ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 02-02-2014
ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 02-02-2014.
Mission Statement: ECO-Vrindaban promotes a simple, sustainable lifestyle centered on the care and protection of cows, local food production and the loving service of Lord Krishna, as envisioned by Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON New Vrindaban.
Participating Members of the ECOV Board of Directors: Anuttama (partial attendance), Bhima, Chaitanya Mangala, Krpamaya, Madhava Gosh (partial attendance), Navin Shyam, and Ranaka.
Advisors present: Jaya Krsna
1. Utica Shale gas lease
A discussion was held regarding signing the proposed Utica Shale gas lease (without the participation of Gosh).
After having conducted a significant review of the lease, five additional considerations were raised:
a. In line with issues raised by members of the New Vrindaban Advocacy Sanga (NVCAS), the lease should require additional measures to reduce potential air pollution from wells and pipelines.
b. In line with the recommendations of the environmental lawyer engaged by INV & ECOV, several paragraphs of the lease should be revised to strengthen/clarify the lessor’s rights.
c. In line with issues raised by members of the the NVCAS, the “broken hill” site should not be used as a location for a well pad.
d. If signed, several Board Members would like to see a significant amount of the funds be dedicated to renovations at Srila Prabhupada’s Palace.
e. That the Board of Directors of ISKCON New Vrindaban first decide about whether or not to sign their lease.
As the resolution of these issues has the potential to change how directors vote, the Board has decided to wait for the results of any further developments before making a final decision.
2. 2013 Operations budget review
WHEREAS: It is the responsibility of the ECOV Board to review and approve the final calculation of expenditures made in any given year.
RESOLVED: The Board approves and adopts the final 2013 Operating Budget report and related documents submitted by Ranaka.
3. 2014 Operations budget approval
WHEREAS: It is the responsibility of the ECOV Board to approve all budgets and a Board subcommittee developed the 2014 operating budget based on actual budgets from prior years as well as projected income and expenses for the current year.
RESOLVED: The Board approves, adopts and authorizes the Operating Budget for the 2014 fiscal year in the amount of $275K, with the following stipulation:
For the “Manager’s Discretionary Expense Account,” any single expenditure that is $2,500 or less shall be authorized as long as Madhava Gosh, Ranaka and Jaya Krsna have all approved. Any single expenditure over $2,500 shall require approval by the Board.
4. ECOV Mission Statement
WHEREAS: The Board wishes to describe ECOV’s mission in a clear and concise manner.
RESOLVED: The Board adopts the following revised Mission Statement, to be used uniformly across various media.
“ECO-Vrindaban promotes a simple, sustainable lifestyle centered on the care and protection of cows, local food production and the loving service of Lord Krishna, as envisioned by Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON New Vrindaban.”
5. Grant requests: Fence at the Temple Teaching Garden
WHEREAS: The Board wishes to improve the appearance and functionality of the garden most visible to visitors.
RESOLVED: The Board approves up to $5,224 for the installation of a new fence for the Teaching Garden, constructed from local lumber by members of the New Vrindaban Village Co-Operative.
