Business Meeting - June 2016

Jun 20 2016

Financial
Austin reported the financials for the noon meeting and the grant account. Utilities and rent are paid up. Living Sober books are purchased and when they arrive Rocky will marry each copy with Clinton Meeting List and District Meeting lists to form our newcomer packet. Extra copies of meeting lists as well as book donations are on the shelf behind the chairpersons desk.

Rug
Discussion around next steps for improving the location. We discussed two possible approaches towards the landlord to help with covering costs, whether she would consider covering a portion of the cost such as half or give a similar consideration in rent reduction, perhaps over a period of time. We would like to improve the space but have no long term commitment such as lease. If we improve the plant and property ( e.g. for example we have already contributed to furnace, improved lavatory and considering new AC.).  General agreement not to risk full expense without some assurance that the investment can be enjoyed by the users of the space for years going forward, OR less expense risked, OR some combination of these.

Austin will have a conversation with landlord and then based on that reading and communication of results we can determine whether town should be or need be involved.(they pay a portion of rent).

Sarah has not asked for compensation for lavatory materials nor has Teague asked for lighting but if these are brought forward to Austin they will be considered.

Expansion
Discussion around expansion of recovery mission previously discussed (see prior minutes) , and relationship to grants, current and proposed (by Sharon Welch). General agreement that we cannot afford to hire grant writer per se, but possibly could fund future grant writing from new grants obtained that specifically expand use of our space for purposes previously outlined, such as teen , and family services like alateen, alanon and similar recovery support. Sharon has experience with MAC in Leominster and grant research but not clear whether MAC has continuerd legal standing to accept grant funds or what the nature of cooperation with MAC might look like. General agreement that financial entanglement with another entity should be avoided but we would like to encourage cooperation to the extent that it supports obtaining grant money and furthering the recovery mission, particularly in the areas we have identified as holes and opportunities. Rocky will try to get clarification from Sharon on MAC status and expectations for how her experience can be leveraged in Clinton. (Aside: can CAIC experience be leveraged in Leominster?)

MEETING MINUTES – Month of May, 2016

MEETING MINUTES – Month of May, 2016

new business

Air Conditioning - Discussion was held about possible installation of a new air conditioning unit for center. Newer upright fan model/styles and use of fans were discussed for noise reduction as thought to be quieter (but perhaps more expensive). Room size: 1500 BTU. Scott stated current A/C works well if meeting members put air on 2 hours prior to cool room off in summer months.

Rug Cleaning – topic was brought up again with similar discussion as before. Someone discussed having rug installed for approx.. $2,500 vs. cleaning w. Stanley Steamer. Someone mentioned can’t clean due to too many tears. Topic was tabled again for further Board discussion.

General Cleaning – Sharon volunteered to help with cleaning center (weekly) after noon group if desired

financial review

Austin reviewed current financial corp. information. He also reminded group of the goals that were intended for grant/funds received for the corporation: To establish support for local AA, NA, Al-anon, AA, DV, Alateen. Money resides in separate accounts and 501c3 status can accept tax-deductible donations. Austin discussed having electric bill but not gas, may need to research.

Looking Ahead

Sharon Welsh, consultant and last acting Director and grant writer for the MAC organization of Leominster, MA offered to work on behalf of the center researching and finding grants for the organization. She also suggested developing a volunteer fundraising team. Austin asked that she talk with Rocky about an ideal budget for recovery literature expenditures and the possibility of her working with the Board in the future to help cover these costs.

Minutes taken by: Sharon Welsh