Newtown Youth and Family Services
Minutes of Board of Directors Meeting
October 24, 2011 – 6:30 PM
17 Church Hill Road, Newtown
Members Present: Maureen Birden, Sheilah Krasnickas, Rick Child, Don Ramsey, Leonard Penna (Newtown PD), Susan Improta, David Moseman, Tom Murtha, Steve Meeker, Paul Mangiafico, Karen White, Jim Solomon, Leslie Polseno, Elise Trock, Rosalie Newman, Ashley Mele, Layne Lescault
Members Not Present: Diane Savinelli
Staff Members Present: Candice Foster, Jill Pluta, Sheila Russo
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Tom Murtha.
a) Roll Call- The roll of the Board of Directors was taken by signing in and a quorum was established.
b) Approval of September 2011 Minutes - Motion made by Steve Meeker to approve minutes as written. The motion was seconded by Paul Mangiafico and passed unanimously.
2. Chairman’s Report
a) The annual audit has been completed and there are no major problems.
b) We have received funding from the Town for the 2nd quarter of this fiscal year and have $57,000 in the bank. Our spending is about $3,000. More than anticipated because of an out-of-pocket payment for costs associated with Irene, but this is a timing issue. Our credit line has a zero balance.
c) Discussion of the flooding caused by Irene and insurance claim. Our insurance policy has a replacement cost clause. The replacement cost of the items damaged is $46,000; however, as most items lost will not be replaced (excess furniture, etc.), the amount to be paid for our claim is in the neighborhood of $30,000. Still have not resolved the issue of reimbursement from landlord for flood damage clean-up. At issue is that Irene was an act of God and outside scope of his responsibility.
d) Our current lease expires 8/31/2012. Board members Tom Murtha, Steve Meeker, David Moseman, and Layne Lescault and staff members Candice Foster, Jill Pluta and Sheila Russo viewed a total of 4 potentially suitable properties to replace our current location, which we have outgrown. A discussion was held about the four locations visited, weighing the pros and con’s of each. A motion was made by Rosalie Newman, seconded by Jim Solomon, to give Tom Murtha the authority to continue negotiations and complete a contract for a new location. Tom will be aided in the negotiations, as needed, by Paul Mangiafico. The motion passed unanimously.
e) The cost of moving, regardless of location selected, will be about $25,000. Of this amount, $10,000 represents a deposit on new office and $15,000 represents cost of move, including relocating computer systems, activating fire and burglar alarms, etc.
3. Executive Director’s Report
a) Our numbers are doing well on both Behavioral and Positive Youth Development. The pre-school classes are growing. The youth mentoring (HS Juniors mentoring incoming freshmen) is doing extremely well with 90 students signed up. The kick-off will be Wednesday at Newtown Youth Academy and board members are welcome to drop by.
b) We will hear in early January if we will receive a grant from Fairfield County Community Foundation, in the amount of $14,000, would be used to help with sliding scale adjustments. The site visit went well. We are also awaiting word from the Savings Bank of Danbury about the $10,000 grant that would be split equally between Safety Town classes for pre-K children and the Homework Club, if awarded.
c) Candice has obtained a listing of the top 100 CT firms for award of grants to non-profits. Board member Sheilah Krasnickas has volunteered to assist Candice in determining which grants might be available to us and writing grant proposals.
d) Steve Meeker reported that the Road Race netted $14,000., a significant reduction from prior years but understandable in light of the Irene-related postponement and the adverse weather on the new date, October 1. Candice advised that we netted $344.00 from the Just4Kids tag sale. We plan another sale in conjunction with Family Fun Night in March at NYA and are hopeful of an increased take.
4. Finance and Treasurer’s Report
a) We just received the completed audit and IRS form 990. David will review them and results will be presented at our November meeting.
b) Line of credit has zero balance.
c) Complete financials will be available in November also, using the revamped format.
d) David suggests that we segregate the $30,000 insurance reimbursement and use it as an in-house line of credit and not allow it to become part of normal operating cash.
5. Fund Raising Committee
a) Planning for the 26th Annual Holiday Festival is underway. Newtown Savings Bank will be our title sponsor (general approval by board members) and all materials will refer to them as such. The event will be held December 4, and activities include Nutcracker Suite Ballet (2 performances); Teddy Bear Tea; Mix and Match Free Throw Contest; Festival of Trees, Main Street walk led by Dan Cruson; Decorate a Door/House Contest. A sign-up sheet was passed around for board member sign-up for day of festival help. Board members were given copies of the sponsor solicitation letter and asked to refer prospects to Layne Lescault.
6. Old Business
None.
8. New Business
None.
9. Adjournment
A motion was made Steve Meeker, seconded by Susan Improta, to adjourn the meeting at 7:20. The motion passed unanimously.
The next meeting will be held at the Newtown Youth and Family Services, 17 Church Hill Road, on November 28 at 6:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted by,
Layne Lescault
Secretary
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