Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center Board

Minutes for MLK Center Board of Directors Meeting Tuesday, August 21, 2024 Members Present: Moses Robinson, Kai Swanson, Lizandra Gomez-Ramirez, Michael Glanz, James Jones, Jessica Sager, Kayla Babers Members Absent: Heidi Huiskamp-Collins, Jessey Hullon, Tameka Toney Staff present: Jerry Jones, Paula Turelli I. Call to order by Board President Moses Robinson at 5:04 p.m. II. Public Comment No one present for public comment. Introductions were made. III. Approval of July Minutes Motion to approve made by James. Michael seconded. Passes unanimously. IV. 990 Review Motion to approve made by Kai Swanson. James Jones seconded. All in favor. V. 2025 Budget Report • No longer any office space to rent at MLK Center • Biggest expense is personnel-3 new staff members • Jerry will ask for more funding from the city (to cover a cleaning service and other) Proposing $250K up from $195K. All agree. VI. Roles and Responsibilities Moses presented a draft (on last page of board packet) that shows the current practice and division of roles between the MLK Board and the City of Rock Island VII. Soul of the City Debrief Jerry shared that the event was a huge success with significantly higher attendance this year over last. (Last year the number was estimated to be 3,000) He sees no reason to grow this event in attendance. Some items for discussion: • Coordination issues with Polyrhythms and a desire to change the date of Soul of the City to better align with City activities may lead to no longer partnering with Polyrhythms on the event. Labor Day weekend was discussed. Board expressed no concerns over a date change in 2025 and supports the dissolution of the partnership. • MLK Center’s 50th anniversary around concepts of adding a fundraising component for the Memorial Service speaker and King Center Kids reunion. VIII. Director’s Report Next year’s MLK Day Celebration • Rev. Dr. William Barber II proposed to be the keynote speaker $35K price tag. • Project Now would partner with us to assist finding sponsorship. • Augustana & St. Ambrose could possibly offer broadcasting coverage of the speaker for more to see/hear that are not attending in person. • Perhaps a prayer breakfast fundraiser before the actual event or other event to raise funds. Siding Project: Should be bid soon. 2 team members are currently out for extended leave for major illness and surgery IX. Comments John Deere presence was excellent at Soul of the City! X. Adjourn Moses made the motion at 5:58 p.m. and James Jones seconded the motion. All in favor.