Corporate Records

Meeting Minutes: May 2014

Welcome Oz to the Board.  He has graciously accepted our invitation to join after your unanimous agreement to invite him.

Events

We continue to get good numbers to RSVP to our events.  In addition, I invited James Wieser to do an event on mushrooms.  We have 22 RSVPs and we are charging $25 to attend plus $10 to take home a starter kit.  James and LSI will split the proceeds.  I have extended similar offers to others but so far no one else has taken me up on it.

I have in mind a series of events to develop the new lot, starting with laying out the swales.  I am thinking of buying a banner with the words Eldridge Community Farm (would need some graphics).  I would also like to schedule those events during the week so as to attract others in my community who do not have a regular work schedule.  Your comments will be appreciated.

Bee Safe Neighborhoods

My daughter in law gave us a draft of a door hanger (attached). Nancy wants to alphabetize the chemicals in two columns instead of left to right.  I also want to reword some on the back.  ". . . plants that are already poisons."  1000 door hangers will cost $114 and we will make them available as part of a BSN coordinator starter package:  50 poison id cards, 50 door hangers and 2 yard signs for $25.00.  Any comments?

Tax Exempt Status

I still have not heard from the IRS about LSI's 501c3 application. I so advised our accountant.  Returns for non-profits are due May 15 but I think she intends to file an extension.  She has the 2013 financials already.

Sponsors

We may have opportunities, particularly in regard to the BSN program, to accept money from sponsors.  I want to preserve the power of the coordinators to approach local businesses to fund the starter kit, supplemental supplies, swarm trap, planting of bee habitat, etc.  Think about how we would use a contribution to the program.

Expansion of Our Systems

I run across a lot of interest in participating in things like our egg shares.  Those systems are designed to involve just a few families and balance processes in ways that reduce cost and eliminate waste.  Keep an eye out for people with the resources to do what I do here at LSI.  I talked to both Oz and Avery Ellis yesterday about Elizabeth and her 5 acres in Erie and how she could do things like host the breeding flock for a gardening team and have an egg share group carry the costs.  You all know other people who could do at least some parts.  I suggest we see if we can increase participation in that way.

That is probably more than you want to deal with this morning . But that is what I am thinking.  Let me know your thoughts and whether you think we need a vote on any of this.

Thanks for improving our habitat.
David B