05-26-05 Conrad Mansion MinutesCONRAD MANSION BOARD MINUTES
May 26, 2005
Office of the Conrad Mansion
Next Meeting: to be announced
Present: Rita Fitzsimmons, Mark Munsinger, Shirley Miller, Betty Norem, Gary Havens,
Tia Robbin — and Kate Moody, Director
Not Present: Ev Sliter
CALL TO ORDER: Rita called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m. The Board decided to delay
review and approval of the minutes for the April 18' Board meeting until the next Board
meeting.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT:
Welcome Kate Moody, our new Director.
Rita reported that Mark Munsinger has been appointed by the City of Kalispell for another term
on our Board — thank you, Mark.
Rita reported that she has spoken with FVCC President Jane Karas, who was surprised to learn of
a FVCC representative on our Board, but will be happy to find an appointee.
UNWIND event was very successful, and we got many business cards which will be added to our
mailing lists.
We are in need of a "reminder program" to use when sending out membership renewal
information.
Carol Bibler has offered the use of Sam Bibler's home to hold a small fund-raising event this
summer. Carol provided Kate a personal tour of the Bibler property, and donated $500 to the
Mansion.
Jim Gonser was at the UNWIND event and has indicated a desire to donate a rose for the
Gardens.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
PETTY CASH: The Board unanimously supported a motion to add Kate Moody as a signor on
the petty cash account. Kate is instructed to make the necessary contact with the bank, and sign
the appropriate paperwork.
The Board approved Kate's recommendation to seek bids for carpet cleaners, and provided her
the authority to hire the most highly recommended company to do the job.
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The "Memorial Board" on the porch was discussed. Shirley moved, it was seconded and
approved, for Kate to clean the Board and update it as best she can at this time.
Kate mentioned that some "toxic chemicals" have been stored on the property which need to be
removed. Gary suggested she contact DES, and the Board approved her request to have authority
to have the chemicals properly removed and disposed of.
Kate reported that she has hired 2 new staff people, and reported on which staff are returning for
the season. Sylvie Wood has taken a leadership role in the gift shop, and the Board recognized
those efforts, and encouraged the staff to include Christmas -type items throughout the tour
season.
Kate reported that she has been in contact with Emily Rader, a former guide, concerning the
coloring book she created years ago and will be obtaining her release of rights for her artwork,
and will work with Rita in getting the coloring book printed for the best price.
Kate reported that siding in certain places on the Mansion is in need of repair. The Board
authorized her to get bids for that work. She also reported that the Mansion is attempting to sell a
used Ariens mower that we are no longer using.
The wedding brochures are distributed at bridal shops, but to date only 2 weddings have
scheduled to use the grounds this summer.
The Board suggested that we have Steve use the mulching blades on the mowers, so there are not
so many bags of grass clippings to haul away, and mulching is better for the grass.
Kate reported that, while she did not have final numbers, she estimated Death By Chocolate had
sold 65-70% of tickets and had about $6,000 in proceeds.
Kate reported that she had taken two courses (marking a non-profit & grant writing) at FVCC.
The Board approved reimbursement to Kate for the cost of those 2 courses. She also took the
"ABCs for Business" course offered through the Chamber.
Kate requested some clarification of her compensation plan. She will review the policy manual
and job descriptions and will work with Tia to prepare any revisions to be presented to the whole
Board. With regard to her "incentive plan," Rita stated that Ev would be preparing that
document for Kate.
Kate thanked Betty Norem for her work in getting Windermere Realty to have their volunteer day
be served at the Mansion (June 14"). Kate has arranged many projects for their agents to do,
including spreading gravel, painting benches, building shelves, etc.
Kate discussed with the Board FVCC's interest in holding "fireside chat" classes at the Mansion,
and the need for the Mansion to prepare a fee schedule for use of the Mansion for such classes.
FVCC and the Mansion are also in discussions for sponsoring a trip to Fort Benton, and possibly
holding wine tasting classes at the Mansion.
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Kate reported that to date 231 school children had toured the Mansion, and that Montana
Woman's Magazine had photographed the Red Hat Society tea.
FINANCIAL REPORT:
Due to Ev's absence, no financial report was provided, but will be at next meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Christmas vendors are calling already to ask for information about Christmas bazaar.
Rita reminded the Board that she will be stepping down as President (but promises to remain on
the Board!), so we need to be considering who of us will be stepping up to serve as our President.
Adjourned at 9:35 am.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Tia R. Robbin, Secretary
Next Meeting: to be announced
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