HONEY LOCUST SANGHA CARE TAKING COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Our CTC meeting took place on August 12, 2018 at the Yoga Path from 12:30 -2:30 pm.

CTC Members present: Mark Watson, Mike McMahon, Colleen Brown, Dave Watts, Laura Silbernick, Amanda Zasada, and Elizabeth Bross.
CTC Members absent: Gina Matkin, Mike McGann

We began with a brief sitting meditation, check in, and the reading of Thay’s “Meditation before Meetings”.

The first agenda item discussed had to do with the group Elders for the Earth request that the HLS consider becoming one of a number of ecumenical sponsors for their fall retreat. Elders for the Earth is a group for people over 50 years of age striving to form constructive responses to issues affecting the environment.  After a respectful and thoughtful dialogue we voted unanimously to invite a member of that group to speak briefly to the sangha during a dharma talk led by Mike McMahon on Thay’s teachings regarding our precious planet. We also approved putting their annual retreat information on our Facebook page and list serve. The term “sponsorship” could be researched or investigated, however, it was decided not to “sponsor” any outside group at this time.

The second agenda item was an update on the By-Laws Indemnification clause.  Mark recommended that we not have an Indemnification clause in the By-Laws. It is possible to add the clause into an amendment of the By-Laws in the future. We voted unanimously to not have an Indemnification Clause in our By-Laws at this time.

The third agenda item was an update on the possible conflict of interest with Mark serving as the president of the Yoga Path, and on the CTC. Due to the fact that the HLS is utilizing “Fair Market Value” in renting space from the Yoga Path and that is adequately documented, this is not an issue.  Colleen read a compassionate and thoughtful email submitted by Gina in support of Mark remaining on the CTC. Mark will continue on the CTC and Finance Committee.
The treasures report was accepted and approved.  It will be inserted in the book available to all sangha members on Monday nights which contains the sign-up for the list serve.

The Finance Committee Report was reviewed and discussed. It was decided that there will be an increase in rent to the Yoga Path ($325/month) which is well below “fair market value”.  Mark recused himself from voting on this matter at the Finance Committee meeting. Members of the Finance Committee are Dave, Laura, Mark, Priya, and Steve. They will investigate the possibility of using the services of a non-profit agency that helps other non-profits, and continue to consult with Wendy Cooley at Seim-Johnson to clarify status of 2017 taxes.
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Several agenda items were tabled. Mike McMahon closed with a reading from The Song of the Bird, Arab Aspirant.
The Honey Locust CTC met, discussed, and parted in harmony.
Our next CTC meeting will be September 9, 2018.