Wisconsin Association of Land Conservation Employees

Shawn Stocks                                       Pepin County LCD, 740 7^th Ave. W., P.O. Box 39                   (715)672-8665

WALCE Secretary                                              Durand, WI  54736-0039                                  FAX: (715)672-8248

sstocks@co.pepin.wi.us

WALCE MEETING MINUTES

February 19, 2003

Radisson Conference & Hotel

LaCrosse, Wisconsin

Board Members Present:  Troy Kuphal, Shawn Stocks, Dale Olson, Tom Sweeney, Penny Pohle, Don Franke, Brad Robole, Mark Jenks, Rick Mechelke, and Dan O’Connell.

Excused Absent:  Greg Cleereman, Greg Baneck

Call to Order:  A welcome from Troy Kuphal and introductions from the board were given.

Minutes:  Motion made by Dale Olson to approve the January 9, 2003 minutes.  Motion seconded by Dan O’Connell.  Motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer’s Report:  Tom Sweeney reviewed the 2002 budget status and year end balance. There being no questions, Tom presented and reviewed the proposed 2003 WALCE Budget.  A question was raised as to how the Professional Consulting Services fees are spent and the amount spent from previous years. Troy explained the professional fees are primarily for legal consulting and that the proposed amount for 2003 is higher than past years in anticipation of rough budget years ahead. The Board also felt that return of investment was greater for this compared to other potential expenses, such as Thursday Note.  Expenses related to these services are actually paid to WLWCA as reimbursement. Payment amounts will be based on invoices for actual services benefiting and/or requested by WALCE. Motion made by Dean Kaatz, Marathon County, to approve the 2003 WALCE budget as presented.  Motion seconded by Matt Zoschke, Washington County.  Motion carried by voice vote.

Consideration of WALCE Bylaw’s Changes: Troy gave a detailed overview of the proposed bylaw changes (See attachments A & B). Motion made by Al Hoff, Monroe County, to accept the WALCE Bylaw changes as presented.  Motion seconded by Tony Pillow, Iowa County.  Discussion ensued.  Motion was made by Paul Sebo, Washington County, to have the Board appoint to each of the committees whoever from the Board would best fit the role, rather than having the bylaws dictate a specific officer to be appointed.  Seconded by Jim Hebbe, Green Lake. Voting Yes 31, No 25.  Amendment passed.  Discussion ensued on Secretary and Treasurer as appointed rather than elected officers.  Motion made by Dave Nashold to amend the proposed bylaws to keep the Secretary and Treasurer as elected officers.  Seconded by Nancy Lannert, Jefferson County.  Discussion ensued on pros and cons of proposed changes. Amendment failed by voice vote. Discussion took place regarding the voting rights of Area Representatives on standing committees. Motion made and seconded to change proposed bylaws to give voting rights to both Area Representatives on each committee. Amendment passed by voice vote.  A question was raised regarding the Board’s authority to make grammatical and spelling changes after the proposed bylaws were adopted.  By general consensus, the membership agreed that the Board would have such authority as long as such changes were not substantive. There being no further discussion, Troy called for the vote on the original motion to accept the proposed bylaws changes with the passed amendments. Motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

Consideration of Resolution 03-1: Troy gave a detailed overview of reasons why the Board would like to pursue realignment of counties into a fewer number of WALCE Areas (see attachments C & D). Troy made clear that the resolution does not authorize the Board to make the changes automatically; rather, it seeks conceptual support from the membership for it. Once the Board decided on a final proposal, it would be presented to the full membership for consideration.  After brief discussion, motion made by Tony Pillow, Iowa County, to approve the resolution.  Motion seconded by Mary Jo Webster, LaCrosse County. Motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

Reports: 

• President’s Report: Troy reported that the newly adopted bylaws and resolution largely represents the culmination of the Board’s work over the past year.  He reiterated that these changes put WALCE in position to move strongly into the future, particularly by opening up new opportunities for involvement and participation by its members.  He encouraged members to take advantage of these new opportunities and be part of WALCE’s future.
• WALCE Scholarship: Dale Olson reported that a total four (4) scholarships were awarded in 20032.  Dale explained that the scholarship provides up to $300.00 towards training and continuing education, and encouraged members to take advantage of this member benefit. All they need to do is fill out an application. Applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee, a subcommittee of the Board, typically within a few days.  A total of $1600 is available for 2003.

Agency Reports:

·        NRCS: Pat Murphy touched on NRCS and the continuing of training for Rusle II, certification training, and CNMP.

·        WLWCA:  Rebecca Bauman talked about the resolution that was published in the Thursday Note.  She further mentioned that the Regional NACD Conference will be taking place in Wisconsin this year, and is looking for some volunteer counties to give presentations on local success stories.

Adjourn:  Motion made to adjourn by Don Franke, LaCrosse County.  Motion seconded by Butch Lobermeier, Price County.  Motion carried by voice vote.

Respectively submitted by:  Shawn Stocks, WALCE Secretary.  Reviewed by Troy Kuphal, WALCE President.

Approved at the April 10, 2003 Meeting.