Master Gardener Foundation of Yakima County Meeting
December 17, 2025
Red Barn
The Foundation meeting was called to order by Foundation President Rick Russell at 10:33 am.
A call was made to approve the Minutes from 10/25. Motion made by Dan Fortier. Seconded by Sally Mayo. Minutes approved unanimously by membership.
A call was made to approve the minutes from 11/25. Motion made by Beatrice Reiss. Seconded by Joan Sousley. Minutes approved unanimously by membership.
Treasure’s Report given by Treasurer Gilbert Plascencia. At the end of November there was approximately $20K in checking and $282K in our investment accounts. Despite a few ups and down in the market in the last few weeks, our account is holding steady. A motion was made by Melody Westmoreland to approve the Treasurer’s report. Seconded by John Strong. Treasurer’s report unanimously approved by membership.
Greenhouse Committee report given by co-chair Camille Smith. All is going very well. The heat was turned on 12/21 and the low night temperature in the greenhouse was 41degrees. With insulation measures in place and less heating, Camille estimates that $4K has been saved. Heat mats have been installed. Soil tables are almost completed. We are encouraged to take good care of the soil tables when opening and chopping new bags of soil so as not to destroy their surfaces. Camille will be out for a bit in February so Darrell Monroe and Kelli Barton will be managing the Greenhouse.
NEW BUSINESS
Approval of Amended Articles of Incorporation Rick Russell explained the real change is in stating our purpose, that being solely to fund the Washington State University Master Gardener Program of Yakima County. New Articles reflect this. Previously, the purpose declaration may have been unclear. An attempt is being made state-wide for uniformity among all counties in our mission. Motion made to approve the Amended Articles of Incorporation by Melody Westmoreland. Seconded by John Strong. Amended Articles of Incorporation approved unanimously by membership.
New Amended Bylaws This project was more complicated than amending the Articles of Incorporation because each county has more latitude to tailor the Bylaws to their organization. The New Amended Bylaws reinforce the governing and decision-making authority and duty of the Foundation Board of Directors. Motion made by John Strong to approve the Amended Bylaws. Seconded by Sheila Gunderson. New Amended Bylaws approved unanimously by membership.
Discussion: Board does not have to meet monthly. Foundation may change to quarterly meetings in March, June, September, and December. Program meetings will continue monthly.
Resolution to Extend Term of the Current Board to 12/26 –Previously our Board service year ran from June-May. It will now run from January to December. Staggered elections will replace current Board members. Motion to Extend Term of Current Board members to 12/26 was made by Debra Kroon. Seconded by Julie Hunziker. Resolution to Extend Term of the Current Board to 12/26 approved unanimously by membership.
Board Voting to Approve the Fiscal Policy and Procedures (amended to include budget prep) – It was acknowledged by Gilbert Plascencia that our annual Plant Sale funds all Program Activities. WSU is leading each County to involve Program Coordinators more in the budgeting process. To run our County Extension Program, the Program Coordinator needs funding from the Foundation and input from committee co-chairs to accomplish program goals. Guidance will be given to the Program Coordinator by the Board Treasurer. Gilbert Plascencia noted that $16Kwould be moved from reserve funds to cover operation costs since our new budget reflects a deficit. A motion was made for a vote from Board members on approving the changed to Fiscal Policy and Procedures (amended to include budget prep) by Steve Kuhn. Seconded by Gilbert Plascencia. Approved by Board Members.
There was discussion led by Patty Dion about concern of approving a budget that has a deficit, especially when our organization is financially sound and does have the reserves to cover expenses. Gilbert Plascencia explained that a budget is only a guideline, and that we may end on a positive note.
Discussion on Sound System for Red Barn Improvement Update: It may take $5K to accomplish this. John Strong is gathering information
A motion to accept the new budget was made by Dan Fortier. Seconded by Camille Smith. Motion to accept new budget unanimously approved by membership.
Investment Advisory Committee: Camille Smith will replace Melody Westmoreland.
Snack Committee: Reggie Sanderson passed around a sign-up sheet for snacks at upcoming classes.
Minutes of the 12/17/25 meeting recorded and submitted by Master Gardener Carol Barany in absence of Secretary Carrie Chicken.