NOFC Board of Directors Meeting, January 12, 2009
In attendance: John Calhoun, Amanda Zug-Moore, Sarrah Schloenewald, Mimi Dimassa, Michael Smith and Andy C. Meeting began at 6:37 pm.
Minutes for Dec. 15 Board meeting minutes reviewed and approved.
Board Expectations of the Action Team and Committees:
Action Team – Michael S. presented draft of expectations. John C. reiterated the need for the Action Team to proceed according to a clear timeline. Michael S. suggested NOFC purchase a large whiteboard to manage the timeline. John C. suggested each committee chair develop a set of tasks to be done in their committee to present to the Action Team. Amanda Z. moved to adopt the expectations of the Action Team as revised, unanimously adopted by the Board. See Board Expectations of the Action Team and Committees document for specific language of expectations.
Fundraising Committee – Amanda Z. suggested adopting Amy George’s description of the committee with addition of “3rd party loans” to last sentence.
FPI Committee - Amanda Z. suggested adopting Amy George’s description of the committee with minor additions.
Buying Club – The Board expectations of the Buying Club were developed at the Board retreat. These are: “The NOFC Buying Club must be financially sustainable, process new applications in a timely fashion, and to not take energy from the NOFC’s mission.” It was clarified that the Buying Club is not a committee of the Action Team but rather a separate project of NOFC that reports directly to the Board.
Communications Committee - Amanda Z. suggested adopting Amy George’s description of the committee with minor additions. John C. suggested cutting the last sentence.
Site Search Committee – Michael S. read draft version of expectations. A discussion of the proper place of the Site Search Committee in the organization followed, and the Board tabled the issue of whether the Site Search Committee should be an Action Team subcommittee or a subcommittee of the Board.
Michael S. made a motion to adopt the draft versions of the Action Team subcommittee expectations. Board passed motion unanimously.
NOFC Incorporation Status
As per consulting advice, after discussion the Board decided to re-hire Peter Koerber to do the work of reincorporating the New Orleans Food Community, Inc. as a business corporation. Michael S. made a motion to hire Peter K. to reincorporate the NOFC and consult with lawyers as needed. Cooperative Development Services’ lawyers who have specialty in cooperative business law.
Hiring a Project Assistant
Amanda Z. stated that over 70 persons had applied for the job of project assistant, and offered to narrow the list to 20. John C. and Michael S. agreed to meet Amanda Z/ on Monday 1/19 to shortlist the candidates and decide on an interview schedule. It was suggested that we make the hire by Feb. 2’s Action Team meeting so that the project assistant can be introduced there. It was decided that the Board would conduct the interviews in groups of at least two Board members.
Ends Policy
Michael S. will work the consensus drafts done by Michael S. and John C. into a consensus draft to be adopted as the NOFC mission.
NCGA Conference
The NCGA has invited NOFC Board members to attend their reception to meet and discuss Board activities with their members. They also suggested Friday, Jan. 30 as an opportunity to have a potluck with NOFC members and NCGA attendees together. Michael S. suggested the French Quarter wedding chapel as a venue nearby their hotel, if we cannot get space at the hotel to do the potluck.
Next Board of Directors Meeting
It was decided by email to have the next meeting of the NOFC Board of Directors at the LHA Community Center, 621 N. Rendon, from 6:30 – 8pm on Monday, February 9, 2009.