Present: Jean Ketchel, Chair, Kaye Davis, Jennifer Green, Kevin St. John, Jane Benson, Judy Trevor, Jan Sheehan, Pam Joscelyn, Tia Nelson, Annie Murfitt, Gina Wiest, Laura Behenna, Ed Tinsley, and Lisa Peterson.
Chair Ketchel called the meeting to order and asked for any changes to the agenda. The Montana Shares report and board operating issues were added.
Treasurers
Report:
Kaye reported that she, Gina, and Robyn met about the budget and created an
extra account. Everything in the budget was at about 50% for the year or just
where it should be. Kaye pointed out that LCHS had received $4,990 in memorials
in December and that the Christmas letter, mailed to 700, brought in $6,169.
Secretaries
Report:
Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson was unable to be present.
Jan moved and Lisa P. seconded a motion to have Tia pay the deposit at the Elks Club for the Spayghetti Dinner. Motion approved
Guest speaker Laura Nicolai reported on a situation
she encountered when visiting the Fort Belknap Reservation in Hays. She
witnessed stray dogs being destroyed by shooting and being left in an open pit.
Board members discussed education, population control, the involvement
of Montana Spay/Neuter Task Force and past efforts at the reservation. It was
decided that Lisa P. would draft a letter to other
Advertising: A motion was made to place
ads prepared by Lisa P. in the Helena Independent Record about abandonment by
Annie, second by Kaye. Motion approved.
Shelter
Security:
Gina described recent thefts of shelter dogs. The board discussed the
possibility of security cameras. There were staff concerns about cameras that
had been expressed previously. Lisa P would investigate the cost issue.
Cremation
Services:
Gina described the services being offered in
Pawsability: The Board discussed
adopting a shelter policy that all dogs be placed on Pawsabilty status prior to
adoption and that it be the preferred option for cats. Jane made a motion to
adopt this policy, Jan second, motion approved.
Grants: Laura discussed the
possibility of a grant application to fund a spay/neuter room. It would be
discussed further at a future meeting.
Staff Hours: A motion was made by Annie
to increase Karen's hours to 40 and reduce JoAnn's to 25. Jennifer
second, motion approved.
Computer: The board discussed the
need for a new computer for Karen. Gina felt it was not needed at this time.
Microchips: The Board discussed a
proposal to microchip all shelter animals including the process and costs. A
motion was made by Kaye to move ahead with the proposal, second by Tia , motion approved.
Grounds
Committee Report: Jane reported that there had been no recent meetings since it was
winter but they will start in the spring. The board discussed the need for
members. Anyone interested should contact Jane. Judy offered.
Fundraising
Committee Report: Kay reported on a proposal to collect used cellular phones. LCHS would
get about $1 per phone turned in. The next scheduled fundraising committee
meeting would be on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm at Fireside
Coffee.
Jan reported on the Montana Shares program. She informed members of the Jazz and Just
Desserts fundraiser. She also discussed a proposal that LCHS become a full
member of Montana Shares. A motion was made by Lisa P. to become a full member,
second by Judy, motion approved.
Spay Neuter
Task Force:
Gina, Judy and Jane reported on a Montana Spay/Neuter Task Force training
session they attended in
Jean reported that Angie McDunn had resigned from
the Board. Kaye moved to accept Tia Nelson as Vice President in Angie’s place.
Motion passed. The Board held a general
discussion of expectations for board membership and attendance.
Shelter
Manager Report: Gina reported on the Mikal Kellner Foundation 2005 calendar,
Jan made a motion to adjourn, second by Tia, motion
approved. Time?
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Peterson