Event:2023/05/18 Delegates

Omni Delegates' Meeting - 18 May 2023 7pm-9pm

Meeting Details

• Talk at https://meet.google.com/diw-hszw-msr or 515-428-1108 (PIN: 465814905)
• Type at https://omnicommons.org/notes
• Send proposals to consensus@lists.omnicommons.org prior to the meeting

Roles

• Facilitator/s: John
• Stacktaker:
• Timekeeper: Geraldo
• Notetaker/s: John & Sarah
• Next meeting's facilitator(s):

Delegates

• ANV: not active
• BOGSS: Geraldo
• CCL: Patrik
• CLP: Silvia
• CSC: not active
• FNB: Joe
• GWS: not active
• LL: John
• MOP: Jacqui
• SM: not active
• SR: Jake
• Quorum (2/3 of active groups): Yup

intros

BRIEF INTROS MAY INCLUDE: name, pronouns, groups you're in, land you're on, if you're a delegate, unmet access needs, meeting roles you'd like to help with, discussion topics or proposals to add to agenda, announcements/updates/report-backs from your groups, safe space issues or updates

Property taxes

Attorney recommends to enter into payment plan on $300k back property taxes (while we continue to negotiate our nonprofit exemption to get them waived) - need to pay 20% before June 30 very latest. Preferably by end of May ($2700 less).

• Had already agreed that GoFundMe funds would be appropriate for emergency use like this. Would need to use part of Hellman Grant to cover - replenish later. If Hellman check does not clear by end May, .we may need to postpone property tax installment to June 30
• This is an urgent matter - no delegates present feel they would need to wait to consult their collective members to be able to vote on this
• PROPOSAL: Pay the $60K property tax installment by end May, contingent on receipt of Hellman check.
• Jake: want to discuss contingencies; what if Hellman check or back rent from collectives doesn't arrive by end May? Can we use Oakland Privacy fund (NO). Can we use Kitchen fund (possibly, if we replenish later).
• Yar: I fully support putting all cash on hand towards this, with the understanding that we'll pay back our various subaccounts when possible. The incoming Hellman grant will mean we can still pay people in the meantime to keep things going.
• Sarah: restricted funds are Oakland Privacy, few thousand in events, LL, Sudo sub account, kitchen fund.
• Sarah & Patrik prefer not dipping into restricted funds if we are short by end May, instead solicit personal loans or rent prepayment, or postpone until June 30
• PROPOSAL: Pay the $60K property tax installment by end May. If we are short, we will appeal to individuals and collectives first. If all else fails, can dip into kitchen fund or other restricted funds.
  • IN FAVOR: LL/John, Sudo/Jake, CCL/Patrik, FNB/Joe, CLP/Silvia, MOP/Jacqi, BOGSS/Geraldo
  • ABSTAIN:
  • OPPOSED:

• Sarah: if we don't have Hellman check by 24th, we need to start pursuing alternatives. Wed 7pm check-in? Yes.

• Helen: How did 2 collectives get so far behind on rent?
  • Jake: Joey/VOL is very busy, haven't sufficiently pursued him; organization should have money. ANV didn't know they were behind, last paid in September and January. Were we not using correct email?
  • Sarah: nobody tasked with rent collection
  • Omni wants Sarah to take on rent collection as part of bookkeeping work

Refinance update

• Sarah: tied into Hellman grant budget issue - $55K for capacity building (staffing). Could be used to Pay Emily, Sarah, Susan Silber. Leading refinance was not included in Sarah's original tasks. Can't do everything.
• Can we hire David (+ Sarah) to lead refinance? Joe can contact David.

Fundraising plan & report

Silver not here, agenda next time.

Yar knowledge transfer

• How can we best support Yar?
  • Take good care of the Omni!

Hellman Grant

• Need proposal for what we will spend grant on. Fundraising/finance/slack folks can formulate proposal for next meeting
  • refinance
  • events
  • Susan Silber
  • website
  • cleaning service
  • event management
  • submit application for alcohol license
  • settlement w Emily