ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 09/13/2015
ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 09/13/2015
Mission Statement: ECO-Vrindaban promotes Simple Living, Cow Protection, Engaging Oxen, Local Agriculture, and above all, Loving Krishna, as envisioned by Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON New Vrindaban.
Participating Directors: Anuttama, Bhima, Chaitanya Mangala, Kripamaya, Madhava Gosh and Ranaka
Participating Advisors: Sri Tulasi Manjari
Participating Managers: Mukunda, Nitaicandra
Recording secretary: Jamuna Jivani
1. Appreciation Gifts for INV and ECO-V Staff and Volunteers
WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to offer a token of appreciation to the INV and ECO-V staff and volunteers.
RESOLVED: The Board approves up to $1,500 as a budget for plaques and t-shirts to distribute during the December meeting weekend.
2. Gopal’s Garden School Funding for 2015-16
Gopal’s Garden requested $15K towards the current school year operating budget.
WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to continue to support the education of children in the New Vrindaban community.
RESOLVED: The Board approves $15,000 for the Gopal’s Garden School 2015-16 academic year.
3. Nitaicandra’s Welcome & Start
Nitaicandra arrived in New Vrindaban about a week ago. He has already begun serving in his new role by spending time in the gardens and with the oxen.
4. Mukunda’s Monthly Manager Report
Mukunda reported on the previous month’s progress:
- Palace Greenhouse: The new heater has been hooked up but there are other repairs that still need to be done.
- Aviary: The waterline to the aviary has been repaired. The aviary will continue to be renovated.
- Trailer for Nitaicandra: Most of the repairs have been finished. Nitaicandra is taking care of the final touches.
- Valley Barn Conference Room: Renovation will begin next month.
- Village Council Steering Committee: The committee is making progress on defining the purpose of a Village Association.
- Coaching: Mukunda has begun regularly coaching several INV department heads.
- Recycling Program: Mukunda contacted local officials regarding the establishment of a pilot program.
- Bahulaban: Vyasasan did more work on the barn and sealing the exterior is nearing completion.
- Temple Flower Garden: A new door has been installed on the shed, but it still needs more work.
5. ISKCON North American Environmental Awareness Initiative
Gopal Lila of The Bhumi Project made a presentation at the recent North American GBC meetings on an environmental initiative governed by the Oxford Center of Hindu Studies. They plan to engage ten NA temples. ECO-V and INV have been invited to be part of the pilot project and look forward to receiving more information on how they can get involved.
6. On-Site Meetings December 4-6
The meetings will begin after lunch on Friday and end around 5 pm Sunday.
7. Meatless Mondays
Students at West Liberty University have begun a Meatless Mondays campaign and is encouraging local groups and businesses to participate. Kripamaya requested an endorsement and a contribution of $300 from ECO-V, to which the Board agreed.
