Event:2015/06/04 Delegates Meeting

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Weekly Omni Delegates' Meeting - June 4, 2015

The meeting begins promptly at 7pm, every Thursday, and ends promptly at 9pm, unless delegates agree to continuation. Contents:

  • Introductions
  • Announcements
  • Working Group Report-Backs
  • Proposals
  • Discussions
  • Action Items
  • Tabled
  • Optional Breakout Session


  • = Attendees =
  • Facilitator/s: jesse
  • Introduction to the Omni Commons & our values:
  • Explanation of hand signals:
    • "deaf applause", "raised hand", "point of process", "direct response", "time's up", "stop and reflect", "kermit" (wildcard), etc.
  • Stacktaker: Dusty
    • Explanation of progressive stack: Raise your hand and make eye contact with the stack taker. Please wait your turn, and try not to interupt or speak over others. Direct responses are allowed only as Points Of Information/ Clarifications, etc (use hand signal). For everything else, please raise your hand and wait your turn.
  • Timekeeper: Emji
    • Reminder to keep comments brief.
  • Notetaker/s: Niki / Yar / Matt / David
  • Important Note for the Pad:
    • Please do not move or delete meeting notes from the pad, unless you have archived them properly. Always leave the most recent meeting's notes, and the template at the bottom. !! Thank you.
  • Vibe Reader:
    • Reminder to stay calm, be respectful, and think before speaking.


  • == Delegates ==
  • BAPS: laura
  • Black Hole: dk
  • CCL: (inactive)
  • FNB: helen
  • La Commune: Niki
  • MPM: Other Emji
  • Sudo Room: matt
  • TIL: Joel
  • Phat Beets:(inactive)
  • OptikAllusions: (inactive)
  • Quorum: yes


  • == Introductions ==

Please be brief! Introduce yourself: Name; Prefered Pronoun; Affiliation; If you are new, what is one thing that brought you here?

  • Optional Ice-breaker:
  • jesse; fnb
  • dk; Black Hole / BAPS
  • kelly; insurance
  • niki; all of them
  • helen; fnb
  • laura; baps
  • dusty
  • emji; til/mpm
  • joel; til
  • karen; hackermoms
  • matt; sudo
  • yar; sudo
  • alaa; went to film festival
  • yusef; went to film festival
  • other emji; mpm

Announcements

Any Omni-related announcements. Please be brief! Maximum 1 (one) minute per announcement. Reminder: Working Groups reports are after this, please save W.G. announcements for later.

  • alaa / yosef: interested in participating in Omni, looking for actors specifically
  • niki: end of this month marks our 1-year anniversary of being in the building. casually talking about another potluck. save the date: june 28?
  • lynice pinkard coming to cdc this sunday
  • fnb fundraiser friday june 12. but the organizer was banned. can he come back? maybe that should be an agenda item.


insurance

kelly wright from State Farm insurance will be present answer and inform all about insurance stuffs. :)

  • passes brochure & business cards
  • kelly and thomas klein smith do all the omni stuff at SF
  • they're insuring a very specific kind of work. they ask "what is the scope of your business?" we recognize this group is evolving & changing - new groups, new activities.
  • your biggest coverage is liability. protects your assets in case something happens here. you want to get people here but it exposes you.
  • any time you do something new you want to think about insurance. ability to have affordable or any insurance depends on claims that go through a policy. new groups should have their own insurance. you don't want claims go through your policy.
  • If you have a lot of claims your insurance can be cancelled. Insurance companies share infirmation about claims so once one company cancells you for claims, you might not be able to get insurance elsewhere.
  • insurance for the building is most like a condoassociation
  • only covers specific things - water, fire, etc. call if you're not sure what's covered. earthquake isn't.
  • replacement cost, not appreciated
  • wants to stress: be selective in the exposures you bring here. don't be shy to ask other people whether they have insurance when they use the building. if you do anything anywhere they'll ask you about insurance. including block parties and stuff. you want to protect what you're trying to build here.
  • dk: just because you have an insurance policy doesn't mean it covers EVERYTHING. public school throwing a circus isn't in its scope.
  • dk: the only reason this matters ...
  • kelly: IT MATTERS A LOT
  • dk: is if there's a lawsuit. omni will be named in addition to anyone else, including individuals and the owner.
  • helen: fundraiser parties?
  • kelly: building capital for your business is covered. except liquor. if it happens every weekend and becomes a social thing that becomes a slippery slope. has to be about accessing capital.

Kelly Wright policies - Reference Omni business activities (what is insured) here: 

   https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByjR12L1MEjCUmtTWFVyYTRSeU0/view?usp=sharing

Bans

Announcement of recent bans.

Asked to Leave

kwe

  • Kwe asked to leave by Julio 6/1, for repeatedly and knowingly breaking the no-sleeping rule after agreeing to abide by it several times.
  • asked to leave until some resolution of the issue occurs
  • but he keeps coming back regardless, and has stated over email that he does not respect or recognize being asked to leave.
  • Kwe should be asked to leave anytime someone sees him in the building.
  • Repeatedly breaking the no-sleeping rule is only one of many issues that Kwe has with the space and collective community agreements about how the space is to be used.

sam

  • Sam Atman asked to leave Sudo Room 6/3 by Marc for making threats.

Working Group Report-Backs

Please be breif! Maximum 5 (five) minutes per W.G. WGRBs are Alphabetical; All W.G.s are equally important. Report-backs consist of answering 3 (three) questions:

  • What did you accomplish this week?
  • What problems or action items are you currently working on?
  • What do you need to bring to our attention and/or need help with?

Building, permits, and Facilities

This group needs help; https://omnicommons.org/lists/listinfo/building Ballroom-readiness needs and plans: https://omnicommons.org/wiki/Ballroom-readiness

  • laura: trying to get stuff done as soon as possible. need to keep shit from accumulating if we're really gonna have fire inspection before july. if you see stuff accumulating, get rid of it by any means necessary.
  • joe: South wall project could use 2-4 extra help
  • joe: helpers (no special skills necessary) Friday am.
  • matt will help tomorrow

Challenging Domniant Culture (CDC)

Meetings:Sundays at 12pm

  • Lyniece Pinkard coming on sunday will be at this week's meeting
  • we had a potluck this last weekend. awesome. fun. thank-you cards. cello. arepas.

Commons

Meetings: Saturdays at 1pm

  • still need more people to responsibilibuddy for events
  • jesse volunteers. talk after.
  • matt: megalopolis this weekend. famous person. if you like famous people.
  • panel saturday: race, space, violence

Communications / SysAdmins

Meetings: nope :)

  • laura's gonna buy the damn routers

Finance

Meetings: Thursdays at 6pm - on temporary hold during training period

  • feeling good despite losing CFO. amgo is stepping u to non-CFO status
  • strength in numbers bookkeeping clinic - 3 trainings scheduled
  • if you like being CFO now's your chance!
  • matt: maybe we should make it really clear to all delegates to tell their collectives that we need a CFO. ask everyone in person about finding a CFO, whether they know someone or they're interested individually
  • niki: i'm not willing to take it back on. willing to train others but can't fall back onto me. at that point my recommendation is to hire someone.
  • matt: can we get a quote from SIN?

Fundraising

Meetings: Mondays at 7pm, BAPS Classroom

  • we fulfilled some perks thanks to grace. still waiting on many others to be produced so we can send. you know who you are.
  • margueretha dropped off hers
  • niki: next round of NEA "our town" grants are coming up. deadline december. we should make a kickass app
  • matt: appropriate venue for talking about this more?
  • niki: i sent an email, let's find a time to meet
  • matt: our new neighbors, SF Friends of Chamber Music, are how you get in on that kindof money

Kitchen

Meetings:

  • helen: nothing happening. we'd like something to happen
  • matt: i'll put in a sound system to encourage work.

Welcoming

Meetings: Thursdays at 6pm

  • not meeting right now.
  • laura: i'm the only person still doing the door shift they signed up for. but it's really important. do it.
  • Karen: what does that mean?
  • laura: you're here, you can answer questions, etc. keep new people off the LC counter's back
  • jesse: also helps us keep the doors open more

Proposals

Please provide the following information with your proposal:

  • The date the proposal was put on the pad;
  • The group or person making/bottom-lining the proposal;
  • Who will be speaking to the proposal at the meeting;
  • Where the full text or other information about the proposal can be found, if it's not all here.

Discussion

Meeting-wide discussion of issues, concerns, ideas, etc.

Follow up on Front Door Re-Keying Proposal

Have all the collectives submitted their lists of members who will be given keys? Please comment on the proposed process and criteria for becoming an Omni Front Door Key Holder. Who should take responsibility for being "keymaster"? A new WG? Are we ready to buy/make the security keys?

Front Door Key Access Process and Criteria (DRAFT) The purpose of this document is to outline the process and criteria we will use to decide who will be granted the use of a key to the front door of the Omni Commons. The criteria and process seek to balance the security and safety of both the people who use the Omni Commons and the building itself, and the need for access to Omni.

I. People will be eligible for a key if: 

   A. They are a member of a member collective who has been identified by that collective as someone who needs a key. Each collective will make that decision by their own process to determine who is entitled to reasonable access and able to assume the responsiblities that come with being an Omni key holder.         
   1. Some factors to consider are:                 
       a. Does the member need to open or close up the building?                
       b. Does the member take responsibility for collective activities and events?                
       c. Does the member participate in organizing the Omni or maintaining the building?                 
       d. Is the member someone who understands their responsiblity to take care of the Omni and the people inside it, and who is trusted by the collective?        
   2. The collective will enter the name and contact information for the member who will be given a key in the (contact manager spreadsheet)

   B. As an unaffiliated Omni volunteer, they ask for a key sending this form (see below)to (Which working group? a new Keymaster WG?) that will review key requests and approve or deny them.

II. All key holders will be required to give a key deposit of $5 which will be used to replace lost keys. Upon turning over their key to the (working group), the deposit will be returned.

III. Keys will be given along with a document that states the benefits and responsibilities of being a key holder and how to close up the building. Not fufilling the responsibilities may be grounds for having to return the key.

Key Request Form (DRAFT) Date Name Email Phone number Address I am an active member of an Omni Commons Working Group Y N If yes, which working group(s)___________________________________________ I need a key because___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This Omni Keyholder is my reference __________________________________________________

discussion

  • laura: basically rekeing front door with "do not copy" keys. groups are supposed to submit list of names
  • yar: this is people who need more access than even cards
  • laura: but we're also gonna limit cards...
  • dk: friendly amendment to the draft form - that it be expanded to more clearly articulate obligations towards the space if you are able to be here after-hours with less people here and so on.
   - that those with a key have obligations to keep the safe space and secure. 
   - that they verifably know how to close down the building
   - that they don't leave the door propped open then go away, etc etc.
  • niki: people have been coming in, doing stuff, becoming fixtures in the space, without even knowing what the space is. it's frustrating. need more orientation. i see this as providing more structure. reads criteria.
  • yar: please let's make phone # and address optional
  • matt explains why
  • emji: preferred mode of contact
  • niki: ok but there should be orientation. for everybody. even people already here.
  • yar: very important to talk about who does this orientation and what's in it, but let's not talk about it here. CDC?

Omni Ground Rules

  • Submitted by David Brazil 5/26

The Omni must have clear and posted rules about what is not permitted in the space. We need a sign prominently posted at each entrance, in the bathrooms, and in other places as appropriate.

Here is a draft of language for such a sign :

NO VIOLENCE; NO THREATS; NO HARASSMENT; NO SHOUTING; NO DRUGS; NO SLEEPING. ANYONE FOUND BREAKING THESE RULES WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE.

THE OMNI DOES NOT ALLOW PERSONAL STORAGE, SOLICITATION, UNLEASHED DOGS, OR MATERIAL DONATIONS WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL.

We can word the signs however we like but we have to be crystal-clear about expectations and consequences. Every community space in Oakland and elsewhere has dealt with these issues and the Omni will be no exception. With compassion and love, we have to deal with these things clearly and firmly.

Laura's friendly edits:

NO VIOLENCE; NO THREATS; NO HARASSMENT; NO SHOUTING; NO DRUGS, NO CANDLES OR INCENSE. NO TOUCHING OF OTHER PEOPLE WITHOUT ASKING FIRST.

THE OMNI DOES NOT ALLOW: SLEEPING (INCLUDING NAPS), PERSONAL STORAGE, SOLICITATION, UNLEASHED DOGS, OR MATERIAL DONATIONS WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL.

ANYONE FOUND BREAKING THESE RULES WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE.

sudoroom's friendly edits

  • Sudoers are ok with this if shouting, drugs and solicitation are removed. We think these are too vague, too easily misinterpreted, and not nearly as urgent or necessary.

TIL

Proposal to adjust our financial commitment / bring new collectives into the TIL space

email

Dear Omni

In light of our current precarious financial situation, Timeless, Infinite Light would like to open our studio space to a few other literary organizations to help offset the cost of rent and utilities.

When we signed on to be part of Omni, we committed to being able to pay $400 per month in rent, plus utilities. For the last year, we have been paying closer to $850 per month. As we have been paying double what we expected to be paying, the amount we budgeted for the entirety of 2015 has run out in six months.

In response to this situation, members of the Financial WG have suggested that we re-propose our financial commitment based on what we are currently able to pay. Right now, we are able to pay a monthly total of $200 for rent, and $100 for shared costs (utilities, insurance, etc). We would like to begin paying this amount in July, and that we would re-evaluate our financial commitment in six months. Hopefully by that time, we would be able to increase our contribution.

We realize that reducing our financial commitment creates a $550 gap in the Omni budget. Our proposal for this is that we will bring in other literary collectives/organizations with similar needs to share our office space, and that those groups will pay their portion of the rent/utilities directly to the Omni. We will also share our collective membership responsibilities with these organizations. Some groups that have expressed interest include Publication Studios, and Vouched books. We see this as a positive change as it opens the space to more organizations and would enable us to continue being a member collective of Omni.

We need to know if this proposal is acceptable before June 30th. We don’t want to leave Omni, however, if we cannot figure something out by this time, we won't have any other option. We've been a part of this project since it’s inception, and care deeply about this project and all of you.

We will be present at the delegate meeting today to discuss this proposal and answer any of your questions.

In solidarity, Timeless, Infinite Light

https://omnicommons.org/lists/private/consensus/2015-June/000492.html

discussion

  • matt: do our subtenant leases preclude subleasing? afaict sublessees should be able to "work with other business to sublease assets for example". CCL already does this. didn't ask permission. Mycology group is renting their closet, didn't ask anyone's permission. dovetails with their mission/purpose anyway. it's legal, within our agreements.
  • niki: TIL did try to do this with publication studio.
  • emji: we were told we're not allowed to do that
  • niki: TIL could be part of a literary collective and other groups could join it. problem with the mycologists is they don't come to meetings, don't know us, a lot of us haven't interacted with them. nobody knows who they are. makes more sense to open up a new collective to share responsibilities.
  • matt: yeah groovy but nobody questioned sudomesh. we already use this model.
  • emji: we're comfortable with any of these options but we just don't have the money. don't want money going through us. bringing in publication studio didn't work. what do we tell the other people who want to come in?
  • dk: til contributed a lot and now they're in a place of need. has a plan. more community yay. formal logistics are secondary - no strong feelings as long as we make it work. subleasing opens an avenue of exploitation. new groups could come in and break all our rules and disrespect all our values and we can't do anything about that.
  • jesse: just issue of languaging it correctly. sounds like collaboration to me.
  • joel: appreciate the support. ok with making them accountable part of the omni. but there's one more meeting between now and end of june. need to know if we're moving. what do we say to other groups?
  • emji: we need to know if we can lower our costs. that'll take pressure off the deadline.
  • helen: how confident are you that these groups will come in?
  • emji: publication studio is ready but skeptical. they'd rather be participating, not just off the books.
  • joel: there's other groups we've reached out to. i'm confident we can pull it together.
  • emji: we already have the infrastructure. we've been sharing our space with PS, BAPS classes. we have a calendar and an email list.
  • dusty: i'm sorry this was denied 6 months ago
  • emji: it wasn't a full proposal, it was tentative
  • joel: also it lost steam, communication breakdowns happened
  • dk: idk if it's worth rehashing...
  • laura: no [laughter]
  • matt: can of worms. oops sorry. fastest, simplest thing to do is just take peoples' money.
  • emji: we're trying to have commitments we can make and not just flake.
  • laura: maybe jsut assume you'll get approval
  • yar: i know it's urgent but we just heard about this yesterday and we don't know what all the member collectives will think yet
  • other emji: durga would love to collaborate with til
  • jesse: this has been clear, let's move on
  • matt: wait. so you might act like an umbrella org?
  • emji: i don't think we have the capacity. we might share space and have a new name. it would be doing the same stuff with more people
  • joel: just another logistical thing. weighing everyone's needs. if we can't work it out we have to go by august 1. just no funds.

darin

  • he was banned. but he's organizing the fnb fundraiser. can he come back?
  • joe: Darin has been preparing others to do the 6/12 fundraiser. I will try and determine how well this is going.
  • jesse: also darin proposed i'd be a bottom liner
  • helen: there's a mediation process with gerald
  • niki: that hasn't been happening. generally, if someone's asked to leave that means always. needs some resolution.
  • dk: seconded. process seems slow. gerald's call.
  • matt: our process is good. also there's 2 separate mediations with this person. if fnb cares, sorry but do something about it. people delay it on purpose - "put other people on ice". it's not that hard. i always tell people there's a path to reconciliation, just be ready to accept responsibility.
  • jesse: i'll check in with these people. let's just have the meetings. he doesn't have to be there.
  • dk: i was at the last fnb event. darin gets lots of bands. it's a mess. you probably need help, the event logistics will get complicated.
  • laura & jesse talk about getting to commons meeting

Action Items

For Next Week

Any Proposals or Discussions which were tabled for lack of time, etc.

Optional Breakout Discussion

This Week's Topic

Ideas for Breakout Discussions

End of Meeting

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