March Quarterly Board Meeting
BOARD MEETING
March 6, 2007
Northfield Inn, Springfield, Illinois
Roll Call:
Present Absent .
Terry Davis, President, NACD Delegate
James Todd, Vice President, NACD Alternate
Aaron Ferguson, Secretary
Rollie Spaniol, Treasurer
Mark Besse, Area I VP
Wayne Enke, Area II VP
Steve Stierwalt, Area III VP
Norbert Rider, Area IV VP
Mark Besse, Council 1 (Alternate)
Terry Bogner, Council 2
Lee Bunting, Council 3
Larry Sterett, Council 4
Van Bitner, Council 5
John Beckhart, Council 6
Jim Bell, Council 7
Darrell Roegge, Council 8
Kenneth Suslee, Council 9
Dale Jahraus, Council 10
Emery Oesch Council 11
Don Beisiegel, Council 12
Jake Klein, Council 13
Norbert Rider, Council 14 (Alternate)
Kenny Vosholler, Council 15
Dwayne Proctor, Council 16
Richard Nichols, AISWCD
Erin Pate, AISWCD
Stacy Stremsterfer, AISWCD
Jim Nelson, AISWCD
Sarah Dillman, AISWCD
Meeting is called to order by President Terry Davis at 8:03 a.m.
Roll call was taken by Secretary Aaron Ferguson.
Agenda
Motion was made by Darrell Roegge to approve agenda, seconded by John Beckhart. MCVV.
Partner Reports
FSA
Bill Graff of FSA gave a power point presentation. His presentation included information on farm loans, office staffing, and funding for FSA offices. He asked for questions or comments. The question was raised if budget is driving force in possible office closings. Bill Graff stated it is a factor as well as providing a better service due to bigger staffs and the remaining offices. He added there is a possibility of seventy-two office closings nationwide. The presentation is available on FSA’s website.
Illinois Department of Agriculture Report
Report was given by Steven Chard. Steve stated the department held spring workshops the previous week, and it was the first time these workshops had been held in a while. Steve stated he is working with Terry Davis on making sure the C-2000 program continues when it sunsets in 2009. Steve stated the cost share program is changing for FY 2007 & FY 2008, the changes are from feedback and recommendations from SWCD’s. Steve commented he might be contacting SWCD’s for information that will be needed for new utility company projects. Terry Davis thanked IDOA for the spring workshops and thought they were topical and interesting.
IEPA
No report was given.
ISWCDEA Report
Annyce Winters and Josh Joseph gave report. Annyce reported anyone who sells fish at a SWCD needs a permit. Annyce stressed the importance of having these permits through IDNR, but IDNR’s computer system had not been working properly for these permits. Annyce spoke with IDNR and districts are not breaking the rules, due to the computer programs. More information will be provided at a later date. Annyce congratulated Cindy Moon on becoming NCDEA President. Josh Joseph spoke about upcoming training, and recommended directors send information to the employee’s association with any comments or questions they want to speak about with employees.
NCDEA
Cindy Moon gave report and Terry congratulated her on becoming President of NCDEA. Cindy stated she was elected President NCDEA in February. A written report is included in the March QB packet.
NRCS Report
Bill Gradle gave report. Bill stated he has new supervisors at NRCS, Christine Mudeking who replaced Merlin Bartz. Bill stated Jim Evans has retired, as well as Lue Walters. Bill stated NRCS is operating on a continuing resolution until the end of the year; $145 million will be cut nationally for watershed and conservation. Bill said there were no final numbers for the budget and expects them in the days following, but could take two weeks. Bill stated they are in the fourth EQIP budget cut and he received notice to come up with an efficiency plan to reduce one percent of their overhead by October 1, 2007. Bill made note that contribution notices need to be completed by the end of the month.
IDNR
No report was given.
NACD Delegate Report
Jim Todd stated his report is summed up well in the Conservation Catchall. Terry Davis put the farm bill policies in the Conservation Catchall. Terry Davis ran for Second Vice-President of NACD and was defeated but feels newly elected officials in the NACD office will be very helpful in working to get the Farm Bill to reflect what NACD feels like it should. Terry commended the outgoing President, Bill Wilson, on a great job getting NACD back on track. NACD has combined legislative day and summer board meetings in July. Terry stated NACD works to unite state voices into one voice.
Executive Committee Report
Terry Davis reported the committee met yesterday and gave suggestions to the focus area committee’s on ways to help AISWCD as a whole.
District Optimization Taskforce
Terry Davis reported this taskforce was formed at the request of himself and the first meeting was January 25, 2007; present at the meeting were Steve Chard, Bill Gradle, Annyce Winters, Josh Joseph, Warren Goesch, Joe Bybee, and Rich Nichols. Terry explained AISWCD partners were involved in this taskforce to see how we can improve efforts in the future. The taskforce looked at what was currently being done and what will need to be done in the future. Terry said a lot of what happens with our organization will be program driven. The Farm Bill will be signed within the next twelve to eighteen months, Terry commented on how conservation driven this bill is.
Terry stated the proposal to change the AISWCD logo will be discussed at the full board at the annual meeting. Terry opened discussion on a letter from Pope-Hardin SWCD to ask for an official position on the closing of the Dixon Springs Ag Center. Terry asked the board if they had an opinion. Terry informed the board Pope-Hardin has not paid dues for a few years and they sent $500 to request membership for FY 2007. Terry asked if partial membership checks should be accepted, and asked for an answer to send to Pope-Hardin. Discussion held on possible solution. Terry Bogner asked if NRCS has a presence in their office, Terry Davis stated Pope-Hardin County SWCD has their own office. Don Beisiegel stated if financial difficulties have kept them from paying dues we should accept them. Norbert Rider stated he has observed what appears to be a financial problem in the Pope-Hardin office. Mark Besse added a lot of districts have financial hardships and every other district has paid their dues. Discussion held.
Lee Bunting made a motion to accept the $500 from Pope-Hardin and send an invoice for the remaining FY07 dues to Pope-Hardin SWCD and give thirty days to pay remainder of balance due to financial hardships. Terry Bogner seconded motion. Discussion held. MCVV.
Rollie made a motion to send a letter expressing disappointment in the closing of Dixon Springs, and express support agricultural research at Dixon Springs, seconded by Mark Besse. Discussion held. MCVV.
Terry expressed U of I protects Champaign’s South Farm and it is AISWCD’s duty to get legislators to rally behind the other areas like Dixon Springs.
Gallatin County SWCD (LUC 14) sent a letter and asked for reconsideration on short term/long term disability insurance. (LUC 14) to have the insurance committee find a provider to work statewide on short term and long disability insurance for Districts. Terry asked for objections to have the insurance committee look into finding a provider and making it available to all districts. Discussion was held on why this request was not brought forth to the insurance committee. Tom Anderson made a motion that the Turnover Taskforce look into the possibility of long term/short term disability insurance statewide for all SWCDs, Norbert Rider seconded motion. MCVV.
Marie Bunting gave the auxiliary report and stated anyone who is a spouse of a board member is an automatic member of the auxiliary and she asked that board members bring their spouses. The auxiliary committee met March 5, 2007 and spoke about Summer Conference. Colleen Bogner will be in charge of hosting the farm family reception at Summer Conference. Marie spoke about activities they will have at Summer Conference. Marie informed the board there will be trolley and bus tours available for families to go on during Summer Conference.
Terry called for a ten minute recess at 9:55 a.m.
Terry Davis called the meeting back to order at 10:07 a.m.
Committee Reports
Forestry Committee
Darrell Roegge stated there was no report. Terry reported the agreement with the Illinois Forestry Association has been amended to represent the new hours and salary for Sarah Dillman, the Administrative Assistant that AISWCD and IFA share, and IFA can use ten hours of Sarah’s time and IFA will pay for salary and benefits paid to Sarah on the new salary scale for hours worked for IFA. Wayne Enke made motion to have Terry sign the MOU amendment, seconded by Jake Klein, MCVV.
IEPA Report
(Given here due to Dick Breckenridge being absent during original time slot as outlined in the agenda)
Dick Breckenridge spoke about the ICCI program; forestry verification was currently going on and payments will be sent for forestry acreage in April 2007. The average payment will be around $575. Dick promised not to make any big mailings, due to the CRP mailing that caused mass confusion. Acreage enrolled is close to 100,000, up from 90,000. Dick reported that ICCI is a new pilot program and can be modified and made better. Dick asked districts to also look at methane capture for possible participation. Dick announced a landfill has been enrolled in the program. Illinois has joined the Chicago Climate Exchange. Governor Blagovich has formed an Illinois Energy committee to work on energy saving methods into the state.
Terry added $10 will be paid to districts that filled out applications but did not complete verification, as a way to strengthen the program.
Insurance Committee report
Debbie was not in attendance.
Focus Area Committee reports
Communication Report
Report given by Chairperson Wayne Enke. Wayne reported committee is trying to create a better website and utilize better surveys to find out ways to achieve funding for districts. The communication committee wants a legislative database to be developed. Wayne Enke stated there will be radio spots being aired throughout the state soon.
Education Committee
Steve Stierwalt gave report; the director training held during Spring was a step in the right direction for what they are trying to accomplish. Steve stated that they are developing a plan for the future. Steve stated he is very pleased with what is happening with Envirothon and asked Terry Bogner to give a report on Envirothon. Terry stated they looked at the FY 2007 and FY 2008 budgets and evaluated the materials sent to students who participate in Envirothon’s different levels of competition. Stacy Stremsterfer stated Canon Envirothon is raising the amount of scholarships to the top ten teams as opposed to just the top five.
Financial Management Committee
Rollie Spaniol gave report. Rollie stated the AISWCD liabilities now include the mortgage on the balance sheet and noted the Foundation balance sheet shows a $10,000 deposit listed under net income from ADM to use for Summer Conference. He explained the money had to be deposited into the foundation and not general fund because of the IRS rule of foundation to foundation donations. The Profit and Loss Budget for General Fund was discussed. Rollie explained the anomaly that occurred with the office rent line item. A question was raised about the ICCI expense line item and explained by Terry Davis. Rollie discussed the SWCD Insurance account balance sheet and bank statement, both dated February 28, 2007. Rollie noted the discrepancies and explained a check has probably not cleared the bank and this would explain the discrepancy. Mark Besse stated the financial committee discussed having two accounts insured by the standard FIDC amount and wants to make sure the banks are insuring the excess amount that is not covered by FDIC insurance. Rich Nichols stated the accounts are insured through the bank. Mark requested to see it in writing. Rich will follow up to determine the insured amount of the accounts. Steve Stierwalt made a motion to accept the financials and Don Biesengal seconded. MCVV.
Rollie said the recommendation of the Financial Committee was to sell the AISWCD 2000 Chevy Lumina. Wayne Enke made a motion to sell the car and Kenny seconded. MCVV.
Rollie stated an LCD Projector needs to be bought to replace a lost piece of equipment. Dale Jahraus made a motion to replace the projector, Tom Anderson seconded. MCVV.
Legislative Committee
Jim Todd reported a resolution came from Peoria County (Resolution 2007-1.) John Beckhart made a motion to approve the resolution (2007-1), Larry Sterett seconded. MCVV.
Jim Todd gave an update on Legislative Day, scheduled for March 21st, and asked directors to have districts RSVP to the AISWCD office A.S.A.P.
Planning Committee
Aaron Ferguson reported a new taskforce was developed to look at C-2000 which ends in 2009. Aaron reported there was mention of an urban award to go along with Farm Family. Any session ideas need to be given to Erin Pate in the next week for SC suggestions. Aaron Ferguson stated Erin’s work with John Deere will provide the Farm Family a John Deere lawn mower. Aaron Ferguson said the committee’s recommendation was to buy a plasma flatscreen T.V. for $1500. Norbert Rider made the motion to buy a plasma T.V. in the amount of $1500, seconded by Lee Bunting. MCVV.
Lee Bunting made a motion to approve $500 for Kateena Forge to perform the Vesper Service at Summer Conference, seconded by John Beckhart. MCVV.
Motion made to form a C-2000 taskforce by John Beckhart, seconded by Don Biesegnal. MCVV.
Urban Community and Conservation Committee
Norbert Rider reported. Jim Nelson created urban white papers and asked for a motion to distribute paper during Legislative Day. Motion made to distribute urban white papers at Legislative Day by Don Beisegal, seconded by Wayne Enke. MCVV.
Norbert Rider stated the committee wants to form a taskforce to seek sponsors and define award criteria. Motion made by Larry Sterett, seconded by John Beckhart. MCVV.
Norbert Rider stated they were presented with two resolutions that the committee recommended to turn over to Legislative Committee. Resolutions are drafts of resolution 2007-2 and 2007-3. Jim Nelson stated a taskforce is hoping to be formed to discuss adding Urban Practices to the CPP docket and stated a taskforce should be formed to gain SWCD input. Steve Stierwalt made a motion to form taskforce to look at adding Urban Practices to CPP docket, seconded by Don Biesengal. MCVV. Jim Nelson stated possible SC sessions will be forwarded on to Annual Meeting Taskforce for their review. Jim Nelson stated he is looking into a grant to digitize the Greenbook from IEPA. Jim stated the money would be funneled through the AISWCD office. Terry Bogner made a motion to try to obtain the grant, John Beckhart seconded. MCVV.
Vice Presidents Report
Area I- Mark Besse stated he enclosed an e-mail with report details. Mark Besse stated at some point we should look at adding PR and education to the strategic plan.
Area 2- Wayne Enke no report
Area 3- Steve Stierwalt- no report
Area 4- Norbert Rider- no report
Approval of Minutes
Terry Davis asked for approval of minutes, Larry Sterett made motion to approve December Quarterly Board minutes and Special Board Meeting minutes (January 29, 2007), Jake Klein seconded. MCVV.
ICCI Report
Rich Nichols gave an update on ICCI, the first pool is completed and AISWCD has received reimbursement for this pool. 30 contracts will be verified in Indiana for the North Dakota Farmer’s Union and two Kentucky contracts were verified.
AISWCD Logo
Terry asked for discussion on AISWCD logo. Tom Anderson asked why it was even considered. Terry explained the difficulties in reproducing the logo. Terry reported work that has been done on the logo thus far. Further discussion will be held in the future and decision made at Annual Meeting.
Board Member Evaluations
Terry noted discussion before has indicated perhaps the board should evaluate the board members. Discussion held. Terry stated a survey was given to board members at December Quarterly Board, and asked Sarah Dillman how many responses were returned. Sarah stated only a few were returned. Terry alerted the board members to be expecting something in the mail in regards to a survey.
Aaron Ferguson asked for a motion to have staff evaluate staff and executive director evaluated on a six month schedule.
Curt Dambmann made motion to have staff evaluate each staff member and executive director on a six month basis, seconded John Beckhart. Aaron stated he would like it to be done at June Quarterly Board and December Quarterly Board meetings. Discussion held. MCVV.
New Business
FY 2007 Budget
Rollie asked for a motion to affirm the budget modification the Budget Taskforce Committee created on January 25, 2007 and make the proposed budget the approved FY07 budget. Motion was made to approve the FY 2007 budget by Lee Bunting, seconded by Kenny Vosholler, MCVV.
Rollie Spaniol explained the carry-over balance that was discussed in the finance committee. Kenny Vosholler raised question. Discussion held. Rollie reported the committees’ opinion that a financial policy manual needs to be created.
FY 2008 Budget
Rollie discussed the finance committee beliefs on holding off on approving the FY 2008, he feels it is not too early to look at it, but too early to approve it. Rollie stated the budget is a plan and should be adjusted when need be. Rollie also noted the audit of AISWCD will not be done until May, and the reason behind that is the cheaper price associated with waiting until May.
Budget Spending Authority
Terry stated in the past this has been discussed but they cannot find the exact minutes. Rollie Spaniol stated the Finance Committee came up with a recommendation in this matter, the committee recommended the office have spending power up to $500, anything over $500 must be approved by the executive committee, and anything over $1000 must be approved by the full board, as long as expenses are within the budget. Lee Bunting made a motion to approve this recommendation, seconded by Kenny Vosholler. MCVV.
Cindy Moon brought up recommendation from Planning Taskforce that stated; any group other than AISWCD, Illinois Soil & Water Conservation District Association, or AISWCD Auxiliary who wishes to hold fundraising activities at the AISWCD Annual Meeting, make a request in writing prior to March 1st. Motion made to approve recommendation by Darrell Roegge, seconded by Tom Anderson. Discussion was held. MCVV.
Motion made by Wayne Enke to accept written reports, seconded by Don Beisiegel, MCVV.
Nominating chairperson is recommended to remain Darrell Roegge. Darrell reminded the board that vice president, secretary, and treasurer, will be elected at Annual Meeting and Terry has one year left.
NPDES Phase II Pilot Presentation
Shannon Allen and Rick Macho gave a presentation on CPESC certification and asked for support from the AISWCD board in getting SWCD employees certified.
Terry asked for a motion to allow employees to attend legislative functions if SWCD boards incorporate their approval in policy manuals and in employees’ job description. No official motion was made.
Darrell Roegge made a motion to adjourn, Larry Sterett seconded. MCVV. Meeting adjourned at 12:32 p.m.