HLS Caretaking Council Sunday, July 8 2018
Present: Mark Watson, Laura Silbernick, Colleen Brown, Dave Watts, Mike McGann, Mike McMahon
Absent: Gina Matkin, Beth Bross
The meeting was begun with a short meditation, a check in, and a reading of Thay's “Meditation before Meetings” (which we actually remembered about halfway through:-)
1) Review of Sangha Bylaws
A) Mark will check with a lawyer to advise whether or not we should include an
indemnification clause in the bylaws.
B) Discussion of previous decision to include dana for teacher in the retreat registration cost. Discussion of how to include those who can't afford the retreat, especially with this increased cost. It was decided to add this phrase to the bylaws: "Regardless of finances, no one who wishes to attend the retreat will be turned away". Item VII of Financial Policies and Procedures now reads: Retreat teacher dana shall be included in the registration fee. Regardless of finances, no one who wishes to attend the retreat will be turned away. Explanation of dana shall be provided prior to registration.
C) Amanda has graciously agreed to type and edit the final version of the bylaws. A copy of the bylaws will be kept in the Sangha information book, on the website, and by each of the Order of Interbeing Members.
2) Discussion of how often the CTC should meet. Currently meeting every month, the discussion was whether to meet only every other month. After some discussion it was decided that the monthly meeting is helpful in deepening our relationships and our practice together and it was agreed to continue meeting on a monthly basis. Because of a scheduling conflict at the Yoga Path, it was decided to begin meeting from 12:30 pm-2:30pm (previously has been 2pm to 4pm) pending the approval of council member Beth Bross who was absent (Gina Matkin had already approved the time change).
3) Payments to Yoga Path
A)Discussion of payments to Yoga Path for monthly and weekly HLS practice events. Despite a significant increase in HLS activity at the Yoga Path ( a weekly Friday evening meditation, a monthly OI pre-aspirant gathering) the amount paid has not increased from $260 (this represented payment of $200/month for Monday night meditation plus $60 for two other monthly activities). It was decided to have the finance committee take a closer look at HLS income, HLS activity at the Yoga Path and determine a fair and affordable monthly rental to be paid to the Yoga Path. The finance committee will meet within 3 months time and make a determination. Until an official decision is made, the CTC decided to pay an interim monthly fee of $500/month to the Yoga Path.
B) Discussion of possible conflict of interest with Mark, as director of the Yoga Path, being on the HLS board and being a payee of rent from HLS. Decision was made, due to lack of time, to return to this topic.
4) Discussion of whether HLS should continue to participate in the monthly e-talks given by Brother Chan Huy. The talks have been part of a monthly half DOM the sangha has been engaged in for several years. It was decided to discontinue the HLS participation in the etalks. Some possible alternatives were discussed regarding ways of doing the monthly half- DOM, and for having a dharma talk as part of the DOM, but nothing was decided upon, again due to time constraints.
5) Reciept of Treasurer's report. Balance in HLS account as of July 8, 2018 is $4621.37
The meeting was closed with a lovely reflection provided by Mike McGann.