Board of Directors Meeting
March 24, 2001
1110 Gerald, Missoula Montana

In Attendance: Directors:  Brad Colberg, Dan Cederberg, John Rimel, Mark Peterson, Bob Rowe, Rich Thompson, Walt Kero

Guest Alums:  Joe Ford Actives:  Louie Marucheau, Corey Miller

Reading of Minutes Secretary Dan Cederberg distributed meeting minutes for July 23, 2000 Board Meeting and October 5, 2000 Annual Meeting.  July 23 minutes were approved as distributed; October 5 minutes were approved with a change to references about Dave Skilling's company hosting the chapter website (Dave offered certain database services only).  Dan will forward approved minutes to Rich by email so they can be posted on the Beta Delta website.  

Chapter Advisor Report - John Bennett Recent Sweetheart Ball at Fairmont Hot Springs created some ill-will with the guests and hotel.  Actives and Chapter Advisor will reconcile with Fairmont.  

Grand Chapter Meeting is June 27-30 in New Orleans.  Board approved up to $1500 for travel expenses for John Bennett, Rich and an active to be named.

Initiation Week Procedures need to be reviewed and revised to comply with Sigma Chi International and UM guidelines.   A committee was appointed consisting of John Bennett, Joe Ford, Bob Rowe, the current Magister, Ritual Chairman and Consul to make recommendations prior to the next Initiation Week scheduled for Fall Semester.  

House Bill Collections.  Quaestor Louie reported that collections are being pressed against several large outstanding House Bills.  The House budget is very tight and he was reminded that every dollar needed to be collected to meet obligations.  

Scholarship Funds Distribution.  There is some confusion whether scholarship funds have been distributed for current calendar year.  Rich will investigate.  

House Phone & Internet Wiring  Active chapter requested financial and installation assistance in installing a wiring system.  Joe Ford offered to lend his expertise and material to complete this project during the summer.  Board approved up to $250 for material.  

Summer Live In.  Active requested option to live in the House this summer.  Due to past history, Board established following conditions.  $2400 total rent for summer had to be prepaid by June 1.  House would be periodically inspected by Board for reasonable House and lawn maintenance.  If not satisfactory, professionals would be hired to complete tasks and live-ins billed.  

Endowment Funds Transfer.  After more than a year of negotiations, the Sigma Chi Foundation has agreed to transfer Beta Delta's funds to Beta Delta.  There still are some questions as to the actual value of the fund.  Walt will review the information by May 1 and make recommendations to the Board.  The Board still needs to adopt a procedure for handling of the funds and growing the endowment.  

Financial Report - Operating  Brad presented a Year to Date financial report and discussed various expenses.  As of 2/28/2001, there is $9293 in the account.  The Foundation is currently under budget largely because of a property tax exemption that became effective this fiscal year (savings are $6000 plus per year).  Brad mentioned that the loan rate reduction promised by Don Bennett last fall has not yet materialized.  Rich will discuss with Don.  

Financial Report - Fundraiser  Rich presented the latest figures on the capital fundraiser.  As of March 24, 2001, $243,608 has been committed by 235 brothers of which $179,862 has been paid, leaving $47,646 outstanding.  $106,392 is still needed to reach the goal of $350,000.   

Roofing Project  Three proposals for replacement of the House roof were discussed.  To perform necessary repairs and to replace the existing tile with same brand Ludowici tile will run around $175,000 ($50,000 for the tile, $80,000 for labor and $45,000 for equipment, supplies, wood repair and painting.)  Several directors questioned the need to use Ludowici tile and wanted to explore less expensive alternatives.  John Rimel said he would discuss historical renovation requirements with architect Jim McDonald.  A decision must be made within 30 days to take advantage of this year's window of opportunity.  Alternatives for tile and labor will be reviewed and reported within two weeks.  

Maintenance Committee Report  A number of significant projects have been completed over the past six months due to efforts by Bob Rowe, Brad Colberg and Mark Peterson.

1.  Boiler Room Fire Wall  Boiler room now is both fire code compliant and has a secured storage area.
2.  Ritual Room Renovation  Walls, ceiling and floor were redone.
3.  Pool Table Refinished  The table is now reassembled in the old Study Room. All wood was refinished, new pockets and felt installed.  (It's beautiful).
4.  New Basement Stairs  The small staircase from the Breakfast Nook to the new Tube Room (old Pool Room) were totally rebuilt, new drywall and lighting installed.
5.  Tube Room Ceiling Repairs  Asbestos was removed form ceiling pipes and new drop ceiling tiles installed.
6.  Handrails & Fire Escape Repair  To code hand rails were installed on the new concrete steps off the back deck and new heavy duty treads were installed on the fire escape stairs from ground level to second deck.
7.  Music Room Project  A new ceiling has been installed and damaged plaster walls repaired.  Wallpaper options presented by Walt, Rich and Joe were reviewed and discussed.  Joe found an elegant blue paper with gold design that proved to be a unanimous favorite.  Joe was given the go-ahead to order the paper.  
8.  In Progress:  Grand piano is being structurally (not musically) rebuilt; sliding doors (Music and Living Room) need new rollers to be rehung (John Rimel project).  It was agreed that no new maintenance projects would be undertaken until the cost of roof repair is resolved.  

Fire System Inspection  Actives questioned whether fire system was operational.  Brad and Bob said they would check with ADT for current inspection.  Rich raised issue of missing or outdated fire extinguishers.  Louie said he would inventory and call the service provider to inspect, replace or recharge as needed.  

Directors & Officers Liability Insurance  Rich raised the issue about having this insurance put in place as soon as possible.  There was a discussion about adding an indemnification clause to the SCBF bylaws to further protect Directors.  The board agreed to move forward on the insurance and to table discussion on the bylaw revision.  Brad will complete the necessary Risk Management Foundation application as soon as possible.