Alchemist

Alchemist CDC Board Meeting
Minutes August 8, 2006

Overview of Board Meeting

Committee Reports

The Advocacy committee meeting included:
Ethan Evans, Wendy Carter, Mary Helen, Kevin and Rebecca. Rebecca will check vacant lots by light rail to find out who owns them. Kevin is talking to RT to get other days free to ride the bus. Mary, Rebecca, Molly and Wendy went to a planning meeting for the city council. .

The Café committee included Nancy, John and Wendy.
Some of the questions discussed were how to go about starting a business in the Alkali Flat community. What is the business going to be? What can we do in the short term, and then long term to make it happen? The committee brainstormed ideas for the short term such as a farmer’s market with fresh fruit and vegetables that might bring people from the neighborhood and the capitol. We need to be responsive to the community. We can look at other successful models. This can be a catalyst to bring other businesses into the community.

The Fundraising committee meeting included Meredith and Wendy.
The committee suggested a party fundraiser with musicians, art and a DJ. People would pay at the door, possibly about $10, and buy their own beer and wine. We would have businesses donate. We can publicize with flyers. John will look into locations. Meredith will look into a beer & wine license. Lisa will check on a band and DJ. We can possibly have the party the next second Saturday which is Oct 14th . John and Meredith will continue to work on fundraising.

Special projects committee: Molly said that since there are no special projects at this time, she will help with the sustainable communities grant. Wendy will meet with Debra Ortiz to put the grant on the agenda. She will check with Bill Crouch on a contract.

Lisa recommended we change banks to Ironstone Bank because they don’t have fees and would be affordable for a small nonprofit. Wendy and Meredith will be the signers. Nancy witnessed the signature change.

Lisa completed the federal state and tax exemption forms. Rebecca made a motion to approve them. John seconded.

Fundraising: Wendy led the discussion on filling the board to twelve members. Need more discussion about fundraising and better connect to city politics. Wendy will check with the cooperative bank, and Molly will register with the government grant website.

We need a simplified message that we can put on flyers and use at fundraisers such as, “Making redevelopment work for low and moderate income residents in the central city.”

posted by Alchemist  # 9:27 PM