University of Illinois Extension Council Minutes
June 18, 2007
Meeting called to order by Chairman Mike Morris at 8:30 a.m.
Council Members Present
Michael Morris, Tom Dahlfors, Judy Jonas, Polo Fabian, Tom Burkhart, Don Larson,
Carol Giammattei, Scott Csanda, Gene Wulf, Lucille Moylan, Elizabeth Woolridge,
Luisa Lauf, and Don Schellhaass, County Director. Not present were Sandy Leone
Dennis Wilkening and Susan Mathews.
Review of Minutes
The minutes of the April 16th, 2007 meeting were reviewed and accepted by Gene Wulf
and seconded by Judy Jonas. They were unanimously approved.
Financial Matters
The current financial report was reviewed. It was noted the $53,000 donation from the
4-H Foundation was received last week. It was also noted that the Unit has received
matching funds up to 95%. There was a short discussion.
Expenditures were discussed. The only expenditure that was over the budget was
for mail. It was discussed to encourage electronically to communicate more and
encourage all including the Master Gardeners to use this type of communication.
A motion to approve the financial report was made by Tom Dahlfors and seconded by
Scott Csanda, and was unanimously approved.
McHenry County Budget for 2007-08
The 2007-08 Budget will begin on July 1st, 2007.
The Budget was explained on a line by line basis by Don.
Income
A discussion was held on approaching the McHenry County Board for additional funding
as McHenry County is behind most all of the counties in the state as far as their financial
support of Extension of the University of Illinios.
Don explained that the county is expected to receive 100% in matching funds however
the final percentage will not be know until the state finalizes its budget. The rest of the
income items were explained on a line by line basis.
Expenditures
Expenditures were explained on a line by line basis. Postage was increased primarily
because of cost increase. The increase for Special Projects was for a storage shed as part
of the Lions Club of Harvard’s donation for the Harvard Community Garden project.
The Farm Bureau has increased office rent by $3,000 per year.
The McHenry County Budget for 2007 – 08 was approved on a motion by Judy Jonas and
seconded by Tom Dahlfors and was unanimously approved.
Committee Reports
Public Relations Committee
Will have Open Houses for the McHenry County Board, and there will be a
PowerPoint presentation.
Agriculture & Natural Resources
At the last meeting Leasing Programs were discussed as well as Intergenerational
Transfer of Property and Estate Planning. Also, how the Intergenerational
Transfer of Property would hold up in Tax Court should be addressed at other
times than at Financial Planning Seminars.
Family Life
Family Life will meet today to discuss how the Parenting Newsletter Project is
coming along.
Unfinished Business
Fair Update
The Fair deal fell thru. Fair Development is back to square one for different
reasons. The main reason being the Real Estate Market.
Personnel
Cindy Harris has been going thru Chemo. She is coming in one day
per week.
Our newly hired Secretary has left. Pam Patterson who was a candidate
thru our recent search process was available and has begun employment.
Program Review
Gene Wulf participated in the Program Review in April. The Review has not yet
been received. As soon as it is received it will be distributed and reviewed.
New Business
Nomination Committee
A Nomination Committee is needed and volunteers were requested.
There will be a need to replace 6 members of the Board. Chairperson
Mike Morris said that the Youth Council will provide 1 member leaving
five other vacancies to be filled. Don Schellhaass requested members to
contact him with possible candidates.
Regional Advisory Board
Michael Morris attended the Regional Advisory Board Meeting. He reported that
McHenry County was only one of two counties in northeastern Illinois who
received so little funding from their county boards.
Educational Programs
Horse Trailoring Seminar
The Horse Trailering Seminar was canceled as only 7 people signed up.
It was suggested by Lucille Moylan that it was held at a bad time for youths
and possibly it should be rescheduled at a better time.
Mechanics of Grazing, Fencing & Watering
This seminar is in the planning stages and will be held at a local farm on August
22nd.
Extension Awareness
It was suggested that a booth at the fair might promote more Extension awareness
of the general public. While this might be a good idea, there could be a problem
staffing the booth for 5 days. It was suggested that possibly teaming up with be
Bee Keepers Association might be favorable as that was in the air conditioned
building. Tom Dahlfors said he would volunteer for one day. It was also
suggested by Lucille Moylan that the project could be turned over to the 4-H for
those who were looking for projects they need to complete and still have it by the
Bee Keepers and out of the 4-H building.
Next Council Meeting
The next council meeting will be held on September 10, 2007 at 8:30 a.m.
The new council members will be present.
Meeting Adjourned: 10:00
Submitted by,
Judy Jonas, Secretary