8/15/24
Prepared by Gretchen Hesli (2024 RCMG Secretary)
Summary for the August RCMG Board of Directors Meeting
The RCMG Board of Directors Meeting was held on August 13, 2024 on Zoom. The next Board Meeting is scheduled for September 10, 2024. Board meetings are open to all volunteers.
Committee Updates
Communications Committee Update
The Marketing and Communications Committee (MarCom) has several new projects in the works. Signage for the State Fair Garden and a slide presentation on “Gardening with Native Plants” are on the top of the list.
They also hope to create an informational video for interns, welcoming them into the program, answering common questions, and guiding them through the resources available to them on the website.
And as always, so much more is happening with this group!
Education Committee Update
The Education Advisory Team is finalizing plans for the August member meeting next week (Tuesday 8/20/2024) at the Como Conservatory. This is a joint meeting with Washington County, and it is our turn to host. The committee has a great program planned with speakers from the conservatory. As of this writing there are still a few slots left for in-person attendance.
Susan Mason has agreed to run for the Education Co-Chair position in 2025-2026.
Finance Committee Update
We finally have a Finance Committee! The goal of this group is to advise the Board on the appropriate use of our funds. Our accounts are fairly healthy, in particular our Fidelity Investment Fund. A policy is being developed to disburse some of these monies for new programs.
The committee’s initial priority is to develop a policy for the Fidelity Investment Fund disbursements, which will be called the “Special Projects Grant Program Policy.”
Membership Committee Update
The annual Mentor/Intern gathering to recognize the accomplishments of our 2024 Interns and their mentors will be held on Sunday, 9/29/2024 from 3:00-4:30PM at the Roseville Library. A SUG will be sent. (The Vikings/Packers game should be over by then—Go Vikings!)
We are already receiving applications for the 2025 program! Applications are due by 10/01/2024. Once the numbers of applicants has been determined we will start recruiting mentors for the new class.
Susie Deshon has agreed to run for the Member Co-Chair position in 2025-2026.
Plant Sale Committee Update
There was no update from the Plant Sale Committee.
Leadership Updates
Secretary Update
The June Board Minutes were approved.
Treasurer Update
Kathy presented the June and July Treasurer’s Reports, both of which were approved.
Kristina Hughes has agreed to be a candidate for the Treasurer position in 2025-2026. She was very involved with the Plant Sale Committee, particularly working with the cashiers and reconciling the day’s income and receipts.
Program Coordinator Update
Darren has hired Natalie Peterson as an assistant who will work with him 4 hours a week starting August 19th. Natalie currently works part-time with Extension in Anoka County.
He is also working on a Volunteer Satisfaction Survey to be sent out in September.
Chair and Vice-Chair Report
Vice-Chair Report
Kay reported that our semi-annual Board Retreat will be held on Saturday, 12/07/2024.
Kay requested funds to purchase a fire-proof file for permanent document and device (Square for example) storage. The Board approved and the file will be kept at the Extension building in Darren’s office.
Beth Fritcher has agreed to be a candidate for the Vice-chair position in 2025.
Chair Report
Julie continues to work on recruiting Board of Directors candidates and succession planning.
Kay Wimer will succeed Julie as Board Chair in 2026.
Old Business
Updated Board of Directors position descriptions - Julie Bechtold
Current Board members have updated the recommendations/requirements for their respective positions, and we look forward to bringing new volunteers in to the 2025 Board.
2025 Board of Director Candidates
We have candidates who are interested in the Vice Chair, Treasurer, New Member Committee Co-Chair and Education Committee Co-Chair positions. We are in need of a volunteer to serve in the roles of Secretary.
Serving on the Board is an easy way to accrue volunteer hours (while in the comfort of your home!) but more importantly, it offers a glimpse into the running of our non-profit corporation. And there are really nice people in the group!
Recorded Zoom meetings discussion - Julie Bechtold, Kay Wimer
The Board approved the purchase of three Zoom Pro subscriptions which will be used for group meetings and which will allow recording. The applications will be available to the Board, the Plant Sale committee and the Finance committee. Recordings, which provide transparency and serve to verify information, will be stored for a year. Darren will no longer be responsible for hosting and recording our monthly Board Meetings.
Strategic Planning update - Karen Randall, Julie Bechtold, Kay Wimer, Gene Ranieri
Seems like we just went through a Strategic Plan exercise but apparently, we are due for an update! A dedicated group of committed volunteers has been working to assure this one will be ready to implement by December. A draft was approved by the Board.
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Memorial for Emma Porter and Troy Sabean - Simba Blood, Gene Ranieri
Emma Porter, who joined RCMG in 2021, and her husband Troy Sabean, a 2024 intern were both tragically killed in a car accident in May. The Board plans to provide a memorial recognizing them. The plan, approved by Emma’s family, is to plant a tree in a park in Roseville, where they resided. The Board voted to allocate $300 for this cause.
2024 Board Leadership: Julie Bechtold (Chair), Kay Wimer (Vice-Chair), Gretchen Hesli (Secretary), Kathy Passe, (Treasurer), Simba Blood (Education Chair), Gene Ranieri (Education Co-Chair), Karen Randall (Membership Chair), Tiffa Foster (Membership Co-Chair), Nanette Boudreau (Communication Chair), Stacy Sola (Communication Co-Chair), Darren Lochner (Program Coordinator).