Meeting Minutes - August 26, 2015
Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center, 3775 South Reese Rd, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Those Present:
District #1 Terry Schindler
District #2 John Densmore
District #3 Greg Ackerman
District #4
District #5 Allen Bischer
District #6 Ross Voelker, Vice Chair
District #7 Brian Stratton
District #8 John Krick, Treasurer
Shipper Representative Neil French
Executive Secretary Joe Cramer
Research Director Greg Varner
Others Present:
Nancy Nyquist MDARD
Kate Krepps MFB
The meeting was called to order at 2:45 p.m. by Vice-Chairman Ross Voelker as Chairman Stoutenburg, who is on the Sanilac County Fair Board was volunteering at the Sanilac County Fair today.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: A motion was made by Ackerman with support from Bischer to accept the agenda as printed. Motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT: there was none
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Bischer with support from Krick to accept the minutes dated July 8, 2015 as presented. Motion passed.
FINANCIAL REPORT: The financial reports for the month of July 2015 including monthly assessment reports, blank balances, year-to-date totals and budget comparison for both the Commission and PRAB were presented. A motion was made by Ackerman with support by Densmore to accept the financial report as presented and place on file. Motion passed.
FY 2015-16 BUDGET RECOMMENDATION – Cramer presented MBC and PRAB budgets for FY 2015-16. Following discussion which including revenue estimates, MBC Dues, Memberships and Subscriptions and PRAB Health Insurance, a motion was made by Densmore with support by Bischer to accept the proposed budget. Motion passed. (see attached)
Election of Officers and Committee Assignments for FY 2015-16:
Vice Chair Voelker opened the floor for nominations as follows:
· Chair - Ackerman was nominated by Bischer. With no other nominations, Ackerman was elected to the office of Chairman
· Vice Chair – Krick was nominated by Densmore. With no other nominations, Krick was elected to the office of Vice Chairman
· Treasurer – Bischer nominated Stoutenburg and Ackerman nominated Voelker. Ballots were cast and counted. Voelker was elected to the office of Treasurer.
· Executive Secretary – Cramer was named Executive Secretary
· PRAB – Stratton moved that Densmore, Stoutenburg, Schindler and Ackerman serve on the PRAB with Voelker and Bischer to serve as Alternates. Ackerman supported. Motion passed.
· SVREC Advisory Board – Densmore moved that Jack Frank and John Krick serve on the SVREC Advisory Board. Bischer supported. Motion passed.
· SVREC Fund Raising Committee – Ackerman moved that we name Jack Frank and Cramer to the SVREC Fund Raising Committee. Bischer supported. Motion passed.
· Farm Produce Insurance Authority Board – Ackerman’s appointment expires June 2016. The MBC will be invited to submit two nominees to the Governor’s office at that time.
· USDBC Representatives – Bischer moved to name Cramer to serve as Delegate and Stoutenburg to serve as Alternate to the USDBC. Densmore supported. Motion passed.
· Depositories – Bischer moved that Talmer Bank and Trust, Frankenmuth Credit Union and PNC Bank be listed as our depositories for FY 15-16. Stratton supported. Motion passed.
· Per Diem - a motion was made by Krick with support from Densmore to continue the meeting per diem rate at $75 each again this year. Motion passed.
· FY 15-16 Meeting Calendar – a motion was made by Bischer with support by Densmore to adopt the attached FY 15-16 meeting schedule as presented. Motion passed.
Assessment Discussion: Cramer recommended that the group consider participating in a strategic planning session prior to advancing an assessment increase strategy. Following discussion, Cramer was encouraged to identify a process, set a date and move the process forward.
Active Grant Update: Cramer briefly highlighted the status of the 3 active grants (Harvest Aids, Ingredient Phase II and the OBB Otebo Study) and the pending bean health application.
USDBC SUMMER MEETING REPORT:
· Voelker, Stoutenburg and Cramer attended. Voelker outlined the new production based funding formula and the positive vibe coming out of today’s Council. Stoutenburg is to be complimented for his leadership on the USDBC Exec. Committee.
AMERICAN PULSE ASSOCIATION:
· Cramer was elected Vice Chair during the July meeting
· Plans for the International Year of Pulses continue to develop.
· The Stackler Event will be held in NYC on November 18 with the kickoff of the IYOP at the UN to follow.
AG LEADERS OF MICHIGAN: Cramer noted:
· the Nutrition Presentation at the Capital Lunch & Learn in mid- July
· the three WJR Greening of the Great Lakes tapings which covered (1) Nutrition, (2) Sustainability and (3) Food Safety.
· press releases covering (1) white mold, (2) desiccants and (3) anthracnose
With no further business, vice-chair Voelker adjourned the meeting at 4:25 p.m.
Respectfully,
Joe Cramer
Joe Cramer, E.S.
3