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HomeMy WebLinkAboutU.W. Extension Committee - Minutes - 7/20/2016 1 BAYFIELD COUNTY AGRICULTURE AND EXTENSION EDUCATION COMMITTEE July 20, 2016 County Board Room, 9:00 am Courthouse, Washburn, WI MINUTES 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 9:02 am. Committee members present included: Fred Strand, Jeff Silbert, Jim Crandall and Larry Fickbohm. Others present included: Tim Kane, Liz Lexau, Donna Ganson, Matt Cogger, Jason Fischbach, Kathy Beeksma and Ian Meeker. 2. Approval of Minutes of May 25, 2016 Meeting (action item) Motion made/seconded by Silbert/Crandall to approve the May 25, 2016 minutes. Motion carried. 3. Public Comment None 4. Out-of-State Overnight Travel Requests (action item) Motion made/seconded by Crandall/Silbert to approve Matt Cogger’s USAID sponsored Armenian farmer technical assistance training travel request. Motion carried. 5. 2016 UW-Extension Budget Update Report Tim reviewed and commented on the 2016 UW-Extension Budget Performance Report, which showed the budgeted revenue and expense amounts, year to date expenditures through July 11, 2016 and budget balances by each individual account. Fifty percent of the budget had been spend through the six month period, which was on target. 6. Update on Status of Coop Extension Reorganization Nothing really new since the Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas & Iron Counties Next Generation Project Meeting with UW-Extension Administrators held on July 14 at Northland College. County Administrators, Extension Committee members and County Extension educators from the four counties had a chance to hear from and dialogue with UW- Extension officials, and ask questions related to Cooperative Extension’s proposed reorganization, which remains a work in progress and would be continuing into 2017. 7. Issues and Program Ideas Discussion State Shoreland Ordinance Impact Tim mentioned the potential impact of a state 2015 budget provision, which effectively removed local shoreland zoning control from the counties making the state’s minimum standards the maximum standards statewide. This has preempted Bayfield County from enforcing more strict standards for its different classes of lakes as it has in the past. Now more vulnerable County lakes have lost some of the protections they previously enjoyed. The County’s 962 inland lakes are a huge recreational and tax revenue asset, and if they are negatively impacted this could have very significant impact on the County’s economy. Tim distributed a Superior Days write-up on this issue, and a copy of Minneapolis Star Tribune article on a study done by Minnesota’s DNR on overdevelopment’s impact on the water quality of the state’s lakes. Tim wondered if an educational program on this issue, that would involve the County Zoning Department and bringing in an Extension lakes specialist, should be developed. 2 Large-Scale Livestock Operations Jason asked the Committee if he should organize a public meeting to update the public on the DNR’s denial of the County’s South Fish Creek manure storage ordinance, and related matters in order to keep this issue in front of the public. The Committee recommended checking with County Administrator Mark Abeles-Allison on this. Impact of Early Childhood Experiences Liz asked the Committee if they understood the Family Living Education program. She mentioned the importance of the parenting training and support provided through her programming. She shared a handout from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention on research on Averse Childhood Experiences, which showed the tremendous impact negative childhood experiences have on lifelong health and life opportunities. The long term impacts of these negative childhood experiences and their huge social costs to society, including to Bayfield County, should be understood. Farm Safety Matt mentioned his Tractor Safety Training class that he’s conducting, which includes six 12-15 year old youth. He tries to communicate to his students the very significant personal and financial costs that are associated with farm accidents. Matt showed one the videos he’s shown to his class involving an interview with a young farmer from Minnesota, who lost an arm in a corn picker accident. Seeing this video really provided a graphic demonstration of the consequences of farm accidents and makes an impression. 8. Recognition of Dee Kittleson and John Bennett for their Extension Committee Service (action item) Tim read Certificates of Appreciation that were awarded to outgoing County Extension Committee members Dee Kittleson and John Bennett for their service on the Committee. Motion was made/seconded by Crandall/Fickbohm to honor and recognize Dee and John for their service. Motion carried. 9. Recognition of Karen Bade upon Her Retirement from the Bayfield County UW- Extension Office (action item) Tim mentioned that Karen’s last day at work was Friday, July 15. He also commented that the finalist applicants for her office manager job had been interviewed by Mark Abeles- Allison, Jeff Silbert, Tim and Jason Fischbach, and that Theresa LaChappelle had been offered and accepted the job. Theresa will start her new job on September 6. Finalist applicants for Theresa’s Fair secretary/Extension clerk-bookkeeper job were interviewed on July 19 by Mark Abeles-Allison, Fred Strand, Mary Motiff and Tim. The top choice of interviewers will be offered the position, and if accepted, it is hoped that this person would be able start work at the start of the County Fair. Motion was made/seconded by Crandall/Silbert to honor and recognize Karen for her service. Motion carried. 10. Next Meeting Date and Time The next County Ag & Extension Education Committee meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 9:00 am in the County Annex/Law Enforcement Building in the EOC Room. 11. Adjourn Meeting adjourned at 10:19 am. Submitted by: Tim Kane, Community Development Educator & Dept. Head Bayfield County UW-Extension