2/12/25
Prepared by Laurel Watt (2025 RCMG Secretary)
Summary for the Febrary RCMG Board of Directors Meeting
The RCMG Board of Directors Meeting was held on February 11, 2025 on Zoom. The next Board Meeting will be on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
Committee Updates
Plant Sale Committee Update – Cheryl Brady & Molly O'Rourke
No report.
Communications Committee Update – Stacy Sola & Nanette Boudreau
The Flickr account now includes 6000 photos in 20 albums.
Amanda Swanson is taking over managing social media.
Members of the committee will be meeting with the Barn Garden team to develop larger signage.
The newest version of the 2025 plant sale poster was revealed and deemed to be gorgeous. Other signage for the sale needs to be reviewed by plant sale volunteers before revisions can take place.
Education Committee Update – Gene Ranieri & Sue Mason
The June monthly meeting, titled “Planting for Pollinators,” will be held at the Barn. The July meeting topic will be finalized soon, followed by planning for the September and October meetings on edible garden products and community gardens. Stay tuned for information on this year’s garden gates.
Finance Committee Update – Laura Savin
See Old Business-Strategic Plan update.
Membership Committee Update – Tiffa Foster & Susie DeShon
Work proceeds on planning the Volunteer Fair scheduled for March 27th. Also, later in the summer, mentors will be asked to recommend interns interested in leadership opportunities.
Leadership Updates
Secretary Update – Laurel Watt
The January Board Minutes were approved.
Treasurer Update– Kristina Hughes
The January Treasurer Report was approved.
Kristina added that both Kay Wimer and Beth Fritcher have been added as co-signers to the accounts for the non-profit corporation.
Program Coordinator Update – Darren Lochner
Planning continues for this year’s RCMG Awards and Reception scheduled for Sunday, March 2nd from 1-4 p.m. at the Roseville Skating Center in the Rose Banquet Room.
Darren reported that he recently spoke with John Springman at Ramsey County about the possibilities for RCMG at the Environmental Services Center which is opening on April 1st. These include a pollinator garden currently being planned for the site as well as the opportunity to teach Speakers Bureau classes.
The Inventory Task Force continues to clean out, sort, and organize the space formerly known as the Diagnostic Clinic.
3,000 planting pots are being donated to RCMG for the plant sale by Belden Plastics.
Darren requested that the Board consider the State Team’s request that we cover an additional $648.14 in financial aid to interns for 2025. The Finance Committee will take this under advisement.
Darren also noted that Ramsey County Commissioners remain concerned about the continued use and visibility of the Ramsey County Master Gardener name in the community.
Chair and Vice-Chair Report
Vice-Chair Report – Beth Fritcher
No report, but Beth in absentia noted that the 2024 audit review will be presented to the Board and the membership in March at the regularly scheduled meetings.
Chair Report – Kay Wimer
Kay urged Board members who have not submitted a new color photo to do so for the new Board website. Also, volunteers are needed to help with a new Policy and Procedures Manual.
New Business
New Board Addition
A motion was made and approved to have the Finance Committee chair added as a member of the Board. Laura Savin will add this language to the RCMG Finance Committee Charter.
Old Business
Strategic Plan
Updates and an overview of the 2025-2027 Strategic Work Plan were provided by Laura Savin (Goal 1: Finance), Kay Wimer (Goal 2: Organization), and Karen Randall (Goal 3: Extension).
July Board Retreat
The summer retreat will take place on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 from 4:00-8:00 PM.
2025 Board Leadership: Kay Wimer (Chair), Beth Fritcher (Vice-Chair), Laurel Watt (Secretary), Kristina Hughes, (Treasurer), Gene Ranieri (Education Chair), Susan Mason (Education Co-Chair), Tiffa Foster (Membership Chair), Susie DeShon (Membership Co-Chair), Nanette Boudreau (Communication Chair), Stacy Sola (Communication Co-Chair), Darren Lochner (Program Coordinator).