Clear Lake Area Community Center Board Meeting Minutes
Annual Meeting
January 23, 2025
Present: Board Members - Tim Wyss, Ray Cress, Virginia Cahow, Doug Cahow, Wendy Schoggins, Sue Anderson, Muriel Nelson; Advisory Board Members – Lori DeBoer, Joan Lillie.
Call to Order: President Tim Wyss called the meeting to order at 9:30 am in the CLACC Office.
Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Tim.
Secretary’s Reports: The minutes of the December 19 Board Meeting were accepted.
Treasurer’s Report – Virginia Cahow
Virginia highlighted 2024 annual expenses and some December monthly expenditures.
Annual Budget: In 2024, CLACC had an income of $167,590.35 and expenses totaling $191,858.67. The cost of the roof replacement ($116,435.54) was the primary reason for the deficit of $24,268.32.
Business license expenses were reviewed.
Overall, utility expenses (gas, electric, water/sewer) are down for the year.
Insurance costs were well within budget.
December Budget Report review:
The gas bill is higher because of the colder weather.
Special boiler maintenance/work was completed ($3,167.29).
December Facilities Maintenance reflects the cost of the concrete floor repair for the old boiler room ($4,211.80).
Reserves - Muriel suggested that there be some way to follow grant income and expenditures.
The Treasurer’s Report was approved as presented, subject to audit.
Office Management – Wendy Schoggins
Energy Assessment – Xcel Energy performed an energy evaluation of the facility. They provided suggestions for determining the electrical cost of window air conditioners and made recommendations for saving energy (LED lighting, taking advantage of off-peak rates, selection of HVAC and other equipment). They also shared information on rebates that CLACC may be eligible for.
An electric outlet was added in the riser room for Wi-Fi equipment. Security cameras can now be installed in the hallways there.
The Wi-Fi isn’t for routine tenant use. Tenants requiring ongoing Wi-Fi support should contact the phone company.
A locksmith was consulted for recommendations to improve facility security; he provided several options and estimates. There is strong consideration for locking the doors between the gym and lobby; this would allow the lobby to be used for activities while keeping the gym secure.
The Civic and Commerce Association asked if they might use CLACC for their craft vendors if a rainy day is declared on the Friday of Heritage Days. Since they are already using the Event Center for other activities, it was suggested they could set up in the halls as is done for the Winter Market.
Old School Thrift Shop – Sue Anderson
There was a discussion on how best to manage the logistics when the sorting area for Goodwill is moved to a room in the old boiler room suite. There were no recommendations.
Sue also asked for help to determine how best to remove donations that need to be discarded.
Standing Committee Reports:
Building and Maintenance:
Weather strip: No update
Asbestos Abatement – The next phase of asbestos removal is scheduled for March 22-30 when work will be done in the gym (pipe insulation removal) and floors in the hallway to the gym plus a 3rd floor room. Tim will ask Joe and Diane to coordinate the gym work.
LED Lighting – CESA will not be used as a source for LED bulbs.
Tuckpointing – Both Ryan Buhr and Nathan Alverman do tuckpoint work.
Old Boiler Room Clean-Up: Tim has moved several items from the side rooms to the center of the boiler room and invites board members to identify useable things. Items not claimed in the next couple of weeks will be discarded.
Electrical Upgrades – Tim and Wendy have obtained bids for some electrical work:
There are 2 bids for the old boiler room. However, the area requires more lights and perhaps more outlets than quoted in the bids.
There is also a bid for Suite 140 to provide surface-mounted outlets in that room because currently, there is only one outlet. A second bid has been sought.
Sue made a motion to approve the electrical upgrades for the old boiler room and Suite 140, each with a specified maximum amount. Muriel seconded the motion; motion passed.
Kitchen stainless steel table- The large table has a bent leg. It is not known when this occurred. There was discussion, but no conclusions, on inspecting the commercial kitchen after it has been rented.
Program Development –
Senior Meals: - Muriel
The next Senior Luncheon is February 27. Several activities are also planned for that day:
Kim Borton from the Fred & Katherine Andersen Foundation will be visiting. This foundation gave CLACC $35,000 toward the HVAC upgrade; CLACC is submitting another grant request to this foundation.
After lunch, a dementia specialist from ADRC will hold a class on dementia.
Bingo will be held in the CLACC Office.
Sue Ruble will provide information about the upcoming 150th Clear Lake Celebration in June.
Joan and Muriel will soon announce the entire 2025 luncheon schedule.
Bingo - Muriel
Games will continue the 2nd Tuesday of the month and after Senior Luncheons.
Because of VFW national rules on security, we will not use that suite for Bingo when the Dining Room is unavailable.
Indoor Makers’ Market -Wendy
The January 11th market had fewer vendors (24-26) and a smaller crowd. Food sales were also lower. The earlier dates were much busier.
The community appreciated having moved Santa Day to the Event Center in mid-December.
The last two market dates for this season are Feb. 8 and 22.
Executive/Finance
Status – 2025 Tenant Contracts
Nine contracts have been received. Some have also provided insurance information.
The challenge of tracking appliances used by tenants was noted.
Grants – Muriel
A grant of $1,000 was received from Polk County Operation Round-Up. This is designated for a new garbage disposal. Ray advised that the pipe drain integrity must be considered before installing a new garbage disposal.
We should hear soon about the grant submission to Hugh Anderson of $105,000 for the HVAC upgrade. A representative from that foundation visited CLACC in January and was impressed by the center and its work.
Compeer declined to provide a grant of $10,000 toward the HVAC system upgrade.
A grant request of $2,500 was submitted to FNC in January for the HVAC upgrade.
As noted earlier, we will submit another request to the Fred B. and Katherine C. Andersen Foundation, also for the HVAC system. In addition, the foundation chairperson will be visiting CLACC February 27.
We are preparing informational documents for Shelby’s visits to local businesses and industries.
Unfinished Business
Cupid’s Carnival – Feb. 22 Noon-4 p.m.
Candice Phillips Kuhl, the organizer, needs volunteers to run games, donate items for the raffle and silent auction.
Contact Candace for more information. candanceclass@gmail.com
New Business
Civic and Commerce Sponsorship:
Wendy recommended that CLACC be a sponsor of Civic and Commerce because it gives the center more positive exposure to the community. Wendy was asked to see if Civic and Commerce will recognize the in-kind support from CLACC that will total $725 or more in 2025.
Sue made the motion to give $250 for sponsorship. Muriel seconded the motion; motion carried.
Junior Kindergarten Screening – The school asked CLACC if it wanted to have an exhibit at this event. An unmanned exhibit was suggested. (No one was assigned the task).
Proposed 2025 Operating Budget:
The proposed budget was presented for review. This balanced budget totals $126,500.
Muriel made the motion to approve the budget; Sue seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Election of board members:
Board member positions held by Doug, Ray, Wendy and Dan expire in 2025.
Nominations for those board positions are Doug Cahow, Wendy Schoggins, Lori DeBoer and John Koerper.
Muriel made the motion to elect the above-named to the board; Ray seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Ray agreed to serve as an advisory board member.
Election of Vice President and Treasurer:
Wendy made the motion to elect Lori DeBoer to the Vice President position and for Virginia Cahow to continue as Treasurer. Muriel seconded the motion; motion carried.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:55 am.
Next CLACC Board Meeting–February 27, 2025, 9:30 am
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