Sudbury Valley Co-Housing Meeting Notes

Meeting Minutes

1. Background on project: Linda Zimmerman

2. Short Introduction of group members: (in order of introduction)

   Jim McPhillips/Keri Kamperman
   Janet and Joel Perlmutter
   Laura Kutney (introduced Michael Kutney not present)
   Dave Belfer-Shevett/Scott Blake/Catya Belfer-Shevett
   Andey Amata-Kynvi (introduced Lisa Kynvi not present)
   San Tunstall/Kai von Fintel
   Linda Zimmerman

3. Decision Making: After a short discussion and clarification the group decided to try consensus for 2 months and then re-evaluate the process at that time. The idea of a fallback (2/3 or ¾ vote) was also discussed and will be brought up at the next meeting.

4. Membership: A discussion on dues, voting privileges was begun. After uncertainty on these issues, it was decided that more research would need to be done on how others have handled these issues. This was delegated to the membership committee (see below).

5. Committees: Individuals volunteered their time for specific committees. Names are listed below. For your specific task, please consult a member of your committee who was present at the meeting.

• Coordinating: San, Laura, Robyn and Linda
• Membership: Janet, Linda
• Finance: Catya, Laura
• Marketing/Web: Michael Kutney
• Site: Jim, Joel, Robyn, Michael
• Building/Design: Michael, Robyn
• Professionals: Michael, Jim, Linda
• Legal: ________________
• Diversity/Affordability: San, Andey
• Children’s Interests: Emma :)
• "Executive" Secretary: Keri

6. Mission Statement: A copy of a Mission Statement drafted by the Coordinating Committee was presented to the group. A number of changes were made and are being updated by Laura for the next meeting. It was decided that questions or comments about the Mission Statement should go to Laura and Michael.

7. Initial Organizing Agreement (IOA): A copy of an IOA drafted by the Coordinating Committee was presented to the group. It was stated that the group would address this document further in the next meeting and everyone was urged to read it over and make revisions. Members were asked to rethink the name of the group (Sudbury Valley) and bring suggestions for a change to the next meeting. A suggestion of 100% of childcare fees being covered by the group (a change from 50%), was also brought up and briefly discussed and clarified. It was suggested that someone (Robyn if possible) look into the estimated cost of childcare for the group vs. the estimated dues suggested. It was suggested this topic be brought up again at the next meeting. Dave offered to bring in Homeport’s Charter and other start-up documents as samples for the next meeting. Questions or comments about the IOA should be brought to San and/or Robyn.

8. Fixed Meeting Schedule: A consensus was reached on holding meetings every other Sunday. A time was not agreed upon, but the hours of 3:30pm – 6:30pm were discussed. It was suggested that a dinner be held (potluck, pizza etc.) after the work meeting was finished. A number of suggestions for future sites were made and are being looked into by the Laura and the Coordinating Committee.

9. Future Agenda Items: Site, Group Name, Membership ideas from other groups, Childcare costs at meetings, Social events (February at Joel and Janet’s, March at Dave, Catya and Scott’s), Homeport’s Charter, etc.