MACD General Assembly Meeting December 8, 2011 Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Meeting Minutes

Transcription

1 MACD General Assembly Meeting December 8, 2011 Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort Mt. Pleasant, Michigan Meeting Minutes Attendees - Alcona, Charlevoix, Marquette, Genesee, Muskegon, Hillsdale, Huron, Ionia, Eaton, Delta, Ingham, Branch, Huron, Livingston, Missaukee, Livingston, Arenac, Ottawa, Tuscola, Muskegon, Shiawassee, Saginaw. Call to Order - Mike Lawless, MACD President, called the meeting to order at 8:25am on December 8, Introduction of State Council, Officers and Staff - Lawless introduces MACD State Council members, officers and staff members of the Association. Election of MACD Officers - MACD officer candidates were introduced and each candidate reviewed their potential contribution to MACD. Candidates: President - Art Pelon- Ionia CD and Paul Schroder, Muskegon CD Vice President Tony Czymbor, Saginaw CD and Herb Smith, Monroe CD Secretary/Treasurer Betsy Koehnlein and Kevin Craig General Assembly Meeting Minutes Motion was made by Livingston to accept the 2010 minutes, supported by Muskegon. Discussion followed with a correction with the addition of Monroe Conservation District to the list of attendees. Motion-CARRIED MACD Financial Statements Betsy Koehnlein, MACD Treasurer, reviewed the financial statement and audit report. Motion by Branch to approve the financial statements, supported by Tuscola. Motion- CARRIED Page

2 Consideration of Resolutions and Bylaw Amendments Resolution to Support Comprehensive Farm Energy Audits Submitted by the Ionia and Montcalm Conservation Districts Whereas: Farm operations are greatly impacted by energy costs. Whereas: The farm headquarters is just part of the farm impacted by energy use, therefore the entire farm should be considered in an audit to reduce energy consumption. Whereas: Energy use is much broader than electricity such as: diverted gutter water to reduce the amount of fuel for manure hauling or tillage practices that reduce fuel use. Comprehensive Farm Energy Audits will identify other energy reductions. Whereas: Whole farm energy audits should be a cost-shareable Farm Bill program item. Whereas: We believe entire Farm planning is important to identify needed practices that will protect our natural resources. Whereas: Farm energy audits are essential in consistently identified energy saving recommendations needed among farms. These practices can be used to develop costs list for future implementation. Be it Therefore Resolved: We promote Comprehensive Farm Energy Audits for financial assistance to promote both completion of farm energy audits and implementation of recommended energy saving practices to help conserve our natural resources. Discussion - Director Ed Blyth, Ionia Conservation District provided an overview of the resolution, noting that this program is in line with the Farm Bill. Marquette motioned to approve the resolution as presented the motion was seconded by Livingston. MOTION CARRIED (Jackson) This resolution, because of its national focus, will move on to the NACD North Central Region for adoption and if accepted, will move to the National association of Conservation District s annual meeting in February MACD Bylaw Amendment- Article 5.1 Submitted by the MACD State Council This amendment will create a three level tiered voting structure to match the three level dues structure to provide member Conservation Districts of differing financial means the opportunity to participate as a voting member of the Association. 5.1 VOTING MEMBERS Voting privileges of member Conservation Districts will be available on a tiered basis provide member Districts of differing financial means the opportunity to participate as a voting member of the Association. Tiered Voting Categories: $250 -$649 One Vote $650 - $999 Two Votes $1,000 and above Three Votes Additionally, the State Council requests the addition of the following to amend Article 5.1 to clarify voting rules: Add: Article 5.11 Votes allocated to a single District will be cast by the designated delegate from the District. Add: Article 5.12 There will be no opportunity to split the vote allocation of a single District. Add: Article 5.13 No proxy votes will be provided. 2 Page

3 CURRENT BYLAWS: ARTICLE 5 - MEMBERSHIP AND DUES 5.1 VOTING MEMBERS - Each District shall be deemed a voting member of this Association. Discussion: Monroe, Delta, Livingston asked for clarification of article Phalen explained that a District with three votes must vote all three votes the same. As an example, a District could not split their three votes with two yes votes and one no vote. Jackson - Concerned with the addition of the extra votes for Districts paying full dues. Muskegon- Concerned that this resolution may have a long term negative impact. Genesee Noted that the State Council struggled with the fact that only 22 Districts paid dues in full and through this requested change, are working to allow more districts to participate as a voting member of the association. Jackson Noted that the current system restricts Districts with less money from attending the annual meeting. Lapeer - Concerned about the levels. They used some of their dues support to encourage MACD membership with a struggling District, to help them get back on their feet. They are not convinced that selling votes will get more participation. Just allow every County to have a vote regardless. Lawless noted that the dues are set by the general assembly, not the state council. Livingston - Does not know the solution. Can we survey the Districts? Huron Noted that there are no consequences for not paying. Give one-year trial. It can always be changed back. Tuscola - Encouraged the State Council to find ways to engage Directors. If a County is able to pay full dues, they cannot phantom why they are not paying the dues. Muskegon - Why didn t the dues structure get tied to the membership levels? Phalen responded that membership would be linked if this resolution passes. Lawless added that the current dues payment levels are linked to items that costs staff time to manage. The voting levels will be linked to current membership levels if this resolution passes. The dues letter received in October is for fiscal year 2012, if the resolution passes, will provide the opportunity for Districts to update their dues to take advantage of the tiered voting. Huron- Will payment plans still be offered? Lawless responded yes, payment plans will continue. The goal of this program is to more inclusive to Districts of various financial means. Genesee - The bylaw for payment plans is another section and it is not changing. Phalen confirmed and read the current bylaw for payment plans. Jackson motioned to amend the resolution to allow for one-year trial and too be reviewed in one-year, supported by Genesee. Discussion: Jackson This will require a review next year. Saginaw By having a one year trial, the trial provides the opportunity to pole districts. Lapeer- Everyone needs representation, no matter where they are financially. 3 Page

4 Ionia Called to Question the amendment. MOTION CARRIED (15-0). Dickinson Called to Question the Bylaw with the amendment. MOTION CARRIED (16-0). Bylaw Amendment Article 5.2 Submitted by the MACD State Council This amendment will update Article 5.2 with the three level tiered dues structure language. 5.2 Annual dues for the support of the Association shall be determined by the Assembly (as defined in Article 7). Dues shall be due within the first sixty days of MACD s Fiscal Year. Members whose dues are paid in full to the level of membership declared by each District will retain all privileges and services associated with that level of membership. CURRENT BYLAWS: ARTICLE 5 - MEMBERSHIP AND DUES 5.2 DUES - Annual dues for the support of the Association shall be determined by the Assembly (as defined in Article 7). Dues shall be due within the first sixty days of MACD s Fiscal Year. If dues are not received within the first sixty days of MACD s Fiscal Year, voting privileges of that District will be suspended until full payment is received, unless that District submits a written payment plan that is approved by the Executive Council prior to that year's annual meeting. Members whose dues are paid in full will retain all other privileges and services provided by the Association. Genesee motioned to approve the Bylaw, supported by Dickinson. Jackson motioned to include a provision for a payment plan, supported by Ionia. Lawless called for a vote on the Jackson motion. MOTION CARRIED (16-0). Lawless called for a vote on the Bylaw, with Jackson motion. MOTION CARRIED (16-0). MACD Bylaw Amendment Article 7.45 Submitted by the State Council This amendment will update the language to determine a quorum to agree with the amendments to Article A quorum shall be a majority of Districts present with dues paid in full to the level of membership declared by each District upon initial payment of fiscal year dues. CURRENT BYLAWS ARTICLE 7 - ASSEMBLY 7.45 A quorum shall be a majority of Districts present with dues paid in full. Delta motioned to approve, supported by Charlevoix. Dickinson: Point of Order - is there quorum in the room currently? Lawless indicated that there was indeed a quorum, with 24 Districts paid in full, with 16 present. Lawless called for a vote: MOTION CARRIED (16-0). Presidents Report Mike Lawless Attended the NACD convention in February. It was an eye opening experience and gave him a new perspective on the role of Districts and of NACD. Visited Lansing in the spring to visit with 4 Page

5 legislators. Things are changing. He optimistic that Districts will be recognized and hopes it will be done in a way that we don t live and die with a line item. Lawless encouraged other directors to attend a State Council meeting. If you have issues with what MACD does, attend a state council meeting to discuss with the Council. Additionally, Lawless encouraged directors to attend the summer conference; it is a great learning opportunity. In wrapping up his report, Lawless noted that it has been his pleasure to represent directors on the state council and he thanked everyone for opportunity to serve as president. Executive Director Report - Lori Phalen A busy year! Began with a few hiccups with the loss of Ann Cool, communications associate. Waited to replace her because of financial issues. Pleased to have had the opportunity to hire Angela Sandusky, as the new Michigan Envirothon Coordinator in a combination position with MACD, taking on the responsibility for communications activities. Phalen discussed legislative efforts and stressed the importance of being visible and engaged in Lansing. You have to be in the room or your issues will be left unaddressed. NRCS Contribution Agreements. The deliverables based agreement provides a direct pass through of funds to districts upon completion of assigned tasks. All funds go out to Conservation Districts. The other is for outreach activities to support Farm Bill programs with funds remaining with MACD for reimbursement of tasks as assigned. Envirothon Report - Angela Sandusky Sandusky introduced herself as the new Michigan Envirothon Coordinator and communications associate, working on a ¾ time basis. Recently came on board, so is spending time learning the program and ramping up for the regional competitions. For 2011, a total of 28 teams participated in the program. Election Results New officers for the next two years are as follows: Art Pelon, President Tony Czymbor, Vice President Betsy Koehnlein, Secretary/Treasurer Mike Lawless, Past President Member Comments Livingston thanked Phalen and Lawless for their hard work over the past year and noted that is has been a distinct pleasure to work with Lori. Meeting Adjourned, 11:35am. Respectfully Submitted, Lori Phalen, Executive Director 5 Page