07-28-05 Conrad Mansion MinutesCONRAD MANSION BOARD MINUTES
July 28, 2005
Office of the Conrad Mansion
ANNOUNCEMENTS/REMINDERS:
1. SPECIAL BOARD MEETING:
When: Wednesday, August 3, 2005 @ 8:00 a.m.
Where: Mansion Office
What: Garden Rejuvenation Event Planning (to be held Sept 2005)
Bring: At least 10 people you would invite & lots of ideas for event!
2. NEXT REGULAR BOARD MEETING:
When: Thursday, August 25, 2005 @ 8:00 a.m.
Where: Mansion Office
What: Regular Board meeting and election of officers
Bring: Your enthusiasm to serve as President and other officer positions
Minutes
Present: Rita Fitzsimmons, Mark Munsinger, Shirley Miller, Betty Norem, Gary Havens,
Ev Sliter, Tia Robbin — and Kate Moody, Director (w/ special guest Tony
Brockman, Assistant Director for part of the meeting)
CALL TO ORDER: Rita called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: The Board unanimously approved the Minutes form
the May 26, 2005 meeting.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT:
Rita reported that she has not received an FVCC appointment from FVCC President Jane Karas
yet. The Board will suggest a name to FVCC.
Rita introduced Tony Brockman, the Mansion's Assistant Director, who provided the Board with
his formal, reluctant resignation. Tony is moving to Missoula to attend UM, and indicated a
desire to continue in any way he can in assisting the Mansion. Thanks to Tony for his dedication
and service.
Rita reported that the new brochure is being designed, and estimates it will cost about $4,000 for
35,000 brochures.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Board Minutes - May 2005 Page 1
Kate reported that tours are about at the same number as last year at this time.
A gentleman from a bus tour recently fell while descending the back stairs outside the gift shop,
but Kate has followed up with the tour company and has learned that he recovered and continued
on the bus tour. Kate also reported that she has been in contact with Lynn Redfield, who has
been able to provide some valuable information about the Mansion.
The Board voted to honor the Kalispell Rotary at the Christmas Bazaar.
Kate reviewed some ideas she had about advertising, and she will put together a budget and
outline of where she would like to advertise for next season for the next regular Board meeting.
She is pursuing the placement of a sign on Snowline Tree's property south of town to advertise
the Mansion and give directions.
Kate announced that the Mansion is now a member of the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce.
Provident Financial has requested to host its Holiday Party at the Mansion, 30 people, V floor
only, and catered dinner. The Board agreed, setting the price at $750, plus a $500 security
deposit, and limiting the hours from approximately 5 to 10 pm. Kate will inquire to determine if
the bathroom facilities across Woodland would be open or not.
Kate reported on the estimates she has received for graveling the back drive. The Board decided
to wait until the need was more urgent, or a donor offered to donate the gravel.
Kate has been busy applying for grants. The breaker box is not always functioning correctly, and
she is hoping to receive a TIP grant, and Round Up For Safety grant from FEC.
Kate reported that neighbor Michael Dardis has filed a claim with the City's insurer for alleged
water in his basement. He claims that the water came from the Mansion's irrigation system. The
City originally investigated and denied his claims.
Windermere Realty provided 5 volunteers at the Mansion, who painted outside benches and
archived magazines.
Gardener Jeff has raised 300-400 perennials for our gardens, which will be put in soon, at a
reduced price for the Mansion ($1 per plant).
The Board asked Kate to report, after she performs her annual employee reviews, how efficiently
we are using employee time, and how best to reduce those costs.
Christmas at the Mansion will be October 21-23, 2005.
Betty suggested the Mansion consider another event, modeled after Seattle's "Bite of Seattle" -
where restaurants and caterers are featured.
FINANCIAL REPORT:
Board Minutes - May 2005 Page 2
Ev provided a year-end financial report, which is attached hereto. We currently have received
approximately $8,600 in memberships. Total income is up approximately $1,100.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Thank you, Shirley, for providing pizzas for Mansion's Windermere volunteers!
Rotary's new year has now started, so we anticipate their involvement may be coming to an end.
They provided the refurbishment of the rock wall — thank you, Rotary!
Rita informed the Board of an American Express grant she would like the Mansion to explore
and hopefully apply for, and Betty volunteered to inquire of the charitable giving of Costco.
The Board discussed the need to "kick-off"the the Garden Rejuvenation project, especially while the
grounds are so pretty and the weather is good. A special Board meeting will be held next week
to discuss ideas and potential donors to invite.
Rita reminded everyone that she will be stepping down as Board President, and requests that the
Board discuss among themselves a candidate to nominate at the next regular Board meeting.
Adjourned at 9:40 am.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Tia R. Robbin, Secretary
Board Minutes - May 2005 Page 3
Conrad Mansion Board Meeting Agenda for July 28, 2005 8:00 a.m.
Meeting at the Mansion
Item 1. Approval of the May meeting minutes
Item 2. Board member details
A. No word yet from Jane Caras re. FVCC board member
B. Chris Vick and family are vacationing in the Flathead for the next few weeks;
Timmie Vick is still the family board representative
Item 3. Kate/Manager Update
A. (List to be presented at meeting)
1. Report on Windermere Realty volunteer day at the Mansion -June 14
2. Report on July 4th event/parade
3. Garden plants purchased from Jeff
• Report on garden's progress so far this summer
4. Employee reviews
5. Neighbor's water concern
6. October Christmas at the Mansion update
7. Newsletter
Item 4. Rita/Update
A. New CM brochure
1. Print bid
2. Layout
B. Garden Rejuvenation
1. Focus and plan
• Main purpose: to fund/support the garden's continued existence
and improvement
• Rotary's involvement —possibly over
2. Brochure, bookmark, member cards, etc.
3. Donor function possibilities
• Hosting an event at the house
• Carol Bibler has offered the use of Sam's home for a small event
• Board member hosting a private event
• More public event?
4. Donor recognition
C. Request for presidential nominee(s) for vote in August/September
1. November, 2005 will mark Rita's 4th anniversary as President and the
beginning of the new President's suggested four-year term
Item 4. Financial update from Ev
Item 5. Old/new business
A. Kate's getting married!
B. August meeting?
Adjournment