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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-20 Agenda Airlie Gardens Foundation March 20, 2025 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. March 20, 2025; 8:30 am: Airlie Cottage 1. Call to Order and approval of the February minutes: Michael Creed 2. Chair’s Report: Michael Creed 3. Treasurer’s Report: Shane Johnson a. Financial Update for period ending February 28, 2025 4. Director’s/Operations Report: Tara Duckworth & staff 5. Other Business: All Board Members Next Meeting: April 17, 2025 AIRLIE GARDENS FOUNDATION BOARD PAGE 2 REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 20, 2025 ASSEMBLY The Airlie Gardens Foundation Board met in regular session at the Airlie Cottage on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Present: Shane Johnson, Beverly Erwin, Tia Saffo, Rob Zapple, Charlie Rivenbark, Sandra Ray Excused: Teddy Davis, Eric Blaesing, Michael Creed, John Russ, Nikki Bascome, Ted Davis Jr. Staff: Andy Johnson, Jodi Rich, Tara Duckworth, Scott Childs, Julie Holtz, and Latashia Smith WELCOME AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Shane Johnson called the meeting to order. He asked everyone if they had a chance to review the minutes and if there were any changes. Charlie and Sandra mentioned they were marked absent instead of excused. The minutes should be amended to reflect the change. Hearing no other changes, the following motion was presented: MOTION: Charlie Rivenbark MOVED; SECONDED Sandra Ray, that the minutes of the January meeting be approved as amended. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chair’s Report. Shane Johnson requested Jodi to provide a report on the eagles at Airlie. She confirmed that an eagle family has established itself in the area, with an eaglet observed in the nest, estimated to be approximately one month old. A significant number of bird watchers have gathered near the beginning of the bridal walk along the main tram path. Additionally, environmental educators have been present with a scope, offering educational insights to the public about the eagles. Informational flyers on proper eagle etiquette have also been distributed. Over the past weekend, the site recorded more than 500 visitors. Treasurer’s Report. Shane Johnson reviewed the January year-to-date (FY2025) financials for Airlie Gardens Foundation. Current Highlights  Blooms & Brews revenue represents sponsorship revenue recognized. Tickets went on sale in February.  Gate Revenues are up 20% over last year-to-date.  Membership revenue is down slightly, at 3% over last year-to-date.  Merchandise revenue is up 46% over last year. Sales in the gift shop were the highest January on record.  Capital Projects for the month were work on the Pergola entryway and the sidewalk adjacent to the Garden Services Center.  Year-to-date gain on investments is $733K, 115% higher than the same period last year.  $600K was transferred from the South State Operating account to the Endowment in January. Director’s Report. Tara distributed photographs to the board showcasing the recent improvements to the pergola area and the front of the building. The front sidewalk has been heavily utilized, providing a convenient pathway from the gift shop to the restrooms. The project was completed by Riverside Pools and Spas and funded through board-approved allocations. AIRLIE GARDENS FOUNDATION BOARD PAGE 3 REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 20, 2025 Michael Creed signed the annual letter of agreement with Copley Investment Management. The service fee for the year was slightly lower than the previous year, set at 0.0015, or an annual rate of 0.60 times the ending market value of the account. Tara also addressed the board regarding directors and officers' insurance coverage. New Hanover County will no longer provide coverage for nonprofit organizations, limiting its coverage to advisory boards. A minimum of $5 million in coverage is required, and county-provided insurance will expire at the end of the current fiscal year on June 30th. Additionally, Tara requested board assistance in promoting and selling tickets for Blooms and Brews, either through direct sales or by purchasing a table. For those unable to purchase a table, she encouraged the purchase of individual tickets and inviting guests. She also mentioned the potential need to adjust ticket pricing to a "buy one, get one" model for members to boost attendance. As a newly introduced event, Blooms and Brews is expected to take time to reach the success level of the Oyster Roast. It was noted that March Madness could be impacting ticket sales, and a suggestion was made to include televisions broadcasting the games to attract attendees. Other Business. none Next Meeting. The next board meeting will take place at the Airlie Cottage on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the following motion was presented: Charlie Rivenbark MOVED; Sandra Ray SECONDED; that the meeting be adjourned. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting adjourned at 9:07 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.