Burnett County Ag/Extension Committee Meeting
Monday, December 5, 2005
Minutes

I. The meeting was called to order by Charles Peterson at 10:30 am in Room 160 of the Burnett County Government Center on Monday, December 5, 2005.

Notice was posted according to open meeting law requirements.

Present: Charles Peterson, Gene Olson, Mary Falk, Douglas Stubbe, Marilyn Kooiker, Julie Yezek, Michael Kornmann, Kevin Schoessow, Otto Wiegand and Marleen Seul (recorder).

II. Motion to approve the November 7, 2005 minutes made by Gene Olson; seconded by Mary Falk. Motion carried.

III. General Business:

Bill payment sheet and employee expense vouchers were submitted to the Committee. Motion to approve and sign made by Gene Olson; seconded by Mary Falk. Motion carried.

A. Department Head Report

Doug Stubbe announced he has been appointed by the District Director to continue as Department Head during the upcoming year.

1. Public Issues Leadership Development Program Nomination:
Postage will go up to .39 in January.
More information is needed regarding the new accounting system before reporting on it.

2. Secretary Position Update:
Stubbe reported to the Committee on the progress of hiring a person for the second secretarial position. There were 112 applicants for the secretary position; seventy people will be tested, then interviews set up. The goal is to have someone in place some time in January.

3. Additional Comments:

According to information on the Dean's Wisconsin it is hoped that a new chancellor will be named soon.

B. Agent Reports:

1. Community Resource Development - Michael Kornmann

Michael Kornmann reported on the BCDA Business Plan Competition. To date five plans have been submitted and one more is expected to be submitted for a total of six entries. Five judges will review the plans and awards will be given at a ceremony sometime in January. The business that has the winning plan will receive $2,500 cash for business purposes and, if the plan is implemented within the first year, will receive a 0% interest loan in the amount of $5,000 from a lending institution and a 0% interest loan from the revolving loan fund for an additional $5,000.

Kornmann also reported the Leadership program is going very well and The Lakes Study had a 68% return. Additionally, the Burnett County Strategic Plan is complete and will be sent out to the Board of Directors for comments.

2. Family Living - WNEP - Julie Yezek

Julie Yezek reported on her activities which included doing whole-day education at North West Passage introducing more exotic vegetables and fruits.

Family Living - Marilyn Kooiker

Marilyn Kooiker reported on her Family Living activities. A few highlights of her activities include a program on "Who Moved My Cheese" to county day care providers, a first parenting class for parents of young children, First Book reading at both Head Starts.

Kooiker also reported on her WNEP coordinator activity and upcoming events.

3. 4-H Youth Development - Doug Stubbe

Doug Stubbe noted there was nothing significant to report. He is working on year end reports.

3. Ag Agent Report - Otto Weigan

Otto Weigan reported to the Committee that he did get $45,000 in grant money that will help with a grazing specialist and possibly an intern for two years. Activities will include writing grazing plans for people and a doing a beef survey. Weigan stated he gets a couple of questions per week regarding Avian Flu. A written report was also submitted which covered all activities including farm visits and upcoming events.

Ag Report - Kevin Scheossow

Kevin Schoessow reported on his activities. Schoessow noted he would be presenting on direct marketing at a workshop in Rice Lake on February 18. Also noted, calls continue to come in regarding renewable energy. A call was received from the Tribe to talk about using Poplars as a biomass. A written report was also submitted to the Committee which covered all activities.

IV. Set Next Meeting Date
Next meeting date set for Monday, January 9, 2006 in Room 165 of the Burnett County Government Center.

V. Adjournment
Meeting agenda completed and adjourned at 12.10 pm. By Charles Peterson.

The Annual Pot Luck held immediately following the meeting.