Lewis and Clark Humane Society

Minutes of Board Meeting

Wednesday, April 21, 2004

 

CALL TO ORDER: Vice-President Tia Nelson called the monthly meeting of the Lewis and Clark Humane Society Board to order at 6:05 pm at the shelter. Present were board members Tia Nelson, Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson, Kaye Davis, Jane Benson, Annie Murfitt, Lisa Peterson, Jolyn Eggart, Kevin St. John, Ed Stipich, and Jen Hornung.  Shelter executive director Gina Wiest was also present.  Board members absent were Jean Ketchel, Jennifer Green, and Judy Trevor.  (Board member Jan Sheehan submitted her resignation via e-mail April 8, 2004).  Guests present included Anita Varone, L & C County Commissioner.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Kaye stated that a draft copy of the next year’s budget needs to be submitted to the county by April 23.  The shelter committee has already looked at the budget which is $17,000 short of balancing at this point (there is no money for a new animal welfare position discussed at April 7th’s closed board meeting).  “We’re not done with the budget,” stated Annie.  “It just helps to know where the board’s priorities are.”

 

Tia mentioned that she had received eight suggestions from Bob Pesta on better managing staff; these suggestions may eliminate the need for extra staff.  Tia will distribute them to the board.  A motion was made by Annie, second by Lisa M.J., to approve the preliminary budget.  Motion passed.

 

MONTANA SHARES REPORT: Because of Jan’s recent resignation from the board, we need a new MT Shares liason.  Kevin agreed to serve as the liaison.  Now that we are full members, we need more points.  There is monthly meetings (Robyn attends some of these and gets about ½ of needed points).  There is mandatory training on May 1 from 10-4 (where Kevin will pick up check).  Motion by Kaye, second by Jane, to approve Kevin as the new MT Shares liaison.  Motion passed. 

 

SHELTER COMMITTEE REPORT: Tia stated that the shelter committee would like to see a new shelter policy (and contract language) that no cats be adopted out as outdoor-only cats, unless at the discretion of shelter staff.  Motion to that effect by Kaye, second by Jolyn. Motion passed.  Discussion followed regarding adoption fees (some animals have had their adoption fees already paid).  “There should always be a minimum adoption fee,” said Tia.  “All animals have intrinsic value.”  Motion by Lisa P., second by Jen, that no animal leave the shelter without at least a minimum $15 administrative fee, subject to staff discretion.  Motion passed.

 

A shelter staff member had asked for a cash advance on vacation time earned.  The shelter committee was not in favor of this.  Motion by Lisa P., second by Ed, that no cash advances on vacation time be allowed.  Motion passed.  In a separate situation, a staff member had one week of vacation, but wanted to take two (essentially an advance of vacation).  Staff are generally allowed three weeks of combined sick and vacation leave a year, with Gina requesting that they take no more than a week of vacation at a time.  The board was not in favor of advancing vacation leave.  Anita suggested putting together a policy allowing an advance on vacation after employment for five years.  This item was tabled for the shelter committee to discuss at their next committee meeting (how to reward long-term employees).

 

Gina requested a bone grinder (after animals are cremated, small pieces of bone are left that need to be crushed.  Staff currently does this with a hammer).  The grinder would cost approx. $2,100.  A motion was made by Annie, second by Lisa P., to use the money already in the crematorium budget that came from the Pauline Allen fund to purchase the bone grinder.  Motion passed.

BUILDING/GROUNDS COMMITTEE:  Clean-up day at the shelter will be Sunday, April 25 from 12-4.  It was suggested to run a free classified ad to get rid of some items such as posts and old windows (free for pick-up). Ed Stipich volunteered to cut and water the grass at the shelter, as well as take care of the flower beds.  Jane mentioned that the committee has identified a need for a safer herbicide for the grass and gravel.  Nitrogreen gave a bid of $627.  Anita said she would contact the extention office—they might do it for free—and have them call Gina.  The building and grounds committee will be taking over exploration of a possible security system for the shelter.

 

FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE:  The committee did not meet last month, but will be meeting the first Monday in May (May 3). 

 

WEBSITE COMMITTEE:  Lisa P. reported that Ed Benasky still wants to do the humane society Website.  He estimates it will take about two hours a month to keep the site updated after the initial set-up.  Tempest Technology hosts the site for free, and provides free e-mail.  Committee members will be sending Ed information for the updated site, as well as looking at the potential for payment through the Website and possibly hosting advertising on the page. 

 

SPAY/NEUTER TASK FORCE:  Helena, Lewis & Clark County, and possibly other counties, will be hosting the statewide spay/neuter task force at the Lewis & Clark Fairgrounds Oct. 21-25, 2004.  A letter has been written that will go to 24 vets in the area, asking for their participation.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:  Strutt Your Mutt—the fundraising committee and the shelter committee will discuss this event at their respective committee meetings to see if anyone would like to spearhead this annual fundraiser. A motion was made by Kaye, second by Jane, that when there is a vacancy on the board, a press release be put in the paper, asking for another member.  Motion passed.  The nominating committee will do this.

 

SHELTER MANAGER’S REPORT:  Gina gave March 2004 statistics. 

Dogs                      Cats                      

Came in                            108                        71                         

Returned to Owner                                                                      

Adopted                            82                                                     

Euthanized                        7                           21

Spayed/neutered                                            

 

Gina mentioned that Lori Ferren (w/insurance group) will be holding an open house for people who use the fairgrounds on Sunday, June 6 from 12-4.  This would be a good opportunity to talk about the spay/neuter task force.  Gina also reported that on Thursday evenings at 7 (for the next 6 weeks), there will be ½ hour training sessions at the shelter for shelter dogs.  There will be a pizza night at Pizza Hut on May 5.  We will receive 20% of the proceeds when the humane society is mentioned by customers.  Lisa P. will contact the newspapers and radio to publicize the event.  Finally, Gina stated that Broadwater County does not have the money to contribute to the humane society in the manner they would like to.  Negotiations will continue.

 

ADJOURNMENT:  The board meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm.  The next LCHS Board meeting will be at the shelter on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 at 6:00 pm.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson

LCHS Secretary