Participants: Jack Thigpen, Chair; Jim Hurley, Chair-elect; Mike Liffmann, acting NSGO Program Leader; Paul Olin, At-Large; and Mark Malchoff, Secretary-Treasurer
1. Agenda
Upcoming SGA Meeting
Law Center Proposal
Climate Extension Enhancement Committee
Action on request from Coastal Communities and Development group for meeting support
Other business
2. Upcoming SGA Meeting report. Jack indicated that on Feb. 12 and Feb. 13 there would be an SGA meeting in Silver Spring, MD. Assembly report will be needed at that time. Items to include:
New Assembly members (Darren Okimoto, at-large; Mark Malchoff, Sec.-Treas.)
Upcoming meeting in Seattle (Sept.)
Progress on our committees
Fisheries
Coastal Community Development (CCD)
Climate
Law center as assembly member
There was discussion of SG library and possibility of forwarding an informal survey to determine future and fiscal crisis. Cost sharing issues with URI may be a problem.
3. Law Center Proposal discussion: Jack referred to a letter he received from Stephanie Showalter. A question arose about the concept of the Law Center being a “conduit” for other state legal programs to communicate with wider SG network. Is this a formal or informal agreement? Paul is on record as being in favor of the Law Center as member. Jim stated it was a good idea but seems not to jive with our existing by-laws (ex-office members). Mike agreed with Paul, but suggested that we need to think about precedent. What if [SG] Library comes next? Jim tried to look down the line, but this question likely needs by-law revision. After additional discussion, all those on the call seem to be comfortable with ex-officio status with minor revision to by-laws. Jack further offered that we could have Stephanie (in her role as Director, National SG Law Center) listed as SG liaison. Mike and Jack suggested that the bylaws committee be charged with finding “broader language” than current definition of ex-officio. Jack indicated that the by-laws committee consists of: Bob Bacon, Paula Cullenberg, Dale Baker and Liffmann (Advisory). Jack will call Stephanie to report on the above conversation.
3.Climate Extension Enhancement Committee. Paul supported Jack’s idea to have CEEC as an Assembly Committee. Jim proposed that we need to put it more in context of the assembly (involve more of assembly in it). Additional comments……….We need to figure out what we’re going to do from an Extension standpoint. We need to help focus needs from a clientele viewpoint. How will this be different from CCD & Fisheries Committees? Need to follow DePaul Report (Fisheries in an Era of Change) approach as model. A proposal was offered to have “this committee (CEEC)” host a “working group” to help flesh out what the Assembly and extension want to do/could do re: climate extension. Jack, Dale and Jim will try to meet next week in Silver Springs at a climate meeting to frame above task.
4. CCD
Discussion occurred on a request from CCD Theme Team for money to help support the cost of the upcoming Feb. meeting. Jack suggested $250 for coffee break. A brief discussion of our current checking balance ensued. Mark Malchoff will call Brian D. to get assembly balance and report to the committee.
Additional discussion ensued regarding the appearance of a lack or dilution of focus on the part of the CCD group. The upcoming Feb. 6 and 7 meeting will provide an opportunity for Assembly ExComm to meet with CCD leadership and offer guidance the theme team’s interactions with various constituencies (including federal agency staff). Jack suggested that their might be an important role for Jim Falk in this regard. Action item: Chat with Jim Falk and Mike Spranger to see if they can help CCD realize/remember that they are part of the assembly and that CCD formal activities should reflect that relationship. Jack will try to set up call with Jim Falk and Mike to realize the above.
5. Other Business
Wick award nominations are needed this year. Jim will check on who is responsible and report to Mark.
Call ended about 4:00