Coral Gables Merrick House Governing Board

Sister Cities Conference Room - Coral Gables Museum

Agenda — 24 items

1. 1 The Coral Gables Merrick House Governing Board will be holding its Regular Meeting on Monday, September 17, 2026, commencing at 9:30 am EST. Members of the public may join the meeting via Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83315833193. In addition, a dedicated phone line will be available so that any individual who does not wish (or is unable) to use Zoom may listen to and participate in the meeting. Meeting ID: 833 1583 3193 One tap mobile +17866351003,,83315833193# US (Miami) +19292056099,,83315833193# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 786 635 1003 US (Miami) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 470 381 2552 US (Atlanta) +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/koHpBvqy7 305-461-6769 (Coral Gables local number) To speak to the Merrick House Governing Board on an Agenda Item, please “Raise your Hand” or send a message to one of the meeting hosts using the Zoom Platform. If you joined the meeting via telephone, you can “Raise your hand” by pressing *9. The public may also comment on an item on the agenda using the City’s already-established e-comment function which may be found on the City’s website at: (www.coralgables.com/commissionmeetings) once the meeting’s agenda is published or by sending an email to cityclerk@coralgables.com prior to the start of the meeting.
2. 2 PAGE BREAK
3. I. CALL TO ORDER
4. II. ROLL CALL
5. III. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
6. 5 This meeting was Called to Order at 9:33 AM.
7. 1. Merrick House Board Meeting Minutes August 10, 2026 26-2081 approved Pass
8. IV. NEW / OLD BUSINESS
9. V. OLD BUSINESS
10. VI. CITY COMMISSION ITEMS
11. 1. Docent Coordinator, Gay Bondurant, read the August House Activity Report into the record and noted that a new docent, Casey Piket, has been giving tours.
12. VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS
13. 2. Koi Pond - The fish will be replacement in the future once the pond system is stable.
14. VIII. UPCOMING DATES: 10/18/2026 Docent Appreciation Dinner 11/08/2026 Veteran's Day Concert 11/14/2026 Vintage Coral Market 12/13/2026 Holiday Open House 01/09/2027 Vintage Coral Market 03/13/2026 Vintage Coral Market
15. 3. Meeting Minutes - Board members discussed the need to receive meeting minutes sooner. They also discussed the availability of Zoom transcripts as a resource for information. Board members agreed that any correction to the minutes should be submitted at the next meeting so the minutes can be corrected and approved as amended. Approved on Consent Agenda Pass
16. IX. ADJOURNMENT
17. 4. Volunteer Dinner - "Party on the Porch" scheduled for Sunday, October 18th, 5:00pm - 8:00pm on the front porch. Chairperson Orr will handle the invitations, Board member Cason will assist in coordination of this event. Details were discussed including: needing an updated list of docents with e-mail addresses, coordinating food & beverage, coordinating tables, chairs linens, dishes, etc. Approved on Consent Agenda Pass
18. 13 NOTE
19. 5. House Maintenance - The Governing Board is not responsible for the maintenance of the Merrick House. Staff is working on the pricing for painting of the wood trim.
20. 6. Volunteer Recognition - The board discussed continuing the use of certificates recognizing students and volunteers for their service to the Merrick House.
21. 7. Pumpkin Palooza, 10/04/2026 - This is a public event. The board will clarify with the event coordinators whether the House will be open for walkthrough's.
22. 8. Veteran's Day Concert - Scheduled for Sunday, November 8th, 1pm - 2pm Board members were informed that the leader of Top Brass Band group recently passed away and that his wife intends to continue the group. The Brass Band is not available on 11/08/26, Board member Burke will contact Top Brass for alternate dates or will look for a new band. LUNCHES The board discussed providing lunch boxes for the veterans again his year. This program received positive feedback last year. The Board is looking to increase the attendance by Veterans this year through additional advertising. Outstanding Items: Obtain updated pricing for box lunches Funding sources Increase outreach and advertise to veterans Coordinate with the Veteran's Advministration/Newsletter
23. 9. Holiday Open House - Scheduled for Sunday, December 13th Board members discussed incorporating a children's story, reading activity and simple children's crafts using inexpensive materials Board members discussed wanting the invitations out by December 1st. Chairperson Orr will be taking care of the invitations for this event. Coordinate the children's activities and possible story reading Finalize invitation list Begin preparations early enough so invitations meet desired mailing date. Crafts - Vice Chair Burke Cookies - Board member Seipp Choir - Board member Rodriguez Candy Canes - Board member Cason Santa Claus – Board members suggested that the regular volunteer to be Santa at the Open House might be available. Chairperson Orr will reach out to Mr. Adams.
24. 22 This meeting was Adjourned at 10:30 AM.

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