The meeting was called to order immediately following Full Moon Circle.
In attendance- Rose, John, Cat, Orpon, Sorsha, and Brandon.
Agenda:
Resignation of Mac from the Board of Directors
Emergency and Trial Housing Rental Rates & Community Service Requirements
Magickal Hibernation 2008 Planning
Gravel Fund
Home for Smokey
Child Care for Interfuse Event
During Mac’s last phone conversation with Orpon immediately following Magickal Hibernation, Mac stated that he plans to retrieve the remainder of his personal belongings, tools and the Z-Master mower and then he will have nothing further to do with Ozark Avalon, because he feels he is unwelcome. OA will send Mac a Notice stating that he has 60 days to remove of said personal belongings and tools or they will be forfeit and become the property of Ozark Avalon. Mac’s resignation was accepted unanimously by the Board members present. Some discussion was had about possible candidates for nomination for Board membership. It was also discussed that maybe Rose should contact Jetta to see if she still wishes to remain on the Board or if she wishes to withdraw.
Rose proposed to the Board that we need to raise the rental rates for residents in the Retreat who do not fulfill their 10 hours of community service each week. To do this would entail bringing back the Mother Dragon Log Book, which creates more clerical work for the Site Facilities Director. After discussion back and forth about how to handle the work log book, the Board decided to raise the rental rates for anyone requesting temporary housing after March 1, 2007 from the present rate of $150 per month or $45 per week to the new rate of $200 per month or $55 per week and to reduce the number of Community Service hours from the present 10 per week to 5 per week. Additionally, due to the increased cost of operating the Retreat Center during the winter months, every resident will be required to pay an additional surcharge of $25 per month during the months of December, January and February, beginning with December 2007. The present Housing Contract will be revised to reflect these changes and will be in effect as of March 1, 2007.
Rose reported she is still in negotiations for the location of Magickal Hibernation 2008. The location will most likely be one of two places, either Quality Inn in Columbia or The Inn at Grand Glaze at the Lake of the Ozarks. It is almost certain that prices will have to increase for either location.
The driveway is in dire need of gravel. There is no money in the coffer to fund this project. It was suggested that an email needs to go out to everyone that we need donations to help pay for the gravel. It will cost approximately $175 to $200 per load to have it delivered and spread on the driveway and down to Cumberland Road.
It was noted that we need to find Smokey a new home. There are too many male cats at Ozark Avalon to keep him here and we need to provide a “pet-free” zone for visitors to stay in the Retreat Center. Rose will put out an email hoping to find him a new loving home.
Rose offered the idea that maybe we could provide a Child Care Program at Interfuse for a flat fee to those parents who cannot attend otherwise because they don’t have any one to leave their minor children with for the weekend. Brandon moved that there be no childcare offered by Ozark Avalon at the Interfuse 2007 event. John agreed that having anyone under 16 at an all-adult festival, even if they are to be kept at the Retreat Center, is a bad idea and opens Ozark Avalon up for possible liability. It was also noted that Shipwrecked will be a family-friendly event for the Midwest Burners here at Ozark Avalon and may be only a “family campout”. Rose withdrew the idea from the floor.
Persons may stay at Ozark Avalon for up to 60 days under this policy. These persons must be either OakSpirits in Good Standing or Oakfolks known to the church. Those in emergency situations will have the first two weeks of housing fee waived (but not work requirements). Up to 1 and ½ months additional residence may be allowed with Board approval and will be at the rate of either $55 a week and 5 hours of work/week paid at the beginning of each week or $200 a month and 5 hours of work/week paid at the beginning of each month. During the months of December, January and February all residents will pay an additional surcharge of $25.00 to assist with increased winter expenses. The resident is also responsible for any special food needs not met by the donated food on hand. As soon as the person becomes able they need to contribute to the food stores at Ozark Avalon. The emergency may be extended by the Board for up to 3 months unless special arrangements are made to enter the Interim Status. This should only be used to allow for them to obtain employment and find alternative housing or to explore the Interim Status. All prepaid rent is nonrefundable. Emergency housing may only be provided at the agreement of the Board by approval of a minimum of four Board Members and by a majority of the Household Council (all persons staying at Ozark Avalon at a particular time) and you may be asked by the same group to leave for non-compliance with the rules with 24 hours notice.
All persons who live at Ozark Avalon beyond the emergency period are expected to make a major commitment to the work of caring for the land and missions of Ozark Avalon. Their hours and dollar commitments are the same as above but they are encouraged to take on more responsible roles in both workdays and festivals and circles. These persons must be approved by a vote of the Household Council and the Board of Directors and these persons may serve on both bodies. This status may be revoked with 30 days notice by a similar vote or 60 days if they have been a resident more than six months. It is not necessary to have an emergency to apply for the Interim program but a trial period of residency of six weeks is asked of all persons applying for this status. Priesthood is covered under the ordination policy and onsite residency is not required but can be helpful in working toward this goal.
All persons using these programs are required to contribute a minimum of 5 hours a week to the volunteer program at Ozark Avalon, beginning at occupancy. These hours do not include cooking, laundry and cleaning related to their personal activities. Unless work obligations prevent it persons using the Retreat Center should participate in scheduled workdays. Any resident who fails to honor their minimum 5 hour per week work requirement will be asked to leave.
Any person who is engaged in violence and/or breaks laws pertaining to the physical safety of other residents may be asked to leave immediately; otherwise see the notice requirements in the different sections of this document.
All space is limited and all sleeping rooms are to be shared during retreats and other church activities. We have very limited storage space in the bedrooms so please find alternative storage for excess personal belongings. Do not spread them out through the Retreat Center or other shared spaces. The Retreat Center is always open to visitors. It is expected that residents will keep all common areas clean. It is also expected that all residents help ensure the safety of the Retreat Center by following fire rules and to be aware of the hazards of freezing pipes and allow water to run continually when the temperatures are below 20 degrees.
Pets are allowed by special arrangements only. Arrangements must be made before the animal arrives. All dogs and cats must be spayed or neutered and have current rabies shots. The resident is responsible for any problems related to the pet and must remove it immediately if requested.
Residents and all guests of the resident must comply with the Natural Laws as well as any special festival rules. Failure to do so may result in the resident being asked to leave the event.
Residents are expected to answer the Church phone in a polite manner and take adequate messages. It is suggested that resident familiarize themselves with the schedule and commonly asked questions, and be able to greet visitors in a friendly and welcoming manner. They also need to be able to take camping registrations and event registrations and to ensure that all monies are returned to Ozark Avalon.
Any other persons not here for approved work activities should follow the policies of the Facility Rental program. This policy asks that guests pay $15 per night and Oak Spirits pay $10 per night to stay inside to assist in covering the costs of running the Retreat Center. This may be waived with 3 hours of approved work per day for any day in attendance with specific permission only. All guests of residents must adhere to this policy or residents must pay or work extra to cover guests. All Oak Spirits must ensure that non-Oak Spirit guests pay full fees and adhere to all rules. We are a blessed community to have a shared home. Please treat it as a temple and your brothers and sisters as children of the Goddess and God.
I have received this housing policy and agree to meet all the listed requirements.
__________________________________ DATE ______________________________
Resident
Children ___________________________ Pets ________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Witness Board of Directors
Revised March 3, 2007