06-16-21 Conrad Mansion Board of Directors MinutesConrad Mansion Museum
Board of Directors Meeting
June 16, 2021, 4:00 at City Hall
WELCOME: Members present:
(All In -Person) Mark Schickendantz, Mary Pat Murphy, Chris Vick, Sue Corrigan, Gary Havens,
Katharine King, Jessica Treweek, Dian Morton Stout, Cate Webber, Beth Collier, Everit Sliter, Tia
Robbin, Carrie Nelson, Museum Director Brit Clark, and Conrad family guest Natalie Robinson.
Approval of Minutes: May minutes approved.
Treasurer Report:
• Everit reviewed the financials. Our cash and endowment balance are looking good right
now. Everit moved to accept the treasurer's report. Mark Schickendantz and Gary Hall
seconded in unison.
Committee Reports:
Marketing Committee:
• The marketing committee met and put together a marketing plan. Diane is currently
out of town, and they will work on it more when she is back. Doing installation for the
brick project this fall does not sound realistic in terms of having adequate time to
market project.
Museum Directors Report:
• It has been exceptionally busy at the Mansion. Both guided and self -guided tours are
doing well. They are about 50/50 in terms of visitor preference. On rainy days, capacity
in the house can bean issue. They have seen visitors from almost all states already this
season!
• The Mansion is offering dads free admission for Father's Day.
• Theresa's clothing tour debuts on June 24t". Call for tickets. Tickets are not online for
this event.
• Cindy is finishing up the last fairy houses for the pop-up fairy walk events.
• Locals Day Passport- The Mansion, The Hockaday, and NW MT Historical Museum are
joining to promote a museum day for locals on Oct. 15t" There will be a scavenger hunt
with prizes, reduced admission.
• There are currently three upcoming weddings at the Mansion.
• There was one noise complaint about the afternoon music on Opening Day (May 15tn),
but most people thought the noise level was appropriate.
• Cindy has resumed gift shop management duties.
• There is a great need for a volunteer manager. This could be the last season for season
for some current staff due to life events.
• The 4t" of July Ice Cream Social will feature a pie baking contest. The New Horizons
Band can't do the music this year. The Kalispell Kreamery will donate and deliver ice
cream for the social! Walk through tours will be available for $5 as usual on this day.
Other Business:
• Mansion Boiler- Mary Pat proposed a discussion about the Mansion boiler in the
basement. While it passes yearly inspections, the boiler is old enough that it could go
out at any time. It would be best to replace it when it is not an emergency situation.
The last time this was reviewed, the cost estimate was around $25,000. Grants would
need to be awarded before the purchase of a boiler. It would be better to avoid the
risk. Our cash position is such that we could move forward with replacement. Parts
and labor could take longer than usual in the current busy construction market. Gary
Hall made a motion to replace the boiler ASAP. Chris Vick seconded.
• There was some discussion about location of water and sewer lines around the
Mansion. Katharine said the city has a map that she will forward to Gary. Cate shared
that U-Dig came to the Mansion when Gen was here.
• Grants- Katharine suggested that perhaps the Flathead Electric grants would be a good
fit for safety. Tia shared information about the application timelines and bids.
• Congratulations- Brit shared news that she and Jacob Thomas are engaged.
• Staff Volunteer Party- (Sue) The staff and volunteer party will be at Bibler's this year
on Sept 7t". Save the Date. Cate volunteered to help with planning. Bibler's were
concerned that some plants may be pulled out, but people thought the barn and
gardens would still be enjoyed.
• Joni is almost done with planting.
• Meeting Adjourned: 4:45