St. Louis Master Gardener Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes October 31, 2017

Transcription

1 St. Louis Master Gardener Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes October 31, 2017 Present: Absent: Guests: Staff: Gloria Mahoney, Terry Milne, Durinda Mullins, Cheryl Rafert, Anne Rankin-Horton, Ned Siegel, Marsha Smith, Betty Struckhoff, and Nona Swank. None. Betsy Alexander, Nancy McCormick, and Jim Cocos. Scott Bahan, Nathan Brandt, Glenn Kopp, and Holly Records. The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. by Chairperson Ned Siegel. REPORTS Minutes (Cheryl Rafert, Secretary). Cheryl presented the minutes of the September 2017 meeting. After corrections, the minutes were unanimously approved. They will be posted on-line. Treasurer s Report/Financial Report (Nona Swank, Treasurer). For the October Treasurer's Report, Nona summarized the revenue and expenses for the entire fiscal year to date, i.e., entries posted June 27 through October 25. The summary assists the subcommittees. Focusing only on the month of October, Nona reported revenue of $413 (Speaker's Bureau fees and MG merchandise) and expenses of $ (Honoraria, website hosting, and memorials) for an ending balance of $43, Discussion held about the cost of the holiday party. AC voted to approve a revision to the holiday party budget from $1000 to $1400, which will include the raffle expenses of approximately $400. Glenn Kopp noted that Clarity now sends invoices every 6 months instead of every year. The AC approved financial reports from August, September, and October SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Community Outreach/Awards (Nona Swank). Donations/Awards Subcommittee met on October 10. AC discussed whether to donate $10,000 towards the purchase of a spider lift for canopy trimming at MBG. MBG has had to rent equipment twice a year for a total of four weeks to trim the tree canopies. Jim Cocos, Senior Manager of Horticulture, described the benefits of the spider lift. The cost is $115,000 (a discount from the for-profit cost of $150,000). Other organizations such as the Iris Society and both the West County and MBG Daylily Societies have provided donations as well. A spider lift will avoid the need to close off an area until the equipment is rented. AC approved a motion to donate $10,000 for purchase of spider lift. The subcommittee seeks more proposals for donations. Considering going to where the MGs volunteer, such as St. Louis County Parks, International Institute, Brightside, Forest ReLeaf, Nutrition Office at Extension, etc. for suggestions. Gardens always need upgrades with fence, hoses, raised beds, etc. Mary Bolin of Extension (Nutrition) could attend a meeting of the AC or subcommittee and could host a tour of the Nutrition gardens. The subcommittee discussed providing a donation of $900 for six more Kemper videos. The AC considered this proposal. The motion to donate $900 was tabled in order to see the first video prior to donating more funds. 1

2 The subcommittee discussed making a donation to Gateway Greening for urban orchards. The cost is $3000 for 16 trees and 6 bushes. A micro orchard of 5 trees and 2 bushes would be about $1000. This is modeled after a program in Kansas City. Some orchards already are being established in the St. Louis area. The AC discussed the need to know the long-term care plan. Ideally a person should be paid for the tree maintenance. Motion to donate $3000 to Gateway Greening was tabled subject to whether they have a plan for ongoing maintenance. Discussion held about the impact of chemical spraying on the neighbors next to the orchards. Discussion held about asking Bryan Rogers from Gateway Greening to come to next month's AC meeting as well as assisting with a continuing education program as a follow-up should a donation be granted. Garden Tour Subcommittee voted to hold the MG garden tour every other year beginning in Holly will talk with Nathan Urben, MBG Horticulturist, about a prospective private tour of his personal garden. Volunteer Fair Discussion held about the cost/benefit of discontinuing the volunteer fair. Thirty MGs replied to a survey that the fair was helpful, and they would recommend it. Discussion held about having a site crawl (i.e. progressive tour) with MGs present at each site. Could offer a card to give an award to those who attend all sites. Communications (Betty Struckhoff). Communication Guidelines The AC reviewed the communication guidelines sheet provided by the subcommittee explaining who to contact to distribute information. The s of all people to contact are in the guidelines. Nathan Brandt's will be added to the list. The guidelines will be posted on under Member's Corner. Holly' Record's list is the only means to reach all MGs. Betty asked Holly to send another to MGs about the private Facebook group. Marsha is an editor of the public Facebook page along with Nathan Brandt, Glenn Kopp, Holly Records, and Lynn Yenawine. They have regular postings about vegetable gardening and other topics. Nathan's postings have been popular. Website Marsha is developing the proposed new website on her web hosting site to see if we can accomplish what we want to do. They are working with WordPress. The committee has chosen a popular WoodPress theme. The next issue is secure editing for hours reporting and the MG Directory. They are working with Holly about the participant database. Sub-committees Sub-committee Chairs have provided details on their activities and members to Betty. This information will be posted on the website under Member's Corner. Education (Betsy Alexander). A program by Amy Dunlap was held on October 21, with 26 attendees. Holly will ask Karen Watkins about the lavender, tree, and tea classes she discussed last month. Question raised as to why MG programs are done once a month. Some say there are too many, some say not enough. Discussion about having changes to this format such as: having two per month in the spring and fall because few attend in the summer, having two classes on a Saturday with a brown bag lunch, offer electronic education and on-line classes (Oregon and Texas offer modules), and provide tours (e.g., farm tour about growing cut flowers). Could have a Survey Monkey 2

3 question on a regular basis to ask questions of MGs. To get all MGs together at once for meetings would require renting a hall. It would be helpful to have a regular AC report to the MGs about AC projects. From a survey 3 years ago, MGs expressed an interest in wanting more low key get-togethers. Membership (Gloria Mahoney). Margaret is in charge of merchandise and would like to reduce the large variety of items offered. Janie from Extension can assist at the Holiday Party. All information for the program is required by November 6. The program will include a list of donations. The Master of Ceremonies will open the program. Ad hoc: MG Fundraising (Ned Siegel). No meeting and no report. OLD BUSINESS (Ned Siegel, Chair). MBG MU Extension MOU (Nathan Brandt and Glenn Kopp). The MOU between MBG and MU Extension has been signed. Nathan will forward a copy of the signed agreement to the AC. Extension is working to assume responsibility of the funds by the end of The MG account is no longer being used for new expenses. They will check whether Phil paid Clarity. Holiday Party reimbursements will go through Extension. Glenn will find out if the $10,000 donation for the spider lift can be transferred directly to the MBG. MU Extension Council - MG MOU (Nathan Brandt). Several people have reviewed the draft and suggested changes to better define the obligations of the parties. MoMGA activity (Terry Milne). Terry plans to attend the MoMGA meeting with Kathleen this Friday. Clarity (Glenn Kopp). Glenn handled the Clarity contract, and no follow-up is necessary. NEW BUSINESS (Ned Siegel, Chair). None. STAFF REPORTS MG Volunteers (Holly Records). For the new MG class, people were accepted. The cap was 35. About 47 people were accepted for the evening class. Ned asked Holly to provide a report on the last class about where they volunteer, etc. Some MGs have interesting stories to share. MGs in Iowa have a yard-a-thon in the spring or fall to find homes needing yard cleanup. This is a large event that includes food. Ned mentions that Illinois MGs offer a master mob for weeding or installing a new garden bed for people with physical limitations. NPR had a news story about this. This type of activity would make a positive impact in the community. Funding may be needed. Could bring snacks and recipes. Jane's gourd garden is an inspiration. MU Extension (Nathan Brandt). At the annual conference last week, there was discussion about the standard code of conduct for MGs, 4H volunteers, etc. All MGs must sign the form, and those who do not sign would be deactivated. They will offer on-line or hard copy submissions. This is an annual requirement. Insurance from Extension is offered for those 3

4 who sign the form. Discussion about mandated reporters and the need for training. They will have a video about the mandated reporter requirement. The new MG class signs it on their first day. Nathan will follow up regarding the mandated reporting. The forms will be sent to everyone on January 1, MBG Volunteers/Events (Scott Bahan). MBG is in full Garden Glow mode. MG nights will be held on November 19 and 28. An will be sent tomorrow. The December shifts will be distributed on November 2. Orientation will be held tomorrow for new volunteers. For free membership, MGs must volunteer at MBG for over 50 hours per year, and 125 hours for festival membership. Discussion held where to include AC meetings in MG time reports; and hours should be added to where the AC member volunteers, e.g. Kemper. This may be clarified with the new website. MBG Horticultural Information/Kemper (Glenn Kopp). Kemper closes at 3:00 p.m. November 13 through January 1, when the Plant Doctors leave. Phil Egart and Glenn Kopp will still be there after 3. The Climatron also closes at 3:00. The Garden closes at 4:00 p.m. The Garden Glow opens at 5:00 p.m. Kemper will be closed Thanksgiving Day. The whole Garden will be closed on Christmas. The Kemper decorations are coming along great. ACTION/TABLED ITEMS. Motions approved at meeting Holiday party budget expense forecast revised upward from $1000 to $1400. Donation of $10,000 to be provided to MBG for the purchase of a spider lift. Tabled items Motion to donate $900 for 6 more Kemper videos. Motion to donate $3000 to Gateway Greening for an orchard. Gateway Greening representatives to attend meeting to explain long-term maintenance. Action items Gateway Greening will be asked to assist with a program about fruit tree planting and care. Holly will talk with Nathan Urben about a possible tour of his garden. Holly will talk with Karen Watkins about the program ideas Karen presented to the AC last month. Holly will send a reminder to MGs about the existence of the private MG Facebook page. Nathan will forward a copy of the MBG-MU Extension MOU to the AC. Glenn will find out whether the $10,000 donation to MBG can be transferred directly to MBG. Betty will add information about the subcommittees to the website. Nathan will provide more information about the mandated reporter requirement. Consider having an MG yard-a-thon or master mob for those needing assistance with yardwork. Continuing Action Items: Consider the value of MOMGA and whether AC will continue to pay for memberships. Contact directors of neighboring MG chapters about their impressions. Find out more about MOMGA's activities. Challenge MOMGA to do more than they currently are doing. Terry Milne and Dwayne James volunteered to begin obtaining more information from others. Review the signed MBG/MU Extension MOU and consider the impact it may have upon the St. Louis MG organization moving forward. Review progress on the MOU being finalized between St. Louis MGs and UM Extension Council. 4

5 Once both MOUs are final, the AC will revise by-laws to be in accordance with the MOUs. Consider pursuing 501(c)(3) status. Awards/Outreach subcommittee to continue to provide proposal for spend-down of budget. Ad hoc subcommittee will continue to report on fundraising suggestions. ANNOUNCEMENTS. The next Advisory Committee meeting will be held on November 28, 2017 beginning at 1:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 3:10 p.m. Cheryl Rafert, Secretary 5