Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-19 Agenda Airlie Gardens Foundation June 19, 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. June 19, 2025; 8:30 am: Airlie Cottage 1. Call to Order and approval of the May minutes: Michael Creed 2. Chair’s Report: Michael Creed a. D&O Insurance update 3. Treasurer’s Report: Shane Johnson a. Financial Update for period ending May 31, 2025 4. Director’s/Operations Report: Tara Duckworth & staff a. FY ‘25-26 Budget 5. Other Business: All Board Members Next Meeting: July 17, 2025 AIRLIE GARDENS FOUNDATION BOARD PAGE 2 REGULAR MEETING MAY 15, 2025 ASSEMBLY The Airlie Gardens Foundation Board met in regular session at the Airlie Cottage on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Present: John Russ, Charlie Rivenbark, Tia Saffo, Sandra Ray, Rob Zapple, Teddy Davis, Nikki Bascomb, Eric Blaesing, Shane Johnson Excused: Ted Davis, Jr., Michael Creed, Beverly Erwin Staff: Andy Johnson, Jodi Rich, Tara Duckworth, Scott Childs, Julie Holtz WELCOME AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Vice chair, Eric Blaesing, 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: Charlie Rivenbark that the minutes of the April meeting be approved. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chair’s Report Eric Blaesing presented the new slate of officers. The Executive Committee met to decide on the 2026-2027 Executive Committee and proposed the following members: Eric Blaesing, Chair, Shane Johnson, Vice Chair, Nikki Bascome, Secretary, and John Russ, Treasurer. He asked the board if there were any other nominations. Hearing none, the following motion was made: MOTION: Sandra Ray MOVED; SECONDED: Teddy Davis that the proposed 2026-2027 executive committee members be accepted. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Treasurer’s Report. Shane Johnson reviewed the April year-to-date (FY2025) financials for Airlie Gardens Foundation. Current Highlights  Gate revenue for the month of May ($62,019) was the highest of any May on record. Year to date gate revenue is 20% over last year.  May was another strong month for membership, nearing a record for the month. Year to date membership revenue is 5% over last year.  Gift shop revenue for the month of May was the second highest of any May on record. Year to date gift shop revenue is 30% over last year.  Wedding & Garden Event revenue is up 21% over last year  There were no significant expenses for the month of May.  Year to date, the endowment gain is $750K. For the month of May, the gain was $627K Director’s Report Tara reported that there were no significant updates at this time. She and Mike have both solicited quotes for Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance from separate providers, with each request reflecting the same level of coverage. Tara’s quote was higher than anticipated, totaling approximately $8,000. Michael Creed will provide the quote he received upon his return. AIRLIE GARDENS FOUNDATION BOARD PAGE 3 REGULAR MEETING MAY 15, 2025 Tara noted that next month she will present the upcoming fiscal year budget and provide an overview of proposed capital projects. She also spoke with Copley Investments to discuss options for reallocating funds previously held in "Bucket Two," which is no longer an active account. One option discussed was establishing a designated “Bucket Two” placeholder within the Copley Investment account. Staff intends to finalize the budget next week and outline a timeline for when funds will be needed. It is anticipated that engineering services for several projects will be procured in Year One, with the bulk of the expenditures occurring in Year Two. Recently, staff has been utilizing operating funds to cover expenses rather than transferring funds from operations into the endowment account. Commissioner Zapple requested a summary of the D&O insurance. Tara explained that the policy is designed to protect the board, as a nonprofit entity, in the event it is named in a lawsuit. Liability for incidents occurring on-site would remain under the County’s coverage. The organization did not pursue fiduciary or crime coverage, as it does not have employees, and existing internal controls and financial oversight procedures provide sufficient protection. Other Business. Jodi reported that the juvenile bald eagle has successfully fledged and is beginning to develop hunting skills. Janine noted that a pair of pileated woodpeckers are currently nesting onsite, with three chicks now starting to fledge. Star News recently visited the site and featured a story highlighting the woodpeckers. Additionally, Jodi shared that April marked another record-breaking month for attendance. The concert series is scheduled to begin on June 6. The Cardinal exhibit is progressing as planned and is expected to open in early July. Staff will distribute invitations for the artist reception in advance, with the exhibit officially opening the following day. Next Meeting. The next board meeting will take place at the Airlie Cottage on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the following motion was presented: Charlie Rivenbark MOVED; Teddy Davis SECONDED; that the meeting be adjourned. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting adjourned at 8:49 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Latashia Smith Administrative Coordinator AIRLIE GARDENS FOUNDATION BOARD PAGE 4 REGULAR MEETING MAY 15, 2025 -Please note that the above minutes are not a verbatim record of the New Hanover County Airlie Gardens Foundation Board meeting.