Central Missouri Humane Society

Board of Directors Open Meeting

April 25, 2005

 

Minutes

 

1.Call to order 6:00     

2.Board members present: Chris Bouchard, Connie Sullivan, Rhonda Carlson, Darren Hellwege, Dale Roberts, and John Howe

3.Board members absent: John Lane and Zim Schwartze

4.Staff  members present: Jason Ramsey, Lindsee Billings, Julie Aber, Shannon de Leon

5.Guests: Tiffany McBee, Shannon Stokes (works with Dr. Mosley at the Institute of Public Policy).

6.Approval of March meeting minutes moved Rhonda, second Darren, approved.

7.Approval of agenda moved by Darren second Rhonda, approved.

8.         Progress reports

a.         Equipment and building Chris- building committee held a brief meeting and are awaiting the report from the consultants per Jason.  Jason discussed options of hiring a consultant versus additional staff member to help him do the work in the capital campaign.  He said a case statement will be necessary.  May need to compromise operations to free up resources for capital campaign, e.g. decrease low income spay neuter program.  Jason distributed information on timeline for capital campaign.  He felt decision needed soon on whether to hire consultant.  They would need to be on board by first of the year.  He recommended hiring consultant at a firm price rather than percentage.  Estimated $150-250k for several year period of fundraising.  Shannon Stokes reported on what the feasibility studies will be telling us in terms of our perception in the community and what other humane societies were able to accomplish.  She also cautioned that new facilities increase operating expenses.  Chris suggested a comparison with other projects in comparable communities.  Darren suggested local consulting companies that would have local experience.  Jason has investigated companies in Kansas City and St. Louis.   Dale asked what we need to decide tonight.  Jason will make a proposal for next meeting regarding the  hiring of the consultant.

b.         Governance – John working on recruiting potential board members since we are three members down. 

c.         Fundraising – Jason suggested that we need a 4 wheel drive vehicle for cruelty investigation in the county.  The options for a donation was discussed.  Rhonda asked about how cruelty investigations were conducted.  Lindsee explained how we need to be able to go to a house without announcing who we are so we can break the ice.  The quality of the vehicles we currently have was discussed.        Be kind to animals week picnic on May 6th at 6pm.  Jason reported nomination for friend of animal award - Ted Boehm, animal citizen - Snoopy Edwards, Paul Pepper Lifetime Achievement Award - Chuck and Bobbie Everett.  Darren moved to accept the nominations,  seconded by Dale, unanimously approved.  Paul and James will MC.  John Lane is catering.  Television spot running on KOMU .

Car magnets still being investigated. 

d.         Staff Development  - Dale is working on the manual.  Training session was held March 31st.

e.         Marketing – Jason, newsletter going out this week.  BXR contract has been signed. 

f.          Education and Programs – No report

9.         Questions on staff reports none

10.       Old business

11.       New business

a.         John Howe- trust fund news.  A $41,000 trust was liquidated.  We are part owner of a trust that pays $10,000 per quarter, but we have no control over it.  The safety deposit box was opened but there was nothing of exceptional value.  The bank didn’t charge us for drilling the lock; Jason to send thank you to Dan Scotten.

b.         Denny - veterinary services.  Denny raised the issues of whether we are adequately screening animals for health problems prior to adoption.  Lindsee reported that we do offer coupons for free veterinary exams and replacement if problem found.   There was discussion about how much we should invest in these services. 

12.       Public comment:  Tiffany McBee introduced herself.  She works with Pit Bull Central Rescue and she has experience with fundraising.   She is interested in how involved the board is.  She reported she has worked with Lindsee in the past. 

13.  Chris suggested that we need maintain the veterinary point of view on the board.

14.Adjourned 7:20