Techno Report (Simone)
- Simone put together a packet with proposed improvements and suggests a microphone purchase for $500 to $700
- Reuben expressed concerns that the microphone will sit on the floor and pick up extraneous sounds
- Wade suggested checking in with regular Zoom attendees
- Vote to approve $750 for the purchase of a new microphone passed unanimously.
Bylaws Update (Wade, Douglas)
- Douglas proposed changes to the by-laws, specifically to Article 3
- If there is an addition of a Co-Dharma Teacher, the existing members of the board will go from seven to ten and the Co-Dharma Teacher will become a member of the board
- The Dharma Teacher and Co-Dharma Teacher are the exceptions to the rule of board members not receiving compensation
- Article 13 changes: Dharma Teacher, Co-Dharma Teacher and Senior Dharma Teacher – both will be ex-officio members of the board
- That the Dharma Teacher appoints successor
- This successor may begin to share responsibilities immediately, which makes them a Co-Dharma Teacher
- Last section introduces the idea of a Senior Dharma Teacher
- The Dharma Teacher and Co- would agree on the split of responsibilities, disagreements will be resolved the board.
- Compensation will be established in the Engagement Agreements
- Vote to make changes to the by-laws passed unanimously.
Guiding Teacher Report (Taigen)
- Taigen sent out a detailed account his activities as Guiding Teacher
- Taigen and Hogetsu will both be leading the Rohatsu sesshin
- Taigen will lead a PCP in the Spring
Rohatsu Sesshin (Taigen, Hogetsu)
- Several people are signed up for all five days
- People are welcome to sign up for any or all days on-line
- All morning dharma talks are available on-line
- Slightly over $4,000 from this sesshin
Remaining 2023 Schedule (Taigen, Hogetsu)
- Two students sewing rakusu on two dates in December
- After Rohatsu, we’ll have a new Sunday every six to eight weeks for Metta meditation and a dedication for world peace
- We are continuing our bodhisattva remembrance ceremonies
- On the 31st, there will be a New Year’s Eve program
- On the first of January, it will become the Year of the Dragon, we will have a sangha brunch, along with zazen, and also a temple leaving or farewell ceremony for Wade
Leadership Transition (Taigen, Hogetsu, Wade)
- We sent out ballots to 67 supporters, and 50 votes were returned.
- Votes were unanimous
- Next steps are to write up the employment agreement and have in place by first of the year
- Wade suggested he send an email the voters, and he is happy to take guidance for further announcements
Co-Guiding Teacher Compensation (Wade)
- The compensation committee (Alex, David, and Ko) suggests we offer a monthly amount for January, February, and March that would be more of a token of appreciation, rather than regular compensation
- Taigen’s contract starts in March is due to knowing better the results of the Year End fundraising campaign
- Hogetsu was willing to have the first three months without compensation, but the committee decided this would not be appropriate
- Taigen independent contractor and stipend is the appropriate term – he is employed, but not an employee and that will continue to be the arrangement, unless there is a major change
- The committee came up with $1,000 after hearing from Hogetsu. The committee will meet with Hogetsu to further discuss details.
Fundraising/YEL (Alex)
- Many people assisted, special thanks to Dylan and Taigen for writing YEL
- Mailed 230 copies
- Dylan, Amber, Gerrie, and Hogetsu helped prepare the mailings.
- Dylan, as Assistant Director, will be responsible for sending out thank yous and tax letters – in January and after January
Treasurer’s Report (David)
- CHECKING ACCOUNT
- Byline Bank checking account balance as of 12/3/2023: $90,934.74 (up $10,939.65 from $79,995.09 on 9/30/2023
- Since September 30 (previous Treasurer’s Report), we have had outflows of $12,627.74 and inflows of $23,567.39 for a net intflow of $10,939.65
- Ongoing monthly expenses (approx. $5,970/mo., slightly up from $5,962/mo. in previous report):
- Teacher parsonage: $4,256
- Rent: $900
- Storage and insurance: $425
- Webmaster: $250
- Zoom: $14
- Mailchimp: $125
- Notable other expenses:
- seminar commission $234
- PO Box $166
- rakusu and okesa fabric $166
- ADZG’s ongoing expenses + “notable other” account for over 95% of all outflows since the previous board meeting.
- BUILDING FUND
- Byline Bank Money Market balance as of 12/3/2023: $263,238.85 (up $1,803.20 from $261,435.65 on 9/30/2023)
- Since September 30 (previous Treasurer’s Report), we have had no outflows and inflows of $1,803.20 (two months of interest income at $888.39 and $914.81).
- MONTHLY SUPPORTERS: We have 62 active supporters representing $3,943 in November, up by $135 from October.
- David proposes alternative to paying for storage
- The board/sangha does not have a credit nor debut card. Proposal was made to launching a campaign to
- The PO Box is in Wade’s name, with the six-month lease coming up
- Mike will have Wade’s PO Box key
Board Elections and Presidency Vacancy (Wade, Beau, Taigen)
- Wade and Sara’s slots are up – Mark Splitt and Kevin Iverson will run
- Wade will send out ballots to give people two weeks
- Wade will not be the President and Board Chair
- Beau has offered to take up that role of the President
- Thank you to Sara and Wade for their service to the board
Sangha Care Committee (Sara)
- Sara will pass along the documents
- Sara’s sense in its current form there’s not the bandwidth to sustain it
- Wade suggests that we activate on an ad hoc basis
- Sara is happy to stay on the committee as the contact person
Promotions Committee (Taigen)
- Mark Splitt, Sophia, and Simone are interested in participating in committee development
- Wade expressed that promotions have improved by posting more
Health and Safety Protocols (Hogetsu)
- Flu season is escalating
- Hogetsu will test prior to events
- Taigen asks if there is anything in our health protocols which is new, and there is not