Lewis and Clark Humane Society

Minutes of Board Meeting

November 27, 2001

 

Call to Order: President Denise Tarr called the board meeting of the Lewis and Clark Humane Society to order at 6:30 pm at the Stray Pet Center.  Present were Executive Board Members Jean Ketchel, Jane Benson, Denise Tarr, Gerry Daumiller, Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson, Terey Artz, Shelter Executive Director Gina Wiest, and Shelter Bookkeeper Robyn McNellis  Also present was Auxiliary Board Member Sara Stanton.  Absent were Tia Fehlig, Jennifer Green, Gary Spaeth (Executive Board) and Lynda Benson, Tiffany David, Kathleen Henson, Pam Joscelyn, Renee Kowalski, Angie McDunn, and Vicki Thacker (Auxiliary Board). 

 

Secretary’s Report: It was moved to approve the October 16, 2001 board meeting minutes.

 

Shelter Executive Director’s Report:  In an attempt to lower the shelter budget, Gina proposed a change in shelter operation hours.  Under the proposed schedule, the shelter would be closed on Sundays and Mondays, open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 11 am to 6 pm, Wednesdays 12-6 pm, and Saturdays 11 am to 4:30 pm.  As a result of the reduction in work hours, approximately $457 would be saved per pay period, with a projected yearly savings of $11,882.  The shelter committee has proposed using some of the savings for performance based raises next fiscal year rather than across the board raises of 3%, as done in the past.  The board accepted Gina’s proposal and the new hours will take effect in January 2002.

 

Gina also updated the board on the Jefferson County cruelty case.  On Nov. 14, 2001, Gina and her staff were contacted by Jefferson County officials to assist with an animal cruelty case discovered in Clancy, MT (Clifford Stone and Mary Stone Parenti).  It took 5-6 hours to remove all the animals from the property.  The final count of live animals impounded by the LCHS was 67 and a total of 52 dead animals were removed from the property.  The live animals will be adopted out by the LCHS, and Jefferson County will be responsible for all costs incurred in the operation.

 

In addition, Gina reported that the Majestic Mountain 4-H Club will be taking over care of the shelter pet cemetery, beginning next summer.  And the shelter received a $7,500 donation from Dr. Weaber.

 

President’s Report:  Denise appointed a committee to update the LCHS Bylaws.  The committee will be chaired by Sara Stanton.  Committee members include Jean Ketchel, Jane Benson, and Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson.  This committee will also work on preparing a contract for shelter services for counties outside of Lewis and Clark County.

 

Treasurer’s Report:  New Treasurer, Terey Artz, led the board through a detailed look at the budget.  We are now four months into the fiscal year and we should be at about 33.5% of our budget for the year.  Total income is at 23.0% and total expenses are at 35.9%.

 

Old Business:  We are still selling raffle tickets for the guided fly fishing trip and Nancy Glazier print.  The drawing will be held Dec. 9 as part of the Santa Paws event.  Terey is working on a letter with regard to the Christmas membership drive.  The letter and an envelope will be inserted in the December issue of the LCHS newsletter.  Denise will also be inserting a discount coupon from a local business allocating 10% of the customer’s savings to LCHS.

 

New Business:  Santa Paws will be held at Big R from 10-5 on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8 & 9.  Prices will be 1 picture for $5 or 2 for $8.  Gerry reported that about $138 in raffle tickets and $400+ in bake sales were gathered at the Christmas craft show at the civic center.

 

Standing Committee Reports:

 

Shelter Committee

None given.

 

Education Committee

None given.

 

Fundraising and Public Relations Committee

(See New Business).

 

Membership Committee

None given.

 

Newsletter Committee

Jane Benson reported that in an effort to save money, the layout of the LCHS newsletter will now be done by Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson, board member, instead of by Neighborhood Office.  This will result in approximately a $200 savings on each of the issues (4 a year).  Neighborhood Office will continue to print the newsletters and Helena Industries will do the mailing.

 

Nominating Committee

None given.

 

Miscellaneous:  The board approved a motion to pay selected shelter staff members a  mileage reimbursement of $.34  a mile when using personal vehicles on shelter business (effective 11/28/01).  The possible purchase of a shelter vehicle will be explored.

 

Sara Stanton “volunteered” to be the timekeeper for future LCHS meetings and to keep track of tabled matters.

 

Adjournment:  The board meeting adjourned at approximately 8:40 pm.  A closed executive board meeting was then held.  The next regular LCHS board meeting (also our Christmas potluck) will be held Tuesday, Dec. 18 at Jane Benson’s house (25 Jefferson St.).  Board members report at 6 pm, to adjourn at 6:45 pm for holiday festivities.  Shelter staff are invited.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson