City of Columbia, Missouri
Meeting Minutes - Final
City of Columbia New Century Fund, Inc. Board
Gentry Building
Monday, January 22, 2024
11:00 AM
Conference Room. 1 S.
7th St. 65201
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 11:02 AM.
7 -
Present:
Lynn Kleopfer, Fran Muench, Keri Gilbert, Timothy Howald, Barbara Buffaloe, Barbie
Banks and Blake Willoughby
II. INTRODUCTIONS
Blake was welcomed to the New Century Fund Board as a new appointment.
Blake is the Director of Education at Missouri REALTORS® and serves on the
Columbia Public Schools Board.
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Tim moved to approve the agenda as it stands. Mayor Buffaloe seconded the
motion. Motion passed.
IV. PLANNING THE FUTURE FOR NCF
Members discussed on John's retirement in April 2024 and its implications.
The NCF cannot vote itself out of existence; only the City Council can disband it
per Nancy Thompson, City Counselor.
Considerations:
1. Current and potential future need to have the NCF.
2. The possibility of creating a new non-profit if the NCF is terminated.
3. Potential conflict of interest between John and the NCF.
Mayor Buffaloe stated, and other board members agreed, that John has served
in his post without any conflict of interest and has provided unbiased and timely
direction of the NCF.
Mayor Buffaloe suggested providing a report to the City Council detailing past
activities and recommendations for the future of the NCF, including the transfer
of assets to more appropriate City offices/other entities.
NCF dissolution would result in remaining funds going to the city.
Current assets: around $28,000, with only $5500 being unrestricted.
There has been a suggestion of keeping NCF as a "lock box" for City
contractors but deemed redundant with the Community Foundation.