02-21-23 Conrad Mansion Board of Directors Meeting MinutesConrad Mansion Museum Board of Directors
Feb 21, 2023, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Kalispell Chamber of Commerce
1. Welcome- Members present in person: Chris Vick, Everit Sliter, Diane Medler, Beth Collier,
Mark Schickendantz, Diane Morton Stout, family member Natalie Robinson, Carrie Nelson,
Museum Director Brit Clark. Present online via Zoom: Tia Robbins, Cate Webber, Teri Iwerson,
Katharine King.
2. Board Action Items
a) Approval of minutes- Minutes approved.
b) Treasurer's Report- Everit reviewed status of endowments and financial reports. The
generous donation from Mary Pat has been set up in a D.A. Davidson account. Mark and
Chris moved to accept financial reports.
c) Approval of 2023 Operating Budget- Everit provided a narrative about changes. Bibler
donation goes to the endowment rather than operations this year. Budget based on
admissions remaining the same. Operating expenses were budgeted with a 5% increase.
With the account code cleanup- specialty tours (Ghost tours, Tea & Tours) are now
listed under fundraising. Chris moved to adopt budget, Everit seconded.
3. 2023 Garden Program-
• The executive committee voted to pursue a contract with Pat McGlynn on retainer
to provide guidance and feedback on the garden. Pat has an extensive background
in horticulture and most recently retired as the local county extension agent. Legacy
Land Design is her consulting business. The charge for the Mansion is half of her
usual fee. She will meet regularly with Joni throughout the season. A scope of work
and contract will be provided. Several board members mentioned that Pat is great
to work with and knowledgeable. Happy she is joining us.
• Brit, Joni, and Pat have met and Mansion staff feels positive about this agreement.
4. Fundraising
a) Brick Project- Next steps
• After plans with the local engravers did not work out due to a variety of factors,
including challenges resulting from regulatory changes that impacted sand blasting
engravers, Mark pursued information for laser engraving from other vendors. This
changes the dimensions of the bricks, but does not necessarily pose problem as
fewer filler bricks will be required. Laser engraving also allows for more options
regarding font and amount of text allowed. Estimated shipping costs are very
reasonable ($200 at most). Roof project and brick project can easily be time to not
interfere with each other.
• After discussion, Chris made a motion to go forward with the brick project (74
bricks). Diane Morton Stout seconded. Motion was amended to add a deadline of
April I" for brick delivery.
b) Other fundraising campaigns
• Room Sponsorships- Gail Erickson has offered to help with corporate sponsorships
this year along with Beth and Brit.
• 2022 Annual Ask made $7,000.
• Grants- Our current garden shed is rotting out in places. The Mansion will apply for
a Whitefish Community Foundation grant to replace the shed. Katharine, Diane
Morton Stout, and Carrie will look into garden shed and greenhouse options.
• Community Development Grant- Brit is working with the Hockaday and NWMT
History Museum on a collaborative grant for marketing materials.
5. Executive Director's Report- Brit reviewed the highlights from her monthly report. The Mansion
ordered gift shop items this winter rather than throughout the summer to avoid supply chain
delays. Keith Haskins is the new city engineer and the contact person for the roof replacement.
The Roof pre -bid meeting was held Feb. 16t". A knitting workshop hosted by Maria is a new
event for 4 weeks. The Forte Piano concert ticket sales are also going well.
6. Board Survey and planning meeting- Watch for an upcoming board survey in preparation for
our annual planning meeting.