ACM September 25, 2022

Topics: conflict, fire policy, no parking signs

Wasatch Commons All-Community Meeting

Sunday, September 25, 2022, 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Attendees: Vicky, Mike, Beth, Cheryl, Linda, Laura, Laraine, Alex, Kay, Ben, Myste, Marina

Note Taker: Kay.  Facilitators: Mike and Laraine

Conflict

We have an agreement to refrain from angry exchanges over email.  Beth would like to work on something similar for in-person communication, an agreement that we are not going to communicate by yelling and insults.  Recognize it may happen anyway.  Ask bystanders to cool situations off, not to escalate. Would a proposal be appropriate? Would it be possible or practical? It's impossible to legislate emotion. Put it in terms of what can be done, not what can't.

Our values have a statement about safety.

Linda and Laraine have been researching ideas for a conflict process, including what other communities do.  Resolution is a high bar.  Maybe "conflict support," to support people who are having a conflict (not supporting conflict), or conflict management.  It's not uncommon in cohousing communities to have a budget for outside mediation.

It is an important rule that the team not take sides.  Conflict is not always verbal -- often something someone has done is an underlying factor.

Marshall Rosenberg's "Nonviolent Communication":  When _ happens, I feel _.  To not feel _, I need _.  It can seem mechanical, but can be very effective.  Many other methods, but underlying similarities among them. Liz McGill's model.  Silver Sage's model.

Straw poll.  Majority is okay with Beth working on this.

Committee Reports

Fire Policy.  Had a walk-through by the Fire Marshall with Laraine, Vicky, Joe, & Lila.  No recreational fires except in approved containers. No fires during inversions. Beth & Coleen have a fire container they might donate.  The fire policy ad hoc committee is recommending we continue the community moratorium on outdoor fires. Doing some fire remediation work would be to the community's benefit.  Stucco is fire resistant.

The SLFD said there is a moratorium on recreational fires.  We are trying to find more information on this, in writing.

Maintenance. Common house repairs from upstairs toilet.  Insurance covers damage but not source of damage.  Vinnie tried replacing the flush mechanism and hasn't gotten it to flush properly.

Tree Committee.  Wednesday meeting toured stumps that were generated this year and discussed next steps.

North Field will be planting garlic.

Welcoming. Still getting contacts through FaceBook.  Scheduling orientation for Kerry and some new room-mates. Nothing currently for sale.

Common House Furnishings. Priced stretching hallway carpet, cheaper to replace it.  Discussing modular carpet.

Announcements

The city put No Parking signs on either side of our east driveway last week.  Mr. Walton (contractor) got hit pulling out about six months ago.  Neighbor was parking his truck very close to the drive.  Got a ticket, parked further back for a while, creeping closer again.  A city worker came out again recently, tried pulling out of the drive himself, and said he understood the problem.

October 14-16.  Servas Conference.  Some board members will stay at Wasons. Will use sitting room and our zoom.  One person will sleep in their RV but would like access to a toilet.  Lauren, Vicky, and Laura will be sponsors.  Whether upstairs toilet gets repaired may be a factor in whether someone stays in guest room.