Dharma Rain - Board of Directors

Board Minutes - November 10, 2005

Present: Gyokuko Carlson, Kyogen Carlson, Gary Oshiro, Dosho VanSant, Kisei Martin, Kei'un Lewis, Genko Rainwater, Kat Strieby, Sherman Coventry, Shisei Niski

1) Approval of Minutes From Prior Meeting:
The minutes from September's meeting were approved unanimously.

2) Date for Next Meeting:
The date for the next Board Meeting was scheduled for 12 January 2006.

3) Open Forum for Member Concerns:
Two DZRC members contacted Board members to bring their concerns forward anonymously.
The first concern was about adding solar panels to the roof: the initial expense, and that benefits are ±15 yrs away. The Board stated that DRZC can afford the roof and solar panels out of hand, but that it is not a matter of saving or losing money, but of being true to our principles. A motion was made and passed that we accept the bid for the photoelectric system.
The second member's concern was about DRZC's day–to–day shopping, and urged the Board to create a policy that our shopping honor labor, local businesses, and the environment. Gyokuko explained that purchases are made while trying to find a balance between “cheap no matter what” and “politically correct at any cost”. We try to buy local and organic, but it isn't always practical/possible.

4) Treasurer's Report:
Gary reported that as of Sept., the Center was $33k in the red, noting that it was mostly the “usual suspects” of maintenance and interest expense. The good news is our cash position is excellent..

5) Ethical Guidelines Update:
Kyogen reported that the Ethics Comm., which made progress last Jan., has taken up the issue up again and now Kyogen's working on it. His focus has been on the mutual respect and kindness we must all have for each other, not just from the top down. Kyogen said that the Comm. needs to get together again to work on the grievance procedure. Shisei suggested that we have a booklet done by the Spring Forum.
Also discussed was what the Temple can and can't do in a crisis. If someone disturbed comes in, we give what help we can, but we must also know when it's more appropriate to, for instance, call the police.

6) Operations Committee Report:
Because Kenryu will be taking over the Tenzo position, it was moved and seconded that Kenryu be able to write checks on the business acct.

The Zendo roof: We only have one bid, from Interstate; another company said they didn't want the job, but advised us that Interstate's bid was too high. Our options are to 1) subcontract out bits and pieces of the roof job, or 2) try to find another company willing to bid on the job. Operations will seek more bids, but we can always accept Interstate's.

We have had a tentative offer of more carpeting for the offices upstairs in the Dharma House, both the carpeting and its installation.

7) Membership Committee Report:
Kyogen reported that from Sept. to Nov. we gained four new members, three of whom are Dharma School families. We also had seven renewing members, five of which were contacted by the Membership Comm.. We now have 160 members, 135 of which are voting members.

Board Elections: Kyogen reports that there are five interested members. We should have the ballots out in the mail soon.

8) Calendar Committee Report:
There will be ten classes in spring. There will be no lay workshop this spring, as the Lay Disciples will be encouraged to participate in the Term Student program.

9) Apprenticeship Committee Report:
No one from the Apprenticeship Committee was present.

10) Website Redesign:
The beta site is up. Genko will take training with the web designer and learn to use the program, to finish the work ourselves. Everyone seemed to agree that the new design was beautiful.

11) Prison Sangha:
Kisei gave a report on the mechanics, legality, and feasibility of setting up a fund for members of our Prison Sanghas who are in transition from prison life to the outside world. After her report, Kisei suggested having a separate page on the website for the Prison Sangha. A committee was formed to handle the situation: Getsushin, Kisei, Kakymyo, and Suiho.

12) Seminary clarification/concerns:
There was a discussion about the fees for Seminary classes, people taking the class for credit and people who were auditing. The Seminary staff will make a decision about changing the fee structure. Gary also reminded us that we do have a scholarship fund, currently at $105.

13) Year end fundraising:
Kyogen passed out a sketch of the card for the fundraiser, clarifying that the annual letter would go out soon, but the card would be a sort of New Year's greeting.

14) Event Safety:
The last agenda item of the night was brought forth by Kei'un: safety at DZRC–sponsored events. As an organization, when we sponsor activities, we're liable. Are we doing everything we can to ensure people are safe at our activities?

The Board discussed the possibility of creating a safety checklist before events: identify possible safety issues, people with first–aid training, etc. It was suggested that there be a committee to review the situation when people get hurt, to see if policy changes are necessary. It was mentioned that the Temple did send Kakumyo out for an extensive wilderness training, just for these reasons.

Motion to adjourn was made at about 9:50, seconded, and passed unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted,
Kat Strieby
Secretary

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