Board Blurb: March 2025

3/12/25

Prepared by Laurel Watt (2025 RCMG Secretary)

Summary for the March RCMG Board of Directors Meeting

The RCMG Board of Directors Meeting was held on March 11, 2025, on Zoom. The next Board Meeting will be on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

Special Reports

2024 Audit Review – Frank Dolejsi

Frank reported that our accounting records and practices are transparent, accurate, and complete and that our funds are spent for their intended purposes. After a brief discussion of the audit’s recommendations and how these will be addressed, the Board voted to approve the audit report.

Nonprofit Corporation Technology Report – Julie Bechtold

Julie reported what has been accomplished since last June and what is continuing and upcoming in 2025. Julie has set up Google Workspace for Nonprofits for our RCMG Board as well as a host of other documents and practices to facilitate the work of the non-profit corporation.

Committee Updates

Plant Sale Committee Update – Cheryl Brady & Molly O'Rourke

No report.

Communications Committee Update – Stacy Sola & Nanette Boudreau

3,785 of the Flickr account’s 6510 photos have been tagged for easy searching.
As Amanda Swanson is taking over managing social media, please send items for posting to her.
Barn Garden signage is in progress and will include plant lists for the adjacent garden beds.
The 2025 plant sale poster will be available at the March 18th membership meeting for volunteers to distribute. Volunteers will be asked to sign up to take posters to area libraries and other community gathering places.
The committee will be recruiting volunteers at the March 27th Volunteer Project Fair to help document more of our projects.

Education Committee Update – Gene Ranieri & Sue Mason

The committee continues its planning for the 2025 monthly membership meetings and will soon begin work on the 2025 Garden Gates. A tour is planned for May 3rd at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden in Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis.

Finance Committee Update – Laura Savin

The committee had its first review of the new purchasing policy which will be voted on at the March 18th membership meeting. Kristina added that the new policy promises to be clear and concise. The committee also has discussed the U of MN Extension’s request for us to fund an additional $648.14 in financial aid for 2025 RCMG interns.

Membership Committee Update – Tiffa Foster & Susie DeShon

Susie reported that only 26 of 71 interns have signed up for the March 27th Volunteer Project Fair. Mentors will be called upon to encourage interns to attend. The committee has also addressed some problems with SUG etiquette, namely, withdrawing a signup without securing a replacement.

Leadership Updates

Secretary Update – Laurel Watt

The February Board Minutes were approved.

Treasurer Update– Kristina Hughes

The February Treasurer Report was approved.

Program Coordinator Update – Darren Lochner

The Skills and Interest Survey is still available for RCMG volunteers to complete (200 volunteers have completed the survey).
Project Leader training was held on March 1st at the Extension Office. The following is a link to the presentation (click here).
The Awards and Recognition Program was held on March 2nd at the Roseville Skating Center.
“Early Bird” registration is available on April 1st for 2025 Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program Conference - Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
The Orientation to Better Impact (new State MG database) is this week for Program Coordinators.

Darren also noted that conversations have been taking place regarding a name change for RCMG. Ramsey County Commissioners have urged the U of MN Extension team to address their concerns.

Chair and Vice-Chair Report

Vice-Chair Report – Beth Fritcher

See report on the 2024 audit.

Chair Report – Kay Wimer

Kay reported on an interesting meeting with Madison, WI Master Gardeners. The meeting was requested by the Madison group, and Kay reported that it resulted in a lively and informative exchange that highlighted the many differences in how the programs are structured.

New Business

SignUp Genius

A question regarding how SUG populations are created was addressed and resolved.

Old Business

The first meeting of representatives of RCMG and the U of MN Extension team took place on February 21st to set goals and parameters for monthly meetings intended to strengthen and clarify the relationship between the state program and the non-profit corporation. The next meeting is scheduled for March 24th.

The Board also approved a motion to pay the remainder of the financial assistance request from the U of MN Extension for $648.14 in support of 2025 RCMG interns. It should be noted that financial assistance awarded by the U of MN Extension program is not funded by the state but by fund raising efforts of the individual county volunteers.

2025 Board Leadership: Kay Wimer (Chair), Beth Fritcher (Vice-Chair), Laurel Watt (Secretary), Kristina Hughes, (Treasurer), Gene Ranieri (Education Chair), Susan Mason (Education Co-Chair), Tiffa Foster (Membership Chair), Susie DeShon (Membership Co-Chair), Nanette Boudreau (Communication Chair), Stacy Sola (Communication Co-Chair), Laura Savin (Finance Chair), Darren Lochner (Program Coordinator).