Lewis and Clark Humane Society

Minutes of Board Meeting

Wednesday, July 21, 2004

 

CALL TO ORDER: President Jean Ketchel called the monthly meeting of the Lewis and Clark Humane Society Board to order at 6:06 pm at the shelter. Present were board members Jean Ketchel, Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson, Tia Nelson, Jane Benson, Annie Murfitt, Lisa Peterson, Kevin St. John, Ed Stipich, and Jolyn Eggart.  Shelter executive director Gina Wiest was also present.  Board members absent were Kaye Davis and Jen Hornung.  Guests included Gail Beattie, Debbie Irby, Esther Suhr-Stewart, Joanna Dove, and Andrea Rankin.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT:  No report (Kaye absent)

 

SECRETARY’S REPORT:  Motion by Jane, second by Annie, to approve minutes from the June 2004 meeting.  Motion passed.

 

MONTANA SHARES REPORT: Kevin reported that raffle tickets have to be in by Sept. 11.  We contributed a photography session with Sandy Newton.

 

SHELTER COMMITTEE REPORT: Tia reported the committee has been working on updating the employee manual.  A draft will be given to board members at the next meeting.  The procedures manual is the next project.  Tia also reported that Lewis & Clark County is only offering $50,000 as their contribution to the shelter’s annual budget (we had budgeted $66,780 as their portion—based on # of animals anticipated x $53).  The same procedure must be followed with L&C as with Jefferson and Broadwater Counties.  The shelter committee recommends that we write L&C County a letter now stating that we will use the $50,000 as far as it goes, and the county will be billed $53/animal after that.  If the county refuses to pay, citizens will be billed.  A second letter will be sent several months in advance of the money running out.  Motion by Lisa P., second by Kevin, to do the above.  Motion passed.  Jolyn and Lisa P. will work on the letter.

 

BUILDING/GROUNDS COMMITTEE:  Ed thanked Jane for all her past work on this committee.  Ed would like to get an architect or engineer in to look at the extensiveness of the kennel restoration project.  Gina will contact the Shelter Planners of America to see how much it would cost to have someone come and look at our shelter.  Tia will talk to Derek about taking a look as well.  Ed also reported that the lawn watering system is in.

 

FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE:  No report. 

 

NOMINATING COMMITTEE:  Lisa M.J. reported the committee had met with two potential board members, Gail Beattie and Debbie Irby.  She recommended that they be accepted onto the board.  Tia seconded.  Motion passed.  Welcome Gail and Debbie!

 

WEBSITE COMMITTEE:  No report.

 

DISASTER PLAN:  No report.

 

SPAY/NEUTER TASK FORCE:  Lisa P. and Jane are co-chairing.  Lots of volunteers and committee chairpersons will be needed.  The committee will be making a master list of all items needed and intend to check-out Anaconda’s SNIP event in August.

 

NEW BUSINESS: Role of board members.  In response to a recent situation, Jean pointed out that if board members volunteer at the shelter, they are the same as John Q. Public when they are there, and are afforded no special privileges and have no authority over shelter staff.  Staff and volunteers (board members or otherwise) must afford each other a mutual respect, and communication is key.  Annie asked that Gina give us a monthly update on staff feelings.  The board is still planning an outing to a Brewer’s game on July 25 for board members, staff, family, and friends.  At least 20 must attend to reserve the picnic area.  No dogs will be taken, but a script highlighting the humane society will be given to the announcer.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:  There was some discussion concerning a recent parvo situation at the shelter.  There was a litter of 11 lab puppies, four or five of which have gotten parvo.  Their new owners were notified.  One lady brought her puppy back and the shelter treated it, incurring costs.  She now wants the puppy back.  She adopted it at the adoptathon for $22.  She will be told she can re-adopt the puppy, but it will have to be at the full price of $110 (with $22 credit).  Another lady’s puppy got sick, they had it treated at a vet, and she now wants the shelter to reimburse her for treatment costs, as well as get her adoption fee back.  Our contract states the adoption fee is only refundable if the puppy is relinquished.  She did not relinquish the puppy, so her costs are not reimbursable.  With regard to the parvo issue, Gina will run a parvo test at the shelter.  If that test comes back positive, Gina has the authority to close the shelter and notify the board.  Motion by Lisa P., second by Ed.

 

SHELTER MANAGER’S REPORT:  Starting next month, Gina will give us a report on how staff relations are going. 

 

Gina gave June 2004 statistics. 

Dogs                      Cats             Other 

Impounded                       101                        138              2                 

Returned to Owner                                                                       TOTAL 48              

Adopted                            35                          30                1                          

Euthanized                        13                          79                1

Spayed/neutered                48                          25

 

Gina reported that the crematorium needs preventive maintenance in the amount of $1,395.  There is already $1,000 in the budget for that.  Motion by Lisa P., second by Tia, to take $400 from the crematorium replacement fund to make up the difference.  Motion passed.

 

ADJOURNMENT:  The board meeting adjourned at 9 pm.  The next LCHS Board meeting will be at the shelter on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004 at 6:00 pm.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson

LCHS Secretary