2/15/23
Summary for the February RCMG Board of Directors Meeting
The RCMG Board Meeting was held on February 14, 2023 via Zoom. The next Board Meeting is scheduled for March 14, 2023 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Zoom. These meetings are open to all volunteers.
Special Updates
Habitat for Humanity (Nancy Joyer)
Nancy Joyer, the RCMG volunteer who coordinates our work with Habitat for Humanity, reported that there are changes on the horizon that will impact our organization. More information will be presented at the March membership meeting.
Committee Updates
Education Committee Update
Jane Carlstrom revisited the “snacks at in-person meetings” debate. It was decided to test the plan at the March and April meetings, keeping it simple with an offering of water, hot beverages (e.g., coffee) and some purchased sweets. Volunteers will be encouraged to bring their own beverage containers to cut down on waste. The Board is looking for a Hospitality Chair, a volunteer willing to coordinate this effort, which shouldn’t require a significant amount of time.
Jane also provided the line-up of meeting speakers and activities for the year.
At the February meeting, the speaker will be Gabby Menomin, Restoration Manager, Lower Phalen Creek Project.
For those who mark their calendars months in advance, please note that the June meeting will be moved to the 13th and will be a “hands on” event at the Roseville Skating Center meeting room.
New Member Committee Update
Karen Randall reported that 91% of the 2023 interns have begun the Core Course and on average have completed 3+ modules. Darren is reaching out to interns who are running behind and offering any support they may need to keep on track.
We are excited to announce that after several years absence, an IN-PERSON RCMG "Project Fair” is returning on March 28th at the Roseville Oval/Skating Center in the Rose banquet room. (The same room used for monthly meetings.) Tables will be set up with project leads and committee chairs, as well as the program coordinator and board members, who will share information about their activities and volunteer opportunities. More information and a SUG will follow.
Communications Committee Update
As usual the list of this committee’s activities is lengthy and impressive! Stacy Sola reported that our social media presence continues to grow. The committee continues to work on signage and publicity for a number of programs.
Welcome to Jayme Neverton (RCMG 2023 intern) who has joined the team. RCMG volunteers who have skills and are interested in the work of this committee are encouraged to contact the coordinators.
Plant Sale Committee Update
No update provided. Information from this committee is recorded in the 2023 Plant Sale Update blog post.
Leadership Updates
Secretary Update
Gretchen Hesli presented the January 2023 Board Meeting Minutes, which were approved.
Treasurer Update
Kathy Passe presented the January Monthly Transaction Report and Bank Statement. Her report was approved.
A discussion followed about a scholarship we’ve funded in past years ($1,500 from plant sale proceeds) which was directed to a U of M entomology graduate student; the distribution of the funds is conducted by the U of MN without RCMG input. This is not part of our 2023 budget. A new committee will be tasked with determining whether the RCMG Board should revisit this contribution.
The Board would like to form a Finance Committee, which would be tasked with overseeing where our funds are spent and assuring that the programs align with our mission and goals.
Program Coordinator Update
See Darren’s update in the Feb newsletter!
Darren also provided a glimpse of the expenditures he covers using his program-allocated funds, which include supplies such as tents and tables for various markets, subscriptions to the various software applications we use, awards, and hospitality items for certain events. NOTE: That Ramsey County Department of Environmental Health provides the funds for RCMG to have a Program Coordinator and additional funds to support the Master Gardener Program in Ramsey County in exchange for RCMG's presence at the compost sites and other sponsored Ramsey-county events.
Board Chair and Vice Chair Updates
Julie Bechtold reported that the January audit went well. Moving it to February is under consideration and the hope is to utilize more digital receipts rather than paper.
Sandy MacDonald and Julie Bechtold continue their work on the Bylaws, with the help of Darren Lochner, Brianna Gohde, Karen Randall (RCMG) and Alex Meyer (RCMG). Additional comment added by Julie, Bechtold:
The Board of Directors has formed a subcommittee to review and update the bylaws for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Bylaws are essential for helping an organization map out its purpose and the practical day-to-day details of how to conduct their business while ensuring a smooth operation. The last time the bylaws were updated was 2013 This project is leading to a lot of discovery that will lead to a stronger RCMG organization.
If you're interested in learning more about what we're doing, please contact Sandy McDonald or Julie Bechtold.
2023 Board Leadership: Sandy McDonald (Chair), Julie Bechtold (Vice-Chair), Gretchen Hesli (Secretary), Kathy Passe, (Treasurer), Jane Carlstrom (Education Chair), Simba Blood (Education Co-Chair), Judi Ginter (Membership Chair), Karen Randall (Membership Co-Chair), Stacy Sola (Communication Chair), Nanette Boudreau (Communication Co-Chair), Darren Lochner (Program Coordinator).