University of Illinois Extension
Hancock County Unit
550 N. Madison St.
Carthage, IL 62321
Phone: 217-357-2150
FAX: 217-357-3598
E-mail: dpflaste@uiuc.edu
Hancock County Extension Council
Special Meeting
Monday, January 14, 2008
6:00 p.m.
Extension Office
Present: Celia Buss, Paul Mealiff, Patti Star, Traci Harrell, Pam Huston, Ginny Johnson,
Joann Anderson, Suzy Holtsclaw, Emmett Kelly, Edwina Kelly, Jordan Merritt, Dick
Burling and Jennie Castlebury.
Absent: Vicki Eilers and Morgan Merritt.
Guests: Ryan Hobson, West Central Regional Director.
Staff: Bambi Spangler, Sheri Merry and Deb Pflasterer.
Celia called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. She explained that we are here to talk
about whether or not we should further discuss the 4-H project enrollment deadline issue.
She then explained that a hand vote is mandatory and that council members may abstain
from voting.
Motion: Suzy made a motion to further discuss the deadline for livestock enrollment for
4-H. Traci seconded the motion.
Discussion: Paul stated that this is an advisory council not a board of directors and that
as such we do not have the right to dictate to Extension what the deadlines should be.
Vote: Five (5) people voted to further discuss the deadline issue. Five (5) people voted
for no further discussion. Chair, Celia voted to further discuss the deadline issue thus
breaking the tie. Motion carried.
A great deal of discussion followed the motion. Good points were shared on both sides
of the issue.
Ryan Hobson stated that since the December 1, deadline for the 2007-2008 4-H year has
already been published in the newsletter that it is too late to change the deadlines for this
year. Paul also stated that it is too late to change the deadline.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences
United States Department of Agriculture – Local Extension Councils Cooperating
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
Motion: Suzy made a motion that the council recommend to Extension Administration
that we make the December 1st deadline flexible and enrollments for livestock projects be
given the same consideration as enrollments for general projects of a May 1st deadline.
Pam seconded the motion.
Discussion: Pam agrees with Suzy’s motion and feels that it would be fair.
Edwina asked which year this take would place. Suzy stated that it would be effective
immediately.
Amendment to the Motion: Suzy amended her motion to add that this would take effect
for the 2007-2008 4-H year and the following years. Pam seconded the motion.
Discussion: Paul stated that putting this into effect immediately may cause problems for
the staff. He recommended that people vote against the amendment.
Traci disagreed with Paul and recommended that people vote for the amendment.
Vote on the Amendment to the Motion: Four (4) were for the amendment and eight (8)
were against putting this into effect this year.
Vote on the Motion: Five (5) for and seven (7) against Extension Council
recommending changing the deadline.
Edwina made a motion to adjourn. Paul seconded the motion.