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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-04-17 Agenda Airlie Gardens Foundation April 17, 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. April 17, 2025; 8:30 am: Airlie Cottage 1. Call to Order and approval of the March minutes: Michael Creed 2. Chair’s Report: Michael Creed 3. Treasurer’s Report: Shane Johnson a. Financial Update for period ending March 31, 2025 4. Director’s/Operations Report: Tara Duckworth & staff 5. Other Business: All Board Members Next Meeting: May 15, 2025 AIRLIE GARDENS FOUNDATION BOARD PAGE 2 REGULAR MEETING MARCH 20, 2025 ASSEMBLY The Airlie Gardens Foundation Board met in regular session at the Airlie Cottage on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Present: Michael Creed, John Russ, Charlie Rivenbark, Eric Blaesing, Rob Zapple, Nikki Bascome, Shane Johnson, Teddy Davis, Beverly Erwin Excused: Ted Davis, Jr., Tia Saffo, Sandra Ray Staff: Andy Johnson, Jodi Rich, 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 none, the following motion was presented: MOTION: Rob Zapple MOVED; SECONDED John Russ, that the minutes of the February meeting be approved. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chair’s Report Michael Creed inquired about the Directors and Officers (D&O) liability insurance that the Airlie Foundation must obtain by the end of the fiscal year. He requested clarification on the reason for the change. Tara explained that during a recent legal matter, it was determined that other 501(c)(3) organizations are responsible for securing their own D&O insurance. Currently, Airlie is the only non-profit receiving this coverage through the county, with a policy limit of $5 million. Tara contacted the Museum to identify the insurance providers they use and found the associated costs to be reasonable. She requested that board members share any additional insurance providers for potential quotes. Treasurer’s Report. Shane Johnson reviewed the February year-to-date (FY2025) financials for Airlie Gardens Foundation. Current Highlights  Blooms & Brews revenue and expenses will be finalized and analyzed for the March financials.  Gate and membership revenues for February were the highest February on record. Year to date, Gate revenues are 19% higher than last year, and membership revenues are 2% lower than last year.  Gate expenses for the month included payments for tram repairs as well as lift repairs.  Under Grounds maintenance, payments were made for tree inspections, assessments and pruning.  Capital projects for the month included forebay maintenance, landscape improvements to the spring garden trails and pergola sidewalk as well as purchasing new Enchanted Airlie decorations.  For the month of February, there was a loss on investments of $157K. Year to date, the gain is $576K. Director’s Report. Ticket sales were at 412 for the 2025 Blooms and Brews event, compared to 399 tickets sold in 2024. Additionally, 120 members exchanged Oyster Roast tickets to attend Blooms and Brews. AIRLIE GARDENS FOUNDATION BOARD PAGE 3 REGULAR MEETING MARCH 20, 2025 In preparation for this year’s event, staff noted a lack of action shots from the previous year. To address this, Paris Smith, a local community college student, was engaged to capture images during the event. Staff also took additional photos to support future promotional and social media efforts. Tara had concerns regarding the pricing of Blooms and Brews. The current price is equal to that of Oyster Roast. Since Oyster Roast is typically limited to upper-level members, it does not offer additional ticket sales. A one day buy-one-get-one-free offer for members appeared to boost ticket sales. During the previous staff meeting, it was noted that the 2025 Blooms and Brews event costs approximately $66.00 per person. Discussion included the possibility of decreasing the event cost to $100.00 per person in future years. As this is only the second year of the event, the current focus remains on building excitement and demand, positioning Blooms and Brews to be just as desirable as Oyster Roast. It was confirmed that Blooms and Brews will continue to be held annually on the third Friday in March. Landscape improvements in Camelia Garden are currently underway. The Plant an Azalea program is scheduled for Tuesday, April 1st at 10:00 a.m. Past discussions regarding a digital membership solution have progressed. Jodi and Janine have researched multiple software vendors for compatibility with the existing Altru system. As a result, Airlie will transition to a new platform, MembershipAnywhere. The first-year subscription cost is $3,156.00, covering all members. The new system is expected to yield cost savings by eliminating the need for printed membership cards, postage, and associated staff time. Training sessions will be provided by staff for those who require support with the new platform. Other Business. The board complimented staff on the great job they continue to do. Next Meeting. The next board meeting will take place at the Airlie Cottage on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the following motion was presented: Eric Blaesing MOVED; Shane Johnson 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.