Grignon Mansion Board

GRIGNON MANSION BOARD MEETING MINUTES Monday, June 16, 2025 The meeting was called to order by Chair, Gavin Schmitt, at 4:30 p.m. in the Municipal Services Building, Hydro View Room. Roll Call Present – Gavin Schmitt, Christina Crook, Lyle Hansen, Brian Schuh, John Moore, Bruce Werschem Absent – Patty Brogan, Brian Buechel Others in Attendance – Allison Engels Public Appearances- Carol King- Grignon Friends Group Review/Approve Minutes from May 19, 2025 Meeting Motion to approve Minutes, Werschem moves, Moore and Schuh second, Minutes approved. Report from the City (Engels) Updates- the website is updated to include the ability to schedule tours outside of the listed open tour weekend. Special Events: River Surge soccer club, no conflict with Mansion, beneficial for parking. Robert with the Civil War group set meeting to discuss the event set for the end of August. A volunteer sign-up for car show, civil war event, etc. will be sent out July/August. Building/Grounds: Friends may want to remove two (2) front shrubs and mulch and replace same with grass. This would be more reflective of the time period. It was noted that at the time of the meeting, the shrubs were removed and grass was not yet planted. Report from Friends Carol King representing the Grignon Friends Group: Reports that the season started well with the Little Chute Community Band event. Approximately 60-80 people attended, there was ice cream offered as well. There was a 50/50 raffle with winnings of $66 to each side of the raffle. The Mansion was not open for tours, the gift shop was opened and they made $177. Opening weekend for tours had five (5) tours on Saturday and one (1) on Sunday, which for June is not bad. Tours are the 2nd and 4th weekends and by appointments. Some walk-ups. The gift shop is open. Flag Day with flag etiquette with the Legion was excellent. There were three (3) visitors from South Dakota that found the Mansion on a, “Things to Do in the Fox Valley” and enjoyed the visit. Car Show planning and in the works, it will happen and be a good event. Civil War Event planning and in the works. From last year’s Christmas Tour, it was a learning event. Friends did not make money or lose money. Going to be looking at prices and the horse ride was more expensive. May do a smaller version of the horse ride as in a smaller wagon. Regarding Friends Membership- a decision was made to leave the option to either pay $10 to become a member or to donate two (2) hours of volunteer time at any event. You could receive the membership and 10% off at the gift shop. Gaining members and volunteers continues to be an issue. Car show event prizes were discussed and there are sponsorships for the event. Discussion by Moore of the number of Friends in the Friends Group, King indicated active eight (8) or nine (9); however, on paper, approximately 25. King requested that the Board feel free to provide suggestions to increase membership in the Friends Groups. King discussed that there was a Grignon Cookbook in the works to be released around Christmas. Report from the Chair Schmitt discussed the Civic Engagement Class project with the winter area for sledding, skating, etc. The project has three (3) phases. 1st phase: sledding hill, snow machine, lights. 2nd phase: skating rink, 3rd phase: a building. Project estimated to start this coming fall. Discussion by the Board of benefits of the project including display opportunities for Grignon artifacts/info. The class project does not preclude the Board/Friends from also putting up a building. Schmitt reports he was at the Mansion to help with tours. He talked with Mary and concerns were raised regarding a donation of mold resistance paint to be applied in the Mansion. After discussion, it was confirmed this project was completed. Schmitt requested input on a possible gift for the tour guide, Ellie. She will be attending school and has dedicated a lot of time to the tours and the Mansion. Moore thought the mayor would do a recognition for Ellie from the City at the Civil War event. Moore indicated he would talk with the mayor. Discussion on how to remove Board member(s). Engels confirmed she has reached out to the Board member(s) with no return contact. Schmitt indicated he would reach out again and request that the member send a resignation letter to the Board. Other Business Expansion of parking lot discussed. Moore indicated he would follow-up with the City to obtain any additional information for the Board. Set Next Meeting Date and Location Monday, July 21, 2025 beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the Hydro View Room. Adjournment Motion by Werschem Seconded by Hanson. Motion unanimously approved, with meeting adjourned at 5:04 p.m.