ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 01/10/2016
ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 01/10/2016
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 and Ranaka
Participating Advisors: Sri Tulasi Manjari
Participating Managers: Mukunda, Nitaicandra
Recording secretary: Jamuna Jivani
1. 2015 Finalized Operating Budget Approval
WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to review ECO-V’s income and expenses for the previous year.
RESOLVED: The Board approves a finalized operating budget of $245K for 2015.
2. 2016 Operating Budget Approval
WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to set projections of ECO-V’s income and expenses for the upcoming year.
RESOLVED: The Board approves an operating budget of $350K for 2016.
3. ISKCON Escondido Barn Grant
WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to support self-sufficiency within the greater ISKCON North America communities.
RESOLVED: The ECO-V Board approves a matching grant up to $11K for the ISKCON Escondido farm towards the purchase of a barn to use in the development of their cow protection and local agriculture programs.
4. Mukunda’s Monthly Report
Mukunda is currently in Florida for a winter construction job. This past month’s projects:
- Requested walls of the Temple goshala to be insulated.
- Ray is putting the finishing touches on the conference room.
- The Prabhupada House has been turned over to INV.
5. Nitaicandra’s Monthly Report
- Oxen have been moved to Nandagram; they are being trained by Caitanya Bhagavat on a daily basis.
- Nandi the ox has a recurring infection, which is healing but he has not been able to work.
- He helped develop the ECO-V 2016 Operating Budget.
- The tractor and equipment have been moved to the Valley barn.
- A number of the staff members for the vegetable garden program have been selected.
- He will begin purchasing seeds and plants for next season.
- Nitaicandra is in California preparing to move his belongings, tools, and oxen to New Vrindaban.
6. Madhava Gosh Prabhu’s Passing
Madhava Gosh Das passed away peacefully in his home on January 2nd, after an outpouring of care and support from the community throughout his last few days. A memorial was held for him at New Vrindaban on January 4th, and his body was cremated. An obituary was released in the Brijabasi Spirit, and an article on his life will be released this week.
WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to recognize one of its Directors and long-time New Vrindaban community member, Madhava Gosh Das.
RESOLVED: The Board approves an official statement in his honor (see below).
With great appreciation, along with a deep sense of loss, the ECO-Vrindaban members hereby acknowledge Madhava Gosh Prabhu for his significant contributions to the development of New Vrindaban over several decades.
We particularly appreciate his heartfelt commitment to Srila Prabhupada’s vision for simple living, including the tree planting program and cow care endowment he worked tirelessly to implement.
Since his passing on January 2nd, 2016, Madhava Gosh has been greatly missed. Our prayers, affection and gratitude go out his wife Vidya Dasi; five children, Manjari, Madhu, Vraja, Marken & Tulasi; three grandchildren, Mary, Gracie & Sydney; and his many friends & well-wishers.
7. Budget for Appreciation Gifts
WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to offer a token of appreciation to the INV and ECO-V staff and volunteers during the Spring 2016 meetings.
RESOLVED: The Board approves up to $1,500 as a budget for plaques and t-shirts to distribute during the April meeting weekend.
8. Spring 2016 Onsite Meeting Dates
Possible weekends in March and April for the next onsite meeting were discussed. Chaitanya Mangala will check with INV for additional dates to accommodate everyone’s schedule.
