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October 22, 2026 Final
| Name | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| David Pumpelly | Chair | Present |
| Jamie Brabston | Secretary / HR Chair | Absent |
| Amber Stout | FC Chair / Treasurer | Virtual |
| Stan Stinson | Finance | Present |
| John Mark McClelland | Finance | Present |
| JoAnn Perez | Fundraising | Present |
| Kevin Long | Fundraising | Absent |
| Roy Ferrante | Fundraising | Absent |
| Chris Patty | Director | Present |
| Yvonne Tafoya | Director | Present |
| Susan McGrady | Executive Director (non-voting) | Present |
Quorum present — 7 of 10 voting directors (6 present, 1 virtual). Jamie Brabston, Kevin Long, and Roy Ferrante were absent. Susan McGrady (ED) attended, non-voting.
Financial Updates & Donations
The organization received a $25,000 gift from the Crow Estate (via JoAnn Perez) and a $50,000 gift from the Thornberry family (relatives of Roy & Susan Ferrante), earmarked for operational needs. The Whiskey & Wine event total reached $164,000 as additional pledges came in. Money-market accounts are yielding 3.25%, and the endowment fund has approached $300,000 (growing roughly $50,000 per year).
Property Acquisition & Housing
A $234,000 grant application was submitted to the ALPHA Foundation for the 306 8th Street women’s semi-independent living home (decision expected in December). The organization remains roughly $100,000 short of the funding needed to acquire 401. The board also discussed terms for the Stonehouse property, noting complications with the seller’s earnest-money demands.
Board Membership & Governance
The board approved the June, July, and August 2026 minutes (see Motions). Laura Brown is slated to join the board next month, returning total membership to 11. The board explored acquiring the Gone for Good franchise as a potential passive-income stream, while noting the operational risks.
Residents & Community Programs
13 residents are now employed (about 60% of the community). Matthew interviewed for a maintenance position at Drake State (with potential state benefits). Eighth Street is participating in a UAH School of Nursing research-grant study, with a potential return of up to $20,000.
Resident Rates
The board agreed to a 9% resident rate increase for the coming year to account for prior unadjusted years, bringing resident care to about $4,000/month (Social Security is projected to rise ~3.6%). The organization maintains a strict non-profit model to keep care affordable. Notices will be issued to residents (see Decisions).
Next Meeting & Adjournment
The next strategic board meeting was set for November 19 (moved up due to the Thanksgiving holiday), at 11:00 AM. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.
- Approved the minutes of the June 25, July 23, and August 27, 2026 meetings (by motion).
- Approved a 9% resident rate increase for the coming year; notices to be issued to residents (care cost rising to about $4,000/month).
- Allocated the Thornberry family ($50,000) and Crow Estate ($25,000) gifts to operations.
- Susan McGradyDeposit the Crow Estate check and distribute the resident applications to the relevant parties with explanations.
- David PumpellySend donation letters to all donors by end of week (total raised and the amount still needed for property acquisition).
- David PumpellyContact Blakeley at Redstone about comping the room for the family party; forward Diana King’s introduction email to the board.
- David PumpellySchedule a meeting with Melissa at the Community Foundation to review the endowment; arrange a tour/luncheon with Jeff Sams (Huntsville Hospital) re grant support.
- David PumpellyDevelop an AI-based baseline for resident-care costs to check that fees align with services; coordinate November 19 meeting logistics with the host (notify Hannah).
- Susan McGradySend an email introduction connecting the team with Blakeley at Redstone.
- The BoardIssue 9% rate-increase notices to residents and confirm the new rates for the coming year.
Both motions carried unanimously. (Mover/seconder were not captured in the meeting notes — send them if you’d like them named.)