104 Garden Workday Meeting Minutes
Date: 10/19/13
Lead by Ann Levine – Steering Committee
1. Announcement of 2nd citation for rat infestation:
Follow–up by Melissa Nichols from Green Thumb. Discussed possible ways to reduce rodents in garden area: harassment–fill holes with dirt and/or copper mesh, end cat and bird food on sidewalk by large gate and hang “pigeon” poster. Noted that Maria (owner of now closed pet store on W. 100 St.) was seen putting food out for birds and cats. She needs to be contacted at her home, 435 CPW.
Melissa will contact Green Thumb about acquiring the “pigeon” poster to hang on the outside fence.
2. Private Event Proposal:
Noted proposal was sent to all garden members to review with only a reply from one gardener. Decided that proposal will be reviewed and edited over the winter interim and presented at the first meeting of 2014 for a vote.
Anna (last name?) suggested we contact NYBotanical Gardens for events procedures/policies and similar venues; agreed to help with the proposal.
3. Stage
Stage “committee” (list members) goal to have final plans completed by the end of ’13.
Cindy (last name?) is an industrial designer and agreed to help with drawings if needed.
4. Website Redesign
Lead by Noreen, with Craig, Dinorah; volunteers welcome. Will do redesign over the winter interim.
5. New Members Orientation
Proposal by Lou to have mandatory orientation for all new members. No member will be given a plot unless they have completed the orientation. Lou volunteered to lead the first orientation meetings. Suggested a handbook could be written (or an old existing one edited) to provide members with garden rules, procedures ( with monitor checklist) and plant and gardening guidance. Put orientation dates on the calendar. Set up “bookkeeping form for member to sign and attach to application for confirmation of completed orientation. VOTE: 27/yes, 3/no, 1abstain
6. Budget
Noted over $8,000 in coffers (includes $1,000 stage grant). Garden has kept expenses low in 2013 and made some money from several flea markets.
Ariel mentioned Block Associations caution to keep our account under $10,000 for tax reasons, but it was concluded that was not really a concern.
7. Motion to move butterfly bush in the East garden to the SE coner of the garden by Katy. VOTE: 25/yes, 3/no. Bush will be moved by Katy and any volunteers this fall.
9. Work day projects and minor announcements:
- Plant daffodils (not in SW corner of West garden or under tree)
- Clean grill
- Turn off water harvesting
- Add bleach to water system.
- Do not prune canes near herb garden
