April 24, 2006

April 24, 2006

ATTENDING: Dianne Austin, Delyth Balmer, Carol Blotter, Mary Grannan, Susan Klimist, Ann Barden

There is a folder in the DSC office with copies of past reports. Please keep your board book current.

Minutes from the March board meeting were read and approved.

DISCUSSION ON NEXT STEPS IN REGARD TO SHARING SPACE WITH INTERFAITH

• Board reviewed the Decision Making Policy.
• Possible procedural options were discussed.
• It was determined that the next appropriate step was for the board to decide the question of whether or not to pursue sharing space with Interfaith.
• Each board member shared openheartedly about how they saw this possibility fitting for DSC at this time.
  • Information gathered through survey, the visioning process, and Sangha meetings were noted.
  • Interfaith has been patient but requests a decision by May 15.
  • DSC's internal communication has been strained and needs loving attention before we are ready to partner with another organization.
• A decision was reached to not share space with Interfaith at this time.
  • Ann will draft a letter stating our process, reasoning, and decision.
  • It will be edited and shared with Barbara, board members who were not in attendance, and David Bell.
  • It will then be emailed to both DSC and Interfaith communities.

OTHER ITEMS

• There was discussion of the Board Presidency, which will continue at the next board meeting.
• Carol gave the treasurer's report.
• Possible dates and formats for the future board retreat were discussed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Archive Committee
  • The archive committee recommended that Barbara's talks on cassette tape be transferred to an external hard drive with copies on DVD for back up for preservation purposes.
  • They have budgeted monies for a 300-gigabyte external hard drive and appropriate software.
  • The board approved the expenditure.
     
• Retreat Committee
  • The March beginner's retreat held at Steiner in Ann Arbor was a great success.
    • Feedback and exit surveys were very positive.
    • It was at maximum with a waiting list.
    • The opportunity for both residential and commuter options was seen as an asset.
  • Steiner has been secured for March 07 with an option for 08.
  • The June 06 retreat will be held at Colombiere.
  • The June 07 retreat will be held at Emrich.

NEXT BOARD MEETING: May 22, 2006 at 7:00 pm.
Meeting adjourned at 9:35 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Dianne Austin