ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 10/11/2015
ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 10/11/2015
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: Chaitanya Mangala (chair), Kripamaya, Madhava Gosh and Ranaka
Participating Advisors: Jaya Krsna, Sri Tulasi Manjari and Radha-Krishna
Participating Managers: Nitaicandra
Recording secretary: Jamuna Jivani
1. Mukunda’s Monthly Report
Mukunda reported on the previous month’s projects:
- Bahulaban Barn: The restoration of the exterior is nearing completion. At some point a decision needs to be made as to how the upstairs will be used. In the meanwhile it will remain locked for the winter.
- Village Council Steering Committee: The Committee prepared a one-page presentation about a proposed Village Association and a short survey that will soon be presented to some local devotees for feedback.
- Bahulaban Water Test: The results are expected by the end of October.
- Recycling Project: Connecting with the Marshall County authorities has been a challenge. Mukunda desires to meet people who can help move this project forward. He will network with a group of like-minded “green” people who meet monthly in Wheeling.
- Temple Barn: The goshala received some maintenance repairs, but needs more: fencing, gutters, insulation, etc. Mukunda, Ananda Vidya and Lalita Gopi have made a prioritized list. Mukunda has begun the work and will continue for the next several months, two days per month.
- Skills Training: Nitaichandra and Mukunda took a four-day course in Restorative Agriculture. They intend to implement some of their learning in the next growing season.
- ECO-V’s Conference Room: Construction is progressing slowly, but nicely. It is on schedule to be completed by the December Joint Board meetings.
2. Nitaicandra’s First Monthly Report
Nitaicandra reported on the previous month’s projects:
- Gardens: The community gardens have mostly been on hold for 2015 and now Nitaicandra is preparing the beds for 2016. A cover crop has been planted and two oxen have been temporarily moved to the Garden of Seven Gates. He met with Madri from the temple kitchen regarding seasonal cooking and quantities.
- Oxen: Nitaicandra began working with the oxen and crew at Bahulaban.
- Permaculture Training: Nitaicandra attended a Restorative Agriculture conference with Mukunda.
- Orchard: The apples are being harvested and sorted. The pears are next.
3. Update on Community Folklorist
Kripamaya reported that Sankirtan is interested in this role. Kripamaya will follow up with Sankirtan to see what ideas he has. Kripamaya and Radha-Krishna will brainstorm ideas for a proper service description. The position will most likely be managed by ISKCON New Vrindaban (INV) and Jaya Krsna would oversee its direction.
4. Garden of 7 Gates 2 Pole Barn Grant
Jaya Krsna, Mukunda, Nitaicandra and Ranaka will review the present situation and develop a proposal for how to proceed with this project.
5. Garden of 7 Gates 200 sq ft Prototype House
The prototype house is approximately half-way completed. Nitaicandra would like to continue the work on this project and will meet with Jaya Krsna to discuss the next steps. From that Nitaicandra will develop a budget for what it would cost to complete this project.
6. Solar Equipment
There is $2K remaining in the budget designated for this project. The ECO-V managers will review the current situation and propose how to proceed.
