NOFC Board Governance Meeting Monday July 6th, 2010
6:00pm at 517 Telemachus St. (Rachel’s)
Present:
Board Members – Michael Smith (President), John Calhoun, Rachel Riezman (Treasurer), Mac Lemann (Chair of the Board), Heather Fife (Secretary), Mimi Dimassa (Vice Presedent)
Meeting called to order at 6pm
Announcements:
Michael - we did not get vetoed so we will receive the Capital Outlay money for equipment, michael will research the process for receiving this money.
- there was an article in Edible New Orleans about the co-op but we are considering asking them to run correction for inaccuracies such as the store being run entirely by volunteers.
- we were mentioned in Louisiana Weekly above the fold several weeks ago.
John - will send out a press release regarding the money from the state.
Working Group Progress:
- Gm Search - We have 4 candidates on the table and are at a point to invite people to meet the board before making a final recommendation to the board for a final candidate. The committee feels good about the applicants.
- Communication - Newsletter has been going out regularly and the website currently in limbo. Heather will look over the content that has been generated for our web designer to see if anything needs to be added.
- Membership - We have 733 members now.
- Finance - The healing center is a bit behind there their timeline regarding lease negotiations. Michael has been waiting to follow up with Hope and Seedco, now that we know about the cap outlay - we can move forward with this. No new word on the FFRI or Harrah’s grant, Michael will follow up. New possibilities include a bridge loan through The Food Co-op Initiative called a sprout loan that is usually around $25,000 with a two year term as well as a possible USDA loan. PROP is coming along as well.
- Site Development - Michael sat down with Kermit regarding the two separate bids, equipment and installation and the timeline was discussed. The purchase order for the equipment should be in by Aug 1st to fit within our timeline and at that point 25% would need to be put down. We need to know when the Cap Outlay funds would be distributed before moving forward with that. The old slab has been taken out of the site and the rebuild will be made to our specifications. We have decided to go forward with the Enviropack System to reap the long term energy cost saving benefits.
- Sunday Grocery - Things have been moved to the new office but it has not been set up as a functioning office yet, once this happens we can apply for our occupational license. John will get ahold of Paul to secure the room.
Unfinished Business:
Motion: Rachel moved to reinstate the Buying Club activity given that it has been established that they are not running at a loss, and have provided the Board with requested documentation, understanding that efforts to reconcile and document all Buying Club activity are ongoing. Mimi seconded. 5 Yays. Motion carries.
New Business:
Motion: Rachel moved to pay Cheryl Golich $350 to complete our 2009 Tax Returns as well as any reasonable amount above this billed for necessary research. Michael seconded. 6 Yays. Motion carries.
Motion: Michael moved to pay Cheryl Golich up to $1050 to complete a 2010 midyear review of our finances. Rachel seconded. 5 Yays. 1 Ney. Motion carries.
Motion: Mac moved that the board authorize Michael to research and execute the Small Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grant. Michael seconded. Motion withdrawn.
Motion: Michael moved that the policy committee draft for approval policies on member information confidentiality, diversity, and board stipends. Rachel seconded. 6 Yays. Motion carries.
Time and Date of Next Meeting:
- Board Training Workshop on July 17th 9:30-4 at Scott’s house on Constance and Cadiz.
- Working Group Meeting on July 29th 6pm TBA