Board Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 9:39 AM. Move & second to accept unread the minutes of the June 19, 2021 General Meeting PASSED

1. Vice President’s Report
   • Before the meeting, Donn discussed with the potluck coordinators whether to hold a potluck at the August 14 General Meeting. They are not comfortable yet with open food, multiple food handlers, potential crowding, etc. They suggested the December meeting as the first date potluck may be possible. The delay to December was presented as a motion, and PASSSED. We agreed instead to offer the membership to “Bring your own picnic” at 12:30, before the General Meeting. Ed will ensure there is bottled water, Ron will set up the sound system and the sign-in instructions poster for this meeting.
   • Donn asks that a Volunteer Coordinator (hours awarded) be selected to organize volunteers for general tasks like setting up and breaking down the meeting area. Phase Reps and Andy will compile a list of possible members who can be relied on to do these tasks.
   • Ron noted that in the year of limited contact, confusion and conflicts over some of the OVF basic principles arose. He offered to present a short “traffic school” type 30-minute presentation covering (perhaps) five topics. One hour of work credit would be awarded. At a low-news General Meeting, he might present one rule of broad application as well. We agreed in principle, and Ron will tell Andy when he is ready to proceed.
   • Donn asked whether governance responsibilities in being a Board Member can be presented at a future Board Meeting. Tanya volunteered to locate an attorney with expertise in non-profit management to be a resource.
   • With reference to the June 19 meeting, Donn thanked Scott Friedman for requesting a tool inventory (see below), and Tanya for obtaining the many tomato plants for the membership, as well as Steve Brown for identifying a new invasive weed.
2. Officers Reports
   • Gardenmaster
     1. Tools Inventory (see below)
     2. The tractor is fixed; a rubber track was replaced
     3. Manure shredder needs a new voltage regulator, will be replaced
     4. A flowering plum tree was removed from Phase IV. This excellent firewood has been cut to size and placed next to the Dumpster.
   • Treasurer:
     1. Water bill was very high, see below.
   • Membership:
     1. Five new applications were turned in, bringing the wait list to 366. We have 423 current members, and 2 individuals hoping to become associates.
   • Education
     1. While it is the season for Tomato Tasting, it may not be practical to hold the event. Andy will discuss with Dean Cleverdon.
   • IP Monitor
     1. All IPs but one (weedy) are assigned. Radana and Gale are assisting Tanya in reviewing and identifying Independent Projects needing clean up.
     2. Now that General Meetings are restarted, Tanya will follow up to ensure half of IP fruit crop is made available to membership.
   • Phase Reps (comments and questions)
   1. Janet notes escalated theft in her area; please add as an agenda item to General Meeting. The viability of security cameras as now set up will be reviewed with the help of Ed and Bob Galion.
   2. Ed advised that Angel is available for hire to build plot walls. As he speaks primarily Spanish, requests can be forwarded through Ed to Ramon for Angel.
   3. Ed advised that Joseph Schlitt can assist with gopher and other rodent trapping.
   4. Frank had been managing the memorial plaques in the meeting space; Ed will take over to add the most recent members who passed.
   5. Andrew noted that Upper Phase I has a lot of bindweed. He asked that the two olive trees near Gate 1 be trimmed as they shade the plots. Ed will have this done. The Eucalyptus won’t be trimmed for another year.
3. Old Business
   • Erin Jones and Scott Friedman stepped up in a big way to do the tools inventory. They labeled all OVF tools (banded them with red tape), and cleaned up the tool shed. Ed now has a list of needs to review, and will decide what to purchase. Board Members may move any “found” red-banded OVF tools left in plots or IPs to the shed.
   • Invasive Goat Head Thorns in Phase III noted by Steve Brown at the General Meeting 6/19 were successfully removed.
4. New Business
   • We need to determine how to use less, and possibly to pay less for water, our largest budget expense. Ed and a crew will start by checking that the meter isn’t still running when the garden is empty after sundown to rule out broken pipes. Andy will investigate further on whether a lower rate class is available from LADWP. No further rate adjustments are anticipated. Additional steps:
     1. Ensure that work orders are written for plumbing needs
     2. Phase reps should examine every hose bib in their phase for leaks. IP plots also should be inspected.
     3. Phase reps should advise their members to clear and keep the hose area weed free.
     4. Ed and Sarah will ensure that the row end water shut off valves are clearly marked.
     5. Any shut-off valves found in disrepair will be replaced.
     6. Donn, Angie, and Janet agreed to form a subcommittee to follow up on water.
   • Andy will troubleshoot the communication issues with Earthlink and other ISPs. Donn volunteered to locate a communications coordinator who will triage website email and route it to the appropriate person for handling.
   • Masking policy is consistent with the LA Department of Recreation and Parks policy posted at www.laparks.org/covid-19-information.
   • A list of prohibited plants and weeds is being compiled. Andy will put together a final document with our input.
   • Les proposed that the Board appoint Donn as President through the term (to April 2022). We agreed.

The next General Meeting is Saturday, 8/14 at 1 PM, with a bring your own picnic at 12:30

The next Board of Directors meeting is 9/18 at 9:30 AM in the meeting area.

Ocean View Farms 2021 Budget