Sustainability Alliance of SW Colorado
Board Meeting
July 10, 2008, 5:30 PM
City Council Chambers, Durango, Colorado
Attending: Carol Clark, Laurie Dickson, Jim Dyer. Werner Heiber, Linda Ilsley, Rebecca Koeppen, Laura Lewis Marchino, Katy Pepinsky, Marcus Renner, Tom Riesing, Denise Rue-Pastin, Dick White
Missing: Lisa Mastny
Observing: Kim Herb, Kristen Muraro, Tim Wheeler, Juliet Whitfield
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 5:43 PM BY DICK WHITE, CHAIR
Introductions
The group introduced themselves around the table. Werner was announced as the time keeper to remind us of time and keep us on track. Dick mentioned that the Executive Committee will look at a contingency plan. He mentioned that Lisa’s absence the last few months to be with her mother, brought it to the forefront. He apologized for the poor newsletter. Laura agreed to take the meeting minutes in Lisa’s absence.
Executive Committee Update
Sustainability Column
Rebecca said the Durango Herald appears interested in having a monthly Sustainability Column. She had a list of ideas that were initially presented to Bill Roberts, but welomed the group to email her if they had ideas or were willing to contribute writing an article. Dick said that he, his wife Faye Schrater, and possibly Lisa could serve as an “editorial board” for the articles before they are submitted. They are also looking into doing a monthly DCAT program in the future.
Sustainability Gala
Gala is in October in Denver and there will be sustainability awards for “noteworthy groups”. Rebecca suggested nominating SASCO. She also mentioned Katrina Blair with Turtle Lake.
Interns
If SASCO is interested in having a Fort Lewis College intern, they need to submit their interest. This could be done through Kalin Grigg’s office, the Environmental Center or through the work study program. Dick suggested an intern working on a non-profit address list though they will brainstorm other projects.
Financial Update
Tom passed out the attached update on the financials. The report shows $1435 in income this year thus far. Tom divided the funds by “earmarks” requested by the individual donors. Dick said that SASCO when merging with SWCRES agreed to contribute some of their funds to 4CORE. Since the organization has hired and executive director, Dick requested that a contribution of $1000 now be made. Tom made a motion and Carol seconded that the resolution be approved. The motion passed with all in favor.
LOCAL Update
Dick discussed the progress of the LOCAL Steering Committee and the need for a resolution giving them authority for their funding. The initial resolution raised some objection as it seemed to imply that all board members on the Committee had to all agree. There was discussion that that might slow down decisions if they had to reach consensus. Jim asked whether that would be micromanaging by the SASCO Board. The group did agree that at least 1 board member needed to be part of the LOCAL committee and it was also mentioned that the Board members on the LOCAL committee should be responsible for staying informed. Jim also mentioned that Tom was a member, and as Treasurer would be involved with the group, at minimum through check requests. Laura made a motion to the resolution and Werner seconded the motion. After discussion, the motion was amended by Laura and seconded by Katy. Final motion was made by Dick and seconded by Jim. That motion passed with all in favor.
Juliet, the recently hired coordinator for the LOCAL project outlined her activities to date. She began work in June and is putting together a website and utilizing the Business License list given to her by the City of Durango. She is basically contacting businesses and trying to get their email if they are interested in participating so she can forward them more information. She said she will get the board’s email to keep them informed and also to request businesses they might know that would be interested in participating in the Local Coupon Book. Carol asked if she could include a handout or information about the project. This program is based after a successful on in Fort Collins and businesses would put a coupon in the book for $125 and narrative for $300. The public could purchase the book for $12 at local businesses. She hopes to have 30 sellers. She is looking at graphic designers and PR. Laurie said she would be willing to work with the group to utilize any of archived photographs from her former business. Linda volunteered to cook at the launching party. Jim is working on a local food map for the back. Marcus said the book will hopefully be completed by Thanksgiving. They are hoping to raise enough money to support a LOCAL business organization. There are 18 founding members that pledged money for the organization. Carol said she has a chamber mail list the group can use.
Green Expo
Carol referred the Board to her proposal that was distributed to all Board members prior to the meeting. She and her partner, Kristen, would like to hold a first Green Expo at the Fairgrounds, April 18-19. Carol said space is limited elsewhere and it is the closest date to Earth Day. Other benefits are it is a shoulder season, and schools are still in session Carol discussed the activities around the event such as a Green Fashion and art show. They just returned from a similar event in Chicago. Laurie mentioned that it is the weekend after the Home & Ranch show, which would definitely affect her if not other vendors. She also mentioned that it takes time to get vendors to be comfortable participating, as an event needs a track record. Carol outlined that the Sustainability Alliance would get a percentage of the proceeds and volunteer the day of the event, but the other work would be done by their business. Her business would utilize the 501c3 status and take on the risk if the event does not do well. Laura asked that the group make a motion to pursue this. Kristen said that they need to know in September at the latest.
Dick made the motion and Rebecca seconded that the resolution to explore this event be pursued. The motion carried with all in favor.
Proposed Budget to City and County
Dick provided background about SASCO’s request for City funding last year and the result that the group decided to support funding for 4CORE. Applications for city/county funding are quick approaching and Dick wanted to get some ideas of what project(s) to put forward. He provided a list of several activities that have been mentioned in their various meetings. He stressed that the County plans to change the way they view and give funds saying it must fit into their La Plata Compass. He will be attending the Compass meeting and hopefully get more information. The City block grant funding is organized by United Way. Dick said he talked with United Way’s Director Tim Walsworth, and can reapproach him once we have some ideas to forward.
Laura started the review of the list saying in her opinion, the project must impact a large number of people (broad-based) and felt the Summit, LOCAL or economic multiplier would fit that. Rebecca advocated that the Green Leadership Series, saying it was broad and that Wally White and Joelle Riddle seemed supportive of the idea. There was discussion about duplication and would the GLS look to be duplicative for Leadership La Plata? Dick said that the perceived duplication of the two local programs last year, hurt when funding decisions were made. Marcus provided the “back story” about this idea. There was also discussion about whether you could fund more than one project? The group wasn’t sure and also how that might be interpreted. Tim Wheeler brought up that 4CORE will likely be seeking funding and that we need to recognize that they are a competing interest.
The LOCAL campaign was discussed and Tom suggested talking to Jack Llewellyn with the Chamber about him making that presentation for both programs and demonstrate their cooperation. There was also mention about the resource Guide for the County and the LOCAL campaign and support for those projects. Jim said that in a meeting with Renee Parsons and Michael Rendon, the idea of a local food festival was suggested and it was implied that it was fundable.
Kim talked about other funding options through the Colorado Energy Office and Energy Impact grants through the County. Project ideas are being sought by July 18 for that. Carol asked if we could pick our top three by email. It was agreed to drop the economic multiplier study from the list. Dick will compile some of the funding criteria so that the board and evaluate what projects best fit that criteria. Tom suggested submitting several projects making clear our priorities among them. The deadline may come up fast and may need an additional meeting. The funding is dispersed after January 2009.
Meeting Review
The group really liked the meeting efficiency and the agenda. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30pm as scheduled. The group asked about adding announcements to the agenda. The limit would be 2 minutes a person. Announcements included: Econ Home bringing in a water systems designer on July 15. Dick will be presenting on a greenhouse gas climate panel also on Tuesday at 7 PM. Denise asked if anyone planned a candidate’s forum that focuses on sustainability issues. She also mentioned that SOS is planning a fundraising event in October. Werner reminded everyone that Green Drinks would be Wednesday, the 16 at Cocina Linda. Laura mentioned that she has a petition for a Colorado Housing Investment Fund if anyone was interested in helping to get that on the ballot.
Resolutions
That the Board of Directors authorizes the Treasurer to disburse $1000 of the funds of the Southwest Colorado Renewable Energy Society (SWCRES) to the Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency, to fulfill the SWCRES recommendation for this purpose and in accord with the Memorandum of Understanding governing the merger of SWCRES with the Sustainability Alliance of SW Colorado.
That the Board of Directors delegates the LOCAL Steering Committee responsibility for administration of the contract with the Project Manager, and, in conjunction with the Treasurer, for collection and disbursing funds related to the LOCAL project.
That the Board of Directors endorses in principle the proposal from the “Planet Event Company” to organize a Four Corners Green Expo with the Sustainability Alliance as partner, host, and beneficiary; and that this endorsement will be confirmed no later than Sept. 15, subject to approval of more detailed plans and financial arrangement.