04-09-08 Conrad Mansion MinutesCONRAD MANSION BOARD MINUTES
APRIL 9, 2008, 7:30 a.m., Perkins Restaurant
Present: Kate Daniels, Director; Mark Norley, Board President; Mark Munsinger; John
Engebretson; Kelsea Kimerly; Rita Fitzsimmons; Everit Sliter; Suzy Williams; Gini Ogle
A. The meeting was called to order by President Mark Norley at 7:40 a.m. The
minutes of the February meeting were approved as presented.
B. l . Welcome to Suzy Williams as our new Board member.
2. A letter has been presented to Mayor Pam Kennedy to reappoint Everit Sliter
to an additional term of service on the Board of Directors.
3. Committee Review: Mark and Kate presented board with committee
assignments and requested that all committees meet prior to our May
Board meeting to set objectives and goals for the coming year.
Kate will assist if needed.
A Personnel Job Description Manual will be in place by July.
Endowment Committee: Rita reported that she is working on completion
of the recognition board. Location has been suggested for the NW corner
of the north porch portico where the sign will be suspended and lit.
Kate presented a report regarding the Museums of Montana Conference
held March 5-8, 2008, in Livingston, Montana. A committee composed of
Hockaday Museum and Conrad Mansion staff will prepare documents
outlining procedures for accession and deaccession policies of museum
properties. They hope to have these documents in place by the end of
August.
C. Financial Report:
1. Everit presented the P & L from July 2007 through June 2008.
The question was raised as to whether we need to make a change to the
By-laws or the Articles of Incorporation because of our change of fiscal
year to January 1, through December 1. Kate and Mark will review this
and answer at the next meeting.
2. Endowment: Rita has been communicating with a person of interest to secure
a substantial donation to the endowment fund, garden fund etc. Mark
suggested sending an informative letter to her regarding the recent
maintenance projects on the Mansion. Rita will follow through on this.
Motion was made to accept the Financial Report as presented. Motion carried
unanimously.
D. Siding
1. $2100 under budget as of last week. Woodpecker holes have been repaired.
2. Request of $1925 to replace the Gift Shop steps removed during renovation
project. Kate requested replacement be metal steps with holes to prevent
snow build up. Rita suggested installation of a removable railing. Kate
will research.
Everit moved expenditure of $2,000 for new steps. Suzy seconded.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. Painting of west side portico, pillar and fernery. John made a motion to allow
Kate to procure bids for any painting that needs to be done not covered
under Ford's contract which she estimated at $900. Rita seconded.
Motion carried.
4. Grants: Lowes grant denied.
Centurytel and Plumb Creek grants pending.
E. Garden and Grounds
1. Kate reported Jim Conner had done a great job pruning the juniper trees and
vines on exterior and removal of a dead tree. Bid was $800 for junipers
and $25/hr for vines and east entrance trimming.
2. Tisch is working extra hours on sprinklers and other projects. Everit asked if
the sprinklers could be adjusted to avoid hitting the house to avoid damage
to siding. Kate will see that it is done.
3. Terry will begin work next week on gardens; now works 24 hours/week and
has requested 4-6 additional hours. Everit moved that 4 hours be added to
her schedule per week for mowing. Kelsey seconded. Motion carried.
F. City Council Report:
1. City Council tour was successful. Putting on the Ritz donated chairs for the
event.
2. Five tables have been purchased from Costco for use at events. Rita suggested
the Mansion charge a fee to groups for the use of our tables and chairs.
G. Alarm System:
Kate reviewed the needs and cost of equipment for the security system upgrade.
4 portable wireless sensors for I" level of upgrade
which includes 4 panic buttons. $1,880
CCTV system (equipment necessary for cameras) $2,270
Indoor cameras $480-515 each
(one needed in Great Hall +other key areas)
Outdoor cameras with infrared illumination (2 needed) $765 ea.
Rita suggested we approach Flathead Electric Cooperative for financial
help as per their Round -up for Safety Program. Kate will pursue.
H. Kate has reduced advertisement campaign to hold budget under $10,000.
Presented option to participate in SkyWest promotion. No response.
I. Death by Chocolate:
Kate presented the poster; many volunteers are secured; Kate met with
Leah Lindsay with script; need donors for silent auction and casino game
prizes. Asked Board members to be volunteers and report any suggestions
to Kate.
Miscellaneous business:
Sympathy cards will be sent to Chris Vick's family regarding the death of his father and
to Connie Gemmer as her husband passed away.
Mark proposed we ask the City to consider building sidewalks on the south and north
sides of the house.
Mothers' Day tours in the past have not had good attendance and with the competition of
the Bibler Garden tours it was decided to cancel the event.
Committee Chairmen were reminded to contact their committee members for annual
plan.
Next Board Meeting, May 14, 2008, Perkins Restaurant.
Everit moved adjournment. Mark seconded. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted by Gini Ogle in Gary Havens' absence.