Meeting called to order by President Anita Martin at 7:04am.
Board members in attendance: Anita Martin, Tom Vinz, Will Gruber, Todd Larson, Brian Benisch, Dan Sanft, Barb Cramer, and Amy Litscher. Other Rotarians present: Jenny McAdow.
Welcome to Will Gruber who will be the representative for the night group.
Scoreboards
Scoreboards at Rotary Park are working and under warranty. People at games needs to work scoreboards. Suggestion made for Rotarians to work scoreboards. Board feedback is not enough volunteers and parents are already at the games.
Wallace Park scoreboard – Farmers & Merchants Bank interested in possibly partnering. Nicki Kelly is looking into vendors and pricing. Amy L. will talk with Nicki about possible significant cost for power at Wallace Park.
Rotary Park Dugouts
Interest expressed in having dugouts. Pricing for tarps would be $2,000 according to Parks Department. Amy Litscher will investigate and report back.
Membership
One member did not renew membership. Barb Cramer has not heard from any other members.
Outreach/Member Engagement
Contact members that are not attending meetings.
Brian Benisch suggested talking to previous members who circumstances may have changed and may be interested in coming back.
Goals
Anita distributed club goals submitted to District. Each member will be asked to think about setting one personal Rotary goal which is achievable for the 2025-2026 Rotary year.
Concession Stand
Carmen Weldon will not be able to schedule for fall soccer.
Two shifts are needed (9am-1pm) 24 shifts for the season. There are no make up games for soccer.
Will Gruber will schedule volunteers.
Interact students will be able to help out. If there are 3 people in concession stand then a background check does not need to be completed.
Health Department license – 90 days from inspection date to have a signed certificate. Todd Larson will recruit and if he can’t find a licensed person, then he said he will take the class.
Will need to let school district know by August 15 if Rotary does not plan to run the fall concession stand.
Bowling alley, ice cream shop, and Simple Kup have been investigated but will not work out for providing food during scheduled soccer games.
Concession stand is currently stocked.
Rotarians need to make teams to work in concession stand and find own replacement if unable to work.
Parents of soccer players will not be volunteering in the concession stand this fall.
Brian Benisch proposed keeping the concession stand the way it is and has been run in the past for the soccer season.
27 Rotarians volunteered for the softball season.
Will Gruber and Todd Larson will use google docs and work on schedules.
Amy Litscher will contact Betsy from Interact Club to get the students to sign up. Don’t have students work homecoming weekend.
Motion made by Todd Larson to create teams of Rotarians for the fall concession stand. Second by Amy Litscher. 8 approve, 1 oppose.
Budget
Balance sheet $67K in the bank at the end of June 2025.
Motion made by Amy Litscher to approve financial report. Second by Todd Larson. Motion carried (unanimous)
Discussed raising premium hot dog prices to $3 each.
Christmas party was less than budgeted expense.
Postage and paper up in costs.
Post prom same level as last year.
PET training stays the same.
Youth shirts eliminated from budget.
Community projects, expenses proposed are way up.
Digger at Rotary Park ($1,000)
Handicap swing ($1,100)
Water station
Dog water station
Wallace Park scoreboard
Take off international projects this year. Focus on community projects.
Pickleball class – income estimated approximately $1,200 ($1,000 in proposed budget)
Calendar raffle down to $10,000
Less time, bigger winning amounts
Split out meals from members and guests
Donation income down, spread out over the year.
Birthday raffle eliminated
Reserve needed. $50,000 in bank earns 4% while under $50,000 earns 0 .5% interest.
District grants – apply in May. Very competitive.
Motion made by Amy Litscher to bring community projects down by $10,000. Second by Brian Benisch. Motion carried unanimously.
5K Run
Recipient decided by night group only. Approximately $6,000. All proceeds benefit recipient only. No money goes to Rotary Club.
2026 5K Run – many ideas for run recipient. Possibly keep 25% for Rotary Club. Night group does a great job organizing. Fort Health Care is a major sponsor. Would prefer health related recipient. Will need to hear feedback and clear where funds will be going. Will Gruber will discuss ideas from Night Group Rotarians at August Board meeting.
Board needs to consider recipient and proceeds distribution. Will discuss and possibly vote as Board next month for 2026 run.
Approval received from city for special event/run application.
Invitation was received from the Stetson family. A memorial service for Ken will be held on August 23 from 11am-3pm at Korth Park. Wear red or Badger clothing.
Rotary Club will not meet the Tuesday after Labor Day
Meeting adjourned at 8:20am. Next Board meeting will be August 26th at Farmers and Merchants Bank at 7am.
