The HWFC Board of Directors met on Wednesday, November 17, 2004.

By-laws Changes

A member of the Governance committee presented two possible revisions to the by-laws. One concerns the composition and succession of members of the Governance committee. The other involves the composition of other committees, their membership, and the role of the committee's Board liaisons. With minor changes to the second of these, the Board accepted these changes. The proposed new by-laws will now go to the Coop membership for a vote, probably at the April General Membership Meeting.

Membership Meetings

The Board President asked the Governance committee to consider an additional change to the by-laws: reducing required membership meetings from four to three. This was suggested at the recent membership dinner, where a meeting was held to satisfy the requirement for four meetings, but there wasn't a particular agenda that needed to be addressed. It was requested that a proposed by-law change be prepared for consideration by the membership at the April meeting.

Discussion of Committee Membership

A member of the Governance committee asked the Board to consider committee structure and membership of committees. Since members receive work credit for committees, this can be considered a fiduciary matter. Perhaps committees should not consist of anyone who joins, but should be a set size with members selected. There was much discussion. It was noted that this is a consideration of efficiency versus maximizing participation. Some committees, such as the Strategic Planning committee, very much want to maximize participation as part of their goals. It was noted that it is often hard to find people willing to serve on committees and even, at times, the Board itself. The Board will take no action on this until there is an opportunity to discuss this with the membership coordinator from the Collective Management Team.

Finance

The Finance committee is working on the budget for the coming year. The budget will include funding for a part-time (15 hours per week) administrative assistant for the Board president and Board. One question remaining is how to distribute the $4,000-$5,000 that will be set aside for charitable giving. The Board needs a process to guide decisions. One of the Board members will make some recommendations at the next meeting.

Marketing

A draft marketing plan was distributed. Board members will review it and provide feedback.

Strategic Planning

The committee is looking at possible new store sites. The committee reported that it visited two sites that showed promise: the former WRCA building off Watervliet Avenue and the Playdium bowling alley on Ontario Street. Both sites appear to have more potential than the others seen previously. In its most recent meeting, the committee felt the WRCA building held the most promise overall.

Communications

The Coop Scoop has affirmed that they would like an article from a member of the Board for each issue. Lynne will write the next one, on the current state-of-the-move issue; Ginny will write an announcement of the January budget meeting.

Minutes

Minutes of all meeting are available at the Coop. Minutes of the most recent meeting are posted on the bulletin board.

Upcoming Meetings