Minutes submitted by Alan Durden, Secretary
The meeting began at 10:20 AM. Ross welcomed everyone and thanked Buncombe County for hosting the meeting and arranging a tour of the production facility of the Asheville Citizen.
Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
Treasurers Report - John Dorner reported some counties/agents were late in paying association dues. He noted he had paid state association dues for those late counties and needed those counties to pay their dues. It was suggested to email the directors of those counties and request the dues.
Kenneth McCaskill requested that the treasurer notify the county extension office when their dues were received.
John Dorner discussed income and reported that Mike Stroot was not accepted by the state as a member of the association. His title does not include "Extension Agent".
A motion was made by Steve Duckett to accept the treasurers report. Second by Kenneth McCaskill. The motion passed.
Internal Audit- Ross reported no progress had been made. He will follow up.
Horn of Plenty- Gary Hyatt reported that plans were progressing. There will be an early tour of the Taylor Ranch (site of the event) on July 15 at 10 am. Call him with any questions or concerns and encourage county staff to volunteer. Serving lines will be under a tent. Steve West is in charge of cleaning up. Joy Staton is in charge of food procurement.
In other old business, Danny Peeks replacement on 4H and Youth committee was discussed.
It was noted that new district lines will take effect on July 1. We need to be sure any new association members are added to mailing list. Philip Hedden is a new agriculture agent in Jackson/Swain. The deadline for applying for association scholarships is approaching.
Plans for an upcoming social event were discussed. Tom Harvey made the motion that we hold a family oriented event on a Friday at Lake Chatuge. Gary Hyatt seconded. Discussion followed. The motion was amended to include July 16 as the date with July 23 as a rain date. The amended motion was seconded and passed. John Dorner and Silas Brown will assist Tony McGaha in planning the event and its educational content. The funding of the event was brought up. Johnny Hensley made motion to use association funds with a cap of $500. Seconded by Steve Duckett and passed. Tom Harvey encouraged retired agent participation.
1999 NCACAA State Meeting- To be held in Greensboro. Early bird registration is over. Room registration open until June 1. Other details of the meeting were mentioned.
Alan Durden stated that the Western District nomination of Johnny Hensley for vice president of the state association has been sent to the chairman of the state nominating committee.
Ross Young pointed out that the Western District will be responsible for hosting the state meeting when Johnny serves as president elect for the state association (2000/2001). Johnny suggested we begin forming committees and look into a site and date for the 2001 state meeting. He noted that the hosting district's association director serves as state meeting chair. Alan Durden made motion to form an investigation committee to look into site and date. Committee will consist of Alan as chair, Johnny Hensley, Kenneth McCaskill, Kenneth Reeves, and Jeff Seiler. Motion seconded and passed. Suggestion and comments were made on potential sites. Roger Hyatt pointed out that state board must approve plans.
National meeting is in Omaha Nebraska, September 12-16. Members are encouraged to attend.
Changes in Constitution and By-laws were reported. It was noted that there were no big changes, just clarifying and cleaning up the language.
The agenda was amended to have lunch before committee reports.
Following lunch, David Curtis and Jeff Vance announced that an internal audit had been completed. The books are in good order and clearly written. It would be possible to move $500 more to the Money Market account. The committee will issue a letter to that effect. This letter will be attached to these minutes.
Benevolence- no report.
Communications- John Dorner announced that there is a 'sharing center' on the website. It is a place to share ideas that have worked in agent programs. There are 2 up now. Will enhance communication between agents.
Constitution and By-laws- A letter with changes was mailed out by the state and will be voted on at the state meeting.
4H and Youth- Tom Harvey reported only 2 applications for awards state wide. Winning applications have been projects that were done over several years. Consist of 1000 word document plus supporting documentation.
Life Membership- Commented that setting of todays meeting date and location at previous meeting was good idea. Encouraged association to continue setting time and place early.
Public Relations- Maurice McAlister reported that red and white caps may not be acceptable. One district is using khaki caps. Requests direction from membership. Jackets or shirts with logo might be desirable. Johnny Hensley has been looking into source and prices for his county. Consensus is to wait.
Recognition and Awards- John Dorner has submitted application for DSA. Steve Duckett is working on AA application. No applications for Young Agent Scholarship. Application for Service to Agriculture Award being worked on for Allan McMurry. Motion to accept John Dorner and Steve Duckett for DSA and AA respectively was made. Seconded and approved.
Resource and Program Development- Need to start a mentoring program for agents with less than 3 years. Have sent to Bernadette Watts for suggestions. For professional training, have been looking into motivational speakers. The committee will also act as a contact and aid if anyone knows of a grant they wish to apply for to aid the association. July 1 is the deadline for sending contributions to the scholarship fund. Bob Edwards (Alleghany County) is writing a grant for NC agents nursery tour. Contact if you wish to be considered.
Need to think on an ag tour for next summer.
Next meeting to be in Haywood County on October 7. Start at 10 am.
There will be an Ag and Natural Resources Update in Fletcher on July 19, 9:30 am to 4 pm.
Maurice McAlister, CRD Futuring Committee, posed question. Can Extension provide education component on land use planning? There will be a video conference at Fletcher on June 11 on land use planning educational programs. A discussion occurred on potential controversies of land use planning. Gary Hyatt made a motion that a representative of the Ag Agents Association attend and present Ag Agent's view point. Seconded by Steve Duckett and passed. David Curtis and Tom Harvey volunteered to attend meeting and report to group.
The next futuring committee meeting will be at Fletcher on August 17 from 3 to 6:30 pm.
Meeting adjourned at 2:45 pm.
Those attending were Alan Durden, Kenneth McCaskill, Tom Butzler, Linda Blue, Tony McGaha, Steve Duckett, Tom Harvey, Jeff Vance, Gary Hyatt, David Curtis, Maurice McAlister, Johnny Hensley, Ross Young, John Dorner, Roger Hyatt, and Jeff Seiler.
Minutes submitted by
Alan Durden, Secretary
NCACAA, Western District
Attachment:
5-27-99
To Whom It May Concern:
On this date, 5-27-99, the books of the WD-NCACAA were audited by David Curtis and Jeff Vance along with the treasurer John Dorner. This committee found all funds and accounting of the Association monies in order with no discrepancies or irregularities.
The committee is pleased with the readability of the report as it is currently being presented (lotus spreadsheet program).
Jeff Vance
David Curtis
To be entered into the minutes of the Ag Agents meeting 5-27-99.
Posted on 4/19/99.
Please send comments and suggestions to John Dorner.