Minutes of Meeting Board of Directors March 8, 2016

Directors present:  Chris Heintz, Rob Geiszler, Eric Solsaa, Paul Brown, Shaun Williams, and Dave Pearson.
Absent:  Andrew Salamon
Others present: None
 
Chris called the meeting to order at 6:40 PM.
 
A motion was made by Paul to accept the meeting minutes of Feb 9.  Rob seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.
 
Resource Development
Chris led the discussion
The planned extra resource development meeting was not held on February 23, 2016 due to Chris’ illness.
Chris advised there is now under $3,000 in our account and finances are becoming an urgent situation.  Shaun
agreed to check with the Castleton HFH club to see if they can make a donation to us.
 
Paul moved to accept the finance report as written, Shaun seconded and the motion was passed.
 
Chris reported meeting with Dick Malley and Lori Martin, (a fund raiser and grant writer for the VT Law School).  Both are willing to help us.  Lori has good contacts and will coach Chris.  She recommends talking to banks.  Dick is willing to work with the board on training, board responsibilities and fund raising.
One thing we need to develop is a mailing list for a regular newsletter and to develop ongoing small contributions.  We can start with HFHI’s list of Rutland County donors.  We can contact them but can’t solicit funds until they have donated to us directly.
Chris has scheduled a meeting with Dick, aiming for the 19th at 9:00.  They will coordinate the agenda.
Another fund raising idea comes from John Rehlen, owner of the Blue Cat Bistro.  He suggests we can be waiters at an event where he will provide the food.  Shaun said he was aware that Applebees, 99 Restaurant and Friendlies also support fund raising events.
We have word through Christina that Sothebys real estate has designated us their charity of choice and will donate a portion of their fees to us.
 
Golf Tournament
 Discussion led by Dave
We are making progress.  Catamount Radio has agreed to provide public service announcements.  Dave will get them the details for a script and Chris has volunteered to record it.
 
Dave and Paul are working on hole sponsors and prizes.  Andy Salamon, Eric Solsaa and Brileya’s Chrysler Jeep have already agreed to sponsor a hole. 
 
Chris advised that Barbara Lacy could help.  Dave will make contact.
 
 Construction Committee
30 West Street, Fairhaven, VT (Project #1)
Rob Geiszler led the discussion
Rob is ready to restart construction, but is reluctant until we have a better cash position.  As a result, we have not set a date with Green Mt. Power for the heat pump installation.
In addition, we will want to select a family and receive their deposit before starting up again.  We are looking at May of June to start up.
Andy Shaw at Home Depot needs a list of materials for the Fair Haven project.  Paul will coordinate activities at the store level with Andy. 
Rob will be meeting with Nate (?) from Green Mt. College.  He runs their sustainable development program. 
 
 Family Selection Committee (FSC)
Rob Geiszler led the discussion
                We are looking at a family that appears to be qualified.  Jessica Secot is pulling together verifications of employment, landlord recommendations etc. and there may be a recommendation ready for board action by next meeting. 
 
There is also a potential candidate family for a follow on house in Stonegate.  We have sent them a letter stating we have nothing suitable for them at present but we may have a suitable project in the future.
Aside
Chris led the discussion
HFH Rutland will host the Vermont HFH Affiliate’s meeting.  It will be held at Fair Haven Congregational Church on April 16th, 2016 from 10:00 to 3:00.   Dick Malley has done speakers and an agenda.
 
We will provide lunch on a potluck basis.
 
Rob will bring a vegetarian dish
Chris will bring a meat dish and a salad
Eric will bring corn bread
Paul will bring coffee
Dave will bring desert
 
Board Recruitment
•     The Board is seeking a Treasurer.

• The Board is still seeking a Part-Time office manager.

•     The Board is still seeking new Board Members.
Potential candidate include Marna Jane Grove from Castleton and Jeff Manny from Efficiency VT
Shaun will look into recruiting a Castleton student.  He also knows a student who could help us with a video.
 
The next regular scheduled meeting is Tuesday, April 12 @ 6:30pm. 
 

Chris adjourned the meeting at 7:55pm.
 
Minutes respectfully submitted by Dave Pearson.