E.C.A.S.-Minutes from meeting held at the library in Lewiston, MI, on 12/14/06.
The following people were present:
Jim Buckingham Mary Hubbard
Robin Smiley Pauline Hancock
Tom Young Pat Crawford
Steve Schlecht Sharon Rickard
Trish Kniffen Katie Schlecht
Carol Young Mary Lou Barber
Dave Hancock Chris Moe
Maggie Tatum Agnes Mowatt
Trish Mowatt Mike Juszak
*Called to order at 7:00 p.m.
*Minutes from November meeting posted on our web site and approved. Copies from Nov. meeting handed out to those who didn’t view them on web site.
*Treasurer Report-Mary Hubbard- Total income for Nov. was $7983.11. After various expenses were paid, we had a net income of $6035.94. Our “Pictures with Santa” event at the Lewiston Library took in $566.00. After expenses, net was about 380.00. The Atlanta Bazaar took in just under $300.00. The Hillman dinner/auction took in $4300.00 after expenses. That same event took in $3897.00 in 2005, $3100.00 in 2004, and $2930.00 in 2003.
We received our first check, $20.00, from Spartan labels. What should we do with this money? A motion to put this money into our medical fund was made, seconded, approved. We have approximately $1500.00 in medical fund at present, and approximately $550.00 in a spay/neuter fund.
Mary moved $12000.00 out of our operating/savings account and bought 2 CD’s @ $6000.00 each for 1 year @5.04% interest. 1 CD into operating fund, 1 into building fund. Our net income through November this year is $33500.00.
*Adoption Report- Pauline Hancock- 12 dogs picked up in November. 2 were returned to owners, 2 adopted. There are currently 6 dogs in kennels at Sheriff depart.
Our funding for our spay/neuter program was renewed in the amount of $15000.00, with restrictions. A copy of the new contract and rules will be given to members who are involved in this program so they can be aware of the changes. This funding is for both large and small dogs, with a greater portion of the funding for larger dogs.
Pauline also mentioned that our grant people would like to see us put in a Vet room in our shelter. They would provide funding to equip this room. We could have a visiting vet come in to do spay/neuter, and other things right on the premises. This is definitely something to think about while the building is in the planning stages.
*Spay/Neuter Report- Linda Buckingham- There were 5 dogs altered in November, with a bill of $274.00, bringing our grant balance to $442.00. 4 appointments have been scheduled for December at this time.
Maggie Tatum and Pauline brought 7 cats and 2 dogs to Boyne City to be altered by Dr. Bullerdick. We’ll try to have 4 cat clinics in our area in 2007, with Dr. Bullerdick’s
Mobil unit doing the altering.
*Membership Report- Pat Crawford- We have 141 active members and 168 inactive members. We also have 56 donors on the list. Pat and Robin Smiley are working on a membership renewal form to be sent out in January. We need to keep track of people who state on the membership form that they’re willing to help out at various events, then we can call on them.
*We need an advertising person/committee to get the word out to the media, etc., whenever we’re having an event. Tom and Carol Young said they would help with this since they have the experience.
Pauline passed around a tentative committee structure form for people to review and give some input on what they think and how they think we should work these committees.
Maggie Tatum applied for a grant from DTE Energy Foundation for just under $6000.00. This money would help offset the cost for an extra 4 page newsletter to be distributed throughout the county. It would also help with the cost of printing a “Volunteer Handbook”, and a training DVD to go into a little “goody bag” along with some other items.
*Christmas Mailing- As of today, we’ve received $3284.00 from our cards. Since some people send us $50.00 or more, we should print extra copies of our newsletter to send to these people. The ones that aren’t members will maybe join us.
*Tom Young got a letter from Chuck Ruhl asking if the group would discuss an absentee ballot procedure so he could vote tonight, since he couldn’t be here. Dave Hancock said our by-laws do say “by proxy”, so we could let Chuck do this if everyone agreed. After a small discussion, it was decided to let Chuck vote absentee.
*The board will be looking to revise our by-laws and articles of incorporation since much has changed since they were first written in 2002.
*December Newsletter- ready to print. Make 400 copies, send extra copies to large donors from the X-Mas card mailing.
*Annual Elections- The following two board members are up for re-election:
Jim Buckingham- who has said he’s seeking another term, and Steve Schlecht, who has also stated he’s seeking another term.
Nominations open for other candidates: Maggie Tatum nominated herself as a candidate with Pauline Hancock seconding the motion.
Nominations closed. Paper ballots passed around to all present. 3 candidates running for 2 seats on the board, all were told to vote for 2. Mary Lou Barber tallied the ballots.
Election results: Jim Buckingham-16 votes, Maggie Tatum-12 votes, Steve Schlecht-9 votes. Jim stays on the board, with Maggie becoming a new board member. Steve was thanked for his years of service on the board.
*After the election, the board was called to order for a small meeting. All others present were adjourned to have X-mas snacks.
Tom Young stated he would like to give up his position as president, in order to pursue other issues, like a capital campaign. Mary Hubbard nominated Pauline Hancock for president, with Robin Smiley seconding. All approved this, Pauline is new president. Robin Smiley was nominated for vice president, seconded, voted in by all. Mary Hubbard will stay as treasurer, Jim Buckingham will stay as secretary. The other board members are Tom Young, Pat Crawford, Maggie Tatum.
*Next Meeting- Thursday, January 11, 2007, at Independent Bank, Hillman, MI, at 7:00 p.m. Happy New Year to everyone!
*The board adjourned to join in the festivities.