The Communicator - June 2005
25
Board Contact Info
Audra Phillips President
audrafire@sbcglobal.net
404-5668
Colleen Sharkey Secretary
colleen_sharkey@hotmail.com
447-0261
Diane Stock
jdss@copper.net
263-2390
Edward Bain
edwardbain@mindspring.com
261-3663
268-4081
John Maurer Treasurer
jmaurer@columbus.rr.com
262-9002
Lynne Genter
lgenter@columbus.rr.com
262-0226
Members and BOD engaged in discussion, and some questions were raised. After
lengthy discussion involving input from any who wanted to speak, It was decided that
it would be best for the BOD and GM to seek legal counsel.
·
Lynne made a motion to rescind the above motion to move into mediation regard-
ing the May 16
th
meeting.
·
Audra made a new motion that the BOD will meet w/counsel, along with Manage-
ment before bringing in a mediator. BOD will choose counsel, management will
choose counsel for balance between both sides. Diane seconded.
John M. asks which counsel will be representing the Board.
Discussion...
After some disagreements in who should be present at this meeting between the BOD
and the GM, a member suggested that the legal counsel can help inform who should be
present at the meeting.
John asked who would pay for counsel. Audra answers that the Co-op would cover
this expense.
Audra reported that the BOD counsel has given a discounted fee, and is an expert in
employee relations.
She then suggested members contact us by letter, phone, etc. if they have further
concerns or suggestions.
Audra said that we are working towards resolution, and that it will take some work;
mediation possibly. Board members thanked members for showing support, and being
present at the meeting.
II. Minutes:
April minutes: Diane pointed out a misspelling; Colleen will correct it. Diane made a
motion to accept minutes; Lynne seconded. No one opposed.
III. Membership Fee proposal:
Edward explained- the co-op would amend the % of membership dollars so that co-op would earn a higher lever of capital. No
documents were present for members to consider this, but an explaination was offered by Edward. Simply Living would lose $3K, 8-
10% of their budget. This proposal would also raise the Co-
op general rate of membership to $40.
Members and BOD engaged in a lengthy discussion. There were many conflicting and opposing views toward the proposal.
·
Edward made a motion to have a committee work on this issue.
Consisting of management, SL, and members. Audra seconded; no one opposed.
IV. Update on proposal with Third Sons to set up solar panels for free:
Employees are researching the possibility of having this company set-up solar panels above the entrance to the Co-op. The purpose
would be to advertise the viability of using solar energy, and that it would be used to power the florescent sign. This panel would not
change electronics, so it wouldn't pose any zoning problems, but this still needs to be investigated. More updates forthcoming as
information is gathered. No formal decisions needed.
V. Manager's report
Edward pointed out some of the key points mentioned in the report. This report is published in the newsletter separately.
·
Colleen made a motion to accept GM report; Audra seconded, no one opposed.
Audra made a note that Edward didn't give the report update last month.
VI. Finance Report
Recognition and thanks were given to the Co-op finance committee.
Audra reminded Edward of our request to see a comparison of the percentage of dollars spent on labor at other Co-ops.
Lynne suggests we really need to work the Co-op smarter, and would like to see examples of how different departments can get
involved in this.
·
John Maurer makes a motion to continue until 9:15 p.m. Diane seconds, no one opposed.
·
Lynne makes a proposal that GM and president pursue in the next couple weeks to research getting BOD/ officers insurance.
Lynne amends the motion to include that BOD Officer's insurance be obtained and purchased in the next 45 days. Audra sec-
onded, no one opposed.
Diane is getting an O's Insurance application in the mail; should be here this week.
(continued page 27)