Annual Meeting & Awards Task Force
Monday, March 3, 2008
Northfield Inn, Springfield
Committee Members Present:
Aaron Ferguson, Chairman Colleen Bogner, Advisor
Terry Bogner Marie Bunting, Advisor
Lee Bunting Cindy Moon, Advisor
Jake Klein Jean Churchill, IDOA Advisor
Phil Fossler Erin Pate, AISWCD Advisor
Darrell Roegge Jannifer Powelson, Advisor
Kenny Vosholler Chris Davis, IEPA Advisor
Dwayne Proctor Steve Stierwalt
Chairman Aaron Ferguson called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. The roll call sheet was passed out.
Minutes and agenda were approved with a motion by Jake Klein, second by Kenny Vosholler. Motion carried.
Dept of Ag Update
No report – Jean Churchill has set up the directors lawn for Summer Conference.
Auxiliary Update
Marie reported she was waiting for Summer Conference plans.
Annual Meeting
Erin Pate reported that AISWCD has to have an Annual Meeting of the board of directors. Erin also reported she had reviewed the contracts with the Hilton Hotel. Fee’s were as follows: Zero fee to lower the attendance amount 25% - 50%. To cancel the contract, it would cost $19,500. There are 389 rooms in the block. Changes need to be made by the latter part of April. Discussion followed.
A motion was made by Terry Bogner and seconded by Dwayne Proctor to cut the rooms 50% at the deadline. Motion carried.
Chris Davis (IEPA) suggested changing topics at the conference to encompass what is going to take districts into the next century.
Terry Bogner suggested looking at the awards program, to see how many we should go ahead with this year. He felt that the AISWCD should show the districts that at this time of financial crisis, they are cutting everything to the bone.
Lee Bunting suggested we get rid of all the fluff, have 2 – 4 hot topics in sessions, have a board meeting and then go home. Potential topics included: Taxing issues, structure, District Act, legislative process, sustainability of districts. Lee also suggested the possibility of forming a subcommittee from the Annual Meeting and Awards Committee.
Steve Stierwalt suggested we have some sessions the first day, and take action on items the second day.
Erin commented that John Deere has donated a garden tractor for the Farm Family. She was asked if the AISWCD could raffle the tractor off. Erin said that due to the way she wrote the letter, , that would not be possible. Erin will poll the districts to see how many will have a Farm Family entry.
A motion was made by Lee Bunting and seconded by Phil Fossler that AISWCD go ahead with the Farm Family Award is enough entries to be viable (minimum of five), and the Auxiliary Poster & Photography Awards. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Terry Bogner and seconded by Kenny Vosholler that the Poster & Photography Award be given out at the Soil Stewardship Breakfast, to be held on Tuesday morning. Motion carried.
The following will be the schedule for Summer Conference:
Make travel available for Sunday night for those who want it.
Monday Morning – Sessions
General Session – Monday Afternoon
Farm Family – Monday Night
Soil Stewardship Breakfast – Tuesday Morning
Annual Meeting – Immediately Following Soil Stewardship Breakfast
Possible Boxed Lunch – Tuesday Noon
It was recommended by the task force there be no barbeque, and no auction this year.
A motion was made by Marie Bunting, seconded by Terry Bogner that the committee meet again on April 7th, at 10:00 am. The location to be determined at later time. Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 11:55 am.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Moon
Advisor