Board of Directors 11/08/2014

Directors present:  Chris Heintz, Dave Pearson, Rebecca Woodard, Christina Gilman, Rob Geiszler, Eric Solsaa.  Others present:  Paul Brown, Elizabeth Frost, Andy Salamon, Deborah Morse 

Chris called the meeting to order at 9 AM.   

Chris indicated he invited the Habitat CSC Community Outreach contact person to our meeting but she was not available.  He is expecting Deborah Morse, the Publisher of the Rutland Business Journals to join us mid-morning and we have Andy Salamon as a guest too.  Introductions were made and Chris provided a brief history.

Rob moved to accept the Minutes of 7/3, 8/5 and 9/20.  Dave seconded.  Approved. 

Christina distributed the Treasurer’s Report showing total funds of $12,457.59.  She asked about the $3,000 HFHI is holding for us.  Chris will contact Bruce again.  HFHI did originally say it would take 3 to 4 months to process and return the funds to us.  Dave moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report, Rob seconded.  Approved. 

Chris reviewed the terms of the Berkshire Bank Foundation grant in conjunction with Boston Bruins hockey games.  Christina moved to authorize Chris to sign the agreement.  Dave seconded.  All voted in favor.  We will need to get their logo to use whenever we publicize this event.   

Rebecca indicated another financial institution, Vermont State Employees Credit Union, also has grant funds they will be distributing.  Two charities will receive $10,000 each after a competitive event where public input on the VSECU website helps the grantor decide how to award the funds.  All Directors were asked to make comments and have their friends and associates do the same via www.VSECU.com/WeCare2. 

Chris indicated it is time to talk about purchasing database software and a DSL hookup.  He thanked Rob for tuning up the computer Paul donated.  It has QuickBooks and Microsoft Office on it already.  The proposed database software is Keystone which is developed by and for Habitat Affiliates.  Because we are a new Affiliate, the purchase price is only $100.  Each year thereafter, the renewal fee is $200.  Rob moved to authorize the purchase.  Dave seconded.  Approved.  Chris instructed Christina to move forward on obtaining DSL.   

The Faith Relation committee has finalized a letter using the church database and will be distributing it shortly.  Chris is making a presentation at the Shrewsbury Church tomorrow night and invited everyone to attend.  Dave and Andy will make presentations at their churches and suggested everyone plan to do the same.   

The Construction Committee is basically on hold, waiting for a project.   

Dave Pearson made new contacts after a presentation he made to the Killington Rotary.  For Site Selection he reports the SG lot donations appear to have fallen though.  The Directors discussed this briefly and asked Dave to convey to the HOA that we would still be interested if issues could be resolved.  Dave has stayed in contact with the City and indicates we are high on their list to receive an appropriate lot when available.  Paul is aware of a lot in Proctor that could be in transition and might be available for purchase.  Right now, the Directors feel a Rutland location would be more appropriate with the ongoing revitalization efforts.   

Christina reported the Resource Development committee met Thursday night with most Directors present.  No large donor meetings have occurred and we need to make progress in establishing a Founders Club.  Elizabeth has been working on a brochure, letterhead and other print items.  Samples were distributed and discussed.  Elizabeth will check with Staples and other printers about possible donations of printing costs.  Chris said all Directors need to consider themselves fundraisers and indicated our goal for the year is $100,000.   Rebecca indicated she has started prospecting to her contacts and received a few replies.  Heritage Family Credit Union will take a request for a donation to the proper committee and let us know a decision.  They also have a loan officer who would like to be involved with our Board.  Chris Leister from Hogg Hill Design has donated design plans for State approval of a water-waste water application.   

Deborah Morse arrived at this time and was introduced.  She and Andy were asked to provide information about themselves and their interest in our organization.  Deborah indicated she lives in Poultney, comes from a long line of builders and building is her interest.  She is Publisher of the Business Journals with marketing skills, rental property management, construction and rehab experience.  

Andy lives in Killington and moved here full time in January from Connecticut.  He started as a Draftsman before becoming a Design Engineer in Aerospace.  He has degrees in Physics and Business Administration.  He was an English major and considers Processes to be a strong suit.  He is involved in his local church and previously had church management experience.  

Discussion then moved to an overview of a project from start to finish.  Rob began with the Family Selection Process Flow Sheet.  He believes Family Selection is ready to react to applications.  He asked members to avoid using the word Applicant until we have an actual Applicant with a fully completed application which triggers timelines for responses under several laws.  Chris suggested we use ‘potential partner family’.  The process was reviewed using the Flow sheet.  Dave listed items Site Selection considers: clear title, flood zones, non-conforming zoning issues, variances, location, proximity to work and schools.  The Construction Committee is ready with safety procedures, list of needed tools and a potential design is available.  They could use a volunteer coordinator or committee, a more detailed materials list and a mechanism for knowing and accessing donations from Home Depot, Lowes, etc. 

At 11:45, Rob moved to enter Executive Session.  Dave seconded.  Approved. 

At12:05 Christina moved to exit Executive Session.  Dave seconded.  Approved.

As a result of Executive Session, Dave moved to accept Paul Brown, Andrew Salamon and Deborah Morse as Directors with terms expiring June 30, 2017.  Christina seconded.  All voted in favor.   

Our next meeting will be Saturday, December 13, 2014 from 9 AM to Noon.

Christina moved to adjourn.  Rob seconded.  Approved.

Respectfully submitted:

Rebecca Woodard, Secretary