Lewis and Clark Humane Society

Minutes of Board Meeting

Wednesday, June 18, 2003

CALL TO ORDER: President Jean Ketchel called the monthly meeting of the Lewis and Clark Humane Society Board to order at 6:39 pm in the Ponderosa Room at St. Peter’s Hospital. Present were board members Jean Ketchel, Angie McDunn, Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson, Jane Benson, Tia Nelson, Jan Sheehan, Annie Murfitt, Kaye Davis, Pam Joscelyn, and Sara Stanton. Shelter executive director Gina Wiest, shelter bookkeeper Robyn McNellis, and animal control officer Mike Maynard were also present. Board members absent were Denise Tarr, Mary Lou Jorns, Judy Trevor, Anne O’Leary, Jennifer Green, and Shauna Stallings.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Kaye reported that she and Robyn are going to initiate a new custom with regard to the Treasurer’s Report. They will do a summary report for each month, along with a list of the biggest donors for the month. We will go over the yearly budget once a year instead of each month.

SECRETARY’S REPORT: Motion made by Jan, seconded by Angie, to approve the May 2003 minutes. Motion passed.

SHELTER MANAGER’S REPORT: Gina reported that she had been approached by KTVH about doing an interview regarding a dog being injured at a local kennel; the interview would consist of what qualities to look for in a good kennel. The board thought it best Gina not participate, but that she should give KTVH an article appearing in the Animal Tracks newsletter some back regarding this very topic. Gina said the spay/neuter letter had gone out to all the local vets. Bridger has agreed to a $5.00 rabies shot like many of the other vets. The recent adopt-a-thon held at the shelter was very successful, Gina said. Twenty-three cats were adopted, 11 dogs, one cat is on pawsability, and four dogs. Gina next reported that the cats in the new cat room at the shelter have to have extra vaccinations (these are the only adoptable cats besides the kittens). A motion was made by Tia, seconded by Annie, to charge the extra $14 vaccination charge to the adopter and monitor this practice for a month to see how it goes. Motion passed. Gina reported that she will be having an informational meeting with city/county animal control officers to discuss various diseases.

There was discussion on the outside painting and maintenance of the shelter building. Mike McNellis, who did much of the inside painting of the shelter, would like to contract to do the outside painting as well. It was suggested he submit a bid detailing cost and length of work time. A motion was made by Tia, seconded by Angie, that a building and grounds committee, with Jane chairing, be formed to address issues such as these. The motion passed. The committee will give us a report at the next meeting.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT: None.

OLD BUSINESS: Investment of Pauline Allen funds: Robyn will give us a report at the next board meeting. Quote on ventilation system: Gina is still waiting. Retz envelopes: Jan has taken care of these. Pam will check with other funeral homes to see if they need LCHS envelopes.

NEW BUSINESS:

Strutt Your Mutt is planned for July 19, 2003. Jean is doing a first order for merchandise. The colors this year are light blue and royal blue. The next meeting of the Strutt Your Mutt Committee will be July 2 at 6:30 at McKenzie River. We are good on water/OJ, but someone needs to call on food. Sara volunteered to do so. Everyone should bring their coolers to the event. Angie is checking on 10-12 prizes for contests. Dave Gallik, Ed Tinsley, and Scruffy will be the judges for contests. Pauline Allen naming: It was suggested that a tree be named in Pauline Allen’s honor for her recent bequest to the shelter. The grounds committee will explore the issue and make recommendations to the board. Entry in cardboard cup regatta: To be held July 12 at Spring Meadow Lake, the cardboard cup regatta benefits the Mikal Kellner Foundation and would be a good advertisement for the LCHS if we decided to make an entry. The board expressed an interest in building a boat, perhaps one advertising Strutt Your Mutt. The idea will be pursued.

MISCELLANEOUS: The shelter committee meets the second Wednesday of every month at 6:00 at the shelter. The next meeting will be July 9. The shelter committee consists of Gina, Jean, Tia, Denise, Annie, and Kaye. Jean thanked all the people who helped paint at the shelter.

The mortgage payment on the stray pet center needs to be renewed every five years. Former LCHS Board Treasurer Amy Palmer had reminded Jean that it might be due to be renewed soon. Someone needs to check on this.

Sara will call the Silver Star restaurant. They give us all the coin donations from their fountains. We had approved a plaque for them months ago.

Regionally, the Big R stores are holding a monthly market for animals at 11 stores. The first was to be held at the beginning of June. The Helena Big R store received over 300 phone calls and e-mails against the market. They thought it was our doing—it wasn’t. Jean talked to them about it. The Helena store cancelled the first market but would like us to participate in future ones. The consensus among board members seemed to be not to bring shelter animals to the market, but leave literature. Pam suggested that someone talk to the owner of the Helena Big R store. Gina said she would do that and see what he would like us to do.

The shelter received a $150 donation last month from Van’s Thriftway as a result of their casual day.

ADJOURNMENT: The board meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm. The next LCHS Board meeting will be Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 6:30 pm in the Ponderosa Room at St. Peter’s Hospital.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson