Vipassana Santa Cruz
Board meeting
12/16/09@6:30 at Leslie’s house
MINUTES
ATTENDANCE: Val N., Lael A., Bob S., G S., Ann Z., Leslie T., Mary Grace O. ( by phone) 
MEDITATION
BRIEF CHECK IN
READING OF THE NORMS
APPROVAL/DISCUSSION OF THE MINUTES – defer, minutes not yet available
CONSENT CALENDAR : n/a
FOR DISCUSSION:
Board business:
New officers : Ann reviewed the schedule for replacement of the President; Board reminded to get names of nominees  to Ann by 2/2/10 in order to vote at the March meeting; new President will lead first meeting in April
Need for new tables for potlucks : Board agreed to plan to request donations of 3 tables in an e mail blast; Lael to send size/specs to Ann who will send out
Team Design
Update and discussion: Board agreed :  a. . To  request that Denny/Henry ask building owner for ok to display schedule in new format outside;  b. that Lael will help G find  shelf for library area on Craig’s List ( approx. $100 ), to be funded potentially with Legacy Fund and c. to look for volunteer to oversee the library area.
Space Planning
Standing agenda item for the discussion of our 3 part approach to space:
Feasibility of staying  at 1010 Fair:  Meeting with owner has not yet taken place, update at next meeting
Fact finding on church site:  no new information; still likely no firm commitment re feasibility likely until November
Review of other possible space: G to share information on City listing of commercial properties with Lael and Chris ,  Board agreed this information to be reviewed in greater detail prior to meeting with building owner in order to provide comparables for negotiations
Board overall in agreement that our priority now is meeting with 1010 Fair owner to discuss potential to remain in current location; Mary Grace to set that meeting 




Community Meetings: Discussion of the 6 meetings and potential action items from them. Board members each gave their impressions; themes included  : appreciation for the sangha; value of the meetings; need for  enhanced communications and feedback/follow thru re input ; importance especially of info re space, finances, and dana; interest in how to become sit leader.  We then discussed two main issues in terms of plans for action:
Communication  improvements :(especially about finances, space) – we agreed to a.  produce/post hard copies of e mail blasts; b.  try a simplified newsletter again ( Leslie to help edit/organize and Ann to produce document/distribute; c. prepare materials for sit leaders to enhance announcements and to refer people to information resources; d. encourage Board members to identify themselves at sits and to make brief informational comments ( Bob to tell teachers to ask re presence of Board members)  ; and e.  have a special Board news section on the bulletin board, distinguishing the VSC area of the tables and asking eventual library volunteer(s) to help improve that area so more people go there
Dana – The Teachers’ Council will discuss information/plans on this topic at their 1/25 retreat; we also are planning a fundraising initiative and are focusing on educating members more re the financial needs/status  of the sangha and the meaning of dana        ( eg Mary Grace’s draft materials, teacher announcements,  perhaps teachings on money) 
UNHEARD VOICES FROM THE SANGHA
BRIEF CHECKOUT