Healing Hearts Humane Society
Regular Board Meeting Minutes
Date: May 26, 2026
Time Called to Order: 5:30 p.m.
Meeting Adjourned: 6:55 p.m.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Approval of Previous Minutes
The board reviewed the April 2026 meeting minutes.
Motion: To approve the April 2026 meeting minutes.
Motion by: Patches Second by: Heather Result: Motion carried.
4. Public Comment
The public comment period was opened. No public comments were made.
5. President / Board Updates
Creative Screen-Printing Fundraiser
The board discussed the ongoing fundraiser through Creative Screen Printing. Proceeds are expected 
to be approximately $5 per T-shirt and $10 per sweatshirt. Retail pricing was discussed as 
approximately $16 for T-shirts and $35 for sweatshirts. An update from Barbie was still pending.
Happy Tales Thrift Store

The board discussed inconsistent hours at Happy Tales and the effect this may have on revenue. It 
was noted that when the store previously had consistent staffing or management, revenue appeared to 
be significantly higher, possibly by several thousand dollars per month.
The board discussed placing the issue on the June agenda to consider whether hiring a paid person 
to manage Happy Tales would be financially beneficial. Crystal and board members will work on 
gathering
1

numbers, including past revenue comparisons, possible payroll costs, and comparable wages for 
thrift store managers.
Action Item: Add Happy Tales staffing/management discussion to the June agenda.
Dog Barking / Bark Collars

The board discussed concerns received from neighbors regarding dog barking. The board discussed 
bark collars and expressed concern that bark collars may not be appropriate for shelter dogs, 
especially given stress and trauma many animals may already have experienced.
Alternative options were discussed, including ultrasonic bark boxes or similar devices that do not 
physically attach to the dogs. The board also discussed looking into any applicable noise ordinance 
and considering whether there are reasonable mitigation steps.
Action Item: Research bark box options, including possible OnGuard or similar products, cost, 
reviews, and return/trial options.
Court Case Update

The board discussed the pending court matter. A hearing was noted for June 2 at 9:15 a.m. Chief 
Bath is expected to be present. The hearing was described as preliminary and open to the public.
The board discussed providing a public update after the court hearing once more information is 
known. The board also discussed sending a thank-you to Chief Bath for his assistance and dedication 
to the organization.
Records relating to the investigation, including van repair records and financial documents, were 
made available for review by board members.
6. Manager’s Report
Crystal provided the manager’s report. Current animal count was reported as:

• 15 adult dogs
• 14 puppies, ranging from approximately 2 to 16 weeks old
Cats with upper respiratory infection are being treated with antibiotics and will return to Amber 
Vet for follow-up. Crystal noted the infection is contagious and that cats should not be adopted 
out until cleared.
The diabetic cat, Vinny, has not yet had any adoption inquiries.
The board also discussed that donations have been limited since the current situation became public 
and expressed hope that donations may improve after the court hearing and public update.

7. Financial Report

Crystal presented the financial report and tax balances. Board members commented that the format 
was clear and easy to understand.
The board discussed the IRS penalty related to the 2023 Form 990. A check had been issued in the 
amount of $5,260, check number 05040, to pay the penalty. The 2025 tax filing has been extended to 
November 15, 2026.
8. Facility Repairs
The board discussed several needed facility repairs, including:


• Leaking ceiling in the cat room
• Possible roof issues
• Possible structural concerns
• Heating and air exchange issues
• Hornet/pest issues
A pest control provider reportedly declined service due to liability concerns involving animals on 
site and recommended non-toxic alternatives.
The board discussed whether continued repairs are financially sensible or whether replacement 
should eventually be considered. The board agreed that the facility should be inspected and that 
quotes should be obtained before major decisions are made.
Action Item: Seek three quotes or inspections from qualified contractors regarding shelter repairs 
and facility condition.
9. KMA / Bookkeeping and Financial Review
The board discussed bookkeeping and financial review needs with Brooke from KMA/K&E Accounting.
Records received include bank statements and checks from approximately 2019 through April 2026. 
Brooke recommended beginning with full bookkeeping and reconciliation for calendar year 2025 so the 
organization can complete the 2025 tax return and avoid additional penalties.
Brooke identified recurring transactions that will require receipts or verification, including but 
not limited to:


• Amazon
• Water and sewer
• Electric / WPS
• Waste Management
• Republic Services
• Facebook ads
• Spectrum
• Walmart Plus
• Norton
• Chewy
• PayPal
• American Inn
• Zoetis
• Forever Remembered
• Woot
• Credit card subscriptions
The board discussed unusual or unclear transactions, including possible CoVantage loan transfers 
and other large transfers. Crystal was asked to contact CoVantage regarding loan account ending 
0089 and request statements from the beginning of the loan through payoff or current status.
The board also discussed comparing deposit records with bank deposits, especially for cash from 
adoptions, donations, and retail shop deposits. It was noted that Crystal has detailed records that 
may help compare expected deposits against bank deposits.
Brooke stated that a contract or engagement letter could be prepared for the board’s records.
Motion: To approve KMA/K&E Accounting to move forward with 2025 financial statements and tax filing 
work.
Motion by: Melissa Second by: Robin Result: Motion carried.
10. Shelter Van


The board discussed the condition of the shelter van. Michael Gilligan inspected the van and 
reported that it needs significant repairs, including brakes, rotors, struts, pads, and work 
related to the transmission pan and oil leak.
Estimated repairs were discussed at approximately $1,600, not including full correction of all 
possible transmission/oil leak issues. It was noted that the van has continued to leak fluid while 
sitting and may not be worth repairing.
Michael Gilligan offered to purchase the van for $500. The board discussed safety concerns and the 
risk of selling the vehicle to staff members given its condition.
Motion: To sell the shelter van to Gilligan Auto Repair for $500. Motion by: Jeff
Second by: Patches
Result: Motion carried. No opposition noted.




11. Staff Vehicle Use / Future Transportation

The board discussed that staff members are currently using personal vehicles for shelter-related 
transportation, including vet trips. The board discussed whether staff should be reimbursed for 
mileage and whether the organization should consider purchasing a replacement vehicle in the 
future.
Action Item: Add staff mileage reimbursement and/or replacement vehicle discussion to the June 
agenda.

12. Donation Boxes

The board discussed donation boxes located throughout the community. There was uncertainty about 
the complete list of locations and who is responsible for collecting from each box.
Locations mentioned included, but were not limited to, Schafer’s, Lake Avenue, banks, local 
businesses, and locations in Rhinelander and other nearby communities.
The board discussed collecting all donation boxes, counting and depositing funds, creating an 
updated list of locations, assigning responsible collectors, and then redistributing the boxes. The 
board also discussed using name tags or other identification for those collecting donation boxes.
QR codes for PayPal and Venmo were discussed so donors can contribute electronically if they do not 
have cash or change. The board also discussed adding QR codes to donation boxes, business cards, 
and other materials.
Action Item: Contact XXXXXXXXX and others with prior routes/lists to identify all donation box 
locations.
Action Item: Bring donation box list and collection plan back to the June meeting.
13. Fundraising Committee Report

The fundraising committee reported that Jeff, Melissa, Crystal, and others met with Laura at 
Water’s Edge regarding a meat raffle.
Water’s Edge agreed to host a meat raffle on June 27, 2026. The potential fundraising amount was 
discussed as possibly up to approximately $8,000. The first event will focus on meat only so the 
organization can learn the process.
The board discussed the need for volunteers to sell tickets and help with the event. Laura will 
work on meat/vendor contacts, and posters/social media promotion will be prepared.
The board also discussed participating in the local farmers market and Art in the Park. Banners 
have been received. The board discussed setting up a table, donation jar, raffle ticket sales, and 
animal adoption information.



Due to insurance and animal welfare concerns, the board discussed not bringing shelter animals to 
public events. Instead, the board discussed using photos, collages, and possibly live video from 
the shelter to introduce adoptable animals.
Action Items:



• Confirm details and time for the June 27 meat raffle.
• Prepare posters and social media posts.
• Organize volunteers for ticket sales and event coverage.
• Confirm farmers market and Art in the Park participation.
• Prepare animal photos/collages and possible live video option.
14. Facility Tour Opportunity

Jeff reported that Beth Merscha from the Wisconsin Humane Society in Saukville offered to provide a 
tour of their facility. The facility was described as newer and larger, with modern animal housing. 
The board discussed that seeing another facility could help with long-term planning.
Action Item: Jeff will contact Beth to obtain possible tour dates and report back at the next 
meeting.
15. Veterinary Services Opportunity

Crystal reported that Amber Vet may have an opportunity for reduced-cost spay/neuter or related 
veterinary procedures, with work performed by veterinary students under supervision of practicing 
veterinarians. Costs may be limited to anesthesia and disposal/supply-related expenses.
Crystal will meet with Amber Vet again and report back.

16. Motions
The following motions were made:


1. Approve April 2026 minutes
Motion by Patches, second by Heather. Motion carried.

2. Approve manager’s report and financial report
Motion by Jeff, second by Heather. Motion carried.

3. Approve KME Accounting to move forward with 2025 financial statements and tax filing
Motion by Melissa, second by Robin. Motion carried.

4. Sell shelter van to Gilligan Auto Repair for $500
Motion by Jeff, second by Patches. Motion carried.



5. Adjourn meeting
Motion by Heather, second by Patches. Motion carried.



17. Next Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for:
Date: June 30, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Nelmark
Secretary / Minutes Preparer