Unit 21 – Extension Office
Serving Clay, Effingham, Fayette and Jasper counties
1209 Wenthe Drive
Effingham, IL 62401
PH: 217/347-7773 FAX: 217/347-7775
Website: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/CEFJ
EXTENSION COUNCIL
JANUARY 15, 2015
MINUTES
PRESENT: Mark Hatrich, Amanda Miller, Kim Perkins, Donna Richards, Joe Thoele,
Bill Webber, Ex Officio Carl Baker, Tabitha Welch
ABSENT: Shelah Bergbower, Missy Buerster, Becky Doty, Annette Gullidge, Tom
Haarmann, Brad Harris, Kevin Payne,
Meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM
MINUTES: Extension Council minutes from the June 14, 2014, were accepted as
presented.
FINANCIAL REPORT: The Trust Account was presented in two different formats by
Baker. Format one was a budget as a whole unit and format two was broken out by
county. Members of the Council expressed their interest to keep the financial report
broken out by county. Based on the presented budget there were no questions at the time.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT REPORT: Tabitha distributed YD reports to members of
the Council. She highlighted the successes throughout the 4 county area and talked about
various programs and learning opportunities throughout the four county unit. Tabitha
explained that Extension has a niche market – non formal outside schools. Extension
provides programs to supplement school districts.
COUNTY DIRECTOR REPORT: Baker reported that on May 28, 2015, Unit 21 will
undergo a Civil Rights Compliance Audit. Baker also added that as we look for new
members in the upcoming years we need to seek minority representation to the Council.
One thought was Tony Muneoz, as a representative of the Hispanic community.
Baker also challenged Council members with the question “Where were we, where are
we, where do we need to go and what do we need long term?” Having posed the
question Baker had a power point presentation for Council members. Discussion on the
power point slides and the question took place following the presentation. Mark Hartrich
asked “what does extension do”? He stated that this should be our top priority in getting
the word out throughout the four counties. We need to get it out to the public, get people
to know what it is we do.
______________________________________________________________________________________
University of Illinois ~ U.S. Department of Agriculture ~ Local Extension Councils Cooperating
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
Bill Webber echoed the comments by Hartrich. Webber added that Council needs to feel
worth. He further added that what has happened is that with the overhaul of Extension is
that the local entity is losing identity and direction that once had been give through
Council.
Joe Thoele also added that he didn’t know what Extension was or the programs Extension
offered to the public. He stated that at one time his sister was a Master Gardener and a
past volunteer. Thoele also appreciated the power point presentation as it helped give
him a more clear understanding of Extension and its role.
Discussion turned to how do we get more involvement from Council members?
Understanding that everyone is busy outside the Unit how do we get people to realize
what Extension Council does is important. It was suggested that Council members have
meet with club leaders and members back in their respective counties to get more “buyin” or get more direction given through a sub county council. This idea needs to be
flushed more. Council members present felt that momentum needs to keep going in a
forward progression.
NEXT MEETING: Next meeting was tentatively scheduled for February 19, 2015, at
6:30 PM.
ADJOURN: Motion to adjourn at 9:00 PM made by Bill Webber, second by Joe Thoele.