Board of Directors

Regular Meeting -- May 17, 2020

The Board of Directors held its regular monthly meeting at 2007 Bert Avenue, Austin, TX 78704, starting at 2:30 pm. The following directors (constituting a quorum of the full board) were present at the meeting: President Kathy Lee (via Zoom), Secretary John McGarey(via Zoom), Treasurer Penny Chambers (via Zoom), Lia Nelson and Kim Pillsbury.Ê Robert McGarey (Executive Director)Êwas also present.

Reading of Mission Statement and Approval of Minutes

The Mission Statement was read aloud at the beginning of the meeting.

Executive Director's Report

COVID Updates. Bingo closed so we will not get bingo for the forseeable future.Ê So there is probably $5000 that we could have not paid but the Governor said no so we will have to pay it.Ê

Attendance at meetings: Bobs decision as executive director is that he is going to stay as best as he can unexposed until vaccinated.Ê All workshops will happen via zoom.Ê This probably means having the center closed off for people to visit until the middle of 2021.Ê One of the painters (David?) has not worn a mask when inside but they will not let that happen anymore. Ê Devin has rolled eyes but Bob has found people who are 70 are 40 times as likely to die if infected than people who are 29. Ê

finances. $7,700 in the bank after expenses.Ê Two months ago we had 6000.Ê In spite of everything we are moving forwards financially.Ê Insurance has some strange payment schedules Bob has been prepaying insurance payments and will probably pay 1500 next month and be done paying insurance for the year.Ê

AHP Websites and Bob. The missions are aligned but they are not the same organization however Bob feels he has let the center down by neglecting the center.Ê He has resigned the board due to things that made him crazy on the board.Ê As he is back he will only do things that have a consequent benefit for the center.Ê This will help bring attendees and members to the center.

Volunteers and Employees. Angela is not working out and not doing her job so Bob is doing her job while she is getting paid.Ê Cuff is not going to fire her right away but has sent a strongly worded email.Ê People are interested to volunterr for financial data entry however there need to be COVID-19 protocols respected.

Assertiveness workshop went well on Zoom.Ê It was different but surprisingly the same.Ê People could relax and get a drink when they needed.Ê There is a difference and in person is preferable because its hard for the leader to feel the groups energy but thats a relatively small detriment. Ê

Donations. There were some donations from members which were matched by apple. Ê

Renters. This situation is going ok.Ê The arrangements and contracts for the Blossom room had to be cancelled due to COVID-19.Ê Its no longer something we have to offer.Ê One was refunded.

Computers. Panorama is doing ok.Ê Its functional.Ê DNS was changed over and seemed to cause problems.Ê Computer ordered for delivery in March has not arrived and has been refunded and another will be found and will have to be reordered. Bob moved our email sending to a webserver and deliverability has improved dramatically.Ê Bob created an SPF record and a one click unsubscribe button to improve deliverability.

Community Outreach. With goal of creating emotionally healthy community there is a dilemma since we have stopped seeing people.Ê Bob has been working hard on the technical issues with computers and deliverability and hasn't spent much time reaching out and would like to continue creating emotionally healthy community and is noticing that we are doing less than we were in terms of creating community.Ê On the other hand just by being available by zoom its clear that we are here and live and thats creating community.Ê Email deliverability specifically works to create this. Ê

Member Outreach. Members calling other members is a good idea to keep the community strong.Ê Penny suggested that if when we talk to people if they need help with something we could reach out to the group (although not personal information) and that if we could share personal information and anecdotes thats more engaging.

Painting the Building. Bob planned to show us the building just after the board meeting.

Since there was no further business the meeting was adjourned at 3:56PM.

Minutes submitted by John McGarey, Secretary, May 17, 2020.