02-18-25 Conrad Mansion Museum Board Minutes Conrad Mansion Museum Board of Directors
February 18, 2025-4:00-5:00 p.m.
Chamber of Commerce
1. Welcome- Members present: Diane Medler, Natalie Robinson, Gail Erickson, Mark
Schickendantz, Cate Webber, Everit Sliter, Chris Vick, Susanne Wigginton, Diane Stout, Carrie
Nelson,Tia Robbin (via Zoom) and Museum Director Brit Clark.
2. Consent agenda-
a) January minutes-Approved as submitted.
b) Treasurer's report for January 2025- Chris made a motion to accept financials as
presented. Cate seconded. All in favor.
3. Executive Director's Report-
• See submitted Director's January report.
• Brit will be at the MAM (Museum Association of Montana) in March. Diane M.
suggested postponing the annual planning meeting until April
• National History Day(Feb. 81h) went well with about 50 students participating
and many excellent volunteer judges. The Burns Night (Jan 25th) event co-hosted
by the Flathead Celtic Festival and the Mansion was an enjoyable event.
4. Committee Reports-
a) Facilities Committee-Susanne
• The next steps with Jackola will be delving into details regarding sewer, gas line
hookups, electrical concerns, etc. along with city approval up front.
b) Finance Committee - 2025 Budget
• The proposed budget for 2025 was presented and discussed.
• The budget reflects the change in seasonal pricing and simplified Adult & Youth
only categories. The website will be updated to reflect the change.
• It was recommended to increase bank charges from $7,000 to$10,000. Calling
the line item "Credit Card Processing" rather than "Bank Charges" was also
suggested.
• Rental income reflects all venue rental income rather than separating interior
and exterior as in previous budgets.
• There was a proposal to increase the budget for discretionary performance
bonuses for guides followed by discussion. Everit made a motion to increase the
budgeted amount for bonuses by$4,000, to be used at Brit's discretion. Suzanne
seconded. All in favor.
• Chris made a motion to pass the full 2025 budget. Mark seconded. All in favor.
Kudos were extended to Brit for putting the budget together.
c) Fundraising Committee— Mark Schickendantz
• Mark shared an idea regarding providing an opportunity for people who have lost
loved ones to have a legacy on Mansion grounds. For example, a dedicated
perimeter path, or a garden corner, along which plaques and small pedestals
could be placed for cremated remains.
• In addition to weddings,the grounds could be rented for celebration of life
events.
• Chris shared some background regarding the Mansion's history and precedent of
no memorials on the grounds. Alicia Conrad wanted the mansion to stand as a
testament to her parents. Memorials had previously been proposed for
individuals significantly involved with the mansion restoration, but declined on
the premise that, once started, memorials are a hard train to stop. The Mansion
would never want to be in the position to tell a grieving person who can be on
the grounds or that there were no more spots available.
• As an alternative idea, Chris mentioned that perhaps a column dedicated to what
Mark is talking about could be located at the Conrad Cemetery where the family
still has interests. Chris expressed that he was willing to approach the cemetery if
the Mansion board wanted.
5. Nomination of Jacqueline Stroth-
• Jacqueline Stroth has submitted an application for a board member position and
interest was expressed to invite her to the next meeting.
6. Adjourn- 5:00