Lewis and
Minutes of Board Meeting
Call to Order: President Denise Tarr
called the board meeting of the Lewis and Clark Humane Society to order at
Secretary’s Report: It was moved by Terey,
seconded by Jane, to approve the December 16, 2001 board meeting minutes with
corrections ($200 for film, not $330 as reported).
Treasurer’s Report: Terey
reported that we are about halfway through the fiscal year and things look
about normal. The audit report from Galusha Higgins has been received and will be discussed in
detail at the February meeting. Terey compared some figures from last year and this year:
Membership
Dec. 2000 $3,200
Dec. 2001 $2,565
Public Donations
2000
$9,659
2001
$7,600
Memorials
2000
$690
2001
$3,700
It
was noted that lower figures in certain areas might be the result of donators’
increased specificity as to which fund they want their donations to be placed
into.
Shelter Executive Director’s
Report: Gina reported on a spaghetti dinner
fundraiser being organized by the shelter staff in conjunction with spay &
neuter day (Feb. 26). The event will
take place on Saturday, Feb. 23 at the East Helena VFW. Dinner will begin at 6:30 with a dance to
follow. Door prizes will be given and
all food is being donated. Volunteers
are needed to assist. Prices are $6 each
or $20 for a family of 5, or $7/individual and $25/family at the door. A tri-fold mailing advertising the spaghetti
dinner (and the Valentine Chocolate Fair on Feb. 9) will be sent via bulk mail
to all who receive the newsletter. A
motion by Terey, seconded by Jennifer, that costs for
mailing not exceed $300, unless the board approves.
Gina
reported that the shelter copy machine is dying. She may have a possible
donation from Empire Office (already has a million copies on it), or there is a
lease option of a Konica 2223 at $50/month from Gagnon’s.
Total
impounds:
2001-2,631
2000-2,337
1999-2,511
Gina
reported that independent contractors (Three Brothers Plumbing and Heating)
used an infrared camera to look at the floor of the new building. Four heating loops inside the floor are not
working, resulting in insufficient heat to the interior of the building. There is trouble with the thermostat too, as
well as the hot water heater. Golden
Eagle Construction was paid, under duress, before New Year’s, under advisement
of attorney Jim Hunt. Gina had received a letter from Hunt stating that if
Golden Eagle is found to be at fault, he would pursue legal action. He has not charged us for his services to
this point.
Gina
was saddened to report that animal control officer, Curt McAlpin,
has decided to retired (under duress) after 23 years of service. A city police officer will be taking over
those duties for the next several months unless a replacement is found for
Curt. Gina discussed the option of
contracting with Curt to handle cruelty cases—perhaps five hours a week at an
hourly wage. Such a situation would be
to the betterment of the shelter, Gina said, as cases could be handled more
promptly and Curt could also do some education for the public. Gary suggested a social evening to thank Curt
for his many years of service.
President’s Report:
Denise reported that the next business card social is Thursday, Jan. 17
from 5-7 at Insty Prints. She also reported that we need to have new
raffle tickets printed up and it would be ideal for these to be ready for the
Chocolate Fair on Feb. 9. Denise said
she will be meeting with Joy from Montana Shares. It is possible we may have to drop out of the
program, as no one from the board has volunteered to take over as Montana
Shares liaison. We will see the money
from last fall this year.
Old Business: With regard
to insurance for shelter staff using their own vehicle for work errands, Jean
reported that she had contacted MII and was told it would cost $50/year to add
these private vehicle users to our policy (liability only) and they would still
have to have their own insurance.
Workers comp does apply as long as employees are classified.
Kathy Brown has gone to all the local auto dealers
to discuss the possibility of a donation of a shelter vehicle. Power Chevrolet
has a 2000 Chevy S10 2-wheel drive longbed truck
(with topper) and 80,000 miles on it, which they would be willing to “give” to
the shelter for $3,000. Gina said there
is a possibility that a $7,500 donation from Dr. Weber could be used, a $1,148
cash stock gift, or some Christmas funds not yet designated.
New Business:
The annual Valentine Chocolate Fair will be held at the civic center on
Feb. 9. Gerry will be organizing bakers
and the humane society table at the fair.
We have a print to be used for our raffle (Dr. Bishop re-donated the
Glazier print he recently won) but we could use more items to raffle. The Home & Garden Show will be held at
Carroll College on April 5-7. Gary will
be in charge of the humane society booth for this event.
Standing
Committee Reports:
None
given.
None
given.
None
given.
None
given.
Jane
requested that articles for the next issue of the newsletter be turned in the
first week of February.
None given.
Miscellaneous: Gina reported that the gas line to the
crematorium needs to be moved which will cost about $500-$700. Jane stated that she is thinking about
writing an article for the IR regarding all the cats at the shelter (to tie in
with spay day on Feb. 26).
Adjournment:
The board meeting adjourned at approximately 8:20 pm. The next regular LCHS Board meeting will be
Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 6:30 at the Shelter.
Respectfully
Submitted,
Lisa
Mecklenberg Jackson