Non-Profit Status, Dues, Capacity Buiding, Food Coops All Discussed at Last Meeting

In attendance: Maurice Loridans, Cynthia Keith, Garrett Johnson, Loren Demerath

CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY ADOPTED
The group discussed the conflict of interest policy that we need to vote on for the non-profit conflict of interest policy. The group decided that the sample policy provided by the IRS would be sufficient and voted to unanimously adopt it.

DR. BARBARA DAVIS HELPS ABS COMPLETE NON-PROFIT FILING
Loren reported that Dr. Barbara Davis has been of great help to him in completing the paper work for filing for non-profit status for ABS. He is now ready to send it in with an accompanying check for $300. It was noted that Loren should send an email to ask people to submit their dues if they haven’t yet, and he said he would. ($40 for board members and $30 for regular members.) Maurice then paid his in cash to Garrett to give to Susan Fontaine, the Chief Administrative Officer.

JENNETTE GINSBERG’S PROPOSAL FOR CAPACITY BUILDING REVIEWED; FULLER DISCUSSION TABLED FOR NEXT WEEK
The group looked over Jennette Ginsberg’s proposal for building the capapcity of ABS and agreed that it looks good. The group agreed to discuss more specific suggestions next week when Jennette will be able to attend as well.

FOOD COOPS, FARMERS MARKETS DISCUSSED
Maurice mentioned that a food coop will have its truck drop-off out on Pines Rd., which is notably too far out for those trying to avoid driving. Mary Nesbit (Rebecca Prosino’s mother) runs a CSA project in Keatchie. They’re looking at expanding it and selling memberships and some people can pay in labor. The World Wide Organization of Organic Farmers (“WOOF”) has a program where people can work for room and board at organic farmers. It was noted that on Prairie Home Companion Keillor mentioned there are over 800 community gardens in Detroit, a city with similar proportions of adjudicated properties.
The group discussed how the Farmer’s Market is every day in Monroe, and there may how smaller, more organic spaces than Festival Plaza to facilitate that, such as the space used for Makers’ Fair at Common and Texas Ave.

SHREVEPORT COMMON TO BE DISCUSSED IN TWO WEEKS
It was suggested that we have a discussion about Shreveport Common in two weeks on May 23rd, and invite Pam Atchison and any other people who would like to attend.

NEXT WEEK: CAPACITY BUILDING, SUMMER SCHEDULING, COATES BLUFF UPDATES
It was agreed that next week that group would discuss Ginsburg’s capacity building ideas, get an update on Coates Bluff, and work on scheduling summer meeting themes.