Central Missouri Humane Society

Board of Directors Open Meeting

May 23, 2005

Minutes

1. Call to order at by Connie Sullivan at 6:21

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

3. Board members absent: John Lane,

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

5. Approval of April meeting minutes: moved by Dale, seconded by John Howe: approved

6. Approval of agenda: moved by John Howe, seconded by Dale: approved

7. Progress reports

a. Equipment and building: Chris no report.

b. Governance: in closed

c. Fundraising: Jason investigated costs of fundraising consultant who would run the capital campaign. Estimated cost would be $250-500,000. Hart had two levels: full time running of the campaign $12,000/month & expenses; coaching us on the campaing $6k/month & expenses. Darren asked if they guarantee results, Jason said goals would be part of contract. It was asked if when this would occur. Jason said we would need to move quickly. Connie asked for a recommendation from Jason. Jason suggested that we will need additional fundraising help after a new building is built to keep up with expenses. Darren commented that the nature of the campaign would be different after the big campaign. John asked about consultants who work on percentage and Jason said that is not recommended because it creates excess pressure on donors and potential conflicts. Zim suggest the museum fundraisers might be a useful resource. Jason pointed out that they had a federal grant. Chris asked what our next step would be. Zim pointed out that our budget would not support another staff position and asked that we put that on the agenda for next month. Chris asked if they had given estimate of time this would take. Jason replied no. Chris asked if we can get down to three companies and asked if we could get a presentation in June. Dale suggested Jason should screen. Darren asked if Jason had experience with similar projects. Chris suggested architects as source for recommendations.

(1) New mission statement. Jason circulated the proposed new mission statement:

(a) “The Central Missouri Humane Society is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1943 to prevent cruelty to and alleviate suffering of all animals. We are committed to responsible pet ownership and elevating the welfare of all animals through our adoption, education, and intervention programs.” Dale moved to accept the new mission statement, John.Howe seconded, approved.

(2) Jason asked about Harley Davidson fundraiser: board suggested he proceed.

(3) Jason asked for comments on survey. Zim suggested that the question on income be optional. Chris asked if all the information was necessary. Jason distributed results of survey from capstone class.

d. Staff Development : Dale still working on training manual.

e. Marketing ;

f. Education and Programs: Dale commended Shannon for her recognition at picnic

8. Questions on staff reports - None

9. Old business

a. Lindsee – asked if lady in Hallsville (Joanne Gilbert) might be willing to let us lease her land for rescued large animals. Dale reported he and Wendy Bade had discussed this arrangement. Lindsee asked if she can make further contact. Zim suggested Lindsee make contact and see if Ms. Gilbert is still interested and then board can follow-up with a meeting. Lindsee also reported on recent investigations. Cat rescue near courthouse and Cole county rescue

b. Zim Schwartze - Update on city contract 2005 and 2006. 2005 budget was not submitted in time. 4.9% increase over 2004 budget was included and 2004 budget was wrong, so we got 9.8% total increase and this will be retroactive. For 2006 she asked for 5% increase. Dale suggested that 5% is not adequate increases given our increased costs. Zim said she accounted for the costs that we have with the city for what we provide to animal control. Dale questioned if we can provide 2006 budget yet. Connie stated that we need to get on the city budget cycle. Dale is happy with the 9.8% increase but questioned if we a 5% increase is sufficient. Zim suggested we could ask for supplemental. Gerry Worley said that needed to get the budget to them by end of May. Zim explained what was necessary to get the budget done this year. Connie added that we could add supplemental budget for insurance indemnification issue. Dale questioned if the contract could be submitted without a board vote, and suggested that we should press for more funds. Rhonda asked if we are recovering our costs, and she is not convinced the increased costs are that great. Dale pointed out what our increase in costs are for running the shelter in general. Rhonda suggested we get exact costs and ask for supplemental for increased costs. Dale asked if justifications were provided; they were. Chris asked what our options are and Zim said the contracts for 05 and 06 have been submitted. Rhonda asked that we investigate what we need for a supplemental. Connie suggested we change our budget cycle to coincide with the city. John will look into if we can change our budget planning cycle.

c. Chris Bouchard & Lindsee Billings – insurance declarations. Lindsee distributed the declaration page from our insurance. Connie circulated the letters sent to insurance company and Yeager’s lawyer.

10. New business

a. Denny – the proposal from the veterinary school to perform West Nile Virus monitoring of shelter dogs in return for heartworm testing; Dale moved to accept the proposal, John seconded, approved

11. Public comment: None

12. Adjourned 7:34