HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-18 Agenda
Airlie Gardens Foundation
September 19, 2024 Board Meeting Agenda
Michael Creed, Chair
Eric Blaesing ,Vice Chair
Shane Johnson, Treasurer
Nikki Bascome, Secretary
Tara Duckworth, Director of Parks & Gardens
MISSION
To preserve Airlie Gardens in perpetuity as an outstanding, historic public garden with
programs developed to serve New Hanover County residents and other visitors.
AGENDA
September 19, 2024; 8:30 am: Airlie Cottage
1. Call to Order and approval of the August minutes: Michael Creed
2. Chair’s Report
3. Treasurer’s Report: Shane Johnson
a. Financial Update for period ending August 31, 2024
4. Director’s/Operations Report: Tara Duckworth & staff
5. Other Business: All Board Members
Next Meeting: October 17, 2024
AIRLIE GARDENS FOUNDATION BOARD PAGE 2
REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 15, 2024
ASSEMBLY
The Airlie Gardens Foundation Board met in regular session at the Airlie Cottage on Thursday, August 15,
2024, at 8:30 a.m.
Present: Michael Creed, Shane Johnson, Sandra Ray, Charlie Rivenbark, John Russ, Eric Blaesing, Nikki
Bascome, Teddy Davis, Rob Zapple, Ted Davis, and Tia Saffo
Excused: Beverly Erwin
Staff: Andy Johnson, Jodi Rich, Janine Powell, Tara Duckworth, Scott Childs, Julie Holtz, and Latashia Smith.
WELCOME AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Michael Creed called the meeting to order. He asked everyone if
they had a chance to review the minutes and if there were any changes. Hearing no changes the following
motion was presented.
MOTION: Rob Zapple MOVED; SECONDED by Shane Johnson, that the minutes of the July meeting be
approved. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chair’s Report. None to report
Treasurer’s Report. Shane Johnson reviewed the July 2023 through July 2024 financials for Airlie Gardens
Foundation.
Highlights
It was a record July for Gate and Membership revenues. Merchandise revenues were also strong.
The difference in concert expenses year over year is due to timing as some expenses had to be prepaid
this year.
There was a $248K gain on investments.
st
Director’s Report. Since this was the 1 month of the fiscal year, nothing has changed. The audit has
gone well. Tara and Julie have a meeting with Copley Investment Management to discuss whether they
want to put money towards any renovations to help offset the taxes.
Michael Creed asked Tara if she thought there was a point at which the upward trend would cap. Tara
stated that there is, but staff has a pulse on things when it does begin to cap.
Gift shop sales are going well.
Tara would like to continue the conversations on weddings at some point. Finding the balance of
weddings and receptions versus the impact to the garden is important. Staff will continue to look at the
timing of receptions. There is a lot of set up and breakdown which takes days.
Rob Zapple asked Tara if there had been any motion on the extra help that’s needed at Airlie. Tara
explained that they would probably discuss this closer to December.
Shane Johnson asked if there was anything being done to make sure the big trees are secure in advance
of hurricanes.
AIRLIE GARDENS FOUNDATION BOARD PAGE 3
REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 15, 2024
Other Business. None to report
Next Meeting. The next board meeting will take place at the Airlie Cottage on Thursday, September 19,
2024, at 8:30 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the following motion was presented: Shane Johnson MOVED; Eric
Blaesing SECONDED; that the meeting be adjourned. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting adjourned at 8:52 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Latashia Smith
Administrative Coordinator
-Please note that the above minutes are not a verbatim record of the New Hanover County Airlie Gardens Foundation Board meeting.