3 February 2021, Minutes

Owned by Bruce Diekman
Last updated: Feb 18, 2021
2 min read




Date3 February 2021

Time

8.00 PM
Locationby Zoom
Meeting opened at8.00 PM
Meeting closed at8.50 PM
FacilitatorJenny Kent
Minute takerAndrew Whittingham
Timekeeper
Next meeting date5 February 2021


Acknowledgement of Country: Before we begin the meeting, I would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional owners, both past and present, of the land we occupy and upon which we meet — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. It is also upon their ancestral lands that Alfalfa House is built.


1. Attendance and Apologies

Attendance (MC): Bruce Diekman, Vicki D'Adam, Jenny Kent, Tara Morelos, Andrew Whittingham

Attendance (Members): NONE

Apologies:  Cyrus Irani


2. Approval of Agenda

The purpose of this urgent meeting is to discuss the current situation with the landlord, who has advised they will be providing 30 days notice to vacate the shop.

3. Chair of the meeting

Jenny Kent proposed to chair the meeting, and this was accepted by all members present. 

4. Lease documents

There are certain lease documents which need to be located to review the background to the relationship with the landlord. It was revealed that copies of these documents were available on Confluence, but have since been accidently deleted. Jenny and Andrew stressed the importance of finding these documents. Bruce and Vicki undertook to provide those documents to the MC as soon as possible. 

5. Premises

Discussion around the background to the leasing arrangement with the landlord. The lease period expired in February 2020, and the MC did not decide to renew the lease under option for another 5 years. The landlord tried to increase the rent by $8,000 - $10,000 per annum following the declined option. Andrew explained the commercial perspective of the landlord and potential reasoning for their notice to vacate. Discussion moved to the communication between the MC and the landlord and it was confirmed that that communication lacked clarity and certainty – the MC had advised that one option facing us was closing the shop by the end of January or early February. The MC agreed on the following courses of action:

  1. Andrew and Jenny to meet with landlord on 4 February 2021 to discuss the status of the Co-op and understand the landlord's perspective. 
  2. The staff will be given a temporary restriction on grocery purchases for the time being.
  3. Research NSW government temporary COVID tenant protection measures. 
  4. Obtain some legal counsel, with priority of achieving pro bono status with Minter Ellison, failing which Jenny can call on a lawyer friend for help. 
  5. Payment of the January rent to the landlord as soon as possible. 

The MC discussed the strategy for meeting with the leasing agent. 

6. Staff contracts and pay rates

Lisa Kwok, our HR volunteer is currently reviewing the contracts, pay rates and providing an opinion on the proposed Co-Manager arrangements for Carina and Ran. She will provide an email update to the MC. There was discussion on staff morale and organisational fatigue. 

7. Next meeting

The next MC meeting to be held on Friday, 5 February 2021 at 6:30pm, at P+V Wine Merchants.