AISWCD Board Meeting
High Priority Conference Call
March 13, 2008
Conference Call
7:30 a.m.

Present                                                                                                 Absent                         
Terry Davis, President, NACD Delegate
Jim Todd, Vice President, NACD Alternate
Aaron Ferguson, Secretary
Rollie Spaniol, Treasurer
Jerry Snodgrass, Area I VP
Darrell Roegge, Area II VP
John Beckhart, Area III VP
Norbert Rider, Area IV VP
Phil Fossler, Council 1
Terry Bogner, Council 2
Lee Bunting, Council 3
Larry Sterett, Council 4
Van Bitner, Council 5
Vacant, Council 6
Jim Bell, Council 7
David McCormick, Council 8
Kenneth Suslee, Council 9
Council 10 Representative - Denise Willenborg, Effingham Co.
Emery Oesch, Council 11
Don Beisiegel, Council 12
Jake Klein, Council 13
Tom Anderson, Council 14
Kenny Vosholler, Council 15
Dwayne Proctor, Council 16
Josh Joseph, ISWCDEA RC Co-Chair
Annyce Winters, ISWCDEA AC Co-Chair
Richard Nichols, AISWCD
Erin Pate, AISWCD
Stacy Stremsterfer, AISWCD
Jim Nelson, AISWCD

Terry Davis called the meeting to order at 7:37 a.m. Terry noted that this past week he has visited Springfield several times and wanted to give everyone an update.

Ag Leg Day (3/6/08). AISWCD talked to number of legislators with Mike Hoffmann. Everyone we talked to knew our situation and we (SWCDs) have done a good job informing our legislators. Legislators expressed extreme frustration of the process and didn’t understand why the Governor is making the decisions he is. General Revenue Funds - current revenue is covering the mandatory bills and nothing is left for general revenue funds. Governor has control over when funds can be released. Currently in Springfield there is talk that there should be a capitol program for the state, however how this will be funded is still unknown.

On 3/11/08 Terry went to the Department and talked with Steve Chard and Jared Thornly. No new news was given but wanted Terry was told by IDOA to express to the SWCDs that “IDOA is doing everything they possibility can to get money released to districts”. While he was at IDOA he set up a meeting with Tom Jennings for 3/10/108 at 11 am.  3/7/08 at 4:45 p.m. Jared Thornly called and wanted to know why he wanted to meet with the director. Terry stated he wanted to congratulate him on becoming Acting Director and talk about the current funding situation and wanted to see what his thoughts were on the SWCDs funding situation, along with what would happen if nothing did change. Monday morning Terry went to Springfield to meet with Tom Jennings and was told they did not have his appointment down and the Acting Director was not there. Jared Thornley would meet with him though. Terry requested a letter to be written on behalf of IDOA supporting release of SWCD funds. Terry was told that there was no need for such a letter to be written.

Insurance - Terry asked IDOA for flexible on the hours required for insurance enrollment. IDOA stated they would look into this.

Discussion was held on the AISWCD’s next plan of attack.

Motion made by Lee Bunting to introduce a special piece of legislation asking for SWCD funding to be released immediately and was seconded by Larry Sterret. MCVV

Lee Bunting asked about forming a taskforce to look at District Act to seeking money for SWCDs. Terry Davis stated that the C2000 Taskforce could look into this instead of forming a new one.

Discussion was held about getting information regarding this meeting out to all chairmen.

Meeting adjourned.

Submitted by:
Stacy Stremsterfer