AJMPU UNIT COUNCIL MEETING

April 7th, 2009

Attending the meeting were Jonathan Voltz, Chuck Weilmuenster, Jessica Bowman, Chris Boyd, Phyllis Webb, Robin Mizell, Susan Odum, Jody Johnson, and Ruby Lingle.

The meeting was called to order at 4:04 pm by Vice-president Jonathan Voltz. Jonathan directed Secretary Chuck Weilmuenster to read the minutes of the last meeting. After the minutes were read a motion to accept the minutes as read was made by Phyllis Webb and seconded by Ruby Lingle. The motion carried unanimously.

Needs of the unit were addressed by Director Jody Johnson. He stated that during the summer the FNP workers did not have as much to do and that a cooking school was planned. Phyllis Webb stated that kids in Junior High could be very cruel in talking and email to one another and that a "character building" type program would also be an idea for a summer program. Ruby Lingle suggested a "welcome to the real world program" that taught kids about balancing a check book and personal finances. Jody said both ideas were good and that he would see what could be arranged and scheduled.

Jody reported that the Preteen Conference scheduled for April 17^th in Metropolis had 82 signed up already, with 14-15 volunteers and 6 staff to help. Further the City of Metropolis has again donated $1000 to defray conference expenses. The conference theme this year is "National Treasure" and the kids will compete for 6 treasure boxes full of goodies.

Emily Travis, Miss Illinois Teen, will also make an appearance.

In regard to the FY 2010 budget, Jody informed the council that he had visited 4 of the 5 county boards and had approved funding with no increase over last years amount and that the Alexander County Board was still left to visit. He also stated that the deadline for him to submit the budget had been moved back to June 1^st.

Robin Mizell made comments about an up coming recycling program planned for the Metropolis area.

Jody talked about the Celebrate Youth program on May 19 & 20. Sharon Miller is the coordinator and there are 22 sessions planned. The U of I chemistry team will be there and the keynote speaker will be DJ Shane Parker "Bear On The Air"

Jody further stated that the unit had received a grant for video conferencing equipment from USDA. The equipment will be installed at the Vienna and Mounds offices. The equipment will be used in various ways including distance learning. The grant was a $35,000 matching grant and requires matching funds; $10,000 will come from Johnson Co., $10,000 from Alexander/Pulaski, and from carried over operating funds.

Jody reported He has advertised, interviewed, and hired Michelle Bissel to work with Connect SI. He says Mounds has $50,000 for a fiber project. A mapping grant has been won by Connect S I from DECO. Further, three federal agencies ( USDA, FCA, and Telecommunications) have dollars. There are three windows of opportunity April –June 2009, October-December 2009, and April-June 2010 and a great many funds are available. Connect S I Southern Five counties will meet at Shawnee Community College April 24^th. Ron Duncan and Jody are working together on many problems Connect S I must overcome.

Jody stated the southern 7 counties were declared a disaster by Governor Quin on March 27^th. Jody is scheduled to meet with IEMA director Valasquez and with Illinois National Guard officials regarding the Units role in helping with the recovery. He further reported on the disaster workshops offered to K - 12 grades and a planned trip to Arkansas for teachers. He said not one teacher signed up for the programs or trip!

There will be a disaster preparedness workshop at Shawnee Community College April 24^th. It will be taught by a lady that is a Red Cross representative located in Missouri. She will teach the "Masters of Disaster" Curriculum. Teachers that attend will receive 3 CPDU's. Other workshops are planned at John A. Logan CC and Rend Lake CC.

Jody reported a new 4H director has been appointed for the state and a southern regional director is to be hired.

He also stated a 4H youth development position for the AJMPU can not be filled at present due to lack of funding.

There was much discussion at the previous meeting regarding the formation of a local foundation to aid in raising funds for AJMPU projects. Jody has organized a special meeting to provide further information on the formation of a foundation. It is scheduled for April 23^rd from 10 am to 2 pm at the Johnson Co. office with a light lunch to be provided. Pat Bauer of the Southern Illinois Community Foundation will be the speaker with additional speakers from extension as well as John Baldwin's wife Jill who has experience with foundations in the Chicago area. Jody will email the AJMPU board members with a reminder on the meeting.

Written reports were submitted by each AJMPU unit; and by Jessica Bowman-Ag/Natural Resources/Consumer Education; and by Susan Odum-CED Program Coordinator. Jessica stated she will attend an "Ag in The Classroom" conference on June 22^nd; that the "Fish Tails" program is planned for June 8^th-July 2^nd; and that a "Pond Management" program is scheduled for May 14^th . She also reported attending a beef meeting April 1^st regarding emergency preparedness in the event of bioterrorism involving Beef herds and other Livestock. Susan stated there would be a telenet program April 21^st entitled "Saving and Investing in Turbulent Times"

Jody talked about the current budget and that there were funds to help with the 4H fees but that a long term solution is needed. He said the county boards were paying the agreed upon amounts and that side agreements with the boards would be paid in June. He says the financial health of the Unit is good.

The next meeting of the AJMPU Council was scheduled previously for Karnak Thursday June 25^th at 4pm and will remain as scheduled.

Discussion: Susan suggested each County develop a county wide fund and not only for Extension. A local board would make decisions on where funds were spent. Jonathan Voltz felt a Web page was needed for the Unit and Jody said we had one and would send board members the address. Jody also stated that University employees no longer have cell phones due to budget constraints.

A motion to adjourn was made by Robin Mizell and seconded by Ruby Lingle. The motion carried and the meeting adjourned at approximately 6:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Chuck Weilmuenster

Council Secretary