position in the fall. The new program coordinator for DeKalb
County will start June 3—her name is Jayeeta Chowdhury-Woodstrup.
Council Structure, Meetings, Purpose
Vicky asked for input on council meetings. Is the time and location appropriate, what would the council
like to focus on? It was suggested that educators continue to be invited to meetings to share what’s
going on in their program areas. It was also suggested that the meetings begin at 6 pm. Generally, the
group felt the meetings were satisfactory.
Other Business
Nancy shared that she is serving as a regional representative to the Extension State Advisory Council.
That is a body similar to this council only at the state level, providing advice to Extension Administration.
She shared that each member attending gives an overview of the various offerings in their counties and
the list is extensive.
Adjourn—There being no further business to come before the council, motion by Joe Fortman, second
by Carl Dumoulin, to adjourn. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.