ECOV Board Meeting Minutes – June 15th 2013
ECOV Board Meeting Minutes – June 15th, 2013
Mission Statement: ECOV (Earth, Cows, Opportunities & Villages) is dedicated to cow protection, sustainable agriculture, self-sufficiency and simple living — all centered around loving service to Sri Krishna, as envisioned by the ISKCON New Vrindaban Founder-Acharya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
Participating Members of the ECOV Board of Directors: Anuttama, Chaitanya Mangala, Kripamaya, Madhava Gosh, Navin Shyam, and Ranaka.
Participating Project Managers: Rafael
1. Deity flower garden / Trees & berries / Temple & Lodge garden beds
Deity flower garden
Rafael reported that more volunteers are needed to help in the garden, but otherwise the project is going on nicely, and he is greatly encouraged by Mother Vidya’s enthusiasm. He said the G7G irrigation system will also be functional soon.
Trees & berries
Rafael indicated that these two items are significantly different in terms of maintenance needs. The trees are spread out over a large area, and will require annual mulching and trimming, as well as watering in the warm season. He suggested a seasonal full-time position may be appropriate.
The berries, on the other hand, are concentrated in the G7G and have fewer needs, so their care will be easier.
Lodge/temple garden beds
The foxglove plants are no longer flowering and so pose less of a poison risk. The plan is to remove them once replacements can be identified. Although Rafael helped mulch some of the beds, he does not wish to serve as the manager of this project.
2. Prototype cabin at the Garden of Seven Gates
The project is still ongoing, but the initial construction (filling the tires and creating the frame) went well. Although local participation in the labor was limited, Jay & Annie Warmke and their interns from Blue Rock Station were enthusiastic and rose to the occasion.
Gosh suggests that for the next cabin, instead of arranging a full workshop, we hire Jay’s right-hand man to supervise the construction, assisted by a paid labor crew (perhaps Amish).
3. Bahulaban barn removal
WHEREAS: The ECOV Board wishes to help improve the over-all appearance of New Vrindaban and, whenever possible, recycle/reuse the materials in various projects around the Community.
RESOLVED: The Board approves up to $10K for clearing the Bahulaban barn site, to include dismantling of the barn, re-use of the timber, disposal of the remainder, and removal of the adjacent dung pit. The Board also supports the holding of a closure ceremony, in cooperation with INV, to be held on October 5, 2013, or whatever date is later decided.
4. Improving communications/coordination in the NV Community
At the next Joint Board meeting Chaits will be proposing that INV and ECOV begin meeting with representatives of the other non-profits in New Vrindaban (for example, Small Farm Training Center, Gopal’s Garden, Dham Seva, and ISCOWP) on a quarterly basis, with the first meeting in July. Two suggestions for initial topics: How can we all better serve Srila Prabhupada? And, how can we all better support one another in our respective services?
5. Thinning of pine forest around the RVC Temple
WHEREAS: The ECOV Board wishes to help maintain the appearance and health of the existing planted trees in New Vrindaban, as well as generate mulch for the new fruit trees & berries.
RESOLVED: The Board approves up to $1K for hiring help to thin the pine forest near the temple, subject to the scheduling of other projects, as well as timely communications with – and approval from – Jaya Krsna & any other relevant INV managers.
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