1. Attendance and Apologies

Attendance (MC): Lauren Sims, Vicki D'Adam, Bruce Diekman, Karl Coombe, Tom Bartels

Attendance (Members): Ran de Silva (Assistant Manager), Cyrus Irani (until 7.45), Allie Cooke (Manager), Maurice Cabrera (6.55-7.35pm)

Apologies: Ashton Roskill, Uppma Virdi

2. Approval of Agenda

That the agenda be approved.

Moved: Vicki

Seconded: Tom

Carried by consensus

3. Consent Agenda

That the consent agenda be approved.

Moved: Tom

Seconded: Bruce

Carried by consensus

4. Manager’s Report

Oral update:

• 2 weeks ago, sales were back up again
• Last week dropped down again by about 6%
• New computers installed - very happy with them!
• Kept one old computer (Mac)
• All data saved to Cloud - no longer need server
• Filemaker - only works on laptop - IT person to assist with a new member/volunteer database software
• Fridges - same issues with front fridge - needs servicing - use new referral
• Lots of new products - selling well - still want to have each customer buy more
• Also stocking different products to be able to compete on price e.g. cheaper soap

That the Manager's report be approved.

Moved: Vicki

Seconded: Bruce

Carried by consensus

5. Finance report

TREASURER's REPORT-30 Sept 20

FY20 DRAFT Financials

AH FY20 Financial Statements
→ MC: please raise comments/queries
→ Tom can revert back to AH accountant (Caroline Raissis) to respond or make amendments to Financials

That the Finance report be approved.

Moved: Bruce

Seconded: Vicki

Carried by consensus

6. Grant Plan - Jenny Leong's office

Maurice related his 2017 experience

MC to form a delegation if agreed worthwhile, and tee up a time to visit her office.

• Decision on grant expected in November
• Maurice - previous grant process in 2017 - Catherine Lustig and Maurice met with Jenny Leong and Lydia to discuss vision for Co-op, membership, community - wanting to spread the benefit of the grant to the community - he recommended we meet to discuss recent grant submission - give an update on how the Co-op is going now - crowdfunding campaign, community involvement
• Cyrus - spoke to Lydia before submitting application - positive - they don't make the final decision, just assess and submit to State government - we missed out last year because there were a large number of applicants and we had had the 2017 grant - strategy to break down the application into parts, so that we might get a partial grant
• ACTION: Cyrus to contact Jenny Leong's office to arrange a meeting, if possible (Ashton and/or Tom to attend meeting with Cyrus)

7. COVID Safety Plan-implementation

Completed and circulated. Discussed at staff meeting. Registration - people can view and comment online.

That AH adopt the COVID Safety Plan and register it.

Moved: Lauren

Seconded: Bruce

Carried by consensus

8. AGM and proposed rule changes

- Progress on venue/Zoom access
- Progress on Rules consultation
- Progress on preferred date

Bruce:

• Physical AGM mid-November Pocket City Farms, weekday evening
• Also need Zoom option
• Need to lodge the annual return by end November
• Change to active member rule - out of session MC decision
• Notices to members - most by email

9. Lease

Updates on Lease renewal vs outside lease

AH Lease Renewal 2020

Potential new premises

• Maurice - redevelopment of Marrickville Metro (parking and convenience to other shops); redevelopment of Young Henry's (community feel, like Tramsheds); close to transport (if no parking); bargains to be had, lots of shops closing due to pandemic; Pocket City Farms (restaurant space or shops nearby)
• Cyrus - Inner West Council - will follow up - occasionally has properties available for community groups, also Sydney Council
• Bruce - Bower and Reverse Garbage moving to Summer Hill
• Allie - shopping centre will increase sales, as will being near the station; any other location wouldn't get sales
• Vicki - vegan precinct King Street, just south of the station

Need to approach our current landlord - but wait to see outcome of grant.

10. Computer upgrade & store issues

1. Are computers running ok?
2. Are critical items for repair still in need of repair?

11. Marketing program

Any updates? Newsletter & website?
→ T-shirt printing & t-shirt design comp (once we have costing from Em/Carina)

12. Membership discounts & systems (POS + database)

POS System (with member discounts) - Tom will need help seeking out more info from other retailers/co-ops
Membership system - Have idea to finish with Filemaker, but need replacement(s)
Help required.

13. Co-op of Co-ops - 1st meeting outcome

- Tom attended first meeting (Tues 29th Sept.)
- Need replacement rep. from Co-op (ideally a vollie)
- Plan for this vollie would be to encourage/contribute to:
→ joint marketing
→ joint ordering, and
→ joint website promotion of Co-ops

Initial Co-op of Co-ops (1) Meeting agenda (2) Rules (3) M'ship form:

(Co-op of Co-ops)Approved Rules- 3 Sept. 2020

Co-op Grocers Formation Meeting Agenda 29 Sep 20

Co-op Grocers Membership Form ($100)

14. Any other business