August 2024 General Meeting Minutes
Agenda
- Approve July Meeting Minutes
- Mosquito Repellent
- Update on Neighbor's Scaffolding (Ross)
- August Live Music Event (Gina)
- September Live Music Event (Gina)
- Electronic Lock
- Garden Fan (Ross)
- Memorial for Sebastian (Rochelle)
- Possible Comedy Event (Bartosz)
- Garden Chat Room Types
- Membership Status Check
- Update on the Rat Proofing the Remaining Back Fence Project (Ross)
- Bartosz’s Resignation and Potential Return
- Operations and Maintenance Committee (Al)
- Grants for Music
In Attendance
- Albert Waks (E)
- Gina Healy (E)
- Connor Davis (E)
- Ross Daisomont (E)
- Evan Ressegger (K)
Meeting commenced at 6:54pm.
Approve July Meeting Minutes
Connor moved that the organization approve the July Member Meeting Minutes.
The motion was adopted.
Mosquito Repellent
We do not have any more bug spray in the garden and need it for the next music event. The mosquitoes this year are better, but still an issue, so we should buy more in bulk online so it is cheaper.
Ross moved that the organization spend up to $52 on mosquito repellent.
The motion was adopted.
Update on Neighbor's Scaffolding (Ross)
The work on the neighboring building has been completed and the scaffolding company has been scheduled to remove on August 14, 15, and 16. This means it should be gone one day before our music event.
August Live Music Event (Gina)
Connor will pick up the Sound Permit on Wednesday and cheap bottled water. Evan will arrange free pizzas from our usual donor. Gina will pick up extra food of different varieties from garden funds. If the scaffolding is removed in time, Gina would like to have the music in the center of the garden.
Gina moved that the organization spend up to $60 on food, water, or supplies for August’s event.
The motion was adopted.
September Live Music Event (Gina)
We participate in LUNGS’ Harvest Arts Festival with the other gardens in the neighborhood each year, and we would like to do this again this year. The festival runs from September 20th to the 29th.
Gina moved that the organization hold September’s Live Music Series on Saturday, September 28th from 2:00 to 6:00 pm.
The motion was adopted.
Electronic Lock
The garden may need to purchase a new lock. This was discussed at the previous meeting. Many of the people who disagreed with buying an electronic one were not present to present their side.
Connor moved to table the motion.
The motion to table was adopted.
Garden Fan (Ross)
Ross proposed that the garden buy a large outdoor fan to cool the garden. He mentioned the existing garden fan was tiny and only worked with one person at a time.
Ross moved that the organization purchase a large outdoor fan.
The motion was defeated.
Memorial for Sebastian
The members present are in favor of such an event and do not need an official vote to approve it. Rochelle is encouraged to plan it.
Possible Comedy Event (Bartosz)
Bartosz suggested this item at the previous meeting and it carried over to this one, but he was not present to elaborate.
Garden Chat Room Types
We discussed clarifying the purpose of each room so that we would not distract committees from their tasks. Ross proposed bringing back the General room, but Connor opposed that due to previous issues with it becoming the only place people put messages. A consensus was not reached.
Connor moved that the organization adopt the chat room guidelines as documented. Ross moved to postpone the motion until the next meeting. The motion to postpone was adopted.
Membership Status Check
Garden Memberships renew yearly as long as you have attended 4 meetings, volunteered 15 hours, and opened the garden 25 hours this season. Renewal occurs at our March meeting. We are about 6 months away from that, so this is a reminder. Unfortunately, cold days will be here soon.
Update on the Rat Proofing the Remaining Back Fence Project (Ross)
Work on the back has been slow due to the heat and rain. We recently got confirmation from the MLT that we have the paperwork needed to make the sales tax-exempt purchase for the concrete, so that is no longer an issue.
Bartosz’s Resignation and Potential Return
At our garden meeting in May, Bartosz turned in his key, resigned, and left the meeting. This was witnessed by both Connor and Gina, who were present at this meeting. He was absent from the June meeting but attended the July meeting. He then disputed his resignation, saying he had only “suspended” his membership and had since decided to return. At the next meeting that he attends, we can discuss what requirements are needed for his return as a voting member. Additional volunteer and open hours were suggested, but this still needs another discussion on whether this requirement is necessary or if there is an alternative.
Connor moved that the organization accept Bartosz’s verbal resignation while still allowing his return as a full member if the conditions are set at a future meeting.
The motion was adopted.
Operations and Maintenance Committee (Al)
Al invited everyone to come in more often to help with sweeping and watering, which is essential for the garden to function. As the leaves start falling, we will have a lot of leaves to clean up. When the scaffolding is removed, we will probably need to clean up a lot, too.
Grants for Music
Gina asked about what grants we could apply for. We have applied for some in the past but have not received anything. She wants to pay the musicians for their work because we can only afford to hold volunteer-based events. CitizensNYC and City Parks Foundation were both mentioned. The GreenThumb publishes information about grants in its newsletter from time to time.
Agenda for the Next Meeting
Connor moved that the organization include the following items on the agenda for the September general meeting:
- September Live Music Series
- October Live Music Series
- Garden Chat Room Types
- Electronic Lock [Tabled]
The motion was adopted.
Connor moved to adjourn the meeting.
The motion was adopted.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm.
Our next meeting will be held on Monday, September 9th, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., starting promptly at 6:30 p.m.