WCEA Annual Meeting Minutes- November 2022
WCEA Committee Meeting November 6 2024
Present: Lisa Hanscom, Nick MacDonald, Ed Latham, Robin Pinto, Becca Whitney, Gabby Brodek, Inez Lombardo, Rachel White, Tara Wood, Cathy Lookabaugh
October minutes: Lisa motioned and Cathy seconded to accept minutes with all supporting except one abstention
A motion was made to elect Robin Pinto as the new secretary in addition to her Vice President role. All in favor.
Treasurer’s Report:Tara stated that only one check had been written for reimbursement since the last meeting.
Committee voted to ask Nick to investigate alternatives that might yield a higher return on the Machias Savings Bank CD prior to the expected reduction in the Fed rate. Robin proposed that motion and Ed seconded. All in favor.
Lisa reported that the County Budget Committee had been meeting but had yet to address the Extension Agency funding for next year. They plan to meet on November 12. Discussion revolves around keeping budget increases down to 20% or less.
Building Improvements:
Robin asked for clarification as to where funding for the required EA improvements was coming from. The University’s Cooperative Extension Committee at Orono will be footing a portion of the bill for the installation of the sprinkler system.
A construction manager will be hired to oversee work on the EA building. He anticipated significant difficulty in finding anyone willing or able. Real need to find a contractor with historic renovation sensitivity and skill. Expects action in spring-summer of 2025.
Tara reported that Bob Norman, retired police, is working on a plan for increased security within the building due to reoccurring thefts of supplies. The Executive Leadership team will review the plan.
A new boiler installed in the building this summer.
Staff Activities:
Tara reported that Andrew Dewey, Master Beekeeper, will be leading a class.
Rachel is planning a Downeast Ag and Fishing Conference in March 22. In April there will be a ruminant parasite meeting. She will be submitting a grant for a tractor safety course. The course will be split between a Zoom component and a hands-on component.
Gabby reported that this year’s Science Fridays have ended; other ongoing clubs continuing. Ed asked about the physical distribution of locations and participants. Gabby will develop a map to show where those programs have occurred.
Becca reported on a 4H tick investigation with pre-K kids at Cherryfield Elementary School. She also held a Machias forensic science program with mock investigation and evidence development.
Annual Meeting Review and Planning:
The 2024 meeting was inside at the Reynolds Center; about 65 people attended. Jason’s True Leaders kids presented to the audience. Their reports were well received.
Ongoing challenges with the cost of food: Angie’s Kitchen served a meal that cost $910. Not all was consumed. The 2023 meeting food was prepared by the UMM kitchen and cost $1024. Tara questioned whether this large expense was needed or could be ameliorated.
Rachel suggested options for finger foods. Inez suggested that Angie could be equally creative for smaller amounts of foods of different types.
Nick proposed a meeting date of May 31 – morning or afternoon — and would check with other participants on that date’s suitability.
Programs for 2025:
Suggestions included Chris Bartlett at Sea Grant, Virtual Reality in Tractor Training, More information on Forensics, and Andrew Dewey’s beekeeping.
Future Committee Member suggestions requested. Tara will share the spreadsheet for new members suggestions to be added. Please add those who you think would be a good addition to the WCEA.
Next Meeting
Robin proposed and Ed seconded that the next committee meeting December 4 occur in person. Unanimous consent.