1 Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County Board of Directors ...
Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County Board of Directors Meeting May 29, 2012 Minutes In attendance: Charles Quinn, Al Gibbs, John McCarey, Andrea Nilon, Bunnie Reichle, Susanne Wasson, Fred Mackerodt, Petra Wege-Beers Absent: Rachel Neuhaus, Michael Pillmeier, Jim Presutti, Mary Onken, Vincent Odock, Wilbur Higgins Staff in attendance: Lucy Joyce, Peggy Kral, Jerome Christie, Susan Kozykowski, Maire Ullrich, Audrey Reith. Meeting Called to Order: at 7:15PM by Board President, Susanne Wasson, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Additional Agenda Items: CARET report Correspondence: Lucy Joyce reported that Jerome Christie was recognized by Leadership Orange for his contributions and Annemarie Stephens was recognized by the Youth Bureau for her commitment and dedication to the Orange County youth. Reading and Approval of Minutes: Motion by Bunnie Reichle to approve the minutes from the April board meeting, seconded by John McCarey. Vote taken, motion passed unanimously. NOTE: by President Susanne Wasson: The April Board Minutes were not posted to the website this month until today. President’s Report (Susanne Wasson): Susanne attended the Personnel meeting on May 1st and the Family& Consumer Science Program Committee meeting on May 10th where three staff award recipients were announced. She also attended the Calf Sale on May 12th which was a lot of fun and well attended. Susanne recognized 4H member Cassie Stap who won a national award for Dairy Judging and will be going to Europe to compete in international competitions. Secretary’s Report (Petra Wege-Beers): Personnel Committee met on May 1st and May 10th A joint personnel and finance committee met today, 5/29 prior to the board meeting. Executive Director’s Report (Lucy Joyce): Full report was distributed and placed in board notebooks. Lucy made mention that she will be attending an executive leadership meeting in June. 1
Lucy and the administrative team have been working diligently on a staffing plan for next year.
Report of Liaison Representative: Orange County Legislators - No report Orange County Executive’s Office (John McCarey) – Discussions have begun regarding the upcoming budget and the county executive would like all departments to come in at level funding. CCE Systems Update – None Program Highlights (Audrey Reith): Audrey is working with Yukiguni Maitake Corporation of America, Ray Shnittaker Stables, as well as representatives from Cornell University on a study which examines the health effects of adding Maitake mushrooms to a horse’s diet. These mushrooms are said to raise the immunity level and reduce the effects of stress. In humans they are being used to treat certain cancers. Audrey is also experimenting with the mushrooms as a supplement for poultry feed. The eggs are being tested for appearance, flavor, aroma and texture by Cornell staff and 4-H youth. Committee Reports: o Personnel – Bunnie Reichle o FCS Nutrition Resource Educator interviews were held this past month and three finalists have been identified. References are being checked and a final decision is forthcoming. All finalists are bilingual in English and Spanish. o An Ag Intern has joined the staff this summer and she is currently working on compiling a resource book for farmers. o The Personnel Committee has been reviewing the mileage policy to be in compliance with IRS guidelines and is making the following recommendation: All Staff members who travel to an appointment from home must deduct from his/her mileage reimbursement request the # of miles between the employee’s home and extension association office. A motion was made by Bunnie Reichle to adopt the amended mileage policy retroactive to January for the Nutrition Education staff and effective June 1st for 4-H staff and all other staff. Andrea Nilon seconded the motion, vote taken, motion passed unanimously. o Bunnie presented the staffing plan changes recommended by the Personnel Committee and made the following motion: Downgrade the vacant 4-H Youth Development Resource Educator position to a 4-H Community Educator position and upgrade the full-time Program Educator position to a full-time Community Educator position. The motion was seconded by Andrea Nilon. Vote taken: Vote 7 in favor, one opposed (John McCarey), motion passed by majority. o A motion was presented by Bunnie Reichle to change the vacant Vegetable Crops Resource Educator position to a Community Educator – Produce position 2
and to hire a permanent, part-time Horticulture Program Assistant. The motion was seconded by Petra Wege-Beers. Vote taken: Vote 7 in favor, one opposed (John McCarey); motion passed by majority. o Bookkeeper position needs to be discussed. Board asked this discussion be tabled until it has been presented and discussed with Personnel and Finance Committees. Finance – Charlie Quinn o The Finance Committee agreed with the Personnel Committee recommendations for staffing and mileage. o The finance committee reviewed the first quarterly report presented by Susan Kozykowski. A motion was made by Charlie Quinn to accept the First Quarter Financial Report as presented, Al Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote taken, motion was passed unanimously. o Furniture/Equipment -- Approved the disposal of old furniture as requested. o EQUIFAX Report – Letter being sent from board president to clear our name. Strategic Planning – Andrea Nilon Nominating Committee – Patricia Reineke o Meeting dates are being scheduled to begin the process. If you have any recommendations for new members please forward to Peggy. Campaign Committee – Hazel Goldstein – no report. Facilities o No meetings this past month. o Front doors are being worked on again. o Waiting for a date on the new carpet for large conference room. o Al has agreed to be site/facilities manager for 4-H Showcase July 18-22. Fair Governance Committee – Lucy Joyce o Lucy sent a letter to Mr. Gurda asking for passes to the fair grounds for 4-H staff, volunteers and youth who will be maintaining the static displays during the weeks of the fair. Education Center & 4-H Park Committee – Bunnie Reichle o Meeting was held with Mr. John O’Rourke from Lanc & Tully to discuss the federal wetlands map pertaining to the land designated for the Education Center & 4-H Park. Mr. O’Rourke expects that the conceptual site plan will be completed by mid-June.
Program Reports: Family & Consumer Sciences – Lucy Joyce o Full report in board notebooks. 4-H Youth Development – Jerome Christie – Detailed report in notebook o June 15th - Cloverbud achievement night to begins at 5:30 at the Orange County Park in Montgomery. o June 10th- 4-H Horse show, also on July 13th and 15th. o In process of hiring summer assistants. Agriculture – Maire Ullrich – full report in board notebooks. 3
o A summer assistant has been hired who will be helping out with various trials. o The annual plant sale went well, netted about $4,000. o Maire conducted a farm tour for two NYC purchasing staff members, who are interested in buying local food. The city serves about 150,000 meals a day, not including the schools. Unfinished Business: Lucy Joyce reported that a woodlot management class is scheduled for next Thursday; however, enrollment is low and the class may need to be canceled. New Business: CARET update by Bunnie Reichle. While upstate, Bunnie learned of collaboration between Cornell University scientist and the Geneva City School District to enhance elementary science education and bring agricultural science to third and fourth grade students. Students learn about soil, plants, insects, microbiology, sustainability and food production through this hands-on program. The program has sparked an interest in science and agriculture, as evidenced by an increase in the 4H program participation in the district and an improvement in state mandated science test scores. Adjournment: Motion by Al Gibbs to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Bunnie Reichle. Vote taken, motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:30PM. Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 25th at 7pm.
Respectfully submitted, Petra Wege-Beers Secretary
Approved 6/25/2012
4
Lucy and the administrative team have been working diligently on a staffing plan for next year.
Report of Liaison Representative: Orange County Legislators - No report Orange County Executive’s Office (John McCarey) – Discussions have begun regarding the upcoming budget and the county executive would like all departments to come in at level funding. CCE Systems Update – None Program Highlights (Audrey Reith): Audrey is working with Yukiguni Maitake Corporation of America, Ray Shnittaker Stables, as well as representatives from Cornell University on a study which examines the health effects of adding Maitake mushrooms to a horse’s diet. These mushrooms are said to raise the immunity level and reduce the effects of stress. In humans they are being used to treat certain cancers. Audrey is also experimenting with the mushrooms as a supplement for poultry feed. The eggs are being tested for appearance, flavor, aroma and texture by Cornell staff and 4-H youth. Committee Reports: o Personnel – Bunnie Reichle o FCS Nutrition Resource Educator interviews were held this past month and three finalists have been identified. References are being checked and a final decision is forthcoming. All finalists are bilingual in English and Spanish. o An Ag Intern has joined the staff this summer and she is currently working on compiling a resource book for farmers. o The Personnel Committee has been reviewing the mileage policy to be in compliance with IRS guidelines and is making the following recommendation: All Staff members who travel to an appointment from home must deduct from his/her mileage reimbursement request the # of miles between the employee’s home and extension association office. A motion was made by Bunnie Reichle to adopt the amended mileage policy retroactive to January for the Nutrition Education staff and effective June 1st for 4-H staff and all other staff. Andrea Nilon seconded the motion, vote taken, motion passed unanimously. o Bunnie presented the staffing plan changes recommended by the Personnel Committee and made the following motion: Downgrade the vacant 4-H Youth Development Resource Educator position to a 4-H Community Educator position and upgrade the full-time Program Educator position to a full-time Community Educator position. The motion was seconded by Andrea Nilon. Vote taken: Vote 7 in favor, one opposed (John McCarey), motion passed by majority. o A motion was presented by Bunnie Reichle to change the vacant Vegetable Crops Resource Educator position to a Community Educator – Produce position 2
and to hire a permanent, part-time Horticulture Program Assistant. The motion was seconded by Petra Wege-Beers. Vote taken: Vote 7 in favor, one opposed (John McCarey); motion passed by majority. o Bookkeeper position needs to be discussed. Board asked this discussion be tabled until it has been presented and discussed with Personnel and Finance Committees. Finance – Charlie Quinn o The Finance Committee agreed with the Personnel Committee recommendations for staffing and mileage. o The finance committee reviewed the first quarterly report presented by Susan Kozykowski. A motion was made by Charlie Quinn to accept the First Quarter Financial Report as presented, Al Gibbs seconded the motion. Vote taken, motion was passed unanimously. o Furniture/Equipment -- Approved the disposal of old furniture as requested. o EQUIFAX Report – Letter being sent from board president to clear our name. Strategic Planning – Andrea Nilon Nominating Committee – Patricia Reineke o Meeting dates are being scheduled to begin the process. If you have any recommendations for new members please forward to Peggy. Campaign Committee – Hazel Goldstein – no report. Facilities o No meetings this past month. o Front doors are being worked on again. o Waiting for a date on the new carpet for large conference room. o Al has agreed to be site/facilities manager for 4-H Showcase July 18-22. Fair Governance Committee – Lucy Joyce o Lucy sent a letter to Mr. Gurda asking for passes to the fair grounds for 4-H staff, volunteers and youth who will be maintaining the static displays during the weeks of the fair. Education Center & 4-H Park Committee – Bunnie Reichle o Meeting was held with Mr. John O’Rourke from Lanc & Tully to discuss the federal wetlands map pertaining to the land designated for the Education Center & 4-H Park. Mr. O’Rourke expects that the conceptual site plan will be completed by mid-June.
Program Reports: Family & Consumer Sciences – Lucy Joyce o Full report in board notebooks. 4-H Youth Development – Jerome Christie – Detailed report in notebook o June 15th - Cloverbud achievement night to begins at 5:30 at the Orange County Park in Montgomery. o June 10th- 4-H Horse show, also on July 13th and 15th. o In process of hiring summer assistants. Agriculture – Maire Ullrich – full report in board notebooks. 3
o A summer assistant has been hired who will be helping out with various trials. o The annual plant sale went well, netted about $4,000. o Maire conducted a farm tour for two NYC purchasing staff members, who are interested in buying local food. The city serves about 150,000 meals a day, not including the schools. Unfinished Business: Lucy Joyce reported that a woodlot management class is scheduled for next Thursday; however, enrollment is low and the class may need to be canceled. New Business: CARET update by Bunnie Reichle. While upstate, Bunnie learned of collaboration between Cornell University scientist and the Geneva City School District to enhance elementary science education and bring agricultural science to third and fourth grade students. Students learn about soil, plants, insects, microbiology, sustainability and food production through this hands-on program. The program has sparked an interest in science and agriculture, as evidenced by an increase in the 4H program participation in the district and an improvement in state mandated science test scores. Adjournment: Motion by Al Gibbs to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Bunnie Reichle. Vote taken, motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:30PM. Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 25th at 7pm.
Respectfully submitted, Petra Wege-Beers Secretary
Approved 6/25/2012
4
