Linn County Agricultural Extension Council

Public Special Meeting to Address Personnel Issues Minutes of 27 April 2015

Held at Linn County Extension Office

Chairperson Louie Zumbach called the meeting to order at 4:00 P.M. in the ISUEO Large Conference Room.

Council members present were: Dan Abel, Michael Anderson, Pat Harstad, Victoria Keegan, Mary Jane McWilliams, Lloyd Smith, Jerry Ziese, and Louie Zumbach.

Additional persons present were: David McDonald, Jacki Luckstead, Ann Torbert, Lisa Person and Janice Savel.

Monica Long Resignation:

Personnel Committee Chairman, Lloyd Smith reported that Monica Long had submitted an appeal letter, appealing the committee’s decision to not provide her with 4 months severance pay. Vicki Keegan moved to accept Monica Long’s resignation letter and to affirm the Personnel Committee’s decision to not provide 4 months severance pay. Pat Harstad seconded the motion. Jerry Ziese pointed out that if present, Monica Long could request a closed meeting of the Council to address the Council’s decision. Pat Harstad reported that Monica Long was not present. The motion was voted on and the motion carried.

Connie Weir Resignation:

Lloyd Smith reported that Connie Weir’s resignation had been received by the Extension Council. Dan Able moved and Jerry Ziese seconded to accept Connie’s resignation. Jerry Ziese pointed out that if present, Connie Weir could request a closed session of the Council to address the Council’s decision. Pat Harstad reported that Connie Weir was not present. The motion was voted on and the motion carried.

Diane Hagarty Emploment:

Lloyd Smith reported that after an extensive investigation into the operation of the Extension Council, the Extension Council Personnel Committee recommends termination of Diane Hagarty’ employment effective May 7, 2015. Vicki Keegan moved that Diane Hagarty’s employment be terminated on May 7, 2015. Jerry Ziese seconded the motion. Jerry Ziese pointed out that if present, Diane Hagarty could request a closed session of the Council to address the Council’s decision. Pat Harstad reported that neither Diane Hagarty nor a representative was present. The motion was voted on and the motion carried.

Lloyd Smith requested that the Personnel Committee be given the authority by the Extension Council to determine unemployment benefits and severance issues. Dan Abel moved to give the Personnel Committee authorization to decide unemployment benefits and severance issues in the best interest of the Extension Office. Mike Anderson seconded and the motion carried.

Attorney Fee Allocation:

Lloyd Smith requested authorization of an additional $2,000.00 for attorney fees. Jerry Ziese moved and Mary Jane McWilliams seconded to authorize an additional $2,000.00 for attorney fees. The motion carried.

Questions Concerning Actions Taken:

Lloyd Smith asked if there were questions from Council Members or the public concerning the actions taken by the Extension Council. David McDonald asked if the reasons for Diane’s termination would be made public? Lloyd read the following statement:

Overall, Diane’s failure of leadership, including refusal to work with the Council, ISU, the Fair Board and 4-H, and instructing staff members not to do so as well, has brought Linn County Extension close to the point of collapse. Given the several instances of insubordination and actions inconsistent with the policies and program needs of Linn County Extension, the Personnel Committee recommends termination of her employment.

Other Business:

Jerry Ziese reported that he is working with the building landlord to install push button door openers to make the building more handicap accessible.

Pat Harstad moved and Mary Jane McWilliams seconded to adjourn the meeting at 4:17 P.M.

______Secretary

Mike Anderson