Submitted by Sarah Reimer
A recent conversation (with a non-co-op member) reminded me of the importance of community living. On one hand, society tells us it is much easier (and better) to simply worry about our own concerns and to do our own thing, but at the same time, it became apparent that such an attitude creates division, isolation, resentment and erodes respect for others. I feel so fortunate to live counter-culturally in a co-op with neighbours who also want to engage with the harder work of community living with benefit for all… it’s not always pretty or easy, but here’s hoping that we all feel more connected to each other and that we experience the benefits of working together. That’s enough waxing philosophical, I think.
Here is a synopsis of the work undertaken at our meeting on November 13, 2019.
We fielded a request from the Education committee to present an environmental crisis workshop event.
We continue to update the policy handbook based on member feedback as presented at the GM and via email.
Further member feedback is welcomed until Dec 1, 2019.
Expect re-issue of the handbook before the January 2020 GM. We aim for a late December distribution to allow for a close reading of this working document.
We continue to be challenged by the gap between our written guidelines and the corporate memory of how things have “always been done”. We understand that the board mandate requires us to respect the decisions made by the collective membership as represented in policy and by-law motions that have been voted in, and to ensure that our current and evolving practices reflect those stated decisions. This change isn’t always easy, and we hope to apply and receive grace and understanding as we all do our best to live cooperatively and in community.
We are working on the development of a procedural template for committees to follow when undertaking projects that affect the community as a whole.
Reminder that the lane between 3 St and 4 St blocks is an emergency vehicle access and turning lane and therefore is not available for member parking. We will engage the city to see if appropriate signs can be posted.
Work is underway to develop operating budgets proposals for 2020 and we reviewed these documents.
We still have one Board vacancy which we are currently seeking to fill. Please communicate your interest in serving on the board to the office.
Cooperatively yours,
Sarah Reimer
On behalf of the Board of Directors