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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-20 Agenda Airlie Gardens Foundation January 15, 2026 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. January 15, 2026; 8:30 am: Airlie Cottage 1. Call to Order and approval of the November minutes: Eric Blaesing 2. Chair’s Report: Eric Blaesing 3. Treasurer’s Report: John Russ a. Financial Update for period ending December 31, 2025 4. Director’s/Operations Report: Jodi Rich & staff 5. Other Business: All Board Members Next Meeting: February 19, 2026 AIRLIE GARDENS FOUNDATION BOARD PAGE 2 REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 20, 2025 ASSEMBLY The Airlie Gardens Foundation Board met in regular session at the Airlie Cottage on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Present: Charlie Rivenbark, Sandra Ray, Josh Rosenburg, Beverly Erwin, Rob Zapple, Ted Davis Jr., John Russ, Nikki Bascome, and Shane Johnson. Excused: Eric Blaesing, Tia Saffo, and Teddy Davis Staff: Andy Johnson, Jodi Rich, Scott Childs, Latashia Smith, Julie Holtz, and Janine Powell 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. Hearing no changes, the following motion was presented: MOTION: Rob Zapple MOVED: Charlie Rivenbark SECONDED; that the minutes of the October meeting be approved. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chair’s Report None to the report Treasurer’s Report. John Russ reviewed the October 2025 financials for Airlie Gardens Foundation. New Highlights (please refer to prior months for previous highlights)  Enchanted Airlie revenue and expenses will be analyzed in January after its conclusion.  Oyster Roast - there is still some remaining revenue to be posted. This event will be analyzed during the meeting.  Gate revenues are up 8% over last year  Membership revenues are down 6.75% over last year  Wedding & Events revenue is down 12% - mostly due to receiving film revenue in the prior year  This month, in Administrative Support, was the expense for the conservation of Airlie items that was board approved. As a reminder, Administrative Support now includes payroll expenses for the ticket agents.  There was a $260K gain on investments for the month of October. Director’s Report. Jodi provided an update on Enchanted Airlie, including preview night and ticket sales. The event sold out within 24 hours, with a total of 12,000 carload tickets available. Enchanted Airlie is scheduled over 23 nights, accommodating approximately 500 carloads per evening. Copies of the new signage were distributed for review. Several key areas were identified where signage requires replacement due to weather-related wear. Oyster Roast sales declined this year. Attendance by Magnolia members increased, which limited sponsor table sales to nine, compared to fifteen in the previous year. One band sponsor was secured. While external demand for the Oyster Roast remains strong, overall participation continues to be driven primarily by the membership. AIRLIE GARDENS FOUNDATION BOARD PAGE 3 REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 20, 2025 Andy presented John with the contract from Andrew Consulting Engineers for signature. The contract for the first phase of the project totals $48,000 and includes engineering services related to the assessment, as well as project oversight. Once the scope of work is finalized, the project will be put out for bid. Andy also provided an update on the butterfly house project. The contract has not yet been completed and is pending signature. The project scope includes replacement of the roof and perimeter screening. Janine shared that she and several staff members attended the premiere screening of the Minnie Evans film at Thalian Hall. The screening featured remastered audio recordings of Minnie Evans, originally recorded by Nina Star. A public release date has not yet been announced. Janine further noted that the artwork conserved with board-approved funding is currently on exhibit at the High Museum of Art. The exhibition opened on November 14 and will remain on display through mid-April. Following its run at the High Museum, the exhibit will travel to the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, marking a full-circle moment, as Minnie Evans’ first public exhibition took place at the Whitney approximately 30 years ago. Other Business. None Next Meeting: January 15, 2026 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the following motion was presented: Rob Zapple MOVED; John Russ SECONDED; that the meeting be adjourned. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting adjourned at 8:58 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.