Board of Directors

Board Meeting Minutes
January 2011 - pdf

Board Meeting Minutes

 Location:  Deep Spring Center
Attendees:  Tana Dean, Phil Kneessi, Ken Morley, Sandra Villafuerte, Lisa Zucker, Thomas Slank, Sherry Hansen
Also attending:
Not Attending:  Barbara Brodsky

Sharing
Brief sitting
Agenda
·         1. Sangha commentary (5 minutes per person)
·         2. Newsletter status (if Rori attends) (30 minutes)
·         Presentation/discussion of concerns/issues (Rori).
Rori did not attend. Tom will invite Rori to attend a future meeting.

3.   Annual Fundraiser (5 minutes)  
            a. Final report – Tana
                The net income for fundraising for Nov-Dec 2010 is $ 13,296.91, about $ 2,982 more than the fundraising in 2009. The two e-mail messages were important. Donations online through Network for Good increased compared to last years. We also received donations from California (Barbara’s connections). Tom proposed a second fundraising event in July slightly different maybe just via online. Tom will add this item in the Agenda for next month.

4.      Retreats (15 minutes)
            a. Meetings to be scheduled
                        1.  Larger “idea” meeting with representatives from GTAG, Board, Retreat Committee, and Barbara – already discussed with some teachers and others
Lisa to coordinate the date with Barbara, GTAG, retreat committee and teachers.
                        2.  Smaller meeting to follow with representatives from groups, and Barbara to possibly lay out plan of action if any
            b. Draft communication. All agree and will be sent soon

5.      Treasurer's report (Sherry/others, 20 minutes)
            a. November actuals (Sherry) and December year-end actual (Sherry/Tom)
            Balanced sheet: Sherry was able to rearrange the CD into the restricted building fund. The total assets went up about $3,578.
      Both income and expenses rose in 2010.  This resulted in a net income loss of - $10,235. The primary reason for increase of expenses was a rise in retreat costs. We have decreased other expenditures such as insurance and newsletter costs but this has not offset expenses to have a major impact
            Sherry requested the Board discusses who will be the next treasurer when Sherry leaves the Board next August 2011. This item goes on the next month’s Agenda.
·         Fundraising survey (Sandra)
The survey was sent to Mary Hickey and we await her response.
·         2010 tax preparation
H&R Block to prepare the 2010 tax paperwork. Tana and Sherry will gather the paperwork.
·         2011 budget (Tom)
Tom to prepare for next month’s agenda. Will follow the same as last year’s taking into account the 2010 experience.

6.   Administrative (Tana/others 45 minutes)
            a. Review and sign insurance paperwork.
            Sherry filled the information requested and both Sherry and Tom signed it. Will be sent soon to get policy.
            b. Review new web site layout.
            The structure format looks great! The Board agrees. Kudos to Tana. It is estimated the new web site will be ready for launching by the end of February.
            c. Draft policy on bulletin board and buffet usage – defer again – Tom still did not draft yet.
            The general policy will be that material affiliated to DSC will be displayed on the buffet. The Bulletin Board as it is done now - half will be specific to DSC and the other half for community events. A policy of
            time frame will be added.
·         Accept new Rec & Ed revenue split – inform GTAG
Lisa to inform GTAG and teachers about the new policy
·         Authorize new/separate page for Barbara on new web site.
This is authorized
            f. Purchase copies of Barbara’s book for DSC & Barbara.  Done?
            44 books were purchased, 24 of them will be paid by Barbara.
            g. New printer/copier/fax – discussion
            Sherry’s husband Tony investigated the costs and features of a new printer to satisfy the needs of office. A top of the line printer HP Office Jet pro 8500APlus is the first choice with prices ranging from
            $ 300-400. An anonymous donation has been offered to cover this cost. The Board acknowledges and expresses deep gratitude to the generous donator.        
h. Media kit for Ann Arbor Parent – discussion, deadline?
The add costs for both the AA Parent and Current are high. Ken will look if it is worth investing.
·         Newsletter deadline
The deadline for content is February 25th. The Board functions needs to be updated.
            j. Change internet provider – discussion
            Digital Realm service, the current provider, is not good. Tana to check on services and prices from AT&T and Comcast, for next month’s agenda.
            Tana mentioned the need of a new laptop for office work. She will inquire about prices.
            k. Purchase runner for entry – discussion
            Sherry will look into a walk-off mat (suggested by Phil)
            l. Window treatment working?
            Done.
            m. Donation letters ready?
            Yes, they are signed and ready to be sent
            n. Other items.
            The annual schedule is done

7.      Teachers' corner (5 minutes)
a. Teacher's circle (Lisa)
a good number of students have registered to upcoming classes. A planning meeting for future classes is scheduled for January 30, 2011 at David’s house. The upcoming retreat on March at the Steiner’s house
has 5 registered members already.

8.      Social committee report (5 minutes)
            a. Establish dates for “Game Nights”. It is set for Saturday nights
            b. Book discussions – how are they going?
            Phil will revisit the book discussion. It may be quarterly or ended.

9.   Calendar
            a. Additional upcoming events?
            b. Next meetings – February 28, March 28, April 25 - all at DSC @ 6:30 PM
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm

Wireless at Deep Spring: 
Name:  DeepSpring
Password:  simplicity

Respectfully submitted,