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News at a Glanceby Nancy Ellegate The HWFC Board of Directors met on Wednesday, December 22. Finance The Finance committee’s current work on the budget, presented to the membership in January, was presented and specific items were discussed. One Board member asked if a sum would be set aside to make progress on a living wage for the Coop’s staff. There was considerable discussion of this. There is money allocated for a cost-of-living increase and an increase in wages, but not additional funds to meet potential living wage requirements. The Finance committee had not felt it wise to include such an allocation at this time. The Personnel committee is working on guidelines for a living wage and the allocation of funds among staff. However, this task has not yet been completed. After a December meeting between the Board and the Collective Management Team (CMT), it was recommended that while the work on the living wage project is ongoing that the Board allocate a lump sum toward progress on this goal, in keeping with fiscal prudence. Various opinions were voiced. Some Board members felt that in the interest of fiscal prudence, especially with costs for a potential move to a new store coming up, that the Coop could not allocate funds for this. It was noted that wages and benefits have improved at the Coop in recent years. Moreover, the Coop is continuing full health coverage for employees and their families at a time when many other employers are shifting more of these costs to employees. Others pointed out that the Coop is not near a living wage according to federal guidelines and that reaching a living wage is an important moral commitment. It was agreed that a formal plan will be written and presented to the Board recommending an amount that will help raise employees to a base living wage level with instructions on distributing these funds. Two Board members agreed to write a specific charge to the Finance committee for such a plan and deliver it to them by the end of December. Committee Governance A Coop member expressed concerns regarding the Governance committee’s draft amendment to the bylaws regarding committees. This member noted that since only the Board is elected, only the Board can constitute committees and that committees should not have the power to add or delete members. He also recommended that committees be small and efficient. The Board discussed these concerns but was not inclined to change the present committee system or the wording of the amendment. It was noted that there is enough overlap between committee membership and Board membership that various committees’ work is well known to the Board. Committees undertake assignments from the Board and their work frequently leads to recommendations for action. Committees do not make policy decisions. Contributions A Board member circulated information from Squash Hunger, a group whose mission is consistent with the Coop’s overall goals. The Board agreed that this group should receive a contribution from the Coop. In addition, the Board will look into further sponsorship of this charity. Shares There was discussion of how to ensure that all adult members of a member household have purchased a share. The Board will ask the CMT to require that all purchasers claiming a member discount show their Coop card or other identification that will allow staff to verify this. Verbal assurances should not suffice. Communications The Communications committee would like to develop a new logo for the Coop. Currently, there are several different logos. The committee would like to have one that is used consistently and suggested having a logo contest. The Board agreed. The committee also wants to evaluate the Coop web site and spend $300 from its budget for this purpose. The Board agreed with this expenditure. Nominating The Nominating committee has begun looking for candidates for the spring Board elections. Several Board members are serving on the committee and it was suggested that a representative of the staff and the membership at-large join the committee. Executive Session The Board met in executive session at the end of the meeting. Minutes Minutes of all meetings are available at the Coop. Minutes of the most recent meeting are posted on the bulletin board. Upcoming Meetings Board meetings are scheduled for the following Wednesdays: February 23, March 23 and April 27. Meetings begin at 6:15 pm and are held at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, Channing Hall, 405 Washington Avenue. Anyone planning to attend should confirm date, time and location. |
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