Duck Soup Coop

Notes from the Board of Directors' Training and Long Range Planning Meeting

January 18, 2010

 

 

PRESENT:  Peggy James, Leo Kurylo, Amanda Montgomery, Cynthia Nelson, Ruth Peterson, Mary Helen Polensky, Patty Ruback

 

The meeting was opened by Nelson stating the purpose of the meeting and identifying the various elements of training that would ensue.

 

James led us through an examination of what a corporation is, what the board of directors’ functions and roles are and the responsibility of the board.

 

Kurylo led us through the reading and discussion of the By-laws.  Polensky spoke of the Standing Rules that she was working on and asked for any suggestions for rules that we currently operate under that might be included in written form for future reference.

 

James spoke of the Personnel Practices and Policies that she has compiled and agreed to give a copy to each board member for their information.

 

Ruback and Montgomery led the board through a discussion of the duties of the three officers and the Standing Committees.  The results of that discussion were:

 

President: 

Keep meeting moving and on track or delegate that responsibility to someone.

Make sure all board members have opportunity to participate.

Prepare and distribute agendas.

Meet with General Manager periodically.

Initiate an annual fall General Manager evaluation.

Facilitate communication between board members

Maintain oversight of the committee activities.

 

Secretary:

Record board meeting minutes and General Membership Meeting minutes and distribute them as needed.

Sign corporation documents.

 

Treasurer:

Establish budget in consultation with Finance Committee and General Manager

Present budget to General Membership Meeting

Communicate financial status to the general membership

Communicate with the General Manager regarding the general financial status of the coop.

Sign corporate papers

Facilitate an audit

 

Each member of the board must serve on one or more Standing Committee.

 

Personnel Committee:

Compile policies for employees with the assistance of the General Manager

Facilitate any meetings needed in the case of employee grievances.

Advise the General Manager as needed.

 

Membership Committee:

Work on membership policies, procedures and benefits

 

Finance Committee:

Chaired by the treasurer

Work with General Manager to prepare budget

Provide for educating the board in financial matters.

 

Outreach Committee:

Reach out to members through events such as pot-luck dinners, tastings, and events at the store...

Reach out to the community through some of the same activities listed above.

Promote and educate about cooperative grocers, organic foods, fair trade, and greener sustainable living.

 

Officers were elected by consensus.

 

President: Leo Kurylo

Secretary:  Ruth Peterson

Treasurer:  Mary Helen Polensky

 

The following committee appointments were made:

 

Outreach:  Montgomery and Ruback

Personnel:  Polensky and Nelson

Membership:  Kurylo and Peterson

Finance:  Kurylo and Polensky

 

Polensky will continue to work on Standing Rules.

 

Standard meeting time for this year will be the 4th Monday of each month (beginning February 22) at 6:30 pm.

 

President Kurylo adjourned the meeting at 10:15 pm.

 

Ruth Peterson Secretary

 

 

 

 

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