Meeting was held in the Back Hall.
Members attending: Bob Vosburgh, Derek Takerer, Fireweed, Mike Nestor, Sheila Nopper, Veronica Timmons, Max Matilpi, Rae Eckel,Karl Goodwin, Bob Parsons, Ron Sakolsky, Barb Heywood-Jones,Herb Jones, Ron Dobie and Charlie Johnston (Co-facilitators), deNeen Baldwin (note taker)
Agenda:
1. Final discussion on details of the Basis of Unity including Consensus Decision
Making
2. Field Management: Seed Potatoes, Drainage Question
3. Finances: 2010 Cost Estimates, Bank Account, Membership, Grant-in-Aid
4. Member Presentations:
(i) Fireweed, advocating for animal byproduct-free growing in the SPUDS patch, and
(ii) Barb, on non-fossil fuel gardening
5. Next Meeting
1. Basis of Unity
At the January meeting, the Basis of Unity was adopted in principle. After some discussion and minor changes, we are happy to report that the Basis of Unity, including using the consensus method of decision making, was adopted by the co-operative.
This culminates several months of discussion and effort. Although we have been using consensus at our meetings for some time, it is good to establish common ground and it is essential to our continued progress. See the additional attachment for details.
2. Field Management:
Seed potatoes for this year’s planting were picked up by Max near Victoria and are being stored at Bob Parsons for the moment. If mice prove to be an issue, we may
have to make alternate arrangements. Concern was expressed at the lack of diversity in planting only one variety of potato; while realizing that for this year research showed this to be the best option, the group hopes for more diversity in future.
The issue of ditching to deal with the wet side of the field was discussed. Timing is key as the excessive water is only a problem in early spring; planting later in that area might resolve the issue, or other methods of planting. It was agreed to not dig ditches for the moment as the situation needs more research.
3. Finances:
Bob Vosburgh presented the following research on 2010 Cost Estimates:
Cover crop- clover $13/kilo 12 k/acre $160
Hay Mulch $5 per bale
Valve for Cistern $40
Wnter peas 22 k bag $80
Innocolant $6.00 kilo bag
Fall Rye 55 lb bag $31.99 2 bags per acres $64
Rye-pea blend $51.95 per bag $104
Seed potatoes 150 lb- $290 $290
Plow and rototilling
Mike reported:
the Old Balance (in our checking account as of December 31, 2009) as: $ 352.67
Outstanding bills as: $ 280.50 (for 2010 potatoes)/ and $ 40.00 (room rental for the Feb. 7th meeting)
an Outstanding Deposit of: $ 25.00 (family membership received)
providing a New Balance of: $ 57.17
NOTE: Not reported at the meeting, but requested by Mike as an addition to his financial report in the Minutes is the following:
Missing Bank Statements-- SPUDS is still missing the first 14 statements (from January, 2008 – February, 2009) for its bank account. Replacement copies can be obtained at the cost of $35.00 to (at $ 2.50 per statement.) Given current finances, Mike is not recommending this action be taken now, but reporting that these documents would be useful in helping clean up our accounting from 2008 and 2009.
Rae reported on the member survey she conducted by phone in order to determine which past members would be rejoining us this year, which indicated that we need to increase our 2010 membership to cover our costs. Our current membership, as of Feb. 7th, is 11 (10 family; 1 individual) Last year total membership was 20.
The Communications Committee will put together an article for the Grapevine and Flagstone to invite new members and update the community on our adopted Basis of Unity. The group agreed it would be great to have younger members with strong backs.
The price of membership was revisited to make it more accessible. We agreed to introduce a sliding scale, recommending Individual memberships be $15 and Family/Group memberships pay $25. It is important to convey that if someone is interested, not to let lack of money be a barrier to joining.
Grant In Aid: After discussing pros and cons of receiving money from the Regional District, the group authorized Charlie Johnston, Herb Jones and Mike Nestor to meet and fill out the application (and to use their names as nominal President/VP/Treasurer for purposes of this grant, due in late February). A copy of the document will be kept on file for future reference.
It was suggested that relying on grants was not in keeping with our sustainability tenet and that, at some point, the Co-operative needs to stand on its own without possibility of compromise. It was also suggested that because we’re “not there yet”, that the leverage of financial assistance in the short term could have long range benefits.Agreed that overall funding is a larger discussion for another time.
4. Presentations:
The speakers were afforded 10-15 minutes each, with discussion to follow.
Fireweed provided several reasons for SPUDS consideration concerning her proposal (Sept. 09) that the Co-operative eschew the use of manure (and other animal products) in the field.
She included environmental and ethical issues, highlighting inherent advantages in maintaining SPUDS as a stock-free growing opportunity and educational model, from both a local and global perspective.
Fireweed is happy to make a transcript of her presentation available to anyone interested who was unable to attend.
Barb spoke about sustainability, farming versus gardening, and the damage rototilling does to the soil.
When we discussed the Basis of Unity, Barb proposed using the term “gardening” rather than “farming” as she feels that the connotation of “farming” is that it legitimizes machinery used by the few for food for many. The membership present agreed to replace “farming” with “growing” where applicable, in the Basis of Unity.
Barb read an article which explained how rototilling works well initially but releases too many nutrients the first year which are leached over subsequent years; then the soil turns to dust. In the end, she says, rototilling is not sustainable.
In the discussion which ensued, concern was expressed about how those of us in our 50’s and 60’s and beyond, may or may not be physically able and/or willing to grow potatoes using hand tools only. The question of whether or not we would want to consider non-human animals as beasts of burden if fossil fuels are no more was also raised. Fireweed stated that her original proposal would be amended to included “animals”, as well as “animal manure and byproducts”, for clarification.
Both member presentations were intended for information and discussion at this meeting only, and so no decisions were made.
5. Next Meeting
Rae researched meeting places and the upshot is that the School Library is best for a standard 2 hour weeknight meeting at $5 per hour and the Conservancy room at the Old School would be best for a weekend meeting at $15 for a morning, afternoon or evening. These are venues suitable for those members with chemical sensitivities.
The next meeting will be held on Sunday, February 21st, at 7 pm at the Old School.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Minutes fo January 13th, 2010
Meeting was held at Ron and Sheila’s house.
Members attending: Bob Vosburgh, Derek Takerer, Fireweed, Mike Nestor,
Sheila Nopper, Veronica Timmons,
Ron Sakolsky and Charlie Johnston (Co-facilitators),
deNeen
Agenda:
1) Cooperative Management:
Field Issues: Potato Seed Order, Field Management 2010
2) Committee Reports
Communications, Budget, Financial
3) Basis of Unity
4) Next Meeting
What to include:
- Basis of Unity and Consensus;
- information and discussion about growing potatoes without the
use of animals or animal byproducts in the field, as well as the
issue of fossil fuels
Potato Seed Order-
The amount of seed potatoes required depends on how much area of the field we intend to cultivate this year. Based on selling whatever we don’t use, Veronica ordered
150 pounds; in order to keep our books straight, it was proposed that the SPUDS cheque to Across the Creek Organics pay only for the potato co-op’s needs, rather than mixing in other purchasers. Both Fireweed and Veronica have been researching the type of seed potatoes available and Seglinde seems the only organic ones we can get at a reasonable cost which are not scab prone. So the group decided 150 pounds is the appropriate SPUDS order.
Field Management 2010-
Charlie, Derek and Mike met to discuss strategy on field use and Mike reported on their
findings. It was suggested that we adopt a 4 year Crop Rotation Plan by dividing the field into four quarters. The upper right quadrant, No. 1 (closest to the barn) would be planted in 2010, the upper left quadrant, No. 2 (closest to the driveway) would be planted in 2011. The lower right quadrant, No. 3 would be planted in 2012, and the lower left, No. 3 (closest to the gate) would be planted in 2013.
Each section is roughly 30 feet by 85 feet. It was determined that one section could offer the same amount of planting as we had last year by tightening up the rows.
The right side of the field is usually very wet in the spring. Discussion ensued on
the idea of creating a ditch to divert water and what that would entail. Using the upper
right quarter would work providing the wet is not overwhelming. The group agreed we would use a 4 year crop rotation plan.
(the maps made available to the membership on the email attachments do not translate to the blog)
Committee Reports:
Budget:
Mike listed the items for budget considerations which will determine what is possible this year:
1. Cover crop
2. Seed potatoes
3. Hay bales for mulching
4. Water – free fills?
5. Rototilling costs
6. Valve for cistern
7. Option B will cost more in cover crops and digging or rototilling
8. Winter Peas and innoculant
9. Irrigation piping status
It was agreed we needed a working group to research costs and bring the information back to the group. Bob Vosburgh volunteered for this task, with Charlie checking on #6.
Finances
Applications for the Grant In Aid program from the Regional District need to be in
in late February. Veronica will ask Herb to see if he will do it.
Communications:
Fireweed reported that deNeen, Sheila and Rae met informally to discuss the flow of information for the co-op, and the following was shared:
Notes of thanks for various contributions over the last year have been sent by Rae and Fireweed. Appreciations were noted.
deNeen proposed that Note taking for the meetings circulate to others in the group with an appointed backup from the communications committee to help and ensure it gets completed within a week to ten days. The group agreed.
Sheila will put together a binder of all SPUDS documents to be kept in the library as the free post is being overloaded. Veronica to pass on previous hard copies for this record.
Fireweed will provide additional info and photos also permanently archived on the blogspot.
deNeen and Rae will call existing members who have not paid their 2010 membership fees to determine if they would like to continue to be part of the co-op and also if they want to receive emailed information.
Basis of Unity:
It was proposed that at this meeting the group would tweak the draft statements, post the results through the blog and at the free post, and if there was no dissent, the Basis of Unity would be adopted at the next meeting. Charlie clarified that in the Consensus
method of decision making, when important decisions such as this are adopted at a meeting, it is adopted in principle but finally (formally?) adopted at the next meeting.
The group has adopted, in principle, the Basis of Unity. See the accompanying insert at the bottom of this post.
Next Meeting:
The Basis of Unity, including using the Consensus decision making process will be brought forward for ratification by the membership. For a refresher on consensus, visit the following- also accessible here on the SPUDS blogspot in the Links column (short excerpt in italics below)
What is consensus? http://www.seedsforchange.org.uk/free/consens
Consensus is a decision-making process that works creatively to include all persons making the decision. Instead of simply voting for an item, and having the majority of the group getting their way, the group is committed to finding solutions that everyone can live with. This ensures that everyone's opinions, ideas and reservations are taken into account. But consensus is more than just a compromise. It is a process that can result in surprising and creative solutions - often better than the original suggestions.
Proponents of non-fossil fuel use and animal free agriculture are asked to make a 10 to 15 minute presentation to inform members about their concerns. No decision on these matters will be made at this meeting.
The next meeting is proposed for Sunday, February 7th at
Monday, January 11, 2010
Next Meeting, Wed. Jan. 13, 2009
Just to confirm, there is no meeting date change for our next gathering. It will take place at the home of Ron and Sheila at 4062 A Wren Road, with Ron and Charlie co-facilitating.
Here are at least a couple of topics that will be on the agenda for sure:
Seglinde potato seed has been ordered, but your input is needed in regards to other seed potato options given limitations under discussion.
The development of field management plans for 2010 and beyond has begun. Mike, Charlie and Derek will be sharing several proposals they have put together for the membership's consideration.
Also, we will look at the Basis of Unity as it has evolved to date.
Everyone's input is valuable, so the cooperative can function as inclusively as possible with timely decision making. We've come a long way practising the consensus process model, building our basis of unity. Suggestions on how best to incorporate input from members unable to attend meetings they would like to as we move ahead into the next growing season are welcome.
Here are at least a couple of topics that will be on the agenda for sure:
Seglinde potato seed has been ordered, but your input is needed in regards to other seed potato options given limitations under discussion.
The development of field management plans for 2010 and beyond has begun. Mike, Charlie and Derek will be sharing several proposals they have put together for the membership's consideration.
Also, we will look at the Basis of Unity as it has evolved to date.
Everyone's input is valuable, so the cooperative can function as inclusively as possible with timely decision making. We've come a long way practising the consensus process model, building our basis of unity. Suggestions on how best to incorporate input from members unable to attend meetings they would like to as we move ahead into the next growing season are welcome.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
SPUDS MEETING MINUTES
for Friday, December 11, 2009
Tonite’s meeting also doubled as a seasonal SPUDS celebration complete with tasty treats and refreshments. Thanks to Bob and Carol for hosting!
In attendance: Veronica Timmons, Herb Jones, Barb Heywood-Jones, Fireweed, Mike Nestor, Ron Dobie, Maxine Matilpi, Charlie Johnston, Bob and Carol Vosburgh, DeNeen Baldwin, Ron Sakolsky, Sheila Nopper, Derek Taneker
Minute Takers: DeNeen Baldwin and Fireweed
Facilitator: Ron Dobie
AGENDA :
1. Bookkeeping (update from Mike)
2. New Business
- (a) potato ordering (Veronica)
- (b) grant information (Fireweed)
-PARTY BREAK-
3. Basis of Unity – the Soil
4. Test for Consensus around Consensus Process Decision-Making
5. Next meeting details
……
1. Bookkeeping
Mike Nestor has replaced Corinne as a signatory for SPUDS bank account. Veronica and Brian Miles were the other two signatories according to bank records. Mike clarified that he is willing to assist with bookkeeping for SPUDS, but would like a team approach as he doesn’t have time to help with fundraising/grant applications, etc.
Mike received some of SPUDS receipts from Corinne, but we’re still missing 14 bank statements. Please see second email attachment if you are receiving these notes that way (or hard copy for those not on computer)for detailed report by Mike also advocating clear protocol on how expenses are authorized and greater transparency for SPUDS financial matters.
In short for the blogspot:
Bank Balance: $642.64
Owing: $239.47 (cover cropseed expense reimbursement)
$402.67 (expected balance after above payment)
11 members have paid their membership fees for 2010 so far. We had 22 paid memberships in 2009, up from 18 in 2008.
Cheques can now be written directly to SPUDS (OR Cascadia Food Security Project).
Fireweed proposed that Veronica receive reimbursement for her personal purchase of cover crop seed for fall planting, and that SPUDS adopt the policy of vetting future purchases through the group prior to expenditure. Consensus Noted.
It was also recognized by the members that advance budget planning is important.
2. New Business
(a) Potatoe Ordering: Veronica reported that the opportunity to order seed potato again through the same bulk purchase of certified organic seed we got in on last year, if we do it ASAP. Last season we purchased 150 pounds@ $157.50. Discussion determined that 2/3rd of what was ordered last year will likely be more than enough for the area suitable for planting in Spring 2010. Last year’s low Yukon Gold yield was noted. White Rose, Seglinde or Kennebec were suggested as preferred choices for the next planting. Interest in purple potatoes was raised, but Derek explained that it was in the best interests of soil health to avoid planting either red or purple skinned potatoes, given their propensity for scab and the evidence of some scab already in last year’s harvest. Veronica was mandated to go ahead and make the order since there would not be time for a group meeting for further discussion if we don’t want to miss the deadline for the shared order direct from Across the Creek Organics in Pemberton.
UPDATE: Since this meeting, Veronica discovered that only the Seglinde we want is available from this particular source, and is placing an order for 50 pounds of this one variety, leaving us the option of finding another type elsewhere if possible and the group wants more variety.
(b) Grant Availability: Fireweed reported news of a grant from the Investment Agiculture Foundation of BC for “development of sustainable agri-food sector”, with a Dec. 31st deadline for applicants. Veronica volunteered to research the grant, see if we would qualify if it looks useful, and make an application. It was suggested that if Veronica were to go ahead and fill out an application that anyone interested provide feedback before submission. Veronica agreed to make her findings known by Dec. 18th and Fireweed agreed to post relevant details on the blog if a grant application were to go foreward.
UPDATE: Veronica’s research determined that the grant in question was not applicable to SPUDS interests so no further action has been taken.
Discussion around the potential use of grant monies, brought up discussion about the need for a different type of attachment on the water tank, as requested by the Fire Department for greater ease of refill. Charlie Johnston volunteered to find out what the actual cost of this item will be and to report this to Veronica by the 20th, in case we want to reference the need for this item in any grant application.
It was noted that if sustainability is an important focus for SPUDS, then perhaps applying for grants contradicts this notion. Other thoughts suggested that taking selective advantage of appropriate financial assistance may help us reach that goal sooner than later. Members agreed that grant applications generally require good record keeping and budget outlines. With assistance from Derek, Mike and Charlie will come up with budget outlines for the group’s consideration at our next meeting in order to move ahead with planning for 2010 and beyond. Veronica’s timeline/task sheet will be helpful in developing some potential scenarios weighing both labour and financial resources.
PARTY BREAK!
Given that the original plan was to focus only on our Basis of Unity at this last meeting of 2009, it was agreed that tackling new business BEFORE our party was a great idea!
3. Basis of Unity: The Soil
Group work on this section concluded with Sheila Nopper volunteering to tighten up the wording further and forward to Fireweed for posting in the minutes here and on the blog.
Here it is:
SOIL (draft 3 – Dec 14/09)
Members will care for the soil by not using pesticides, toxins or any harmful substances on or in the soil [with consideration to COABC standards].
The soil will be amended, weeded, planted, and the crop harvested at the appropriate times on a continuing basis so as to improve the health, fertility, and tilth of the soil.
Any further needs or issues for the soil will be discussed and determined by the members.
Sheila has also provided a link to the COABC standards on line for general reference.
http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/organics/organics_industry/section6.pdf
4. Charlie proposed that testing for consensus on the consensus process be deferred to the next meeting with more members hopefully in attendance. Fireweed asked if we wanted to do an informal temperature check on the topic with those present through a simple show of hands. This informal test showed unanimous support for the consensus model.
5. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 13th, 7:00 pm. Susan Marie’s house was suggested as a possibility, with Ron and Sheila’s as backup.
UPDATE: the location is not confirmed as of January 4th, but should be shortly.
Charlie and Ron Sakolsky will co-facilitate.
OLD BUSINESS: Fireweed made a last minute proposal that some extra potatoes currently stored by Bob Vosburgh go to Mary Lang, as a small gesture of our appreciation for her introduction last fall to the consensus decision making model. Those present were in favour, and the potatoes have since been delivered and appreciated!
Tonite’s meeting also doubled as a seasonal SPUDS celebration complete with tasty treats and refreshments. Thanks to Bob and Carol for hosting!
In attendance: Veronica Timmons, Herb Jones, Barb Heywood-Jones, Fireweed, Mike Nestor, Ron Dobie, Maxine Matilpi, Charlie Johnston, Bob and Carol Vosburgh, DeNeen Baldwin, Ron Sakolsky, Sheila Nopper, Derek Taneker
Minute Takers: DeNeen Baldwin and Fireweed
Facilitator: Ron Dobie
AGENDA :
1. Bookkeeping (update from Mike)
2. New Business
- (a) potato ordering (Veronica)
- (b) grant information (Fireweed)
-PARTY BREAK-
3. Basis of Unity – the Soil
4. Test for Consensus around Consensus Process Decision-Making
5. Next meeting details
……
1. Bookkeeping
Mike Nestor has replaced Corinne as a signatory for SPUDS bank account. Veronica and Brian Miles were the other two signatories according to bank records. Mike clarified that he is willing to assist with bookkeeping for SPUDS, but would like a team approach as he doesn’t have time to help with fundraising/grant applications, etc.
Mike received some of SPUDS receipts from Corinne, but we’re still missing 14 bank statements. Please see second email attachment if you are receiving these notes that way (or hard copy for those not on computer)for detailed report by Mike also advocating clear protocol on how expenses are authorized and greater transparency for SPUDS financial matters.
In short for the blogspot:
Bank Balance: $642.64
Owing: $239.47 (cover cropseed expense reimbursement)
$402.67 (expected balance after above payment)
11 members have paid their membership fees for 2010 so far. We had 22 paid memberships in 2009, up from 18 in 2008.
Cheques can now be written directly to SPUDS (OR Cascadia Food Security Project).
Fireweed proposed that Veronica receive reimbursement for her personal purchase of cover crop seed for fall planting, and that SPUDS adopt the policy of vetting future purchases through the group prior to expenditure. Consensus Noted.
It was also recognized by the members that advance budget planning is important.
2. New Business
(a) Potatoe Ordering: Veronica reported that the opportunity to order seed potato again through the same bulk purchase of certified organic seed we got in on last year, if we do it ASAP. Last season we purchased 150 pounds@ $157.50. Discussion determined that 2/3rd of what was ordered last year will likely be more than enough for the area suitable for planting in Spring 2010. Last year’s low Yukon Gold yield was noted. White Rose, Seglinde or Kennebec were suggested as preferred choices for the next planting. Interest in purple potatoes was raised, but Derek explained that it was in the best interests of soil health to avoid planting either red or purple skinned potatoes, given their propensity for scab and the evidence of some scab already in last year’s harvest. Veronica was mandated to go ahead and make the order since there would not be time for a group meeting for further discussion if we don’t want to miss the deadline for the shared order direct from Across the Creek Organics in Pemberton.
UPDATE: Since this meeting, Veronica discovered that only the Seglinde we want is available from this particular source, and is placing an order for 50 pounds of this one variety, leaving us the option of finding another type elsewhere if possible and the group wants more variety.
(b) Grant Availability: Fireweed reported news of a grant from the Investment Agiculture Foundation of BC for “development of sustainable agri-food sector”, with a Dec. 31st deadline for applicants. Veronica volunteered to research the grant, see if we would qualify if it looks useful, and make an application. It was suggested that if Veronica were to go ahead and fill out an application that anyone interested provide feedback before submission. Veronica agreed to make her findings known by Dec. 18th and Fireweed agreed to post relevant details on the blog if a grant application were to go foreward.
UPDATE: Veronica’s research determined that the grant in question was not applicable to SPUDS interests so no further action has been taken.
Discussion around the potential use of grant monies, brought up discussion about the need for a different type of attachment on the water tank, as requested by the Fire Department for greater ease of refill. Charlie Johnston volunteered to find out what the actual cost of this item will be and to report this to Veronica by the 20th, in case we want to reference the need for this item in any grant application.
It was noted that if sustainability is an important focus for SPUDS, then perhaps applying for grants contradicts this notion. Other thoughts suggested that taking selective advantage of appropriate financial assistance may help us reach that goal sooner than later. Members agreed that grant applications generally require good record keeping and budget outlines. With assistance from Derek, Mike and Charlie will come up with budget outlines for the group’s consideration at our next meeting in order to move ahead with planning for 2010 and beyond. Veronica’s timeline/task sheet will be helpful in developing some potential scenarios weighing both labour and financial resources.
PARTY BREAK!
Given that the original plan was to focus only on our Basis of Unity at this last meeting of 2009, it was agreed that tackling new business BEFORE our party was a great idea!
3. Basis of Unity: The Soil
Group work on this section concluded with Sheila Nopper volunteering to tighten up the wording further and forward to Fireweed for posting in the minutes here and on the blog.
Here it is:
SOIL (draft 3 – Dec 14/09)
Members will care for the soil by not using pesticides, toxins or any harmful substances on or in the soil [with consideration to COABC standards].
The soil will be amended, weeded, planted, and the crop harvested at the appropriate times on a continuing basis so as to improve the health, fertility, and tilth of the soil.
Any further needs or issues for the soil will be discussed and determined by the members.
Sheila has also provided a link to the COABC standards on line for general reference.
http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/organics/organics_industry/section6.pdf
4. Charlie proposed that testing for consensus on the consensus process be deferred to the next meeting with more members hopefully in attendance. Fireweed asked if we wanted to do an informal temperature check on the topic with those present through a simple show of hands. This informal test showed unanimous support for the consensus model.
5. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 13th, 7:00 pm. Susan Marie’s house was suggested as a possibility, with Ron and Sheila’s as backup.
UPDATE: the location is not confirmed as of January 4th, but should be shortly.
Charlie and Ron Sakolsky will co-facilitate.
OLD BUSINESS: Fireweed made a last minute proposal that some extra potatoes currently stored by Bob Vosburgh go to Mary Lang, as a small gesture of our appreciation for her introduction last fall to the consensus decision making model. Those present were in favour, and the potatoes have since been delivered and appreciated!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Meeting January 13, 2010
Happy New Year everyone! Our inaugral SPUDS meeting of the New Year is scheduled for Wednesday evening, January 13th. Stay tuned for location details, etc.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
SPUDS Minutes- Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Members attending: Barb Heywood-Jones, Herb Jones, Karl Goodwin, Ron Dobie, Bob and Velda Parsons, Sheila Nopper, Bob Vosburgh, Ron Sakolsky, deNeen Baldwin, Rae Eckel, Mike Nestor, Charlie Johnston, Fireweed, Veronica Timmons, Peter Bickel-Janes
Co-facilitators: Mike and Fireweed, Time keeper: Rae Eckel, Speakers List keeper: Herb Jones, Minutes: Veronica Timmons
Agenda:
(1) Old Business
A.- Bob’s thoughts
B.- Cards- condolensce card for Marjo, and thankyou notes to SPUDS allies
C.- Farm Plan Update
D.- Book-keeping
E.- Communications
(2) New Business
A.- Linnaea Farm Update
B. -Water
C.- Soil Testing
D.- Funding
(3) Basis of Unity
Revisions Updated- Community Building, Sustainability, Group Process, Ethics
(4) Topics for Upcoming Discussion
(5) Next meeting, Co-Facilitator Selection
……….
(1) Old Business
A. Bob’s thoughts/Field issues
-Bob Parsons was invited to share a written submission he made a few weeks ago about the necessity of maintaining the field’s fertility. Entitled, The Soil, these thoughts had already been posted here on the right hand side of the blogspot). Bob elaborated on the current state of the field, which members attending the previous meeting, Nov. 11th, were also already apprised of. Full details can be found in the last minutes.
Bob P. added that the absence of earth worms is a concern, stressing the need for additional humus, e.g. seaweed. A group of members will gather seaweed and put it on the land.
-Bob Vosburgh suggested that we don’t let the cover crop go to seed in the future, given the difficulty of moving the tangled pile of rye plants recently relocated for mulch to the lower end of the field. (again, see the minutes for Nov. 11th, for details)
B. Cards
Rae and Fireweed will work on getting thankyou cards out to anyone who has assisted SPUDS and hasn’t already received a formal appreciation: the Fire Dept. (water), the Scrutons (hay), Anne and Larry, Jane and Patrick Fawkes (apple juice), Ironwood Farm (inoculant), Mike Lindsay (ploughing). Anyone else?
C. Agriculture Plan Update
The Islands Trust is initiating an Agriculture Plan for the island and seven islanders are volunteer members on the Steering Committee, including SPUDS members Peter Bickel Janes and Fireweed. Anyone interested in links provided to the Steering Committee members regarding Farm Plans in other communities can contact Fireweed directly. She will also act as a liason for SPUDS, keeping members abreast of the activities of the Committee.
D. Book-keeping/Financial Update
-deNeen announced receipt of the cheques and chequebook, formerly held by Corinne, along with a spreadsheet documenting 2009 income and expenses. deNeen plans to retrieve additional materials from Corinne soon.
-Veronica is awaiting reimbursement of $230 for winter pea seed she purchased for cover cropping.
-Mike will assist with book-keeping and he will replace Corinne Bjorge as a signatory on SPUDS bank account. Mike will go to the Credit Union to get the signing authority changed.
-The membership present approved Mike Nestor replacing Corinne Bjorge as signatory for Cascadia Food Sustainability Projects.
-Grant in Aid: Herb suggested that we apply again for the Regional District Grant In Aid.
E. Communication
Fireweed asked if members are getting their minutes before they go to a meeting. She reiterated that anyone interested is welcome to assist with helping keep communications flowing smoothly in a timely fashion. The minutes are sent to the membership of the whole after they are put up on the blogspot. Sheila asked for the minutes to also be sent as an attachment to the email announcing the blogspot posts so they can be more easily printed out for those that want to do that. Sheila will make sure the FreePost copies are available to those not on computer in advance of subsequent meetings.
(2). New Business
A. Linnaea Farm
-Fireweed provided an update on the Linnaea Farm Potato Coop system. They are on a four year rotation. Members pay $20 for a Linnaea Farm membership plus $50 per family for the Potato Coop Membership ($30.00 for individuals)
-The coop has been operating since 1984.The harvest is abundant, using almost exclusively green manure and cover cropping. (Pigs were brought in one time to clean up leftover potatoes, and a couple of years ago they amended the soil with rock phosphate and magnesium). Sections are sometimes left fallow. Favorite cover crops are
- Regarding SPUDS crop rotation, Bob Parsons suggested that we divide the field into thirds to enable us to get a better yield. He has seed potatoes that can be used next year. Fireweed suggested that a four year rotation would be preferable, depending on membership numbers and yield expectations from the area available to us for cultivation.
- Potato Preferences and Yield: Some members commented that they liked the Seglinde and
-The importance of addressing crop rotation, planting plans, etc, with more time for deliberation was duly noted. These topics were deferred to another meeting.
B. Water
Herb said that Peter Marshall of the Fire Dept. has requested that we purchase a Forest Valve that goes on the bottom of the cistern to enable them to fill the tank more easily. Herb will research cost and supplier and report back.
-Charlie mentioned that his loan of irrigation equipment to SPUDS may or may not be temporary in the short term.
C. Soil Test
-Rae has purchased a kit from Art Knapps and will share it with SPUDS. A discussion ensued about when and where to test the soil. Rae will test the field this winter and again later in the spring for comparison. She will report her findings.
D. Funding
(3). Basis of Unity
The group discussed the drafts of the Basis of Unity Statements that follow in red and black ink. The most recent revisions are highlighted in red. For previous drafts in their entirety, please refer to previous minutes posted here on the blogspot. Number 3. (Soil) is in green because it has not yet been discussed by the group. It is a revision, however, of Velda’s original draft.
We want to build community by providing affordable access to land where we grow potatoes in an enjoyable, safe, welcoming environment. We strive to encourage and nourish the cooperative participation of a diverse intergenerational group of people with various skills, perspectives and physical abilities. Together we hope to celebrate our harvest and eventually share the overflowing bounty with the broader island community.
2. Sustainability (Draft 3 – Veronica)
Sustainability to the SPUDS Co-operative means that we will:
a) whenever possible, source supplies locally, use organic seed, compost and fertilizers
b) use the best farming practices that do not harm the soil, plants, people, animals or the ecosystem as a whole
c) increase the yield of the production to ensure an organic potato supply for the future
d) work toward maintaining a membership level commensurate with the yield ability of the field
e) sustain the membership through regular communications, education and other events
f) maintain a harmonious and respectful working relationship with each other, the community and the Dharma Fellowship/Hermitage Board
g) maintain financial sustainability
3. Soil (Draft 2 – Bob and Velda – to be discussed on Dec. 11th)
a) members will care for the soil by not using pesticides, toxins or any harmful substances on/in the soil
b) the needs of the soil will be determined and discussed by the members and met in the best possible way
c) the soil will be amended, weeded, planted and the crop harvested at the appropriate times according to nature’s cycles and the weather
4. Education (Draft 3 - Veronica)
a) We encourage members to learn about organic farming, potato growing, how cooperatives operate and to share skills.
b) We will track our activities and their outcomes through reporting and record keeping.
5. Group Process (Draft 2 – Fireweed)
a) We strive for equality and inclusivity by sharing responsibilities and practicing power-with (rather than power-over) in our deliberations, decision-making and actions.
b) Before speaking we pass our words through the “Three Gates:”
- are these words true?
- are they necessary now?
- are they kind?
6. Ethics (Draft 2 – Mike)
SPUDS seeks to be a non-commercial, non-profit endeavor. Any revenue will be reinvested in the activities of the collective.
(4). Topics for Upcoming Discussion
The following topics were identified as needing to be discussed and agreed upon in upcoming meetings
* methods of growing potatoes
* petroleum product use
* animal products
* decision-making process
Shiela proposed that the membership decide on our decision-making process at the next meeting.
(5). Next meeting
Friday, December 11th, at
Ron will be one facilitator, with Herb as a backup if Ron is unable to attend.
The agenda will be limited to discussion around the final sections in our Basis of Unity, including SOIL, and deciding on our decision making process so we have time to add some seasonal socializing to our last SPUDS meeting of the year. Members also agreed to bring vegetarian (or vegan) party fingerfoods to share!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Venue Change for Nov. 24th Meeting
Tuesday, November 24th's meeting space has been changed from Bob and Carol's home to Ron and Sheila's. The address is 4062 A Wren Road.
To find it, turn right on the next driveway past Susan Marie's place. Follow that road up to Jane and Patrick Fawke's Farm (lovely blue gate partially constructed with branches).
Just after Fawkes Farm is a small rise. Make an immediate right at the top of that rise or you may will end up at the wrong place (another Sheila's house!)
To find it, turn right on the next driveway past Susan Marie's place. Follow that road up to Jane and Patrick Fawke's Farm (lovely blue gate partially constructed with branches).
Just after Fawkes Farm is a small rise. Make an immediate right at the top of that rise or you may will end up at the wrong place (another Sheila's house!)
After making that right turn you should see Ron and Sheila's garage right away...
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