RHYTHM OF THE RAILS

BOARD MEETING

DECEMBER 14, 2004

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Darlene Hendrikson; Acting President, Jill Evans; Secretary, Dave Anderson, Donna Benson, Dr. Randy Cousins, Judy Sorenson, Lee Siepp, Lisa Walters.  Troupe Members present: Naomi Anderson, Gina Hill, Lilah Crowe

 

Acting President Darlene Hendrickson called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

Randy Cousins moved to approve the agenda with the following additions: Initiative Foundation report and report on the Blandin meeting.  Judy Sorenson seconded, motion passed.

 

MINUTES:

Randy Cousins moved to approve the minutes of the November meeting with corrections, Lee Siepp seconded, motion passed

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

Due to the absence of the Treasurer, there wasn’t a report.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Crow Wing Round-up Grant: We have been turned down, but we will re-submit during the January cycle.

Radio Show: We had budgeted for $1000, our income was $407.50, costs were $603.10, which makes for a loss of $195.60.  The Events committee will be evaluating this last show.  Audience members and Board members who attended the show commented highly on the production.

 

Blandin Meeting: Jody, Jill and Judy traveled to Grand Rapids on November 20th and met with a Blandin representative to answer their concerns about the Grant.  Blandin is requesting three items from us; a show of Community Support, how are we going to be self-sustaining, and what economic development will this project bring to Brainerd.  Jody presented Blandin with a list of references.  We should know by Christmas whether or not the Grant is being considered.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Facilities: No report

Finance Committee:

The Finance Committee met on November 23rd. They welcomed a new member; John Gunstad. The committee is recommending that we use $1000 of the Mid-Minnesota grant to catch up and pay bills through Dec. The committee met with Julie Anderholm of the Small Business Center and the project has been divided into Phase 1 and Phase 2. Phase 1 is parking, driveway, amphitheater and stage to be ready for the show.  Phase 2 is for the building for the Casey Jones Park.  The Finance Committee recommends the Board approach the project in two phases, Dave Anderson so moved, Donna seconded, motion passed.

 

Events Committee:

The Events committee is planning the Annual Strategic Retreat for January 15th at the Quarter Deck Resort. Time will be from 9-3 with the January Board Meeting afterwards.  The Strategic meeting is open to all interested. There will be a potluck at noon.

The Annual Jaycees Ice Fishing Contest is January 22nd. The Jaycees will make a donation if we provide volunteers. If interested please contact Darlene Hendrickson.

 

Nominating Committee:

No Report

 

NEW BUSINESS

Executive Director Report:

The Executive Director’s report is contained in the Rhythm of the Rails Dispatch that was emailed this week.  There will be a kick off fund raising event for the project and Naomi Anderson has agreed to lead a planning session during the Strategic Meeting. 

 

Jody has met with the Crow Wing County Soil and Water Department. It has been determined that we will not have to deal with the Wetlands issue.  The Soil and Water department did drilling at the site and determined there aren’t any wetlands at the Site.

 

Board training with the Initiative Foundation:

Jody and Lee met with Cathy Hartle a Board training specialist and reported on the HOPS training seminars. Lee moved that we apply for the HOPS program, Judy seconded, motion passed.  Donna Benson will fill out the application.

 

Memberships:

Jody recommended we continue our membership in the Brainerd Lakes area Chamber of Commerce.  Randy moved that we continue our membership in the Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce for 2005, payable when money is available, Judy seconded, motion passed.

 

Jody recommended we continue our membership in the Crow Wing County Historical Society. Judy moved the we continue our membership in the Crow Wing County Historical Society payable when money is available, Donna seconded, motion passed

 

Jody recommended that we pay the Chamber $100 for line item mention in the VacationLand Guide.  Discussion followed, Board agreed to table this matter until a later date.

 

Next Meeting:

The January Board meeting will be held on January 15, 2005 following the Strategic Planning Meeting at 3:00 p.m. at the Quarter Deck Resort.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

With no further business appearing, Dave Anderson moved that we adjourn. The Board adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Jill Evans,  Board Secretary