Sheboygan County Posted 2/10/18 12:35 PM
NOTICE OF MEETING
PLANNING, RESOURCES, AGRICULTURE AND EXTENSION COMMITTEE
February 27, 2018 - 4:15 PM
UW Sheboygan Campus 5 University Drive
Sheboygan, WI 53081
UW-Extension Office - Room 5024
*Agenda* Call to Order Certification of Compliance with Open Meeting Law Approval of Minutes PRAE Committee – Regular Meeting – January 23, 2017 4:15 PM Public Input and Comments on Agenda Items/Non-Agenda Items Correspondence Planning & Conservation Discussion on Harvesting Timber at the Marsh UW-Extension
Consideration of UW-Extension Impact Report Consideration of 4th Quarter Variance Report 2017 Annual Report Update on nEXT Generation Reorganization
Register of Deeds Consideration of 4th Quarter Variance Report 2017 Annual Report
Approval of Attendance at Other Meetings or Functions Travel Report and Report of Meetings and Functions Attended Review and Approve Vouchers Adjourn Next scheduled meetings March 13, 2018 at 4:15 PM (Planning & Conservation Focus) March 27, 2018 at 4:15 PM (UW-Extension Focus) Prepared by: Ann Herzog Keith Abler Recording Secretary Committee Chairperson NOTE: A majority of the members of the County Board of Supervisors or of any of its committees may be present at this meeting to listen, observe and participate. If a majority of any such body is present, their presence constitutes a "meeting" under the Open
Sheboygan County Posted 2/10/18 12:35 PM
Meeting Law as interpreted in State ex rel. Badke v. Greendale Village Board, 173 Wis. 2d 553 (1993), even though the visiting body will take no action at this meeting. Wis. Stat. § 19.84 requires that each meeting of a governmental body be preceded by a public notice setting forth the time, date, place, and subject matter of the meeting. This Notice and Agenda is made in fulfillment of this obligation. Electronic versions of this Notice and Agenda may hyperlink to documents being circulated to members in anticipation of the meeting and are accessible to the public for viewing. Additions, subtractions, or modifications of the hyperlinked materials do not constitute an amendment to the meeting agenda unless expressly set forth in an Amended Notice and Agenda. Members of the public are encouraged to check from time to time before the meeting to see whether the hyperlinked content has been changed from what was originally posted. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend or participate are asked to notify Sarah Tarjeson, 920-459-5915 prior to the meeting so that accommodations may be arranged.
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UW-Extension Sheboygan County February 2018 - IMPACT REPORT
Sheboygan County Planning, Resources,
Agriculture & Extension Committee
Keith Abler Chairperson
Fran Damp
Vice-Chairperson
James Baumgart Steven Bauer Curt Brauer
Board Members
Stanley Lammers Citizen Member
UW-Extension Sheboygan County
Use your phone, iPad or tablet camera to scan the code above to find UWEX on the web! (Barcode Reader or Google Goggle
apps may be needed.)
UW-Extension
Sheboygan County 5 University Drive
Sheboygan, WI 53081 920-459-5900
University of Wisconsin,
United States Department of Agriculture, and
Wisconsin Counties cooperating.
University of Wisconsin-Extension provides equal opportunities in employ-ment and programming, including Title IX & ADA.
Agriculture and Natural Resources
4‐H Youth Development
Sarah Tarjeson, 4‐H Youth Development Educator and Linda Robson, 4‐H Youth Development Program Coordinator
T he life skills members learn in 4‐H relate to leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and communication; and they will do it while engaging in fun, hands‐
on 4‐H activities. 4‐H is able to help youth learn to express themselves and listen to the needs, concerns, and ideas of others. Being able to effectively communicate with your head, heart, hands, and health is a lifelong skill that is refined through practice.
According to the Communication Activities: For 4‐H Clubs and other Youth Groups literature, there is value in helping youth learn what’s involved in communicating effectively. The four H’s show why good communication skills are significant:
Head: It is important that as communicators we think about what we want to say and how we wish to behave.
Hands: Communication skills enable people to reach out and respond supportively to the needs and concerns of others in their families and communities.
Health: Human communication is so important that its presence or absence affects our physical and emotional health.
Heart: Effective communicators are those who care about the relationship.
Throughout the 4‐H year, youth learn and practice life skills tied to communication, typically at their community club meetings. The 4‐H Communication Arts Festival, where youth will be using various forms of art to communicate, is on February 25, 2018. This year, 38 youth will be exhibiting nearly 100 entries.
The Festival gives youth an opportunity to use several strategies and tools to communicate a message to the general public. Youth will be critiqued by skilled judges on speeches, demonstrations, interpretive readings, photography, posters, art pieces, and creative writing. The judges
provide both verbal and written feedback to the youth on their exhibits. The judges will talk with the youth on delivery, composition, how visual appealing it is, and other criteria that relate to the skill of communication. This event truly is a great way for youth to practice their communication skills in relation to their head, heart, hands, and health!
Sheboygan County UW-Extension Staff
920.459.5900
Michael J. Ballweg Agriculture Agent
Jane E. Jensen
Family Living Educator
Sarah J. Tarjeson 4-H Youth
Development Educator
Linda Robson 4-H Youth Development
Program Coordinator
Kevin Struck Growth Management
Educator
Amanda Miller FoodWIse Coordinator (shared with Fond du Lac)
Janeth Orozco
FoodWIse Nutrition Educator
Administrative
Assistants
Ann Herzog
Tammy Zorn
Nancy Brown
Area Extension
Director
Cindy Sarkady
Mike Ballweg, Agriculture Agent
Nearly 40 farmers, industry nutritionists, and area agronomists attended the All Things Corn Silage program held January 19, 2018 at Chissy’s in Waldo. This program was developed and sponsored by UW‐Extension Sheboygan County, along with the Sheboygan County Forage Council. The Forage Council’s purposes are: 1) To learn about and promote the production and utilization of quality forages as a prime agricultural resource in Sheboygan County, and 2) To help identify local educational needs in forage management.
All Things Corn Silage – Understanding the Choices Agronomic Practices to Optimize Yields and Quality Understanding Corn Silage Quality and Management for Increased Profits and Cow Health
Numerous positive comments were shared regarding the quality and usefulness of this educational program.
Dr. Joe Lauer teaches about the best forage options for high animal performance.
About the speakers:
Joe Lauer, UW‐Extension / UW‐Madison Corn Specialist Our mission is to generate science based solutions and develop corn management educational programs that address needs expressed by Wisconsin farmers. Specific objectives focus on: grain crop productivity, corn silage yields and quality, and production system efficiencies including hybrid selection, rotational benefits and tillage practices. Emphasis is on impact of cropping practices on grower profitability, the environment, and natural resource conservation.
John Goeser, Research Director & Animal Nutritionist, Rock River Labs, Watertown John Goeser grew up in the agriculture industry with his family’s dairy near Plymouth, WI. After earning B.S. degrees in Dairy Science and Agronomy at UW‐Madison, Goeser earned an M.S. degree in Plant Breeding & Genetics, as well as an M.S. and a Ph.D. in Dairy Science from UW‐Madison. In his current role with Rock River, Goeser oversees animal nutrition, technical support, and research—focusing on carbohydrate digestion, forage management, and feed hygiene. Goeser also holds an adjunct assistant professor appointment with the
UW‐Madison Dairy Science Department.
PROGRAM TOPICS
INCLUDED:
UW-Extension Sheboygan County UW-Extension Sheboygan County Family Living and FoodWIse Community Growth Management Education
Jane Jensen, Family Living Educator
T he Livable/Age Friendly City of Sheboygan Taskforce asked Jane to join the taskforce to bring university resources to the table. The taskforce includes the Mayor’s office, City Administrator, Transportation Director, City Planning, Aging & Disability Resource Center, Senior Activities Center, and others. The multi‐year project will assess the livability of the city of Sheboygan to create and implement a plan based on qualities that include: inclusiveness, sustainability, health, accessibility, interdependence, and engagement.
It is important to analyze available data to address the gaps between what city residents need and what the city can provide to create a city that matches people’s needs and fulfills their hopes and aspirations at each stage of their life. According to a mayor interviewed by AARP Livable Communities, “We need a community where it’s possible to stay.” Jane will provide secondary data and share pieces of the toolkit that she created with a statewide university work group on creating livable communities. The data sources and community engagement strategies in the toolkit are ready‐made pieces that will move the process forward.
The assessment tools in the toolkit have been piloted throughout the state of Wisconsin and are available in hard copy and electronic format. The 13 characteristics in the assessment tool include: housing; transportation, accessibility, parking, sidewalks and pedestrian crossings; community and health care services; family caregiving; nutrition and wellness; arts, culture and lifelong learning; employment and workforce development; public safety and emergency planning; respect and social inclusion; community connectedness, civic engagement, and volunteering; taxation, finance, and protection against fraud; community leadership; and intergenerational collaboration. Amanda Miller & Janeth Orozco, FoodWIse
In Sheboygan County the estimated poverty rate in 2016 was 7.1%, which represented a 1.9% increase from 2000. With a significant number of households living in poverty, the need for a variety of programs to help make ends meet becomes more evident. Securing adequate and nutritious food becomes a struggle for families living in poverty. Households with limited incomes look at state and local agencies to help them meet their nutrition needs.
The FoodWIse Program looks for opportunities to empower families with limited resources to make healthy food choices and be more food secured by utilizing their resources to the fullest. With this goal in mind, Sheboygan County FoodWIse Program is partnering with Salvation Army Sheboygan to provide nutrition and food budgeting education to families that participate and benefit from Salvation Army’s programs.
Janeth will be teaching a series of six lessons at the Salvation Army. Lessons will include information on 1) creating an expense plan and a food budget, 2) meal planning, 3) decreasing food expenses, 4) shopping on a budget, and 5) healthy eating on a budget. Classes will be piloted starting in early March.
Kevin Struck, Growth Management Educator
T he Town of Holland asked Kevin to work with the Plan Commission to revise three provisions of its Zoning Ordinance in an effort to protect landowner property rights.
The first of the three provisions involves accessory structures. Almost all local zoning ordinances require a principal structure—typically a house—to be under construction before a garage, shed, or similar building is allowed. Historically, this provision was included in ordinances to prevent a cash‐strapped owner of a property from building a structure like a shed and then living in it despite inadequate sanitary facilities, heating, and so forth. In one case, an individual was discovered living in a chicken coop. There was also a concern that if for whatever reason a house was never built on a property, that a prior accessory structure might eventually be neglected and abandoned, which could become an aesthetic and safety issue.
Over the years, however, towns like Holland have received many legitimate requests for sheds on vacant properties, and they have had to turn them down. Meanwhile, the reports of people living in accessory structures have been rare. Local officials began to think that maybe the provision against accessory structures was an over‐reaction. To address this issue, Holland worked with Kevin to create language for its Ordinance that would allow an accessory structure prior to the construction of a residence if the structure 1) lacks electrical or gas service; 2) lacks heating or cooking devices that use propane, pellets, or similar fuels; 3) lacks a foundation other than a slab three inches thick or less; and 4) does not exceed 100 square feet in size.
The second and third provisions are similar to each other. Holland’s Ordinance, like almost all other zoning codes, specifies a minimum lot size / residential density for A‐1 prime agricultural land. In Holland this
minimum is 20 acres. Consequently, a landowner who has been receiving a tax bill for years indicating he is being taxed on a 40‐acre property would naturally expect to someday be able to divide the property into two home sites (40 acres ÷ 20 = 2). However, after paying for an expensive certified survey map, which is required up‐front for land divisions, such a landowner could suddenly discover that through no fault of his own he has, say, only 39.8 acres and has “lost” one home site. In reality, very rarely is a “quarter‐quarter” or a “40” exactly
40 acres; this is due to the geometric shortcomings of trying to lay a square grid across a spherical earth, as was done when the Public Land Survey System was first laid out in the 1800’s.
A similar situation exists when a landowner has land along a county or state highway where right‐of‐way has recently been purchased. The landowner had little or no choice in whether to sell the strip of land, but such a subtraction of one or two acres can easily drop the total acreage of the property below its original total of 40, 80, etc. Again, the number of potential home sites is decreased through no fault of the landowner.
To address these two situations, language was crafted to ensure such properties would retain the residential density the owners reasonably expected to have.
VARIANCE REPORT FOR DEPARTMENT -- UW EXTENSION
FOR THE QUARTER ENDING 12/31/2017
G/L CATEGORY VARIANCE FROM
BUDGET EXPLANATION OF VARIANCEPOSITIVE/ NEGATIVE
Interest and Other Revenue
Other Misc. Revenue 1,061.08 Positive variance due to reimbursements for postage. Positive
Operating Expenses
Purchased Services 11,863.14 Due to timing of state (FY July 1 - June 30) billing county (CY Jan 1 - Dec 31) for Extension agents salaries. County billed 2 times per year in different county annual budgets. Lab analysis costs were less than anticipated.
Positive
Repairs and Maintenance 4,506.45 Positive variance due to maintenance costs being less than budgeted. Positive
General Operating 26,635.70 Positive variance due to mileage, lodging, training, postage and programming supplies being less than budgeted.
Positive
Interdepartmental Charges
Employee Related Insurance (10,013.36) Negative variance due to employee changes in health insurance coverage from single to family coverage.
Negative
System Operation Charges 1,979.97 Positive variance due timing of anticipated copy and paper needs. Positive
TOTAL 36,032.98 Positive
SHEBOYGAN COUNTY Cindy Sarkady UW Extension
February 5, 2018 Honorable Members of the Sheboygan County Board and County Administrator Adam Payne, I am pleased to submit the 2017 Annual Report for UW Extension, Sheboygan County. Our goal is to provide quality educational programs and empower the people of Sheboygan County, to gain knowledge, build capacity, strengthen collaboration and develop our relationship with key partners in the community. Highlights of the various educational outcomes in 2017 include increasing youth development opportunities in leadership, citizenship, and service learning; research projects included the gypsum study to improved soils physical conditions and the potential benefit for gypsum application to reduce dissolved reactive phosphorus moving from area fields into area waterbodies and clover cover crops as cover third and final year of this study, conducted by UW-Extension Sheboygan County and the UW-Madison Soil Science Department; Supporting Healthy Families evidence-based, seven-part Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10-14 was facilitated for the 8th time in Plymouth. The family skill-building program saves nearly $10 for every $1 invested in the program in future costs for drug treatment, lost earnings, and time in the juvenile justice system. In 2017, the University of Wisconsin Extension nEXT Generation restructuring started on July 1, 2017, with Area Extension Directors transitioning in the role of Administrative Leadership. Educators who served as part-time Department Head returned to their program area focus 100% at the end of December 2017. I am proud to work with the UW Extension Sheboygan team and value the support of the Sheboygan County Administrator and County Board. Respectfully Submitted,
Cindy Sarkady Area Extension Director
Mission Statement and Summary of Responsibilities Through UW-Extension, the people of Sheboygan County and beyond can solve their most pressing issues and uncover their most promising opportunities through hundreds of programs and initiatives. Fundamental to this mission are UW-Extension’s partnerships with Sheboygan County government, UW Sheboygan campus, and other public and private organizations. UW-Extension’s wide-ranging initiatives impact 1.5 million people every year by providing access to university resources and engaging people in learning, wherever they live and work. Summary of responsibilities include the following:
Integrating a scholarly approach to outreach into Sheboygan County focusing on Youth Development, Growth Management, Family Living, Nutrition, and Agricultural education
Addressing the specific educational needs of under-served populations in our community Empower area residents to make informed decisions, become more self-sufficient, to improve their
lives and add value to the communities in which they live.
Goals and Objectives Achieved in 2017
Wisconsin statutes require community comprehensive plans to be updated not less than once every 10 years. In 2017, the towns of Herman, Mitchell and Wilson, and the village of Howards Grove all faced update deadlines and risked losing the legal standing to rezone property. Growth Management Educator Kevin Struck made the four communities aware of the requirement, explained their planning options, and helped them make an informed choice of which update option was best.
Engaging Youth in Citizenship Sheboygan County Youth Government Day program took place on April 19, 2017 in collaboration with Sheboygan County Government and the Sheboygan County American Legion Posts. Approximately 145 students from Cedar Grove, Oostburg, Random Lake, and Plymouth High Schools participated in the day-long program where they toured various county departments and participated in experiential learning to increase knowledge of the services, roles, and responsibilities of elected officials; increase their knowledge and confidence of students when engaged in voting at the polls; and increase confidence in engaging in government decision making.
This past year’s emphasis has been of building new relationships, both internally and
externally. On October 1, the FoodWIse program realigned to be with Fond du Lac County. FoodWIse also developed external relationships with new partner agencies that share in the goal of a healthier community, including six local food pantries, an elementary school, a low-income housing site, an after-school agency, and the Sheboygan County Activity and Nutrition (SCAN) coalition. These relationships resulted in an additional 130 classes to be taught by FoodWIse in 2018.
Research partners have included: UW-Madison - Soil Science Department, Nutrient & Pest
Management Program; Natural Resources Conservation Service; Sheboygan County Planning and Conservation Department; and The Nature Conservancy. Approximately 250 people attended Extension educational programs in 2017 to learn about cover crops and other best management practices. Research results will be disseminated throughout Sheboygan County
and across the state.
The evidence-based, seven-part Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10-14 was facilitated for the 8th time in Plymouth to provide outreach. The family skill-building program saves nearly $10 for every $1 invested in the program in future costs for drug treatment, lost earnings, and time in the juvenile justice system.
Budget The UW-Extension Sheboygan County 2017 approved budget was $459,416, with actual expenses of $423,408. The 2018 levy amount is $431,936. The total approved budget for 2018 is $467,836. Our budget more closely reflects our expenses and revenue than in past years due to the accountability in financial management. The 2017 budget goals were accomplished primarily by responsible operations, pursuits of matching funds, sustainable program revenue, and support from community, county, and state stakeholders. Issues and Challenges Ahead Many UW Extension programs leverage substantial local, state and federal dollars to enhance the quality of life for residents in Sheboygan County. The state’s 2015-17 biennial budget reduced the University of Wisconsin System funding by $250 million. Cooperative Extension’s portion of the cut is $3.6 million per year – 8.3 percent of its ongoing state funding. The nEXT Generation Cooperative Extension movement has implemented the start of the regionalization of counties by creating 22 Areas. Local programming continues in all 72 counties. The regionalization structure instituted Area Extension Directors starting in July 2017 with the responsibility of Administrative oversight of an area consisting of 2 to 5 counties. The nEXT Generation model continues to move forward and now will moving under the UW Madison structure starting in July 2018. The commitment to local needs and education is still the driving mission of the UW Extension system. Goals and Objectives for 2018 UW-Extension Sheboygan County has identified the following shared goals: � Identify at least two populations of protected audiences throughout Sheboygan County, and
implement at least two new strategies to meet the needs that are unique to these communities. � Develop educational programs in crop science aimed at improving the profitability of cropping
systems while implementing practices that protect natural resources. � Support area farmer led groups to successfully implement useful on-farm demonstrations, and
provide information and educational resources as requested. � Provide technical assistance to Greenbush, Glenbeulah, Mosel, Rhine, Waldo, and Adell as each
works on and adopts the required 10-year update to its comprehensive plan. With price quotes from consultants as high as $20,000 per plan update, these communities will save substantial money
partnering with UW-Extension. � Provide groundwater and private well education through 1) year-round availability of homeowner
testing kits at our UW-Extension Office, and 2) a local well water testing event to be held in cooperation with Sheboygan County Planning and Conservation, and the certified lab at UW-Stevens Point.
� By October 2018, at least 50% of participants will report an intent to spend their FoodShare dollars
more wisely by using food resource management strategies they have learned from FoodWIse classes.
� Strengthen relationships and increase the capacity of youth serving agencies by offering at least two
opportunities for professional or organizational development (e.g., parliamentary procedure, youth-adult partnership) to nonprofits throughout Sheboygan County.
Sheboygan County
UW‐Extension Staff
920.459.5900
Michael J. Ballweg
Crops & Soils Agent
Jane E. Jensen
Family Living Educator
Amanda Miller
County Coordinator
(Sheboygan &
Fond du Lac County)
FoodWIse
Janeth Orozco
Nutrition Educator
FoodWIse
Linda Robson
4‐H Youth Development
Program Coordinator
Kevin Struck
Growth Management
Educator
Sarah J. Tarjeson
4‐H Youth
Development Educator
Cindy Sarkady
Area Extension Director
Support Staff
Nancy Brown
Ann Herzog
Tammy Zorn
UW‐Extension Sheboygan County
2017 Annual Report
MISSION STATEMENT & SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES
We teach, learn, lead, and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities.
Through UW‐Extension, the people of Sheboygan County and beyond can solve their most pressing issues and uncover their most promising opportunities through hundreds of programs and initiatives.
Fundamental to this mission are UW‐Extension’s partnerships with Sheboygan County government, UW‐Sheboygan campus, and other public and private organizations.
UW‐Extension’s wide‐ranging initiatives impact 1.5 million people every year by providing access to university resources and engaging people in learning, wherever they live and work.
Integrating a scholarly approach to outreach into Sheboygan County focusing on Youth Development, Growth Management, Family Living, Nutrition, and Agricultural education
Addressing the specific educational needs of under‐served populations in our community
Empower area residents to make informed decisions, become more self‐sufficient, to improve their lives, and add value to the communities in which they live.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ACHIEVED IN 2017
Sheboygan County Master Gardener Volunteers Build Community UW‐Extension Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) are trained individuals who help UW‐Extension Educators. During 2017, 111 MGVs provided nearly 4,500 hours of horticultural expertise to Sheboygan County residents. Since 2000, MGVs have provided 68,672 volunteer hours at a value of over $1,306,520.
Project highlights included: MGVs partnered with Above and Beyond Children’s Museum to develop Eat, Play and Grow, weekly programs to teach children about gardening;
Sensory Plants added to Yankee Garden in the heart of Sheboygan Falls;
Composting at UW‐Sheboygan.
You will find MGVs helping out at the Old Plank Road Trail, Generations, Marsh Park Tower, Kohler Andre State Park, Meals on Wheels Gardens, UW‐Sheboygan Campus, Plymouth Art Center, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, and Sharon Richardson Community Hospice to name a few. Page 1
Mike Ballweg (center) UW‐Extension Sheboygan County leads a discussion around cover crop use at the 2017 Wisconsin Cover Crop Conference.
MGVs teach UW‐Sheboygan students how to construct composting bins on campus.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ACHIEVED IN 2017
Educational Approaches Addressing Community Needs Wisconsin statutes require community comprehensive plans to be updated not less than once every 10 years. In 2017, the towns of Herman, Mitchell and Wilson, and the village of Howards Grove all faced update deadlines and risked losing the legal standing to rezone property. Growth Management Educator Kevin Struck made the four communities aware of the requirement, explained their planning options, and helped them make an informed choice of which update option was best for them. Kevin then followed up with data related to demographics, housing, economic development, transportation, utilities, and natural resources. All four communities ultimately adopted official updates that will help guide them over the next 10 years.
Other educational programs for local officials and citizens were provided as needed, and information requests were filled throughout the year. Topics included groundwater and private wells, land use, zoning, and farmland preservation. It’s all about Improving Water Quality Work towards improving soil health and improving water quality continues by conducting on‐farm research, holding educational programs and by fostering partnerships.
Two highlighted research projects included:
1. Can Gypsum in Cropping Systems Improve Water Quality? This gypsum study is to evaluate improved soil physical conditions and the potential benefit for gypsum application to reduce dissolved reactive phosphorus moving from area fields into area waterbodies.
2. Clover Cover Crops After Short Season Crops Research trials in Sheboygan County have shown that planting annual clovers as cover crops after wheat can be quite beneficial. The 2017 growing season marks the third and final year of this study, conducted by UW‐Extension Sheboygan County and the UW‐Madison Soil Science Department.
Research partners have included: UW‐Madison ‐ Soil Science Department, Nutrient & Pest Management Program; Natural Resources Conservation Service; Sheboygan County Planning and Conservation Department; and The Nature Conservancy. Approximately 250 people attended Extension educational programs in 2017 to learn about cover crops and other best management practices. Research results will be disseminated throughout Sheboygan County and across the state. 2017 Landscape and Grounds Maintenance Short Course One hundred thirty‐six (136) registered for the Landscape and Grounds Maintenance Short Course in 2017. Over 99% of short course participants rated the class as either excellent or good. Comments included: Great speakers, Very interesting, Very good instructors, Great talk on soils, Excellent presenters & presentations—enthusiastic & informative. The goal of the short course is to provide timely information and education that will allow Green Industry professionals the opportunity to improve their skills, quality of services offered, and the profitability of their horticultural businesses. Engaging Youth in Citizenship Sheboygan County Youth Government Day program took place on April 19, 2017 in collaboration with Sheboygan County Government and the Sheboygan County American Legion Posts. Approximately 145 students from Cedar Grove, Oostburg, Random Lake, and Plymouth High Schools participated in the day‐long program where they toured various county departments and participated in experiential learning to increase knowledge of the services, roles, and responsibilities of elected officials; increase their knowledge and confidence of students when engaged in voting at the polls; and increase confidence in engaging in government decision making. Participants visited with the District Attorney, Register of Deeds, Treasurer, County Clerk, Veteran’s Services, and participated in a mock trial with the Sheboygan County Judge. 100% of the participants reported that they either agree or strongly agree that they have greater understanding of county government as a result of this program. 90% of participants reported an increase in their ability to engage civically in decision making. Finally, 87% of participants reported that they are more likely to vote in local elections when they are of age than prior to participating in this program.
Page 2
UW‐Madison Soil Science graduate students measure the rate of water infiltration to access the effectiveness of gypsum application for reducing soil surface water run‐off. (Plymouth)
The redevelopment of Fireman’s Park in Wilson is one of the goals of the latest update to the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.
Developing Youth and Adult Leaders Sheboygan County 4‐H Base Camp has always been a place where youth can try new experiences, practice valuable social skills and master new skills. Often this learning happens unintentionally, however. This year Sarah Tarjeson, 4‐H Youth Development Educator, prepared staff to intentionally challenge participants to try something new, learn new skills, and be generous to others. As a result of this intentionality, youth were able to identify times and places throughout camp that they achieved these goals. 100% of youth participants (n=76) indicated they felt safe at camp and were able to identify why they felt this way. 100% were able to identify a time and place they served another person or group at camp. 100% were able to identify a time or place they learned something new and tried something new at camp. From these results program development staff and volunteers were able to see what experiences contributed to accomplishing these goals as well as which times and places at camp are not conducive to meeting these goals.
The Youth Development Program Coordinator, Linda Robson, provided primary leadership and support for 33 4‐H Community Clubs throughout Sheboygan County. The 4‐H Community Club Program enrolled 968 members, grades K‐13, and approximately 348 adult leaders. Members participated in citizenship, leadership, service, teamwork, and decision‐making through their participation in club meetings and activities. Approximately 22,700 volunteer service hours were contributed to youth and communities in Sheboygan County in 2017 for an estimated value of over $534,800.
Over 550 volunteers and consumers were reached with training and resources regarding literacy skills, food preservation, food safety, and parenting skills. 225 children and their parents in Head Start classrooms were impacted by these volunteers on a monthly basis. Over 1,650 volunteer service hours at an estimated value of $28,050 were contributed to families and communities in 2017.
The 4‐H American Spirit Experience develops citizenship knowledge and skills through education and travel. Content focuses on America’s revolutionary heritage while traveling to historical locations. Annually, 44 participants increase their ability to express values, awareness of self in relationship to others, and identify historical and present day role models of civic leadership. Youth practice responsibility, caring, compassion, and tolerance while developing their sense of personal identity. These characteristics are essential first steps toward being engaged politically or at the community level (Van Camp, 2016). One participant in 2017 indicated, “being responsible for certain bus duties has taught me the importance of everyone doing their job.” Facilitated mixers and new roommate assignments each night of the experience are designed to enable youth the opportunity to practice caring, compassion, and tolerance as well as personal identity formation. Preliminary results for a longitudinal assessment of participants experience over the past five years indicate 100% of respondents agree or strongly agree they gained an understanding about the contributions of early leaders in American History and how this connects to roles and responsibilities as a citizen through the American Spirit Experience.
Building on Community Strengths Family Living Educator Jane Jensen provided adult and family multi‐session caregiver education that increased family caregivers’ ability to manage caregiving responsibilities, delay placement of their care recipients in expensive long‐term care, lessen costly hospital stays, and balance employment with caregiving. The Family Caregivers Coalition in Sheboygan County, co‐chaired by Jane, provided monthly educational programs, access to local resources, and quarterly newsletters to almost 1,550 local family caregivers and the agencies that serve them. Jane also shared the results of a number of focus groups she conducted with family caregivers to identify ways in which the coalition can meet the needs of family caregivers in the next 3‐5 years.
This past year’s emphasis has been of building new relationships, both internally and externally. On October 1, the FoodWIse program realigned to be with Fond du Lac County. Amanda Miller (FoodWIse Coordinator) made efforts to bring together staff in both offices to build a strong, unified team. FoodWIse also developed external relationships with new partner agencies that share in the goal of a healthier community, including six local food pantries, an elementary school, a low‐income housing site, an after‐school agency, and the Sheboygan County Activity and Nutrition (SCAN) coalition. These relationships resulted in an additional 130 classes to be taught by FoodWIse in 2018.
Supporting Healthy Families The evidence‐based, seven‐part Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10‐14 was facilitated for the 8th time in Plymouth to provide outreach. The family skill‐building program saves nearly $10 for every $1 invested in the program in future costs for drug treatment, lost earnings, and time in the juvenile justice system. Jane provided leadership for the program. Trained facilitators instructed the youth and adults separately for the first hour and joined together for the family session. More series are planned for 2018.
A farmer’s market survey was conducted to assess the ability of food insecure households throughout the county to access the fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmer’s market. Jane Jensen utilized the university research base to customize a survey instrument that was used to survey limited income users of the farmer’s market. The results are being used by a variety of family serving organizations, including the food pantries. Page 3
Photo: Janeth Orozco, Nutrition Educator, and a WIC client.
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UW‐Extension
Sheboygan County
5 University Drive
Sheboygan, WI 53081
920‐459‐5900
University of Wisconsin,
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Agriculture, and
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cooperating.
University of Wisconsin‐
Extension provides equal
opportunities in employment
and programming, including
Title IX & ADA.
BUDGET
The UW‐Extension Sheboygan County 2017 approved budget was $459,416, with actual expenses of $423,408. The 2018 levy amount is $431,936. The total approved budget for 2018 is $467,836. Our budget more closely reflects our expenses and revenue than in past years due to the accountability in financial management. The 2017 budget goals were accomplished primarily by responsible operations, pursuits of matching funds, sustainable program revenue, and support from community, county, and state stakeholders.
ISSUES AND CHALLENGES AHEAD
Many UW‐Extension programs leverage substantial local, state, and federal dollars to enhance the quality of life for residents in Sheboygan County. The state’s 2015‐17 biennial budget reduced the University of Wisconsin System funding by $250 million. Cooperative Extension’s portion of the cut is $3.6 million per year – 8.3% of its ongoing state funding. The nEXT Generation Cooperative Extension movement has implemented the start of the regionalization of counties by creating 22 Areas. Local programming continues in all 72 counties. The regionalization structure instituted Area Extension Directors starting in July 2017 with the responsibility of Administrative oversight of an area consisting of 2 to 5 counties. The nEXT Generation model continues to move forward and will now be moving under the UW‐Madison structure starting in July 2018. The commitment to local needs and education is still the driving mission of the UW‐Extension system.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR 2018
The primary goal of UW‐Extension for 2017 is to continue providing quality educational programs and useful, research‐based information to the people of Sheboygan County to help them gain the understanding, capabilities, and skills necessary for solving farm, home, family, business, and community issues and problems.
UW‐Extension Sheboygan County has identified the following shared goals: Identify at least two populations of protected audiences throughout Sheboygan
County, and implement at least two new strategies to meet the needs that are unique to these communities.
Develop educational programs in crop science aimed at improving the profitability of cropping systems while implementing practices that protect natural resources.
Support area farmer led groups to successfully implement useful on‐farm demonstrations, and provide information and educational resources as requested.
Provide technical assistance to Greenbush, Glenbeulah, Mosel, Rhine, Waldo, and Adell as each works on and adopts the required 10‐year update to its comprehensive plan. With price quotes from consultants as high as $20,000 per plan update, these communities will save substantial money partnering with UW‐Extension.
Provide groundwater and private well education through 1) year‐round availability of homeowner testing kits at our UW‐Extension Office, and 2) a local well water testing event to be held in cooperation with Sheboygan County Planning and Conservation, and the certified lab at UW‐Stevens Point.
By October 2018, at least 50% of participants will report an intent to spend their FoodShare dollars more wisely by using food resource management strategies they have learned from FoodWIse classes.
Strengthen relationships and increase the capacity of youth serving agencies by offering at least two opportunities for professional or organizational development (e.g., parliamentary procedure, youth‐adult partnership) to nonprofits throughout Sheboygan County.
Page 4
Sheboygan County
Planning, Resources,
Agriculture &
Extension Committee
Keith Abler
Chairperson
Fran Damp
Vice‐Chairperson
Steven Bauer
Secretary
James Baumgart
Curt Brauer
Stan Lammers
Members
VARIANCE REPORT FOR DEPARTMENT -- REGISTER OF DEEDS
FOR THE QUARTER ENDING 12/31/2017
G/L CATEGORY VARIANCE FROM
BUDGET EXPLANATION OF VARIANCEPOSITIVE/ NEGATIVE
Public Charges for Services
General Government 87,714.83 Positive variance; revenue fluctuates due to real estate and encumbrance activity which is based upon the local, state and national economy.
Positive
Personnel Related Expenditure
Wages 25,730.61 Positive variance due to retirement of one employee. Positive
Benefits 4,942.41 Positive variance due to retirement of one employee. Positive
Operating Expenses
Purchased Services 1,280.11 Positive variance, cost for services less than anticipated. Positive
General Operating 6,029.11 Positive variance, Less travel/room expenses used for training purposes. Printing costs less than anticipated. Postage usage decreased due to electronic recording.
Positive
Interdepartmental Charges
Employee Related Insurance 2,600.89 Positive variance due to retirement of one employee. Positive
Operating Transfers In (5,156.00) Negative variance, back scanning project was delayed dollars were reallocated to go towards Life Cycle which was less than original back scanning requests. These funds will revert back to Land Records.
Negative
TOTAL 123,141.96 Positive