Prepared by Anthony Farrell, MFC Secretary
Location: Summerfield United Methodist Church
Minutes approved on December 15, 2016
Board Members Present: Nya Taryor, Ryan Schone, Catherine Draeger, Tim McCollow, Tony Farrell, Kristen Fledderjohn, Bonnie Halvorsen, Stephanie Calloway, Damian Coleman, Tatiana Maida, Antoine Carter
Board Members Not Present: Martha Davis-Kipcak
Quorum Established.
Meeting begins at 8:50am
8:50am to 9:30am – Discussion of Full Meeting Flow
Principles for Creating a Culture of Inclusivity suggested by Anthony Farrell
Speaking from Personal Experience
Don’t assume your experience is universal. When speaking, use “I” statements and speak from your own experience.
WAIT, or why am I Talking?
Before speaking, ask yourself if you are talking to forward the conversation, or if it is for some other reason. Attempt to forward the conversation and add to the group each time you talk.
Step up/Step Back
If you normally talk a lot in groups, hold back before speaking up and allow space for more shy or reserved people to speak. If you don’t normally talk a lot, consider speaking up more so your voice can be heard
Create a Judgment-Free Zone
It is easy to fall into the role of judging others in the group. To create a space that is safe for everyone, try to listen with an open heart and practice non-judgmental listening and sharing. Refrain from gossiping about other group members.
Permaculture Ethics
Care for the earth, Care for the people, Return the Surplus; Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share
Honor Commitments
Attendance and participation in meetings and what you’ve signed up for.
Be mindful of the time by sticking to the agenda and show your commitment and respect by being early.
VOTE: Motion to adopt Principles for Creating A Culture of Inclusivity by Bonnie, Seconded by Antoine, passes unanimously.
Invited guest Bruce Wiggins arrives @ 9:30am
Discussion on Board Elections Timeline and Process
Six seats up for election in January – Stephanie, Ryan, Tatiana, Kristen, Tony, Tim
Board nominations committee is Kristen, Damian, Tatiana, will attempt to recruit board members that can help fill skill and inclusion group gaps on board
Timeline is send out notice by email, talk about at Nov meeting, nominations due by Dec 15th, email list of nominees to members 30 days ahead of election.
We will process membership registrations the day of the election; have to pay on the spot to be eligible to vote.
VOTE: Stephanie – Motion to adopt timeline and process for board elections on yearly basis, Kristen Second, passes unanimously
Discussions on Budget Policy and Financial Expenditure Policy
Budget Policy suggested by Executive Committee
Fiscal year runs January to December
In November, Treasurer and Committee Chairs will draft next year’s budget and send out ahead of the December board meeting
In December, the board will discuss and adopt next year’s budget
At every board meeting a current financial update will be provided by the Treasurer
At every annual full meeting a financial summary will be provided by the Treasurer
VOTE: Stephanie – motion to adopt budget policy, second bonnie, passes unanimously
Financial Expenditure Policy suggested by Executive Committee
Regularly occurring, budgeted expenses will be handled by the Treasurer
Non-budgeted expenses require board notification (1 week minimum whenever possible) and executive committee approval
President and treasurer are account signatories with single signer checks and at least one debit card.
VOTE: Stephanie – motion to adopt money spending policy, second ryan, passes unanimously
Discussion on Advocacy Policy
Advocacy Policy suggested by Executive Committee
If any policy, legislation or other action arises which is requesting or has the interest of MFC support, MFC members and friends are notified for any comments and considerations toward the MFC stance or position on it.
Final endorsement or statement, if any, needs to be approved by the board.
Determined further discussion is needed on advocacy policy, will be had in the future, no vote was held.
Full Meeting Agenda Policy suggested by Executive Committee
Meeting begins with Principles for Inclusion and reminder of limited time together
General meeting format is 1/3 of meeting is intro and announcements, 1/3 meeting business of Milwaukee food council, 1/3 meeting bring in somebody who can speak to a lot of our interests, however this format may vary based on needs, especially at annual meeting
Standing Agenda items currently include statement of inclusion, MFC committee updates, community announcements, strategic partners (Ex. CIUAN and City of Milwaukee)
Full meeting agenda requests are subject to board notification (1 week minimum whenever possible) and executive committee approval.
President prepares full meeting agenda.
VOTE: Stephanie – move to adopt meeting agenda policy, bonnie second, passes unanimously
Discussion on Fundraising Policy
Determined more discussion is needed on fundraising policy, no vote was held
Discussion on Nya Taryor working for UW-Madison on collective impact project due to possible conflict of interest, agreed to move forward on having Nya take lead on collective impact discussion groups in partnership with MFC.
Invited Guests Mary Glass, Rich Cooper arrived @ 11:05am
Discussion of City of Milwaukee MOU VS Food Policy Task Force
Board heard concerns of Mary Glass and Rich Cooper regarding Food Council initiatives impacts to the public in Milwaukee and inclusivity.
Motion to adjourn @ 11:45am by Nya, Seconded by Bonnie
