Management Collective meeting: Monday 6th December 2007
From ANU Food Co-op Wiki
Kingsley Street, Acton
Contents |
Attendees
Mark Alwast (Manager), Greg Carman (Treasurer), Kate McCarthy (Secretary), Tessa McDonald, Cedar Newton, Valli Rao (minute taker), Michael Wilson
Apologies
Heather Boyer, Rebecca Scott
Previous Minutes
Previous board minutes from October 2007 accepted.
Matters Arising from Previous Minutes
ANU in the name 'ANU Food Co-op'
Greg is going to follow up this issue with the Students' Association in 2008
Correspondence in/out
Pedal Power offer of Tricksy tricycle
Members agreed to conditions in the letter of 15 Nov 2007, from Pedal Power ACT to, install the tricycle in appropriate space in the Co-op, and see how things turn out (can always return the tricycle if it doesn't suit).
Thor's Hammer
The board agreed to communicate to the Co-op membership brief details of a position vacant at Thor's Hammer, a local timber recycling business that has supported the Co-op on many occasions.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer reported on the Food Co-op financial position as at 06/12/2007.
Manager’s Report
Parking
There should soon be 13 parking spots for Rocks visitors where people can park for an hour (but may have to pay for). There should also be four spots reserved for permanent Rocks worker parking. The manager is in negotiations with David Lamont from ANU Exchange and the ACT government, regarding the policing of these parking spots.
Future employment/staffing strategies
Coordinators are being trained now, and there is a possibility of having more than one volunteer on at a time. There could be a $20 voucher for all shifts, with the shifts being 3½ hrs as opposed to the current 3 hrs. Possibility of employing two coordinators simultaneously. Mark also raised the possibility of employing paid staff to cover openings and closings, on Tuesdays and Thursdays – to ensure proper storage of vegetables, locking up properly, etc. Mark will look at the options discussed at the meeting, and make recommendations in time to discuss at the next Board meeting.
Co-ordinator responsibilities
Following on from discussions re staffing strategies, the Board decided to have a document clearly setting out what can be expected of coordinators when on duty. This is important at a time when more coordinators are being trained.
General Business
Local produce
Mark raised the issue of chemical free local produce from local growers, and of having three categories – 'organic certified', 'home-grown', and 'chemically free locally grown'. There is a chance of getting stock left over from the EPIC market, on Sundays. The Board considered how useful it might (or might not) be to have stock in the shops on Sundays. Also considered how to make sure that the local produce minimally is chemical free or uses minimal chemicals as advertised. Michael agreed to work out some principles for evaluating potential suppliers and contact suppliers to arrange farm visits.
Café
The board discussed this issue in some detail. We have good gear, and the coffee machine is installed in the shop. But coffee is served only when Dioni/Poppy are around because of the expertise needed to operate the machinery. While it would be a worthwhile project, the board decided to put the project on the back burner till we have the funds to pay wages, new equipment such as bigger tables, etc.. Michael spoke about the need for running the café as an entrepreneurial enterprise, possible even with someone from 'outside' being given the business …
Two tills, POS system
New equipment is coming, thanks to a Volunteer Small Equipment Grant. Further details of the grant are available in the office in the grants file. It will take some time to set up the equipment as the linux software will be written up by I.T volunteers.
Palm oil
Cedar read aloud Nat's comments on palm oil (attached to these minutes). Board decided to seek alternative products eg in soaps. Greg will look into palm-oil-free carob products.
Fridge
Board decided that Mark would get a quote for fixing the cooling fridge; and to place the fridge in appropriate place and at optimal temperature for fruit and veggies. This would help in keeping the food fresh with appropriate refrigeration, thereby minimising wastage.
Action plan to minimise A/C use
Discussion of how to optimise things before summer sets in fully. Shading could be provided with curtains and with Coolaroo awnings outside. In the longer term, once the power lines on the western side have been undergrounded and funds permit, we can shade the western side with a cover over the verandah. The board discussed how to get curtains, rails, brackets. Mark to organise in next Newsletter a call for volunteers who might help with getting appropriate curtains. The other members reminded Mark to delegate responsibly, rather than shoulder all the jobs himself.
Signatories
The Board agreed unanimously that Dionisia Salas-Hammer and Deborah Beryl Cleland be confirmed as signatories to sign cheques on behalf of the ANU Food Co-op. This will apply to the St George account 043842064.
New Board member
The current Board invited Cedar Newton to be an independent director. She will consider, and let the Board know if she will accept, before the January 2008 meeting.
ACT Registrar of Co-operatives
The ACT Registrar of Co-operatives is Peter Quinton. Kate McCarthy advised that she liasied with peter when developing a records disposal authority for the co-op records that were stored in the old shed. With assistance, this authority was used to sort out and destroy, where possible, and box up remainder identifying relevant retention periods. Kate will invite peter along to the march 2008 meeting. The Board thanked Kate for her hard work in the matter of the records.
Membership
List of names of new member applicants was read out and approved by the board.
Next meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for 6 pm, Thursday 31 January 2007, at the ANU Food Co-op, Kingsley Street, Acton (opposite Toad Hall). Telephone: (02) 6257 1186. Apologies from Valli who will be overseas, but Mark, Greg, Michael, Kate, Tessa and Cedar indicated they will be available to attend.
Meeting finished 8.15 pm
