Easy Does It
Board of Directors Meeting
Minutes for October 25, 2001

Present: Jonah Markowitz, Leslie Gordon, Hale Zukas, Jonathan Gold, Rose Acampora, Jesse Townley, Peter Trier, Todd Groves, Winston Ching, Miya Rodolfo-Sioson, (Trent and Mike from Iowa for first 30 minutes)

Meeting started at 6:40 P.M.

Public Comments

Peter: November of next year the voters of Berkeley have to confirm (Measure xx) Emergency Services. We need to be supportive.

Approval of Minutes

August 8: To pay Hazel Turner $14 per hour …. to be assistant TO THE executive Director.

August 16: extending the contract with Jesse to December 31, 2001; there followed some discussion on Jesse's letter MENTIONED IN AN ARTICLE in the Daily Planet.

September 20: It was noted that the quality of BOARD MEMBERS was more important than the number.

Peter made motion to approve minutes; Winston seconds; Motion passes with Todd and Jonathan abstaining.

Agenda

Peter: makes motion to approve agenda with changes (SUS report moved to after development committee; removal of Disaster Report); Winston seconds.
Motion passes.

Presidents Report

Read aloud by Jesse. Worked with Jesse and Rose about disgruntled clients; we need an organizational plan. I'd like to have a meeting on Sunday December 2; I would like to resign from the SUS committee if there is a replacement. Schedule next meeting for Thursday, November 29; Discuss client fees. Recommendations for new ED.

Peter proposes meeting on November 29. Jonathan seconds. Motion passes.

Peter: Need 3 members of the board on SUS committee. Current members are: Hale, Leslie and Peter. Need to find someone to replace Leslie.

Leslie is willing to stay on until they find a replacement for her. Will send around a list of committees and ask for volunteers.

Peter: Motion to request the President to have a planning meeting on December 2. Winston seconds. Motion passes.

Executive Director's Report

Jesse: Disaster Registry has gone through some changes. A lot lower tech then plans last year. We have forwarded a list of people who need immediate attention to the fire department. However fire dept has made it clear they'll be going to hospitals, schools, freeways, etc., first. Our responders will probably be the first ones there. We'll be working with emergency services. (City Hall, North Berkeley Senior Center will be disaster centers.)

Rose: Went through 9 months of bills. Coming up with major discrepancies in bills from B&G. Between $200 and $700 per month. Jesse and Rose will meet with B&G next week. Haven't paid the last 3 bills. Researching other services.

Jesse: EAP: Employee Assistant Plan. Outside vendor who provides outside counseling with all employees. Would like to give to executive committee to look over.

Jesse: former ED Nicolas put together building blocks for a newsletter to go to clients, public. Give ideas, contributions to Jesse and Erin.

Jesse: Meal policies Employment Opportunities. October 1: mandated that employers give 30 minute unpaid meal break during 5 and 8 hours of work; important that it is put into affect ASAP. Needs Board approval; plan already in affect for salaried employees. It would only cost us if attendant didn't have a 30-minute break. As long as they take calls.

Peter: Motion to approve this proposal for 6 months. Todd seconds. Motion passes.

#27 on ED report: clarifications on current policies. Jesse read aloud some of these.

8:05 Jesse leaves.

Secretary's Report

Jonah: I have enjoyed being secretary. As proof tonight, we are down two board members. If rest of board wants me to continue, I will.

EC & Development Report

Leslie: EC report was mailed to the Board. The Development Report will be emailed.

SUS Report

Peter: A client came before the committee who was limited to 12 calls. It was decided to give that client 30 calls. Leslie and Peter agreed to pay client's fees out of private funds. Paid 10% for this person.

Peter: set a figure for the client, which is higher than 25 calls. We wanted to let the board know what we did.

Time Sensitive Items

Rose: Surplus materials - Jesse went to a seminar on a program that will give non-profits office equipment. Before we can get any free goods, we need the board to authorize the ED.

Peter: I move that the ED go ahead. Jonathan seconds. Motion passes.

Rose: Pre-scheduling report: Pre scheduling works well when fully staffed, but when not fully staffed it's problematic. I don't think it's wise to have the policy sometimes and other times not have it. There followed a discussion on pros and cons of pre scheduling.

Peter: Motion: we will continue pre scheduling. The ED has discretion to temporarily discontinue pre scheduling if staffing is not sufficient to meet the demand.
Leslie and Winston oppose but motion passes.

Miya left at 8:30 P.M.

Dental Benefits

Rose: Current dental plan is one year after employment. The budget has it to 90 days, but board has not approved.

Jonathan moves to approve; Peter seconds. Motion passes.

Election of Officers

Jonathan nominates Leslie for President; Peter seconds. Motion passes.

Leslie nominates Peter for Vice President; Jonathan seconds. Motion passes.

Jonathan nominates Hale Zukas for Treasurer; Peter seconds. Motion passes.

Jonathan nominates Dina for secretary; Winston seconds. Motion passes.

11B: Budget Modification

Personnel issues left deficit in legal fund; money for equipment was moved into legal fund to cover costs. It has already gone to city council. Jonathan read Jesse's letter to Errol Johnson.

Peter moves to approve request; Todd seconds. Motion passes.

Search Committee: Hale, Leslie, Jonathan, Peter and Todd.

Peter: Motion to adjourn. Jonathan seconds. Motion passes.

Meeting ended 9:10 P.M.

Notes taken and submitted by: Susan Parker