DATE: July 21, 2005
Members present: Borleske, Cassity, Wiese, Zowin
UWEX Staff present: Dietmann, Erickson, Olson, Wohlfert
Advisory members present: Jaquish
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM by Chair Wiese.
Certification of the Open Meeting Notice
Requirements of the open meeting law were met.
Motion by Borleske, second by Cassity to approve the agenda.
Motion approved.
As a follow-up to the minutes from the June meeting, Bob Cassity asked if the Labor Skills Survey done by Jenny for the Baraboo School District was successful. Jenny reported that more survey responses were received than anticipated and the results would be compiled for Superintendent Lance Alwin.
Motion by Cassity, second by Zowin to approve the minutes from the June
30, 2005, regular meeting of the Ag & Extension Committee.
Motion approved.
None.
Motion by Zowin, second by Borleske to approve the June bills in the amount of $2,023.82. Motion approved.
The financial report shows that the department has received 93.5% of anticipated non-property tax revenues and has spent approximately 48% of budgeted expenditures.
Jennifer Wohlfert reported that Barnyard Theatre was a hit again this year. The barn assignments were interesting with the addition of the new Reedsburg Bank hoop building, but they got all of the cattle in.
Judy talked about the pre-fair judging that was done - Thursday, July 7th for all non-animal, nonperishable projects and Monday, July 11th for the perishable projects. As always there were some glitches that needed to be worked out, but all in all, both days went smoothly. The biggest issue was the weather/heat during the fair which caused the cancellation of Ag Olympics and resulted in releasing the animals early (Saturday) to alleviate some of the stress on them. Overall, the entry numbers were up this year, however, the 4-H Foodstand revenues were down due to the heat.
Some changes that were made around the fairgrounds this year that were deemed as being successful included the manure bunker and the landscaping that was done around the grounds, buildings and barns.
Paul reported that the UW Extension Interim Chancellor, Marv van Kekerix, was on the grounds Thursday, July 14th, which went very well.
Kathy Zowin suggested writing a letter on behalf of the Ag & Extension Committee to the Sauk County Fair Board complimenting them on the changes and updates that were made for the 2005 Sauk County Fair. Paul will draft the letter and have Lester sign it for the committee.
The WACEC District 2 Summer Meeting will be August 4th in Monroe (Green County). The tour to the ethanol plant has been canceled due to construction and it was believed that the tour was being replaced with a tour to Swiss Colony. Any committee members interested in attending should contact Lynn to get registered.
Paul reported that a Community Garden line item was added under the revenue section of the budget to report fees collected for the community garden in Prairie du Sac, since this will be an ongoing project. He also reported that we are proposing an increase in Phyllis Both's hourly wage to $12.00 per hour. We cannot change the number of hours that she can work otherwise it would affect the position's status as part-time/no benefits.
The major differences in this year's budget as compared to last year are:
The overall UW Extension 2006 budget request will be $14,266 less than 2005.
Bob Cassity, Jerry Lehman and Kathy Zowin were recognized at the WACEC State meeting in Ashland for five years of service to the Sauk County Ag & Extension Committee. Their plaques were presented to them by Chair Lester Wiese.
Paul read a presentation and showed a video that Sue Nagelkerk prepared on her Strengthening Families program that she has upcoming. She is working with Ellen Allen, Jessica Jens and Tammy Koenecke on this six-week training.
The next regular meeting of the Ag & Extension Committee will be held Thursday, August 25, 2005, in the ETN Classroom at 9:00 AM.
Motion by Borleske, second by Cassity to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 10:35 AM.
Respectfully submitted: Paul Dietmann