Minutes of Meeting Board of Directors June 13, 2017

Directors present:  Chris Heintz, Dick Malley, Jeff Manney, Eric Solsaa, Paul Brown, John Braun, Dave Pearson, and Andy Salamon.
Absent:  Shaun Williams
 
Chris called the meeting to order at 6:37 PM.
 
42 Cleveland Avenue Ground Breaking
Chris led the discussion
The Ground Breaking Ceremony on Saturday June 6th, 2017 was a grand affair.  It was terrific.  Cabot Orton of Vermont Country Store; John Russel III of Russel Construction; and Dave Allaire, Rutland City Mayor all spoke to the crowd as WCAX TV recorded the moment.   They were pleased with this neighborhood revitalization project.
 
Paul made a motion to accept the meeting minutes (Revision A) of May 9, 2017.  Dave seconded the motion.  It unanimously was approved.
 
Finances
Chris led this discussion

• A discussion of the financial statements.  Because of a bit of confusion, John will begin reviewing our statements on line and revise them as needed to enable easier understanding.

Chris will work with John and Pam (our bookkeeper) so that John gain entry to our computer system and Quick Books as well.

•  John was concerned that our properties may be over-valued for Non-Profit Accounting best practices. John will review our statements for potential changes needed.

 
Resource Development
Dick and Chris led this discussion

• Dick and Chris interviewed Jenna Watson, a local banker at People’s United Bank for a position on our board.  She is a Customer Service Representative at the bank.   They describe their interview with Jenna to the Board.

 
Paul made a motion that the Board, based on Dick and Chris’s input from the interview, to accept Jenna Watson as a new Board of Directors Member.  Eric seconded that motion.  It was unanimously approved.
 
Chris will contact Jenna and let her know Board’s action to accept her to our Board.
 

• Dick has a list of 96 Greater Rutland HFHI donors that are not in our database yet.  Although we cannot solicit donations from them, we can invite them to work with us on build projects or other volunteer opportunities.

 

• Dick will be working on a grant proposal to the Vermont Housing Authority.  Funds from this grant will be used for our next house build, not 42 Cleveland Avenue.

 

• Chris indicated that every chance we have we should be compiling all individual donor contact information.

 

• Chris and Dick met with Bruce Rogers from HFHI-Revitalization.  Chris suggests that we review Bruce Rogers graphics to see where we fit in and how we can build connections at our build site to the immediate neighborhood.  Perhaps we might host a BBQ event at our build site to build better connections and friendships within the Cleveland Avenue area.

 

• Also Eric suggested that we should have a BBQ for our Board and the Committees members.  So we can see and meet each other.  Perhaps this might be held at the Build site on a non-building day.

 

• Dick and Chris suggested that we have a site greeter to welcome all and give high-level directions to get people started on the paperwork needed to work at our site.  Or just to inform what we are doing and what we are about to local neighbors with the idea that perhaps they would indeed join our effort.  This building on local assets.

 

• Chris  discussed the HFH-Rutland County Golf Tournament on Friday, May 26.   Not only did everyone enjoy themselves, we were able to raise approximately $3,000.

 
Construction Committee
Chris and Eric led this discussion

• So far we have received $2,000 from Fair Haven Rotary Club and the Rutland South Rotary Club toward purchasing a construction trailer.

 
Dick made a motion that we purchase a Construction Trailer (new or used) to Eric’s specifications.  The cost not to
exceed $5000 including taxes and registration.  Paul seconded this motion.  It passed unanimously.
 

• Dave reviewed the insurance policies we need in place for our build project, our organization, and for all our other properties.  Costs will be just shy of $1,488 for the remainder of this year.

 
Paul made a motion that we purchase this insurance for our Board and property insurance including build sites and dormant land. Andy Seconded the motion.  It passed unanimously.
 

• 42 Cleveland Avenue, Rutland City
  • Eric indicated that a Build Schedule exists measured in hours.  It is not by dates.
  • June 24th is the anticipated first volunteer date.  This will be to build the tool shed.
  • Eric will discuss with Al Williams, our site Foreman about his salary and insurance.

 

• Chris was in contact with an elderly lady that needs her house repaired.  She lives in Rutland’s Northwest District.  Chris did not know the extent of this repairs required.  Chris told the lady that she would have to apply for her home repairs just as applicants purchase a HFH home.

Eric and Jeff will contact her and stop by to access the work required.
 
Summer Vacations

• Dave will be away June 17-25, July 1-12.
• Andy will be away June 14-28, July 20-23, August 17-Sept 12.
• Chris will be away July 15-29.
• Paul will be away the week of July 4.

 
Chris adjourned the meeting at 8:25pm.
 
Our next scheduled Board meeting is Tuesday, July 11 @ 6:30pm. 
 
Minutes respectively Submitted by Andrew Salamon