General Meeting Minutes- February 2026
Date: February 23, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Rangely Auto Museum
ATTENDANCE:
Board Members Present: Kelly Christian, Vicki Striegel, Jessica Palmer,
Others Present: Laycie Coker and Katelyn Fricke
MEETING MINUTES
Minutes were reviewed, but not approved at this time, due to a change in the majority of board members who were not present at the December meeting.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Vicki presented the current balances for the organization’s accounts:
General Fund: $2,393.24
Grant Fund: $3,630.24
Vicki requested that receipts be submitted for all future expenditures to ensure financial accountability.
A discussion followed regarding continued financial assistance for a private citizen’s specialized dog food. Based on the proposed mission statement changes, the general consensus was that limited financial support may continue on a case-by-case basis.
GRANT REPORT
Kelly reported that a check in the amount of $630.24 was cut to the Town of Rangely to reimburse for spay/neuter/medical needs for shelter animals for the 4th quarter of 2025, leaving a balance of $3,000 in the grant account. The remaining balance is unexpended funds from the Animal Assistance Foundation (AAF) for infrastructure support and education of staff at the Rangely Shelter. Laycie and Katelyn will request those funds once it has been determined how they will be used. Expenditures will be based on the parameters written into the approved grant.
MARKETING REPORT
Jessica Palmer referenced the enclosed outline of past marketing efforts and potential future initiatives. She emphasized the importance of increasing transparency with the community regarding marketing campaigns and the revenue generated from those efforts.
Several project ideas for the year were discussed. One potential initiative involves collaborating with Rio Blanco County through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant program focused on at-risk youth. Jessica suggested the possibility of engaging participating youth as volunteers at the shelter, helping connect them with shelter animals. Details have not yet been developed and would require further planning.
Kelly Christian recommended that the committee prioritize projects that are actionable, measurable, and feasible given current limitations in time, energy, and staffing.
SHELTER REPORT
Laycie reported the following current shelter statistics:
6 dogs housed in the shelter
2 dogs in foster care
1 cat housed in the shelter
Laycie is working to develop a post-adoption follow-up process to check in with adopters via phone, email, or text to determine whether they need additional support after adopting a shelter animal. She is hopeful this may help limit returned animals to the shelter and protect adopted animals from mistreatment and neglect.
Laycie also reported that a volunteer has generously donated both time and materials to repair and upgrade the shelter’s cat room.
The shelter has been anonymously nominated for Jordan’s Way, an organization that hosts live-stream fundraising events on social media and supports dog adoption efforts. The shelter is currently awaiting a response.
A PACFA inspection was conducted in January. The inspection went well, and the minor issues identified during the process have already been addressed.
Success stories: Since January, the shelter has facilitated the adoption of three dogs and one cat. One adopter has remained in regular contact with the shelter and continues to provide updates on dogs previously adopted.
NEW BUSINESS AND ACTION ITEMS
New Board Members
The following board positions were confirmed:
Kelly Christian – President
Vicki Striegel – Secretary/Treasurer
Jessica Palmer – Marketing Specialist
Organizational Direction
Kelly discussed a shift in direction for 4R Animals, emphasizing a focus on measurable and actionable initiatives. While the development of a new shelter remains a long-term consideration, it will not be the organization’s primary focus at this time.
Moving forward, the committee will prioritize addressing the immediate needs of the shelter and improving the welfare of shelter animals, while continuing to pursue grant opportunities and fundraising efforts.
Mission Statement
A revised mission statement was presented
Motion: Jessica Palmer
Second: Vicki Striegel
Vote: Motion carried
Jessica will post the new mission statement on the 4R Animals website.
Code of Conduct
A Code of Conduct was presented for approval. This policy applies to board members, committee members, and members of the public attending meetings. The Code of Conduct will be posted on the 4R Animals website.
Motion: Vicki Striegel
Second: Jessica Palmer
Vote: Motion carried
ADJOURNMENT:
No further business. Meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.