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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-16 Agenda Airlie Gardens Foundation October 16, 2025 Board Meeting Agenda Eric Blaesing, Chair Shane Johnson, Vice Chair John Russ, Treasurer Nikki Bascome, Secretary Jodi Rich, 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. October 16, 2025; 8:30 am: Airlie Garden Service Center 1. Call to Order and approval of the September minutes: Eric Blaesing 2. Chair’s Report: Eric Blaesing 3. Treasurer’s Report: John Russ a. Financial Update for period ending September 20, 2025 4. Director’s/Operations Report: Jodi Rich & staff 5. Other Business: All Board Members Next Meeting: November 20, 2025 AIRLIE GARDENS FOUNDATION BOARD PAGE 2 REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 ASSEMBLY The Airlie Gardens Foundation Board met in regular session at the Airlie Cottage on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Present: Eric Blaesing, John Russ, Nikki Bascome, Josh Rosenberg, Beverly Erwin, Shane Johnson, Rob Zapple Excused: Teddy Davis, Ted Davis, Jr. Sandra Ray, Tia Saffo, Charlie Rivenbark Staff: Andy Johnson, Jodi Rich, Tara Duckworth, Scott Childs, Latashia Smith, Julie Holtz, and Janine Powell Guests: Eric Bregman and Dillan Gregory WELCOME AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES. Eric Blaesing called the meeting to order and introduced new board member Josh Rosenberg. 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: John Russ SECONDED; that the minutes of the August meeting be approved. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. There was a brief discussion concerning the absence of Charlie Rivenbark and his scheduling conflicts. The following motion was made: MOTION: Rob Zapple MOVED: John Russ SECONDED; that Charlie Rivenbark’s absence be excused. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chair’s Report Eric Blaesing announced that Earney and Company will present the 2025 audit results for the Airlie Foundation. He also announced that In October, the board will meet in the classroom at the Airlie Garden Service Center. Following that meeting, members will tour several areas of the gardens identified for capital improvements. 2025 Audit Results Eric Bregman and Dillan Gregory presented the audit results for the Airlie Foundation. Key Highlights:  From 2024 to 2025, there was an increase of over $193,000 in Total Public Support & Revenue. There was a drop in grants this year. Expenses were down due to the completion of the Garden Services building.  Net Income was $1.2 million  Net Investment Activities - $1.3 million in the positive  The endowment went from $9.1 million to $11.5 million  Liabilities are down  Total equity of the Foundation over $12 million dollars  Cash provided by operations was 1.2 million in comparison to $882 thousand last year. AIRLIE GARDENS FOUNDATION BOARD PAGE 3 REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 Treasurer’s Report. John Russ reviewed the August 2025 financials for Airlie Gardens Foundation. New Highlights  Concert revenue and expenses will be analyzed as a whole after concert season has ended.  Last year, sponsorship revenue was recognized in August for Oyster Roast, Enchanted Airlie and Blooms & Brews. This caused some confusion. This year, that sponsorship revenue will be recognized in the month of the event (Oct, Nov/Dec, Mar)  Gate revenues set another record - highest August revenue (by 35%!)  Merchandise (gift shop) revenue also set a record - highest August revenue  The increase in wedding revenue is driven by an increase in elopements and portrait sessions.  The increase in Other Expenses is due to the costs associated with Airlie's new border collie, Ranger.  The unrealized gain in the Endowment for the month of August was $241K ($423 YTD). Director’s Report. Jodi reported that she plans to maintain continuity at Airlie during the transition period. A transition plan has been developed, which includes Tanya and Janine assuming some of her previous responsibilities. Aryn will oversee daily operations, while Abby will take on additional duties as well. Tara shared that the garden has been experiencing high visitation. Preparations for the Oyster Roast are progressing quickly. Staff successfully sold nine tables and secured a sponsor for the band. She also noted that spoonbills have been frequent visitors to the garden, attracting many guests. These migratory birds are expected to move further south as temperatures begin to cool. Some guests have even mistaken them for flamingos. Additionally, a baby alligator has been spotted on-site. Scott reported that setup for Enchanted Airlie is going well. He has incorporated new elements alongside traditional displays to give the event a refreshed appearance. He also announced that Steve Smith will attend the next board meeting. Scott further mentioned that he is exploring options for improving the bridal walk. Due to the shaded conditions, the grass in that area has not been thriving. He is considering a soft surface or a material with a more historical aesthetic as a potential solution. Other Business. Eric and other board members took the opportunity to say their farewells to Tara and thanked her for her for a job well done. Tara also thanked the board for their kind words and assured them they would be in good hands with Jodi and the remaining staff. Next Meeting: October 16, 2025 AIRLIE GARDENS FOUNDATION BOARD PAGE 4 REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the following motion was presented: Rob Zapple MOVED; Shane Johnson SECONDED; that the meeting be adjourned. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting adjourned at 9:17 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.