December Cedar County MU Extension Council meeting report

The members of the Cedar County MU Extension Council met on the evening of Dec. 5 at the Cedar County Memorial Hospital Health Complex. This report is adapted from the minutes provided by council secretary Kelly Hendricks. Members present were Nedra Fox, Kelly Kendricks, Jordan Richner, Maranda Spangler and Frank Anderson.

After minutes and treasurer’s reports were approved unanimously committee reports were given. Budget, finance and audit committee reported on the budget meeting held Dec. 2 and the 2017 budget was presented to the council for approval. Council approved the budget and budget will be presented to the Cedar County Commissioners for consideration. If the proposed budget is approved, based on funding for the support staff, the office hours of the Cedar County MU Extension Center will change to 8 a. m. to 12:30 p. m. and 1 p. m. to 4:30 p. m. daily Monday through Friday.

The election committee discussed the candidates for consideration on the ballot for the public election in January 2017 and all names were approved for the ballot. During the programs committee discussion Velynda Cameron discussed a program call “Protectmokids.com” which is a free online education course designed specifically for mandated reporters but available for anyone interested in learning more about protecting children through mandated reporting. Other MU Extension programs in November and December were discussed during program committee discussion.

The old business that was brought up for discussion was the Commissioners Showcase that was held on Dec. 15. Council member Nedra Fox as well as county program director Patrick Davis planned to attend. In addition to council members, county commissioners and clerks were invited to attend.

In new business, the annual meeting was set for the evening of Feb. 6. Discussion led to having the program committee look into availability of the Stockton Christian Church Activity Center to hold the meeting.

Velynda Cameron introduced the new Cedar County MU Extension Youth Program Assistant David Black. He is a part time employee and will be in the office on Mondays and throughout the rest of the week as his schedule allows.

Patrick Davis MU Extension Regional Livestock Specialist presented information related to the Reaching Out Report and the meeting was adjourned.

The next meeting of the Cedar County MU Extension Council will begin at 7 p.m. Jan. 9 in the Cedar County Memorial Hospital Health Complex in Stockton.