Good afternoon. Today is May 28th, 2026. The time is 10:03 and we're going to start the this afternoon cellap meeting. Um we call this meeting to order. My name is Lzette Roman. I am the town clerk administrative coordinator and
let's get started. Um we do have uh one of our chair is uh wanting to participate virtually for this meeting. Could we have a motion from the committee to accept Miss Cherry?
>> I so move that we allow uh Sherry Smith to um preside over our cell meeting. >> You're not on Zoom. Oh, sorry. Uh, I I make the motion that um we allow Sherry Smith uh our chair to preside
over our meeting via Zoom. May I have a second? >> I second the motion. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I >> I >> Okay, thank you very much. So, we can go ahead and admit our chair virtually. Can you hear us? Oh, it's a different That's Carrie.
>> Yeah. Well, she'll be on, too. >> Do we Do we need to do Carrie, too? >> Yes, we'll need another motion to accept Miss Carrie. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> They just let me in the meeting. >> Can you guys hear me? >> We can. >> Okay, good. All right, perfect.
>> Do we have a secondary? We're We're waiting for Sherry. >> Oh, got it. Okay, got it. >> Can you say that again? We couldn't get through to that. It's >> true. It's true.
We have a quorum anyway. Okay. >> There on that phone uh coming in from the phone call. >> Is that Sherry? >> No. >> Is that Sherry? You guys? >> No, that's Ellen.
>> Shen participate. This is This is Ellen. And I have my video turned off because I'm in a public place. >> Okay. >> All right. We're waiting for Sherry. Is Sherry? >> Sherry is not participating. I was
supposed to chair the meeting, but I'm in Cincinnati. So, um, I reached out to Amy to ask how to proceed and then I reached out to Karina and I asked if Barbara would chair the meeting. >> Okay. So, we will need a secondary
motion to allow the new chair to chair. >> Do we need a motion to allow Carrie to admit K to admit Carrie and Ellen to the meeting via phone and video? >> That is correct. >> Great. Second.
>> Second. I make a motion in the abd in the absence of the chair to allow Barb and the vice chair to allow Barbara Hill to chair the meeting. >> Thank you. >> I second. >> Do we have I
>> I >> Okay, so Miss Hill is going to chair the meeting. Thank you. >> It's like old times. Turn off >> your phone your audio on your phone. Welcome. >> Thank you.
>> That's right. Okay, everyone. Um, this is like old times. Uh, good afternoon. Um, and we do have the meeting called to order. Sherry, is there some >> I I think Ellen's phone might need to be muted.
>> Yeah, it needs to be muted. Thank you. >> Thank you, Carrie. Uh, okay. So, since the meeting has already been called to order, I'd like to begin by uh the having the pledge of allegiance. Please stand. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. And we'll have um roll call. Uh we'll begin with Carrie.
Roll call. >> Henderson. >> Okay. Ellen. >> Ellen Herman. >> Okay. Thank you, Ellen and Lori. >> Lori Wolf, Carolyn McAuen, Barbara Hill, >> Becky Warner,
>> Karina Britz, >> John McClan. >> Hi, John. Good afternoon. Great. >> Sorry for being a little bit late. >> Contractor. >> You're actually not late. You're actually just on time. We've had a switch of um um >> protocols,
>> but we are managing without our chair and vice chair, and I'm filling in. >> Wonderful. >> Okay. Um we uh don't have anyone in the audience, so we'll move forward with the approval of the minutes from April 23rd.
Um has everyone had a chance to review the minutes? May I have a motion to approve? Move approval of the minutes of April 23rd. >> Okay, thank you. A second. >> Second. >> Okay, Lori. Thank you. Um, all in favor? >> I I
>> opposed. None. Unanimously approved uh for the minutes of April 23rd. Thank you. Um, old business. So, I'm turning the meeting over now to Karina, our museum manager. >> Okay. Thank you. Um we uh are going to
go over the strategic action plan that we've been working on and it's um I updated um all the information and um wanted to go over everything with you today. >> So before we're we're not going to do
the staff report. We're going to jump right in to the strategic plan. Is that what I'm hearing? >> Uh yes, I think we should. >> Okay. So, if you'll all go into your materials there and pull up the um Mount House strategic plan, which is the last part of the uh well, actually, it's not
the last part. It's one of many that she's handed out uh with our draft of the strategic action plan dated May 20, 2026. Um, and I'm hoping, you know, we all
received this uh from um Karina via email, and I'm hoping you all had an opportunity to review this. >> Yes. >> Good. Thank you, Carrie. Um, Karina and I worked on this for a few hours. >> Yes.
>> Yes. And I have a I I would hope that you all agree that the um division of the responsibilities was much more clearly defined with the changes that you made. So you can look at the headings that say programs,
operations, marketing, development, all now in a clearly defined category. >> That looks good. Next word. I don't see the mission here. I know that the first thing we had was the
mission and the vision. Where is it? >> It's on the page number two. >> Page what? >> Number two. So, it should be >> um No. >> No. >> No, I have page number two. The values, but I don't have the mission. >> It's missing from the packet. >> Yeah, it doesn't have page two.
>> Oh, it is. >> One, three, five, seven, nine. >> Yeah, we're missing a page or 13. Yeah, >> missing that page. >> You're mentioning or missing that >> missing pages. >> Yeah, there's a few that are missing. >> So, I would think that if we can get
that um page that would be >> Let me >> It looks like the even numbers are missing. >> Yeah. >> Okay, let me get that to you right now. >> Um and actually, we're going to have to have these restapled because um we, you
know, we need to have them in the proper sequence for the purpose of this conversation, >> of course. Let me just make sure that Oh, I see. I see. I see. Three, four, five.
All right. For some reason, it um >> printed off. >> Yeah. Okay. Let me let me see if I can print them there. Looks really good. Okay, I like the division.
Let me make sure I have it correct here. for the purpose of just a conversation while we're waiting for Karina. Um, we had in the early strategic plan the um, goal of rotating exhibitions and I
just want to be clear as to you feeling comfortable with the word rotating and what does that mean? Anybody want to have a conversation about that as opposed to a permanent exhibition?
I think the intent was that these exhibitions would ultimately rotate I think one case in point has sort of already happened with the exhibit of the bathroom being converted to the
conservation collections archive area. Well, and I think the plan of moving um moving things around but but also you know when new artifacts have been or or new in information is updated or
gathered or verified, I guess, you know, that that that some things can be changed and replaced and moved around. And you know, I think almost all we all learned when we went down to see the last of the Marco cat that um that
cat was going to be put in a drawer for a number of months because it needed to rest from being on display and and and you know, so it's rotating displays, but I or rotating exhibitions, but I also would think that there may be uh ways to
exchange I I'm hoping exchange exhibition piec pieces and parts maybe with other museums um that would be part of that >> great great idea >> and maybe working with Pineland and um and the Marco Museum and anybody else
who you know >> even with the Caressians I was thinking too wouldn't that be interesting because that's a state park initiative. Um, so that's that's certainly an opportunity. And in addition, when
there's an a an idea for developing a new exhibition, that funding would be available to allow that project to happen. So, it wouldn't necessarily be rotating, but there would be an exhibition currently in place that would be taken out for the purpose of a new
exhibition coming in. And part of that is obviously as disco discoveries are made and there's new ways to tell the message, share the message, but more importantly to build new audiences, bring and bring back returning um
guests. But that won't come for a while because we barely have money in the budget for maintaining the status quo. And even the obvious problem is the one with the underground exhibit not even being um
uh sharable. >> Well, and also maybe maybe another duty or or or job or >> responsib Thank you. responsibility would be to begin looking for outside funding um to change exhibits around and and and
you know and bring in new things or um you know and we had that cart which was supposed to do that. Um I I don't know if you Caroline if you ever saw the cart Lori you certainly were part of the the development and that was a huge
extremely heavy trailer that could hardly be pulled needed to be pulled by a heavy duty truck. Um but it had drawers with artifacts in it and it had pictures uh photographs. >> I've not seen that >> it it was it won awards. It it was
untenable because the tires >> couldn't hold it really. So it kept losing air, but um they had taken photographs of the layers in the underground and they were >> put on some material and then covered
the whole of the of this. It was a size of a small trailer about five, six feet high with drawers in it that um some of them had plastic on top so they could be pulled out to to show, you know, artifacts that that and what had been
found in the dig and things like that. It it was fascinating. It just it needed more engineering. The art the artistry was good. >> Yeah. Do we know what happened to it? >> It was in the shed for a very long time.
>> I don't know. >> That's a good question to ask Karina when she gets back. >> Um and I I think it might have been gone by the time Karina >> certainly it was in the shed for the kayak shed for a long time.
I think >> this is Ellen and I Becky. >> Yes. >> I think you have a wealth of information that predates almost anyone else um other than Seal who's still with us. And I would recommend that Brianna interview
you so that she has a record of all these things that were done. and Karina and I had been talking about funding plans that the friends could execute on behalf of the Melanch House and resurrecting something like that that was properly engineered I think
would be fabulous. So, I'm going to go back on mute. >> Yeah. I still don't know what happened to it. I I think it just disappeared because it was it couldn't be pulled. It was too heavy. I think it disappeared well before Ian. >> Oh, yes, definitely. Oh, it it was gone
before I got involved and I got involved in like 2012. >> Okay. >> I don't I don't remember it at all. >> Okay. >> So, that's that's been gone a long long time. >> It was primarily for the purpose of taking it to the schools as part of our educational outreach program. I >> was getting ready to say that would
sound ideal to to get something like that going again >> or or summer fairs or any kind of >> any kind of public gathering. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But it's an important piece of information to um bring up. Thank you, Becky. because really that is a cultural
asset that belongs as property to the town part of our collection and so we do need to have someation as to what happened to it. >> I mean did staff just arbitrarily throw it out. I think it was
>> de something you could get people to get behind >> during one of the one of the um councils that didn't like the >> Oh, well, yes, there there was that. >> I I think it might have been one of the
um directors and and it was just >> it was in the way. we couldn't put and then then we got then we got the um the electric vehicle to bring people back and forth from the um >> parking lot >> parking lot and then we needed to be
able to and I think that's when it disappeared and I yeah >> thank you for bringing that up >> and I'm sure we can find information because it it did win awards >> Oh yes >> and was written up
I think so too definitely It >> It might have been before Allison. It might have been Alison. >> No, it was it was Teresa. Teresa. >> Oh, Teresa that developed it. >> Yes, she did it. >> And probably got a grant to do it.
>> Yeah, she was. >> I suspect. >> Yeah, >> she was a mastermind at grant writing. She certainly >> wonderful. >> And I know. Well, um, >> well, let's keep her number on speed, though.
>> I I I think it is >> for grants. >> In addition to rotating exhibitions >> and grants are some one of the one of the main things that Karina and I have been talking about trying to get re rejuvenated. >> Yes. Well, I guess the the task now is to have Karina do some research as to
what the what happened to it. Um, now as far as the cellcap members here though, uh, while we're still waiting for Karina, um, are there elements of this strategic plan that you feel covered all that we had in our original strategic
plan? Did we miss anything, I guess, is the question. I think we would have to do a comparison here because I wouldn't know it from memory. And part of, you know, the conversation
today has to do with what should be considered short-term and what should be considered long-term. And the ST and the short and the S, the LT stand for short and long term. Um, and then we have in here also the
issue of the underground exhibit. I don't see that here. It's under >> It's on the first page. >> Exhibitions. Uhhuh. Yes. >> Page five. the research feasibility that um Karina feels comfortable thinking that she can
accomplish that during our 2026 year which I think is very positive. I'm excited about um having that on the front burner. >> Absolutely wonderful. So, if this becomes something that we
can review and hopefully vote on today or maybe with some changes that we can get a monthly report from staff as to what that feasibility research um discovers.
Such a wonderful picture. >> John, do you have any questions? Did you have a chance to go through this at all? >> Uh, I just Sorry. Yeah, I had a quick review of it, but I I didn't have any questions that were popping. I guess the one thing I did was the um talked about
um national historic landmark status as long-term. I thought that was something that we had two different ways. One of the archaeological and one of the building >> the designation. >> Yeah.
>> Well, we have the historic landmark >> the historic register >> one the register but we don't have the national landmark status. I see. They're two different plaques really. and and you know so it requires as we've learned with the original one tremendous amounts
of work. seal was very instrumental in making that pushing that forward so that the um and I'm trying to see what page that's on with the uh >> oh yeah secure the national >> so we did have originally on the
strategic plan the historic landmark >> now it's another >> and that's achieved so that's no longer part of our strategic plan because we accomplished that goal which I thought was really wonderful to compare the old notes for with these current notes to see what has been done but now we still have this one to do as the next.
>> I have to say that Seal and I went up to watch the hearing when they did that in the Capitol and you know we're we're ready we're ready to fire and say well you've got to do this and what they kind of said is what took you so long. >> Wow really have you been?
>> Wow. So, and it was sort of like, well, of course we're going to do this. That was my feeling. And maybe that was over optimistic, but we were we were going to fight for it. And >> well, and and you know, Teresa was very hands-on with the state national trust
for historic preservation and I think she served on the Florida Trust for a number of years as a board member. So she was in the trenches on the statewide level to get that recognition from the >> Well, then it was it was Allison who pushed it >> and that it was Alison that pushed it
away from the printer. >> So we have the color version and the black and white version. >> Well, that'll that'll help distinguish where we are >> exactly. Thank you. Thank you. >> Okay. Yes. Now >> Oh, no. You did the whole thing. >> Now we're on the front page. >> Okay.
>> Okay. You all now will have a copy of the completed or the com more complete document draft. Again, this is a draft. This is not the final version because this is uh the primary topic of our
conversation today on the agenda to review this at length and question everything and make sure that all of the things that we've got here um and who the people who will be responsible and mo most importantly what the timeline
will be um will be vetted by this committee. So starting off with the mission and if you remember from our last month's meeting I think we had an issue with regard to 2,000 years of history and Karina and I
talked about that and we when the when we voted on it or maybe had a consensus during our last meeting we said thousands of years if you remember and we felt that was too ambiguous. I'd love your input on that because we went back
to what it said originally 2,000 years. Um, >> what if we said more than >> more than 2,000? I think it was less than. I think that was the issue at hand, right? >> I had it copy. >> Uh, Karina, would you speak to that?
>> Um, yes. I believe that um well if we leave it at 2,000 years it's really doesn't it well you know as time goes by it could be more right so that's why we kind of we were >> we have exhibits that go back 12,000 years >> okay
>> or or we have signage that goes back 12,000 years >> that's true but I think it's um this is specifically talking about cultural and environment history of Fort Myers Beach. But yes, I see what you're saying of terms of land
and and you know prehistoric um what the prehistoric uh environment was many years before. So if that's true, and that has been true since the inception of the moundhouse, how was it settled at 2,000
years? That is the rhetorical. I think that that was the that was the term we used as the beginning of the mound. >> But but really we're talking about Fort Myers Beach and Southwest Florida and we know it goes back further than that and
maybe but 2,000 years is an easy one to remember and um I mean we could say more than >> I think over is adequate >> interpret over 2,000. >> Okay. I wasn't even looking at that.
You're right. >> And we can circle back on, you know, um if we if you want me to come up with other ideas, you know. >> Well, the mission is real core. This is really probably the most important thing that we're going to be discussing is is
what the heck are we doing, >> right? So, the mission is real core to virtually everything else that's happening here. Um, so maybe over 2,000 years of cultural history is significant enough, but at least it puts it in context,
>> right? >> Because we're not, as far as the exhibits are concerned, we're not talking about, you know, mammoths, for example. We do have that that interpretive panel. All right. So, I
think maybe over 2,000 years maybe just sort of covers it just fine. I think it's >> I think it's good. >> Okay. >> I agree. >> Okay. And then we said with present and future generations and then to inspire all who visit to enjoy and be enriched by this unique
coastal environmental experience and its diverse cultural history. >> I like it. I can tell you that in the current political climate today that word diverse is a very red flag for a lot of
writing. >> Am I correct Karina? >> Yes, you are. >> So that is um what how did we have our original >> say rich instead? buried.
>> I mean, that would go >> buried. I did think about that when I were reading it the first time. >> Right. Let me see what How did we have it in the original strategic plan? So the original
strategic plan says encourage the experience encourages education, preservation and enjoyment of our culture, our history, culture and environment. So it doesn't use the word diverse. I had the word rich in one point, but
then we had enriched and that seemed repetitive in that same vision, right? Enriched versus >> true. So, do we leave it in because we're not going to get any grants anytime soon anyway?
>> It's a reverse. >> I know. I looked it up too with the >> Yeah, >> the synonyms >> varied >> means the same thing, >> right? >> Broad.
>> Broad. >> Wide ranging cultural things. >> Oh, I like wide ranging. wide ranging. Actually, I do like that. Okay. It's more wordy unfortunately. But what if we said to inspire those who
visit, not all who? I don't know. That seems a little to inspire visitors. unique cultural history that unique coastal environment. >> Oh yeah, I can't do that.
>> Oh yeah. I also think varied works varied >> cultural >> too. Do you not sometimes go out on excursions and take the story on the road and if um in hoping to educate
school children things like that and the vision is basically limiting it to those who come to the facility. >> Great point, John. Excellent point. You're absolutely right. >> Yeah. How do we how do we
>> I hadn't thought that far. >> But you're absolutely right because outreach is a very core part of our mission is to you know go to the schools, go to the community groups um >> absolutely. So, >> so you could say um
>> to inspire and educate >> to inspire the enjoyment and enrichment of this unique coastal enrichment by this unique coastal environment and varied history to inspire all to enjoy and be enriched
by I like the word rich cultural history at the end because that's sort of more succinct. So then we'd have to change the word enriched in the first part to be >> educated.
>> Maybe inspired is where that word falls. >> Educated and inspired. >> I think I'm taking too much of an active role. Sorry. >> To be inspired. I mean um yeah I mean obviously education is a
very core part of our yes >> uh mission. So we've not put the word educate into our mission, but definitely education is part of it. >> And to educate and inspire or to educate
through to inspire through education to educate and inspire. Inspire sounds religious to me. Uh, encourage. No, that's not right either. To educate.
To educate, inspire enjoyment. and >> to promote and educate the public about our unique coastal environment and diverse cultural history
>> and and it rich cultural history. Well, >> to encourage all who visit and engage in our rich efforts to enjoy and be enriched by this unique coastal environment experience and its wide-ranging cultural history. And I
think we can we say rich cultural history at that point. That kind of does shorten it a bit. Wide ranging is fine, but if we're not going to use >> well read that again. to encourage all who visit and engage in outreach efforts to enjoy and be enriched by this unique
coastal environment experience and its uh wide ranging cultural history. Um, >> are we using enriched? Enrich. We have to come up with >> So I think No, she she used the word enriched. So yeah, let's take out then put wide ranging. >> Read it. Could you read it again,
please? >> Change wide. Wide ranging to varied. >> I like rich. >> Oh, she's using enriched part sentence there. >> There you go. I liked rich, too. I mean
that was a struggle for me when we were efforts having this conversation. >> Can you read it again? >> To encourage all who visit and engage in outreach efforts to enjoy and be
enriched by this unique coastal environmental experience and its wide ranging cultural history. It seems >> feels like you have to work the word educate somewhere into the >> Yes.
>> the sentence. >> But isn't educating enriching by definition? >> That's what I'm wondering. I think this is somewhat redundant. I agree with you. There's something about that that is not >> Yeah, you're right. So you can take the enriched out. >> If you're being if you're becoming more
educated, you are being enriched. So it's >> Yes. >> And then we can put rich cultural history. >> And I think you know the the idea of a vision statement has to do with the fact that in a perfect world, this is what we
want >> the public to feel to to to experience. And it's experiential. It is enriching. >> Yes, >> those are the two and education is part of that. >> Yes.
Instead of educated by can we say to learn as opposed I mean passive is to en to be enriched by the moundhouse experience also implies those who visit and those who are part of outreach.
So you can have a visit, not say just say the moundhouse experience >> or because the moundhouse experience can be out at a fair somewhere. >> Exactly. They're going to experience >> with our new cart.
>> Heck, it's going to be AI. I'm sure the cart's going to be history in terms of renovating that. >> But you know, you're right. I wasn't thinking and you know and to be able to see in Yeah. No, >> there's going to be threedimensional >> a whole new AI is going to take it over.
So, >> but to your point, it does need to be recognized by Briana as something that was part of the collection at one point. But >> yes, >> I think to probably I bet she's got the plans for it.
>> I'm sure I'm sure there's I'm sure she does have something in the collection. Yeah. Um, I think to be enriched by the moundhouse experience.
Maybe we can take out the word unique coastal environment because that's >> I'll take >> what? What? Carrie, I'm sorry. >> Oh, no, nothing. That's okay. I was just doing something. Sorry. Um, do you have anything to add? What
are your thoughts, Carrie, about uh the vision? >> Well, I like it and everything. I just think that um you know, us sitting here doing all this ver verbiage and stuff. I mean, I'm like, wow. But um I think that we definitely need to work on some of the verbiage on it. But I think that we
should all put in our opinions on that. But that's just me. I mean, >> yeah. And I think the disadvantage that you have is you do not have that this version at your fingertips to refer to and I think that's part of the challenge with anybody on Zoom if there are new
materials that are presented that you don't happen to have access to. Uh did you print out a copy of the uh strategic plan before this meeting Carrie? So >> good. So >> great. >> Okay. So >> she's got all the pages. >> At least you Yeah, you have more all the
pages. We did. We had to get some things repainted. >> I think I have more than you guys. >> Exactly. Exactly. So, uh, but now because you have that in front of you, maybe if you're if you have any thoughts about how we could better word this. I'm
be happy to hear your input as well as yours. Ellen, >> I I don't have my paper copy with me. I I I it it I did not anticipate being able to participate today, but my plans changed. So I I have I am participating, but my
documents are somewhere where I'm not. >> Yeah. Now the this is this is not the plan. This is the draft a working draft of this plan just to get the ball rolling. We'll have probably a couple of other meetings beyond this one um to to
finalize this plan and have it so that everybody agrees. So yeah, this is uh this is in the trenches kind of a meeting today. So how how about we consider putting it like is everyone comfortable if if everyone is comfortable using Google Docs or something similar we could
jointly edit and it would attribute the various edits to the to the contributor and then we would have just the working document that we're going through. Does that sound reasonable? >> That's what I was thinking. And then that way it would be just so easy for everyone to see everyone's ideas. Okay. >> Otherwise I mean we're going to be
sitting here for three hours and I can't I mean I can't sit here for three hours. Well, I think the issue here is the sunshine law, too. So, I mean, you really sort of have to do all of this in public. And if you're doing >> But if it gets sent to Karina >> Oh, yeah. If it gets sent, if it all
gets sent back to Karina and she handles the dock, it shouldn't be an issue. >> Bring it up again. >> Agreed. >> Okay. >> All right. Okay. So that what let's let's make that uh the the the uh an agenda item for Karina to take some of
these ideas that we're working on because we've got a long plan to go through that Karina you can kind of we can maybe do a little word smithing and um send it out um to you know each one of us
individually for our input and then go from there. Um though I think we were clear on the mission the way it's presented. We're going to be working on the vision with additional input and again to kind of simplify it. And to
Lor's point about you know enriching and educating is that a synonym is that you know one and the other enrich enriching is probably a more broad experience rather and educating is sort of pedantic and more
you know >> yeah I was thinking about it more Barbara it's almost like part of the mount house experience isn't even the education it's just enjoying the grounds you >> well exactly and the grounds are educational they are. But beyond that,
there's more to it than strictly the cultural implications, the historical implications. There's the fact that it's an absolutely gorgeous place to see a sunset. >> Had had you did you like the wording unique coastal environment? >> I do. I think rich could work just as
well. >> Yeah. >> I mean, you don't want to use them twice, but I think that either word is is really good. But I'm kind of backing off what I was promoting before about educating which now I think is too narrow as opposed to being broader.
>> Yeah. In other words, when people come away from an experience, they are enriched and they are in and actually I think inspired is a good word because it's really inspiring you to get a greater appreciation for the history
whether it's Kuza history or botanical history. So it's but to keeping it keeping it in broad terms and that's where this vision has to be very broad in terms of what it is that we're expecting from people to what we hope that people can get from that
experience. >> Okay. So I think that Karina that does that give you some feedback then? >> It does. Yes. >> Okay. Let's move on to the values. Um, again, these were based on what we had
from the original strategic plan, uh, museum quality, diverse. Oh, there's diverse programming again. >> But it is, you know what, it's a perfectly good word. >> I agree. But, you know, it's it's it's
I'm just looking at now, I guess maybe the the practical question is um Karina, do you foresee a lot of grant writing uh that you're going to be doing that allows for us to even get grants? We are talking with the friends of the
moundhouse to um to so they can hire a uh grand writider so that we can um >> I I thought that was not in the purview of the moundhouse. Um the friends of the
moundhouse if you remember that was a staff responsibility because staff has to be >> in the trenches as a staff person. you know, a staff person who is writing a grant, whether it's town staff or your staff, Karina, >> they're the ones that are ultimately
responsible for a grant, whether it's grant writing or grant um applications or grant reporting, it is a staff responsibility, not the friends, >> right? Well, um, so yeah, I don't think I I mean I think when we were having this
conversation before, there was always the intent that, you know, friends should be fundraising, but they should not be grant writing, >> right? Because they don't have >> Are the friends just providing the funds to hire? >> That's the whole Yes. But they're not going to hire. They're going to provide
funds to allow for somebody to But that's Well, it's not really hiring. It's Yeah. >> Yeah. So you're not Okay. that you you used the incorrect word then I'm sorry because yeah friends do not hire >> correct no >> the town hires okay let's be very clear on that okay
>> now if friends will have as an initiative to um you know um put in their list of things that they are going to fund uh then you know so be it but again you know that again excuse me can I just thank you
>> I'm sorry of course >> um can can friends direct town to hire someone? >> No. >> No. >> Okay. So, again, can't that be a directive from you? >> Um, you know, it's really something that
I we have to talk um definitely with Jeff and and you know have that conversation and see what's the legality in. >> Okay. So, where are we with that? >> Uh we just had the conversation with the friends. So, now we're um looking into
But this is we've not had a grant writer in four years. >> So what what's happening there? >> The town has no money basically. We don't even have staff. >> The education person which is >> Yeah, we
>> Yeah, there were two people there yesterday. >> I I could come basically cuz and that was a last minute thing and happy to do so. But she said, "I'm happy to do it." But what Karina said was, "If she had been sick that
day, they would have had to close." >> Yeah. >> And that So, you know, to be even talking about the town hiring grant writers before we have more staff >> and and I think it was the idea that if maybe the friends could provide the
funding and and just hand the over to the town. Well, on a larger level, and I'm glad, John, you're here today because this is not a cellcap conversation. Actually, this should be a council conversation because clearly
>> this is a budget a town budget related issue that is hampering our ability to be successful as the moundhouse. I I would also say though um I don't disagree at all with you, but I think that it's a bigger issue than the moundhouse
in that >> we also need to be trying to get, you know, we know how to get our sound sand replacement. We know how to get a few things. Uh, I think we've been very successful after Ian at at but it's going to be more and more challenging and we need people that have skills to
be able to do that across departments, not just one grant writer for the bound. Oh, sure. >> We need that skill. >> Exactly. You know, >> and hire people with that skill. >> People It is a very unique skill. It And if you've done it for a while and you
know how to do it, there you are. I was the grant writer for the Ringling Museum of Art and also for Edison Ford. So, believe me, I you know better than either for looking for it. >> No, I'm not. >> But yes, no, it takes a skill set and it's all about the narrative. It's all
about, you know, selling what it is that you need funds for. It's very direct. Uh Teresa was so incredible with writing the grants that she did that allowed the moundhouse to be. I mean, there's just no question about the ability, the million-dollar grants that she got and even for the underground exhibit, that
was a million dollars that she got. >> So, um, >> it was also a brand new project and that makes a difference. >> It was a capital project, capital improvement project. Exactly. >> If we go back to this and if if diverse is going to be a problem, can we just go
back to varied? >> Isn't that your word? >> That's what I actually just wrote down. I wrote down present buried museum quality programs. >> It means the same thing. >> I would put it before museum as opposed to replacing diverse though just for the
way it sounds. >> Wait a minute. >> Well, I just maybe just say um present a a range a a range of museum quality programs. A range of
No support the mission >> provide. Okay. >> Oh, and by the way, I just wanted to uh follow up on um our staff. Um Mary, she is uh an environment an educator that
she will be starting on June 29th. >> Okay. So, she has been hired. Yes, she's been hired and um and her first day is June 29th. >> And what is her last name? >> May um give me one second.
>> Oh, no, no problem. Anyway, so she is now a museum educator, >> correct? >> Okay, fantastic. Well, there's that's a step in the right direction. Does she have grant experience? >> Uh no, no grant experience. >> Wouldn't that have been a criteria? I
would think >> well at this point she does bring a lot of um she does have the same credentials as uh Briana so she does have a museum backgrounds and she does have a lot of
experience with um uh volunteers. Um so she does bring a a range of um of skills. Okay. And was there another person that we needed to hire beyond uh the education coordinator? Wasn't there one other person that is missing?
>> Um, well, not not at this time. Hopefully next fiscal year we'll look into those. >> Okay. So, for a long range uh a long range plan that would actually be under operations. Correct. >> A long range plan would be to hire someone who would be in involved in
either marketing or development that would have an expertise in grant writing. And that could be a long range plan. Well, again, if it's 1 to two years, and if you're not talking about this budget cycle, we're talking about the following year, 2028, that that would be considered short term. But again, I
think it's of utmost important that the town, whether it's the council or the staff, recognizes the importance of how these nonprofit organizations run and grant writing is a core element of it beyond municipal funding.
>> Yes. and and Jeff is very well aware of that and um and is putting his package presentation together to um to include what we need. >> Okay. And of course, John has a good ear
for providing that kind of support to bear upon the balance of the council members. >> I make my case often. >> Yes. Okay. So, um, continuing on, recruit and retrain, uh, retain.
>> Can we make a a decision here >> to present museum quality? >> I think, um, my my sense is that diverse isn't going to break the bank. Am I correct, Karina?
>> No. I mean, I can I can replace the word to make, you know, to make it more um to flow a little bit better. varied sounds too too wishywashy. >> Let's let's leave diverse in in in this
case simply because >> and look for I I'll look for options. >> Okay. Well, if you have any other options, you can share those then um with with Karina. Let's go to retreat. Re recruit and retain qualified
professional staff. >> Yep. And that is Yep. And we have just continued to do that. Um I think as far as the values in general are concerned, I think we basically covered all of the things that we
hope to offer to the public with regard to our mission. And if you can notice that all of these are very actionable. So is the present, recruit, provide, preserve, ensure,
implement and maintain. Should we move on to the next one which is strategic goals and objectives? >> So here we've delineated as opposed to how the original strategic plan was organized, we put it all in programs,
collections, operations, development, and marketing. marketing development is actually, you know, one and the same because their their their >> goal is to, you know, bring additional money and bring additional people. But I broke it out into the two simply because
one is more money oriented, the other is more people oriented. >> And I just want you to review that to see if that is something that you um agree with. >> I think they're different. Yes, >> absolutely. Okay. And then with regard to the then
of course the categories you know then go into sequence with programs being first then the collections operations. Um now what Karina has provided here which of course I'm not in a position of providing is who is ultimately
responsible. what is the target date from their point of view based on limited staff and budget and what the current status is which then Karina can really speak to. So Karina, I'm gonna hand this part over to you to kind of walk us through.
>> Okay. Um so we're going through um the first um strategic goal which is um in programs. Um the first one is exhibitions maintain current exhibitions in good
conditions. Um that's you know we're have our section where it says who's responsible or target date and what's the status. So um for the first one is the museum the responsibility of the museum registar and it's um it's an
ongoing um event which is a regular monitoring cleaning and uh environmental control uh are carried out by the museum register.
Is there is there not also the ongoing cataloging that's ongoing that that's occurring? >> Cataloging >> that's under collections. >> Oh, it's under collections. I apologize. >> So when it's I mean what does regular monitoring mean? Is that weekly? Is that
daily? Is that monthly? >> Uh monitoring is is daily you know a daily walk through um on the status of you know the the exhibit. um that that everything needs to be done um daily. >> I I have a I have a question. I always
thought if I had a lot of money, I was going to give a a a chunk to the moundhouse to weather strip the windows in the bathroom. Has that been done?
because you can see light under each one of those windows which means >> that is not climate completely well climate controlled >> in the bathroom before the collections were brought in those were
>> thank you very much >> yes otherwise so >> achieved >> achieved >> yes >> okay perfect thank you very much of course >> right so this the second one is research feasibility to open underground Brown exhibit. Um the director and the museum
manager um was a shortterm goal um hopefully within 2026. Um and we're currently um doing some research doing research um to assess the feasibility of the developing an
underground not the exhibit just of the reopening at this time. >> What is that involving? Um the definitely all the safety concerns the which is the air quality um >> right and who's doing that >> and uh I don't have the name of the
company at this time but um but I can get that to you and >> but but are are do they do you have like a I mean is there have they been out are they coming out if so when what is the kind of report that they're going to be
providing? There is um a company that's um we already had one done um last year. Uh we're doing another one right now. Um same company. Uh we're trying to hire
another company as well to just to have different um names. >> So I had a discussion with the town manager about this um I don't know if it was last week, the week before. Um, one of the things that I had suggested
is that when you hire consultants to do these types of reports, if they are given a goal, they typically will achieve it, whether that's to make something easy or difficult. And so therefore, ensuring that we've got a varied view of the feasibility of
reopening the moundhouse with an optimistic outcome would be the best way forward, >> right? And so I believe that that's what's occurred. >> You know, isn't that such a valuable thing to add, John, because it's always
about how it's presented. You know, give me proof that I need to keep it closed, they will provide it. If you give them the idea that well, on all circumstances, we want this open, then they will they will respond to
>> Well, at least know what is required to open as opposed to >> Yes. Exactly. robots, >> right? >> So, how is that? Yeah, that that's a great great point, John. And I think the the idea here, Karina, is that staff
presents to these consultants what is it what is it going to take for us to open this in whatever capacity it's feasible and then they'll give us a point by point um account. >> Yes. Um, >> yeah, and one of the things that we talked about was, you know, under what
options? Perhaps it can't go back to exactly the way that it was before, but we still need to be able to highlight the unique opportunity that we have at this site that doesn't exist at Pine Island. It doesn't, you know, it just doesn't. So, I don't know what the
answer is by any means, >> right? But there would be various options I would think on how it can be presented and how you can end up you know maybe not the great immersive experience that it was before
but maybe we can >> right >> and I think one of the um conversations that came out of this um idea of keeping it open was that part of the damage done from storm surges is also part of the
educational experience that said, "Okay, and when it first opened, it was this." And then we recognized with these six storm surges on this island over a three-year period of time that it became this. And this is part of our, you know,
life cycle barrier islands. It's a very dynamic situation. So, there's something to learn from that because there's it's obviously impossible for us to go back to what it was originally. >> Agreed. Yep.
So with uh that it's uh opening the underground exhibit with limited capability capabilities. Um um again we're looking into different um contractors for the air quality for the
safety electricity. So those are um all the the main um um items that we need to address at at this point just to open the just to open it
um and not have an exhibit per se like we used to have. Just being able to see the the mount itself and that's uh that's our goal right now. And the next one is developing uh new rotating exhibitions.
M that's uh the responsibility of the museum registered and the museum manager and this is a long-term goal and we are ga uh in the early stages of gathering ideas to develop new rotating exhibitions to keep content fresh engage
diverse audiences and engage uh repeat visitation. >> Okay. And of course the the the elephant in the room there is budget constraints but that's under budget. Yes. So obviously you know it's a program that is this is what we're looking for. This
is one of our goals and objectives and the budget that'll allow this to happen because you know lending exhibitions and you know developing new exhibitions that perhaps part of our collection can be loaned out to other institutions as part
of a um a um um collaborative experience would be encouraged. >> Yes. And at this time because as far as my understanding is concerned because we are not um
uh accredited at this time we are not allowed to receive um collections from from other um museums. >> Yeah. And so but the corrections are not accredited either. >> Right. And I don't believe that um the
um Pineland is either right. >> I'm not sure about that. >> And maybe even not Marco. Um, I know that Marco either if there if >> I'm I don't know, but I do know that in
order for them to get the um the exhibit, the Marco cat and and everything that they had um they went into extensive uh restoration and had very very particular um >> um uh
>> physical demands. >> Yeah, very physical demands. museum >> museum practices. Yeah. >> But, you know, they could be working on accreditation, but maybe they haven't achieved it yet. But I do know that sometimes, you know, exhibitions can be
loaned to a nonacrediting institution, assuming both parties agree, and understanding what the the um um risks are with regard to humidity, temperature control, and security. Correct. Security is a big element. >> Yeah.
>> Which we currently do not have. Mhm. >> And of and again because if you go for museum accreditation, it is assumed that the institution from the minute it opens until the minute it closes is completely secure with regard to guards that will
look at each guest that comes in and make sure they're not touching or, >> you know, harming the collection or the exhibits in any way. Do you see us getting to the point where we have a full-time guard? >> Well, that's a good question. And it could very well be that, you know,
there'll be security cameras around instead of having a personal guard, but yeah, it becomes I mean that that's that's a key element. And again, humidity and and and uh temperature
control. Do we have humidity and temperature control? >> We do in the um artifact preservation center. Yes. >> Okay. in the collections area but not the other. But at least that's a step in the right direction. >> Correct. >> All right. On the next page, on page
number five, um, uh, education, uh, we like to develop season schedule of tours, beachwalks, and lecture. Um, the development of the schedule is pending a new hire expected to begin
62926. So that's the responsibility of the education coordinator. Um update and revise volunteer manual. Um that's also the responsibility of the education coordinator.
And um I gave you a copy of the updated manual that um Briana was uh put together. So, um, but it's it will it always need to be
updated. So, >> uh, the next one is the signage for self-guided tours of the botanical gardens. Um, I'm currently working with the original designer and a private donor to
replace damaged ground signage. So that hopefully be um done by the end of this fiscal year. Um outreach programs to schools and community groups, education coordinator.
Um again, we're pending um the new hire >> to start responsibility of the education. >> Education coordinator. Correct. Oh, about the I want to backtrack on the development schedule and yes, she's coming this next month, which we're all
thrilled about. But now, uh, when does season like when when you're going to develop an ex a an education program and a season schedule of events, when does that season start and how long is it going to take her to put that together?
Would that be three months? Um well the good thing is that she's starting now when there's low low season. >> So I will have the time to work with her and get those things um done ahead of
time before she starts uh implementing um you know those events or programs. So I'm thinking um at least two months so to for her to get very familiar with
what we offer what you know what we are she needs to really kind of study our our area a little bit and um and in the meantime we'll we'll start um creating those um calendar and events
you're starting to create. So, are you saying that by a certain time, let's say October 15th, you'll have a full season schedule of contracted lectures, events, and programs already set in for the entire season? >> Um, yes.
>> And is your goal October like beginning of the fiscal year? October one? >> Uh, beginning Yes, correct. Uh, beginning October 1st. >> Okay. And would that go through April? What is the What is your season with the moundhouse? Well, we are our fiscal year
is from um October 1st to September at the end of September. So, that's what I'm hoping to get um filled out >> for an entire year. >> For an entire year. >> Okay. So, you're not talking about a season, you're talking about an annual schedule. >> I I am.
>> Okay. Because this says season. >> Okay. >> So, are you talking about putting together an actual al annual? That's pretty ambitious. I know I I aiming for that. I think we can I think it can be done. >> Okay.
So, we'll we'll change that then to develop annual schedule and that would begin the uh that would coincide with our budget schedule. Okay. Here the development of schedule. Um I I didn't specify here if it was I'm
sorry >> seasonal. You said here on the status is that where you're >> No, under education under the actual u develop annual schedule. >> Yes. instead of season, it's going to be annual. And the reason that is is better is so
that we can work um with other organizations in the area that most of them have annual um >> events and calendar. So, well, it's also vital for grant writing. In other words, if you're writing a grant for programs,
they're going to know, they're going to want to know, you know, what are your programs and you plan it out because, you know, obviously you write a grant for the next fiscal year. So oftentimes you plan out two years in advance, >> at least for the major programs like maybe your lectures, for example. But
yeah, >> well, right now my goal is just one year. >> Right. Exactly. >> Understood. Okay. Does anybody have any questions about the uh programs? >> Okay.
>> No, it's good. >> Um collections implement new collections management policy which was it's already done. It was presented um to council on 518
and it was adopted. Um unanimously. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> So then it's not ongoing, it's done. >> Well, the policy always needs to be updated. >> All righty. >> Okay. Maintaining exhibitions and interpretive uh signage. the museum
registar it's uh on it's an ongoing process and um the register ensures accurate records of object tracking and information consistency between collections and display materials that's ongoing
um complete artifact collection documents are archived that is your register and it's that's a long-term goal um currently um the registar has access to catalog it, which is the museum's cataloging system, and is working
towards starting the artifact collections documentation. She so far she did an amazing job um uh separating everything and organizing everything, kind of um um starting the
whole process. So, she's she's doing an amazing job. >> And she's comfortable with the 2029 deadline. >> Um so far so good. I think yeah I think it's uh it's something that we can we can aim for. Yeah. >> Fantastic.
So is there anything under collections that you think that we need to add or this is basically um you know like I think maybe there was some question about de accessioning and you know again with the collection
policy u that are actionable items that need to be included in the strategic plan or is this pretty much covering >> I think at this time this covers everything that we are working Now, this interpretive signage um that
only covers the actual collection, not the exterior, right? >> Correct. Okay. Yeah. All right. On page eight, um, under operations, attract, recruit, and retain qualified professional staff as the, uh, the
responsibility of the museum director and museum manager. And it's an ongoing process target um and we like to um it's an ongoing process by offering competitive
benefits, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment and providing opportunities for ongoing professional development and career growth. So, we like to think that all of our staff um have that opportunity.
Um the next one is attract uh rec recruit and train volunteers. Um the education coordinator and museum manager's responsibility. This is ongoing and a volunteer program is currently being developed to provide
meaningful engagement opportunities, clear roles, strong orientation and training and a welcoming environment that recognizes and values volunteer contributions. Um the next one is to implement an annual plan to maintain structures.
That's the responsibility of the museum director. historical maintenance staff and museum manager. This is ongoing and the historical maintenance staff continuously perform preventative maintenance and groundkeeping um while
maintaining detailed maintenance log. >> Okay. With regard to implementing, I mean do we have an annual plan and when would it be implemented? I mean is there an actual written plan in place? >> We do. Uh the actually the the
maintenance staff have uh a checklist checklist of everything that he needs to do every day and uh and we keep a log of everything. >> Okay. >> And uh develop annual plan for programs
that what we discussed on the education. >> Yes. >> So does it need to be there there? >> No, I think we need to remove Drop it because it it's part of programs, >> right? >> Okay.
>> Yeah. Why is that even in there? >> I don't know. >> It's a type. >> That's probably Yeah, it's a duplicate. Obviously, we take that out. >> Okay. So am I to understand that the museum director has no direct responsibility of operations
under under that that one page eight? >> Um it it does have um the the to implement the the maintaining the structures is part of his um >> theiring museum director. Okay. Right.
The hiring, the attracting, recruiting and qualified professional uh staff is also a responsibility of the museum director. >> Okay. >> And uh develop a plan for culturally significant significant botanical gardens.
We are working on that that we the museum expects to work with that TDC grant to develop an actually to continue to develop and implement a comprehensive plan. >> Is there a TDC grant available for
funding a botanical garden? >> Um the TDC grant does um it gives funding for for the botanical garden. So is that is that a continuing TDC funded >> initiative that TDC funds every year?
>> Every Yes. >> How much? >> Um it depends. Um because it's it's a big grant that um I know that is part of I'm not very familiar but as far as I know um it
covers the beach access you know. >> Okay. And probably in Newton park once that is red. Okay. So so it's not just the mountains. >> Correct. So, it's it's allocated to to different um >> and I guess I know that this is a question that we brought up several times at our meetings is what is a
significant botanical garden because we have so many different elements of what used to be there >> and to us that was all significant and it's no longer there. So, I think it questions what you know is a significant cultural or um significant botanical
gardens and by whom would make that decision. >> Yeah. Um well, that that's definitely something that we need to talk to Jeff. Um and uh um I think we had many discussions about
what we wanted um around the gardens and we so far we always used um a native plants and we want to continue that. But I know that the original plan
had um uh different aspects. I don't I don't have that uh right now. But I know we had a medicinal uh garden and we had a uh >> medicinal and scientific >> and scientific. Yes. So that's but that
includes many plants that are not native. So, you know, that's something that >> And it also brings into question with all of these reoccurring storms with the saltwater intrusion, is that um like the fruit gardens that we have, the fruit trees, is that even viable considering
the changes to our environment as to what is sustainable? >> Yeah. >> And resilient, >> right? So I guess my question is you know we need to know as cell members what what those limitations are and if
there's you know a botanical landscape plan that takes into account the drought and resil resiliency and what can be sustained budget-wise uh for the long term while still keeping the predominant native
landscaping. What does that look like and what does that include and is that going to be brought before cell cab for a conversation? >> Yes. Yes, absolutely. We can bring it up into conversation. >> So I and I just have a sidebar to that because I noticed when I was there
yesterday that those um plastic plants are still there. >> No, no, not the plants. >> No, no, the pots. The pot I know, but they're potted plants, right? >> But they're not plastic plants. >> No, no, no, no. Yeah, you're right. You're right. Of course. Yes. To your point. Horrible.
>> There's There's I I just It was just, you know, because we're sort of talking about the natural environment. We're talking about, you know, landscaping and I see those plastic pots. >> What do you I mean, did you notice that?
>> Anybody? >> Both of you? Yes. >> I didn't. >> You didn't? >> But then I haven't been there in a couple weeks. >> Okay. Well, they've been there for about a month. Well, several weeks in any event. So, >> can you speak to that because I think there's
I think the town has other initiatives. >> Uh well, that was just um after we Oh, let's see. Let me let me go back. Remember we had a an archaeological um mug dig, right? And we had those big um
>> beautifully built >> Yeah. >> archaeological dig. Yes. >> Stations. >> Correct. >> For school groups, >> right? Right. >> And um so we had an an event after that and uh there was really no time to
they're really well built. So it was a matter of okay, what do what do we do? Do we take them away? You put it set it apart kind of put it apart and but it's something that we can really use in the future again. >> Yeah. So we had an event after that and
it's like okay what do we do and just we put it on the side and um and said you know we try to make it look pretty you know at the time. So there's none of the those plants are not going to be planted on the ground because
they're not native. They just look pretty. And uh but um but we're still kind of trying to figure out, you know, what to do, what to do with that. >> All they are is camouflaging these big
wooden huge um things that give kids a chance to play archaeologist and you know, they're big sandboxes. So, what I'm hearing you say is now with our new education coordinator coming in, that program will begin again with school kids to do an archaeological dig. So,
then where will those stations be? >> Well, either and and that's what we're trying to figure um to figure out. Either >> in the back of the museum um in the back of the museum store, there is an area
right there that's away from everyone. So, that's Yeah. So that's >> it's like a patio area. >> Yes. >> So that's an area that we're looking into putting those um things here. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> And can the pots be removed? Fleas.
>> Can they just be potted in clay? >> We can do that. >> Or mulch with the wire. Anything. But those sends such a bad tacky message. It does. I'm sorry. I it's a personal thing, but it's like these white plastic
planters >> from probably Kmart. I don't know. But in any event, it's like that does that does not it's not conducive to what we're trying to present and promote. We don't want other people buying plastic pots for all those obvious reasons.
>> Noted. And we'll make that we'll make it happen. >> Yeah. Yeah. And I understand, you know, the town's desire because I talked to the guy that he said yes. We're just trying to make this place look more colorful like like he's the charge. So anyway,
but yeah, >> he's doing his best to make it look better and that's nice on the part of an employee. >> I loved his enthusiasm. I have to say he was so just dedicated to making that um ugly building. He said, you know, just
prettier but with pretty flowers. So you got to love it. >> Look at that. Yeah, >> but yeah, >> I think no definitely know and we'll make it happen. >> Okay, thank you. Um, so yeah, I guess
maybe the issue of the uh um developing a plan and that's going to be coming up next year then. Um, and again, we don't have a sprinkler system. So, no, you know, in drought conditions and we're all facing that drought condition, >> um that the place is not looking its
best as a result, but that's just the way it is because we're not going to put a sprinkler system in. >> Right. Right. >> All right. Um the next one is to follow the town's emergency management plan and that's the responsibility of the museum
d of the director and the manager and it's ongoing and the museum does follow the town's emergency management plan and we do have one for the museum as well. Uh secure national historic landmark
status. That's um the museum manager responsibility and that's a long-term goal >> three to five years and uh I am in the process of reviewing the requirements and procedures necessary to pursue um the national historic landmark status.
>> Wonderful. >> Yeah, >> you are working toward that. That's awesome. And here I think you can, you know, if you need volunteers to help. I mean, I think the friends because of people from the friends that really helped with the other um status that we
achieved, the state status that you know, whoever can help toward that effort, >> you can rely on them. >> Okay. Um the next one is to secure American Association of Museums accredititation as the responsibility of the museum
manager. Uh long-term goal but the museum is advancing towards AAM accreditation by continue to participate in the MAP program and preparing the required application documentation. Am I understanding with regard to
current responsibilities of which there are many that the MAP program of what we've done the previous year and the status that we've achieved and the policies that we've endorsed uh will sort of be on hold until
staff is in a position to seek the next step for the program. Well, right now I am uh working towards uh doing um uh there are several documentations that
we need you know for for accreditation. one was the museum um the policy the management collections management policy and there's um another one um
uh and I it talks about ethics um >> was governance I know is one >> yeah so um I I don't think we need to work I would just we'll continue working towards that we don't really need to wait for >> okay there's no particular time frame
that you're looking to achieve the next step then. >> Right. No, no, I'm just Yeah, just moving along. >> Well, and I think you uh in this packet you've given us there's an actual code of ethics or >> correct? >> Right. Yeah.
>> And that's one of the things that we don't have right now to um to go you know towards the accredititation. So So that's one one step towardation. Okay. All right. And um >> and the strategic plan being another,
right? This wasn't this one element was required of us. Right. >> All right. The next page uh page number 10 uh for development sustain fiscally sound annual operating budget museum director responsibility.
Um this is an ongoing um and the status is so um the director is working with the finance department to develop the uh next fiscal year fiscal year 2627
budget. Um that includes the review the next step which is review of museum admission and fees and discounts. um and that we're working with that.
And uh then on the next important um >> So are you saying that not we're not going to do anything for this coming year? >> Uh as far as reviewing museum admission fees. >> No. Yeah. The no the uh yeah the uh review that's for the following year
>> for the for next fiscal year. Correct. >> Okay. not not 26 27 >> um I believe that we we are we're looking to uh I think we're going to keep the same as far as the mission is concerned you know everything I think we're going to keep the same
>> so we're keeping the current status and with the idea that the following year >> then you would we would review okay >> um uh we will evaluate membership levels as the responsibility of the museum
manager. Um we will uh I will evaluate uh the different membership levels. Currently we have 10 about 10 levels. Um and uh
we'll identify a structure that better aligns with our organization's goals and audience needs. I think right now we have too many levels and we can kind of uh >> consolidate >> consolidate some of them. >> How how um and I know we probably have
this in your report for this month but how are the facility rentals going? >> Um we we don't have any any rentals. >> But you the the chamber paid right? >> No the the chamber uh because of um they
always support us. Um >> how do they support us? Well, we um every every event that we have um we send it to them and they um they market
our programs as well. Um and uh you know we also like to collaborate with you know with organizations within the um the island. So >> well that's a cost outlay for you in terms of staff
>> whenever an event like this is held. I would question that actually. I mean, I think in terms of the chamber or nonprofit organizations that use the mount house for their activities should be required to at least cover the town costs.
>> Yes. Yeah. I and I I understand that. But I know that um um we also receive, you know, and I understand this is a a case by case situation, but um when they provide
grants as well or donations, you know, um we kind of like to do in kind, you know, um that kind of relationship. >> Was it a chamber of commerce meeting? >> They had a party. >> A party. It was an annual their annual
meeting. >> People attended. >> Yeah. Um >> close to 70 I believe something. >> I see that as a real marketing opportunity and I think it's worth it. >> I think it's worth the cost >> and I would think other organizations might follow because it's such a lovely
setting. >> Yes. I wasn't I had bought a ticket for it. I wasn't able to go because I wasn't feeling well that day. But my wife went to the event. She said it was really well attended. It was attended by a lot of people that are very engaged with the
town and >> maybe who have never been there before. >> And I think it could have um maybe intended unintended consequences of uh >> these people are all moving in the same sort of groups. And then I think what we
may not see something directly like we would if it was a rental fee for it and I'm not making policy here. I'm just giving an an opinion. However, I think you're more likely to see engagement with the friends by folks that were previously not engaged and showed up for
something like that event >> and to take names and take note and you know follow up most importantly it says oh I'm glad to I'm glad this is your first time visit I hope you come back and oh by the way we've got blah blah blah and get them on a mailing list >> it's an opportunity
>> right and and I what is our policy with regard to facility rental with organizations like this because I don't believe we've ever set a policy that dictates what which organizations get a freebie and which organizations do not. >> Is there a policy?
>> I not that I am aware of. >> So, does the town have a policy? Do you know of? >> I I think we did at one time years ago have a policy. >> That's what I thought. You know, like say for example, if the church comes in, I know we charge
>> No, there's a there's a rental there's a rental structure. >> Well, but that's there. Correct. There is a rental structure and there is a fee a lower fee for uh nonprofits, >> right? >> Yeah. >> But there is a fee for nonprofits which the chamber falls into. I just wanted to
know what is our policy for why we allow some and not others to have it for free. Well, I think if she says case by case, if we put everything down in black and white, you can't make exceptions without going for for more um permission kinds
of things. And I'm thinking after Ian, u an awful lot of people were using the moundhouse because there was nothing else and and that was, you know, that was a service that the town was doing when they could. And I would I would prefer to leave it open and you know and
to and to judge >> what do I get out of this? >> Is this helpful for me or is this >> especially in we are still in the post Ian years. >> We are but as I recall we did not have rule over it. The town
did and the town made the decisions for our usage of the moundhouse. Mhm. >> Well, that >> I think you're right. Yeah, >> that was years ago. >> That was years ago. >> Years ago. And I rented >> And I don't know if that will hold true.
You know, it's a it's a different town. >> Well, >> yeah. I rented it in March of 25 for a service for my husband and it was everything was handled through the town. >> Right. >> So,
>> so does the town then dictate? I I'll look into it. I'm not sure what the policy is. So, I will I will look into that. When Briana, who is responsible for our collections, um you know, I know she gave there was another event in
addition to the chamber event. There was another event when she gave a presentation >> presentation on the 25th, >> right? >> Yes. >> Um and that we had what 70 people for that as well, right? >> Yes. Don't we have a limit on how many people can accommodate the building
itself? >> Uh we do. Uh >> the fire hazard. >> Yes. And uh I believe at uh at one time I believe it's 125 people in the museum at the same time. >> I think it's 40 upstairs
>> or 40 in the Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I just saw the sign. >> Oh, okay. Well, you know, that's another point in terms of how many maximum. I mean if everybody from the chamber would have shown up there would have been 200 people. So you let you let every one of these groups know that there is a
limitation. I guess my concern is a contract. >> So I signed a contract with specifications and I had a tent and there's certain specifications and only certain companies who know how to accommodate that. >> Right.
So it was through the town that that I and and well Karina >> but if it's through the town Karina had to be >> well Karina had the contract. I mean I but it was to the town. >> She was acting for the town.
>> Sure. >> So >> but I on that note I >> I'm going to check on on policy and see what we need to follow. >> Yeah. I I guess I'm just for clarification. I need to know what what
is the responsibility of the town and more importantly when I ask you these questions I'm concerned about the collection. I'm concerned about the exhibits. I'm concerned about damage or any kind of liability. And what happens if a guest falls down on a piece of
furniture and it breaks? And what happens if the the uh vis the um oh my gosh, what is the word for vis not the vis queen, the the display cases, >> the vrines. the vetrines when they're,
you know, if they're jostled and something breaks in the collection's display, who's responsible and to what extent should we limit the attendance? >> Mostly it's outside >> with with a tent. >> Well, no, this was all I mean like for
her talk, Brianna's talk, that was all inside. There was no tent. Yeah. >> So, those are just my concerns. >> I'm sure there's liability insurance >> and for any Yeah. for every event including the chamber they do sign a contract and they provide um insurance.
Okay. So >> good. And there were certain specifications how the tent is >> Yes. >> put up and you know >> no driving states for the tent. Yes. Exactly. >> With barrels and whatever. >> Yeah. >> But it was an absolutely lovely place.
>> Yes. Oh, that's wonderful. >> Couldn't have been a better place. Right. Mhm. All right. All right. So, um membership levels, uh evaluate rental fees,
uh increase annual net revenue for the museum store. I am currently working with the visitor services to add an online store to the museum's website to expand access and increase revenue.
and that um hopefully by the it's it's a a pretty expens extensive process. So we'll I'm I'm hoping for fiscal year 2728. >> So when you say work with visitor
services, what what is that? >> Who is that? >> Sandra. >> Oh. Yeah. She's the one who runs the store. So in order to to um to get the all um
>> so you work with visitor services staff then it just I didn't know what that was. So that's a staff person. Okay. >> Yeah. Uh the next one is secure sponsors and partnerships
and uh the responsibility of the museum manager is ongoing and uh working with the friends of the moundhouse for their support in fundraising efforts and secure sponsors and partnerships. Um next page page number 12 um for
marketing. >> Oh I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Can can we go back to page 11 on the on that bottom page? Secure sponsors since are you giving all of that responsibility to friends or is staff person responsible for that in any way?
>> Um at this time um at this time only the friends are doing it. >> Okay. >> Um are you aware that they have to go out and get sponsors? >> They Yes, they Yes, they are. And um
>> it's a wish list. >> Yeah. It's not something that I can really I think the question Yeah. I guess it's sort of the cart of the horse situation, right? Where you know, you as the museum management give them these are our financial needs,
>> right? And then you know they're the ones that get the sponsors or the the donors to contribute >> right >> to these things that have already been outlined by you by you as to what will be needs to be funded. So um but I guess
the I think the concept was that the town would form these sponsors and you know kind of working with partnerships like hotels as part of a marketing plan you know not necessarily maybe for the um well I see what you're saying.
The friends can do that too, right? I guess we just don't want to be >> This is I will weigh in on that. Um >> yes, thank you. >> Karina and I have had we're we're working on an overall department strategy. I missed the friends had their board meeting yesterday which I missed
because I was flying or Tuesday rather whatever I missed it but um I designed a written report to Beverly and in it I said that by the June meeting Karina and I would have destroyed plan and I have been talking about this and meeting about this for a few weeks. Um so we'll
have something definitively on paper by June by by the end of June. >> Fantastic. Thank you Alan. Great answer. That's what I was looking for. Okay. So, there is a an actual planned goal for
this coming season for sponsors and partnership that benefit the Mount House >> to to attempt to obtain. >> Oh, >> yes. >> I mean, I'm not doing that goal stuff. You got to do five of these things. But
I also think that the town could also be responsible for some and maybe should be responsible for some of big sponsorships like if somebody is going to um sponsor the whole rehabilitation of the underground that
shouldn't go through the friends that should be the town. We are currently in discussions about what types of donations we accept, what strings attached, which ones we wouldn't want to accept. >> Gift policy,
>> the whole gift donation policy and if something's, as you mentioned earlier, capital versus an operating gift and what is the ongoing maintenance if you actually accept a gift and it's not inind. >> All of those different things are currently being worked wonderful by
>> council. So that's townwide. That includes the mount house includes the house with regard to gifts or inind contributions or sponsorships would go through the town. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. >> And a lot of it is um brought on of course by the upcoming fireworks that's
being done. There's just there's been so much outpouring of support and we really want to just make sure that that we do it properly. >> Exactly. That it's just done properly. >> Do you all have a deadline as to when that is? Uh, I don't know what the
deadline is, although it is, you know, an MNP packet meeting and it's it's moving forward. We're we're addressing it as we go through it. So, I don't know if it'll become a >> It wouldn't become an ordinance. I'm not exactly sure, but it's
>> donation policy was um accepted now for the last on the last uh council. >> I'm thinking it was accepted and then that's all that was required. I don't think it needed another reading, but I'm I'm a little bit foggy on it. Sorry. >> But I know it's it is there either has
just been address or is in the process of being implemented >> if it's um and they're talking about if it's a donation under $10,000 or over $10,000. >> Okay. So, >> some is at the discretion of the town manager. If it becomes over $10,000,
then it has to be brought back to council and we have to have a discussion about it. Ensure that It's in the best interest of all of the town. >> Um, so there's Yeah, it's it's significant and it's good. >> Very good.
>> So is that if that if it has been adopted then is it a matter of public record? I mean so if any of us can if we for example come up with somebody who wants to give a donation that is not appropriate to you know where do we turn
to vet that before it goes further? >> You come through staff. Okay, >> you go through staff. Staff will it'll ultimately be will if it exceeds his authority, he will then provide recommendation staff's recommendation to town council to to actually vote.
>> Okay. >> So, if somebody wants to donate a pink elephant and it's under $10,000, is Will's call? >> Pretty much. >> Just rhetorical question. Barb. >> Yes. >> I I have an appointment that I must attend.
>> Oh, yes, of course. >> Um and the problem is if I leave, we don't have a quorum. >> We do. >> We do. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> I was concerned whether or not the physical quorum had to be here. >> No, it can be. Okay. >> I think Well, you know, that's a good
>> Is that I'm not sure. Let me ask. >> I can stretch it to 3:15. >> Okay. >> Well, let's just get going here. >> Let's get going. Yes. 3:15. Thank you for calling us on task for this because we need to move on anyway. We're we we jump into the weeds pretty easily and I
apologize for that. >> I know that's I >> it it is part of the process. >> It is. >> We're close. >> Okay, let's go into marketing. >> Okay. And actually marketing is the last section, >> right? >> Um so the first one is to evaluate and measure current marketing strategies. Um
that falls into the museum manager's responsibility. Um that's actually um exactly what we said before in in development was it with a with a visitor services?
>> Yes. Yeah. It it's pretty much exactly the same verbiage. Now if it it needs to be in both places then it needs to be in both places. >> No no I think we think this under >> one had to do with funding and the other had to do with people. I think that was how they were categorizing it. So for
example, a membership program isn't necessarily under marketing. It can be under under >> okay development. >> This is here. She's the person to ask about if we if Lori >> if she needs to leave, would we have
quum for to continue? >> Well, with a seven member committee, we do need four physical committee members present. >> Okay. >> To have quorum. >> Okay. Well, let's go fast then. Okay, we will move forward. All right, >> thank you so much for that
clarification. >> You're welcome. >> All right, the next one is to develop an annual marketing plan. Museum manager, um I will I'm currently working um with the friends of the moundhouse for their
support in fundraising efforts and uh to secure sponsors and partnerships. So, um, they're helping me, um, develop a marketing plan, >> but they're help I mean, their marketing I'm not quite sure. >> No, no, no. They're helping me uh create
a marketing plan. So, but it's not the friends marketing. It's for for us. >> Okay. And and does that marketing plan that staff is going to implement or friends going to implement? >> Staff.
So you're >> support and fundraising is where the friends come in. >> Yes, support I understand but not develop. >> Uh volunteers do not develop the staff's marketing plan is my >> No, no, they are they're just um helping
me develop it. Well, I guess I I shouldn't even have put >> I think it's got to be some better wording because that's not their >> That's not what it says though. It says work with friends for their support in fundraising events and secure sponsors and partnerships.
>> Right. >> So that doesn't say anything about friends developing it. >> Okay. So just >> I I will weigh in on this because my my job with friends now is to be the chief fundraiser. So I see Karina and I being handy in love with each other
>> in support of what Karina directs us to do. You know, at this point, the firm's sole mission is just to raise funds in support of the Mountain House, and that will be at the direction of the needs of the manager. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. And I think that's the clarification. Thank you,
Ellen. >> Right. Karina is the driver. >> Yes. Exactly. >> The dec we we write shotgun. >> There you go. >> Okay. Do you want do you want to rewrite that or
>> That's it. It's just asking for fundraising. >> Okay. >> Efforts. >> So, you're saying we don't have an annual marketing plan now? >> We we No. >> Okay. But don't we we need one for next year? >> Yes. >> Well, why does it say 2728?
>> 26 27. I'll fix that. And I would think that we would need to do that for the marketing strategies as well. So the target date is this coming fiscal year not next year for the marketing fund
under marketing for you know all of that should be for this upcoming fiscal year 26 27 okay all right submit application for TDC arts and attractions grant that's done yearly
and actually we have Next deadline is uh next month I believe >> I think so. >> And we yeah we do that every year. Maintain and update uh website. Um
we are I am looking um for a new uh a new company to um to improve our website. >> Yeah, I remember you did mention that last month. Where are we? was um I I
already have a um a quote and everything that needs to be done. So I'm revi I'm I'm in the process of revising that and hopefully with within the next few weeks I we can get that moving. >> Okay. So within the month then you're going to have a new website person on in
place. >> Yes. Okay. >> Um the next one is to increase social media presence with measurable outcomes. Um that's Mio manager responsibility that's ongoing and we had contracted um
Trilio Media to create content and increase social media presence and the outcome is measurable. You do have um a copy of the latest um report. We also utilize
uh our public information officer as well for there's been a lot of >> uh great videos that we've seen on Facebook and things like that. Lots of map house >> and they're Yeah. And they're being shared with uh with the town as well.
>> Um develop annual marketing plan. >> You did that already. >> Okay. >> Yeah, that's redundant. So we need to take one of those out. So, let's just take that that one last on page 13. Just eliminate that. >> Yeah. >> And you But you might want to take the
status and move it into the thing as opposed to the friends. Yeah. >> Thing. >> Oh, I see what you're talking about, Briana, because under status, you have different wording. >> Yeah. On page 12 base page 13. So, which one do you want to use?
>> Uh, I'll use the development of a marketing plan for the next fiscal year's plan to be updated on a yearly basis. >> Okay. So just take that narrative and bring it up to the page 12 then. Okay. >> Yeah. >> All right. Um a schedule appreciation
event for volunteers and members museum manager and that's done yearly. Um a volunteer trip to Marco Island Historical Museum was organized in April 2026 during volunteer appreciation week and we um will do um some kind of um
trip or event for volunteers in You can take that out cuz that's already happened. That happened last year. >> But it has to happen every year. >> But she just has to put down um will organize in 2027. >> Okay.
>> Or 2026 actually. No 27. Yeah. 27. >> The volunteer trip in April 2027. >> Yeah. >> God, doesn't that sound weird? 2027. >> Yeah. And all of the 20s have sounded weird to me.
>> Oh my god. >> So just take it not in past tense but but future tense. >> And future. Correct. >> All right. And the last one is research AI marketing strategies. Um and I am
currently enrolled in an AI course to enhance operational efficiency, marketing strategies and visitor engagement. >> Way to go. >> Wonderful. Thank you Brianna. That is fantastic. >> That's awesome. >> Okay,
>> I think I I noted all the changes and all the things that we will continue to discuss and um um if you have any questions for me. >> Okay, I think that we've basically addressed them as we you know went
through uh that document. So, we'll look at draft if you if you can then title this next one draft two. >> Yes. I uh and then when we get it for next month and we can um look through and we could check our notes and um just kind of determine that all of the
changes have been made. Okay. So, as far as your um staff report is concerned, maybe you could give um an update. You've got you've given us a lot of information here with our materials. Okay.
Um so basically all the ongoing programs and events um we continue to have uh yoga every Monday at 9:00 a.m. on the grounds. >> Now do we charge for that? Is that >> uh No, that is um contracted through the
town and um the the instructor pays 30% to the town for every um every participant that >> Okay. So, it's through their wreck program, not through the mount house program. >> Through the directly through the town. >> Oh, >> yeah.
Okay. Um, we continue to have our volunteer orientation every first Tuesday of the month. Um, we haven't had any volunteers this past month, but um,
there are we are there are several FGCU students that are that are wanting to to volunteer. Um we had um a total of 96 students uh
on a field trip April 1st and 2nd. Um with the we were able to do it with the support of five wonderful volunteers and um and Briana was leading the whole field trip. So it was it was a really
very nice time. Um, as I mentioned, uh, we celebrated the Mount House celebrated this volunteers with a special visit to the Marco Island Historical Museum on April 14th. And, um, we sincerely thank our
volunteers during, uh, volunteer week and every day of the year for their continued dedication and support. Uh the artifact preservation c center's first anniversary event was held on April 25th and it was very well attended
and as we celebrated this very important milestone. Um the evening brought together supporters, partners and community members in recognitions of the cent's impact and continued growth.
um for this event. Um Beach Talk Radio invited Ellen Vaughn um who is the chief fundraiser for the Friends of the Mount House along with museum register um Rihanna Vakaro to promote the the first
anniversary event. Um their appearance um helped generate community interest and support for this celebration. Um the Lee County Visitors and and Convention Bureau
filmed a promotional video on the grounds of um of the moundhouse. And this footage will be used in the tourism marketing campaign to promote Lee County's unique visitors experience. And I sent a link for the final product.
We're really proud that Mount House was. >> I'm sorry. I sent a link. >> A link. Oh yeah. Is this the link you're >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Um on April 12th, we were able to um or
museum uh register Abriana. She did a outreach event uh at the six mile cypress log preserve and it was very well attended and the people were very enthusiastic. um
wonderful feedback and her presentation was so wellreceived that she has already been invited to speak at another event this coming January. >> Wonderful. Thanks. So >> uh for professional development, Sandra,
our visitor services um staff uh participated in the alli American alliance of museums workshop. I'm in charge of a museum store. Now what? So that really gave her a um
uh guidance on how to start uh the museum online store um and uh and just general guidance on retail uh best practices. Um operational updates, the kayak tours
and uh beach walks are still on hold. Hopefully um starting in July, we'll um we'll back we'll be back to normal and our new education coordinator expected start date is June 29,
2026. And the the next uh pages that I I brought you was um just a per Facebook performance um matrix uh for Facebook and Instagram and uh
basically we continue to grow our audiences. Um this is obviously um online and so on a six-month or annual basis, can you look back and really get an a sense of the outcome of your
marketing efforts into how it's increasing over a period of time? >> I I believe we can. >> So then you can get an analysis because it's great when we look at this, but we don't have anything to compare it to. >> Yeah. Uh but I'd like to get a report
from staff on a regular basis that you know our social media is growing exponentially. Perfect case scenario. >> Okay. >> Now remember that I started doing this in January. So from so that's all the
data I have so far. >> Right. January. And then this coming January have an A years. >> Yes. >> Right. And so this has never been done before. >> No. >> Wow. >> Yeah. >> What about Google? What was it? The um
um reviews. I know that that was big with Allison. >> Yes. And we continue working with that. Um, so to respond all the Google reviews that we have and um, and I know another
thing that she was very big on was Trip Advisor. >> Yeah, >> Trip Ad Yes. So, where are we with Trip Advisor? >> Um, I don't have anything. Um, no. I have to check on that and see where where we at as far as I mean
obviously you know with hurricane Ian and you know obviously the um you know the ep the de uh pandemic before that it's very difficult to gauge how our success rate has has happened but I you know it would be great you know from say
2025 forward to be able to have a running account of how our marketing achievements are bringing success. Okay. All right. >> I think that was measurable outcome, which I think was um what Jeff was referring to.
>> Yeah. Okay. And I think that's all I have for for today. >> Okay. I have this paper that says Chair Smith stated. Oh, that's the um minutes. Yeah, >> that's not in >> No, those are a a copy of the minutes.
And then I did include um the last on last meeting uh it was mentioned that um we wanted to I was going to give you the new updated volunteer um >> handbook >> handbook. So this is uh the one that you
have there. It's the updated >> which I think Emily did and then Briana >> worked on it again. So fantastic. >> Thank you for this very very helpful. >> Okay. Okay. Does that conclude your
report? >> That's our old business. >> But now let's find out where my agenda is. Okay. >> Uh is that old and new business combined? >> Yes. >> Okay. Where did the old business stop and the new business start?
>> The well new >> the old uh actually might just be this last year lea the report right. The old business was um the the strategic plan. We also the volunteer handbook is
something that was asked um last uh meeting. Okay. So basically all three of those old, new and staff leaison have all been um presented. >> Right. >> Okay. All right. Thank you so much
Karina. Um, with that, we'll begin with um Lori to see if there's any report um on an individual basis here to that we haven't covered. >> Well, I think we worked very hard and got a lot accomplished today.
>> Thank you. >> I have nothing. >> Uh I have nothing. Parlor Hill, >> I have nothing, Becky. >> Okay. And John, how about you from your um new position here being our liaison
on council in terms of what we're hoping to accomplish? And >> well, I've um the collections policy obviously we spoke about that ahead of time. We've gotten that moved forward and anything that you asked me to bring up um during my weekly town meetings
with town manager certainly do. They've been very responsive to that. >> Great. Um there is I think a renewed effort to as you can see by the activities of trying to understand what the options might be
for getting the underneath the ground back open. Um so if there are any other areas that you would like me to focus on then I'm all yours and happy to advocate for you. >> Excellent. Thank you. Well, I appreciate your work on council
and your work here with the cellcap. >> I enjoy it. >> Um much appreciated. I >> I concur. >> Thank you. >> And and quick question. Do you have any idea what the funds are going to be like for next year that >> No, we haven't got um one of the things I did ask actually and Karina provided
it through was u what was their uh revenue loss from the kayak program. >> Yes. Um and pre-in numbers were north of 35,000 and now we're at a couple thousand. >> Yeah. >> So, uh that's a significant operating uh
opportunity I would say. >> Raison on reason for the new education coordinator to get on board yesterday. >> Yeah, exactly. So um so that's one of the things that I uh decided to take an initiative to find out just what would
be the impact or what has been the impact of of losing that uh program. Um what else was I going to say? um nothing other than you know I've been supporting the mount house going to these events and
both um with membership and we I just um I really like being on this committee. So thank you. >> We like having you on this committee. Thank you. >> I I have a question about I have a question about budget I guess. Um is is there I know we need educational person
but and I always forget which is the are you the director or the manager? >> Manager. >> You're the manager. So is there a plan? >> Sorry I didn't answer the question fully. went off on another tangent again, but um so the whole budgeting process is
what's going on right now and the staff are having to present their you know their budgets and options and with the uh potential for funding changes, considerable funding changes to the municipals with the um Homestead
exemption uh referendum. Right. >> So that's causing everybody to kind of take a couple of different views on, you know, what if scenarios. So it's very challenging right now to do the budgeting. It's going to be challenging to actually bring the budgets forward.
But uh I know that they're diligently working on it. And there's uh that's one of the main areas of discussion for our Monday town council meeting is just when are we going to have our budgeting sessions? They typically happen the very beginning of September is when the budget gets approved. It's actively
worked on of course until >> So the recovery continues. >> Yes, >> it does fuzz up. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Um uh next meeting date, uh we're looking at June 25th. Is that
>> I'm not I cannot be here. >> All right. Betty Oh my god. Who? Anybody? Is there anybody else that cannot make it besides Becky? >> I look good for >> I'll be here. >> You'll be here. Okay. And uh Ellen, will you be here?
>> I will be here. I have a commitment. >> Okay. >> I'll have a hard stop at 3:00, though. >> Okay. All right. Good point. Will duly noted, Ellen. Thank you. Um and Carrie, how about you? >> She's not She's not here with us. Um,
>> okay. >> And Sherry, we don't know about. >> She never did share. >> She won't be back. >> Sherry won't be back by then. >> No, I don't believe so. >> I have it in my calendar. >> Okay. >> All right. So, June 25th it is. Um, any items for next month's agenda?
Obviously, there'll be a continuation of looking at now GRA draft two of our strategic plan. Anything else? I think that's um that's it. Oh, maybe maybe we can have our new education coordinator come and introduce
>> certainly hope so. >> Oh, no. She won't be here because that struggle, right? >> Oh, >> okay. All right. Um, motion to adjurnn. >> I make a motion to adjurnn. >> Thank you, Carolyn. Second. >> Second,
>> Becky. Thank you. All in favor? >> I >> I >> oppose. None. Motion um meeting adjourned and it is uh what time is it? Uh 3:14. Okay.