Minutes from the February 7, 2004 Meeting

President Susan R called the meeting to order at 7:12 pm.

As there were no additions or corrections to the December 2004 minutes as printed in the February 2005 newsletter, Judy J made a motion to accept the December 2004 minutes. Seconded by Deb B, motion passed.

Treasurer's Report

Total net worth as of today is $7,391.67

This consists of the following accounts:

Activity since the last report on December 6 was as follows:

Net increase of $172:

Income of $226:

Expenses of $54:

Final 2004 vs. Budget:

Income: Higher than budget by $1715 due to greater amount from the plant sale.

Expenses: $144 over Plan. Plant sale split higher by $756 due to higher revenue, but Community Benefit expenses $296 below (Share the Bounty and Habitat for Humanity not entirely used in 2004). Plant sale costs were $170 over Plan, due primarily to purchase of calculators, new plastic to cover tables, and storage containers to store supplies. Plant sale postage was $53 under Plan. Speaker fees were $310 below Plan and Meeting Supplies were $125 under.

Final 2004 vs. Prior Year:

Income: Slightly below ($360) due to plant sale income $262 less than 2003 and lower interest on savings and CD.

Expenses: Higher than 2003 by $947 due in large part to higher plant sale costs (primarily purchase of calculators, new plastic to cover tables & storage containers to store supplies) and Miscellaneous (2 large smokestack bricks). Also spent $200 more in
2004 than in 2003 on tree maintenance, and $150 more for Community Benefit/Schools & Education for the landscape design at The Academy. Spent $301 more on Library Donations, but $120 less on speaker fees. Paid $204 less on the plant sale split.

2005 Budget
In the Proposed 2005 budget, the Civic Plant Beds line item was increased to $1000 since there is a possibility of 4-5 projects in the community this year. $100 is included in a separate line item for Habitat for Humanity.

Plant tags
There will be three different colors for the UWRF plants. Each color will represent a different price. Prices will be posted for what each color represents.

Thus far, the color tags have been more expensive than the bulk white tags but it is still a beneficial idea to purchase the color tags. Plant sale tags will be included in the plant sale supplies expense line in the 2005 Budget. This should be a one time expense.

Old Business

Executive Meeting
President Susan R stated that at the January Executive meeting, it was decided that we need to strengthen the club with more publicity.

Susan G wrote an article about the club last spring. Should this be sent to the River Falls Journal for publication again?

Nancy S suggested that the article should be sent to Vera at the Journal or another reporter. The article could also be in the form of a letter to the editor as it would very likely then be published.

Checks and Balances
Mae and Kim will both have record (paper and data) of the club so there will be a duplication of records.

Election of Officers
There is always a need for new officers. If anyone is interested in being a officer, please contact Susan R.

New Business

Soil Tests
Susan R stated that it is a good practice to have your soil tested. She has soil test bags and instructions if needed. At the November meeting, Diana Alfuth will be talking about soil health. Have your soil test results for this meeting.