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 Gerry, seconded by Jean, to hold off on
approving the
Treasurer’s Report: Jean reported that we are at 80% of the fiscal year and the
budget looks good. We’ve taken in more
than we budgeted for in services already.
Travel is over-budget, as we didn’t budget anything for travel, but the
amount will still be lower than if we had purchased a vehicle for the shelter.
Shelter Executive Director’s
Report: STATISTICS
MARCH: The shelter took in 80 dogs and 60 cats, 24 dogs and 16
cats were adopted. 24 dogs and 31 cats
were euthanized (either sick or behavior problems). Of the total animals that came in during
March, 32 dogs were already altered, as were 21 cats.
APRIL: The shelter took in 90 dogs and 54 cats, 38 dogs and 21
cats were adopted. 4 dogs and 24 cats
were euthanized (4 of the cats for no room).
Of the total number of animals that came in during April, ? dogs were already altered, as
were 21 cats.
Gina
reported the adopt-a-thon, held in early May, was “pretty dismal.” The shelter will continue with reduced
adoption fees for cats ($10 adoption; ½ price spay and
neuter) from May-August. Signs will be
posted in the shelter and ads put on radio and TV.
Gina
has been meeting with Paul Spangler, disaster emergency coordinator, on how to
handle pets during a disaster. The
humane society can handle excess animals during a disaster. Gina introduced Mike Maynard, the
Gina
discussed the landscaping for the new building.
Since grass does not grow well in that area, Gina recommends gravel,
with perhaps some low-maintenance vegetation.
Gina will get cost estimates for shrubbery.
Gina
has received an $820.68 bill from the neighboring wastewater facility. Apparently, they had a big plug-up from hair,
dog food, and tennis balls, and felt this was due to activity at the shelter. However, Gina does not believe the problem is
attributable to the shelter. We already
pay sewer charges. If officials can
present the shelter with evidence that the plug-up is indeed the fault of the
shelter, the board will deal with the issue at that time. Gina also said that the humane society would
be given paint to paint its three buildings to look the same as the water
treatment plant (all are leased from the city).
Since two of the society’s three buildings are non-paintable, the board
decided against painting unless it becomes an issue.
President’s Report: Denise brought up
the issue of memorials made on behalf of the Lewis & Clark Humane Society
Board. She feels it is an appropriate
gesture to be extended in the event of a death of someone associated with the
society. A motion was made by Jane,
seconded by Tiffany, that a policy be established whereby anyone on the board
who wishes to contribute to a memorial donation do so, and it will be done on
behalf of the board. Motion passed. Denise will let us know at meetings when a
donation is appropriate.
Denise
reported that the following people each donated $100 to the humane society: Pam
Rossi, Betsy Wahl, Billie Shepherd, Brenda Grossman, Bruce Meadows, Holly Luck,
Renee Kowalski, Troy Holter, Barbara Bayer, Ruth Willis, Shawn & Lin Deola,
and Mike Dalton.
With
regard to MT Shares, Denise stated that LCHS’s share is $19,440. We will see the first of the money in Sept.
2002. The next training will be in
September. We are associate members now (we
pay $250 per year) but may want to consider becoming full members ($500/year)
to receive more dividends. We need to
help sell raffle tickets.
Old Business: Bud Wirtz will be going ahead and cleaning up
the pet cemetery (the
Gina reported that she will be meeting with outlying
counties in the next couple of months regarding their budgets, and new
contracts will be presented to them at that time. Gina said the likely course of action is that
animals will be “ticked off” as they come in from those counties and when the
county’s money runs out, the shelter will be unable to take any more of their
animals. This is an unfortunate
circumstance, but the shelter cannot keep operating in the red. The board agreed that the situation should be
presented in the most positive light possible.
Citizens should know that if their governments don’t pay their fair
share, citizens will lose these services.
Although Gina strongly wants to work with these counties towards a
compromise, if they refuse to budget an adequate amount for care of stray pets
in their counties, the public will be informed through a series of newspaper
and radio ads. However, nothing will be
done until Gina has an opportunity to meet with county officials; she hopes to
set up the meetings in the next month.
New Business: Pay advances for
shelter staff have been allowed in the past (three employees have used this
procedure since January). The board must
make a decision whether to continue this practice. Employees get paid twice a month, but Gina
says the ability to get a pay advance meets a need for some people. Gerry reported that he had done some research
on the subject and discovered many organizations offer pay advances. Some say it must be for an emergency. Jean commented that the board does not want
to be put in a position of deciding what is, or isn’t, an emergency. A sample agreement regarding pay advances was
looked at and discussed. Gerry made a
motion that no pay advances be allowed until a formal policy is voted on at
next month’s meeting. Jean
seconded. Motion passed.
Strutt Your Mutt: Things are coming
along nicely for Strutt Your Mutt, the humane society’s big yearly fundraiser,
but volunteers are always welcome. The
event will be held June 15 at the Capitol grounds. Gerry will be putting out registration
packets this weekend, and Tiffany, Kaye, Sara, and Gerry will be hanging up
posters around town. T-shirts may only
be picked up the day of the event. Gina
reported that a bobcat will be walked at Strutt and will be available for
photos. Denise said that Mountain West
Bank will be providing doggie bandanas and doggie treats and, together with the
Mikkel Keller Foundation, will be hosting a refreshment table for dogs and
humans. The Pet Fair will be promoted in
IR ads. Shelter dogs will be walked in
the event, and both adoptable dogs, and their walkers, will be designated in
some way. Tiffany suggested the walker
wear a picture of his/her “pet” with identifying information on it, should
someone be interested in that dog. An
announcer is still needed—Al Marks is a possibility. Finally, Strutt Your Mutt will be held later
in July next year—perhaps in conjunction with the Lewis & Clark Fair.
Board
members may buy Strutt Your Mutt merchandise.
T-shirts-$5.50; hats-$10; jackets-$30. Denim shirts and polo shirts are also
available.
Standing
Committee Reports:
The
Nominating Committee has met with Mary Lou Jorns and Annie Murfitt and recommend that they be nominated for LSCHS Auxiliary Board
membership in October. Gerry made the
motion, Jennifer seconded it. Motion
approved.
At
their next meeting, Robyn McNellis will report on the bookkeeping manual she
has been given extra hours to work on.
Gina thinks she’s done with the manual.
Gerry also reported that Gina’s evaluation is very late.
Jean
reported that the contracts between the humane society and the City of
Miscellaneous: Gerry presented a
mock-up of a flyer promoting the humane society, which will go out with the
city water bills in August.
Adjournment: The board meeting
adjourned at approximately
Respectfully
Submitted,
Lisa
Mecklenberg Jackson