ACM Planning Committee Minutes Jan 19, 2025

ACM Planning Committee Minutes Jan 19, 2025

Note Taker: Ben

Date/time: 19 Jan 2025, 7-8pm

Location: Common House 

Attendees:  Lynda, Ben, Kerry, Linda, Laraine

Feedback/reflection from prior ACM

Annual meeting went smoothly overall, especially given the increase in HOA fees. Some feedback about the lack of proposals in the past year. Feels like our decision making processes are a little different than they have been in the past. More decision making has been happening in committees, and they've been getting a lot done. There's been a lot of engagement and involvement overall in community activities, fundraising, maintenance, management, landscaping, etc. 

We've been transparent with the community about being more intentional in planning ACM topics (and also how we present said topics), and our willingness to work with anyone who has a topic they wish to discuss at ACM. We haven't had many (any) people come forward with proposals or ACM topic ideas in the past year. We've also had a lot of new people move in who are new to cohousing and haven't seen many proposals and may be unfamiliar with the process. No decisions in the community in the past year that should've been a proposal. We've asked to see proposals ahead of time before we put them on the agenda. Proposals should be plenary-worthy, and not things that could be dedicated to a committee. 

Some concern about maintaining cohousing. The core part of cohousing is group decision making, self-governing; collaborative, shared spaces; community events (holidays, celebrations, work parties, formal & informal gatherings). Living intentionally with a variety of people. Most people are here for the right reasons.

In the past, the community vision was created over multiple days at a retreat, and months going over the statements in community meetings. 

Functional community requires a high level of trust. Trust is at the top of the hierarchy in conflict resolution. Consistent, positive involvement builds trust & relationships over time. 

Planning of Upcoming ACMs

Possible upcoming agenda topics:

• Community Vision & Values
  • Ask everyone to review Vision & Values ahead of time
  • Framework:
    • What resonates with you regarding our community values?
    • Do your values differ? Is there anything missing or different?
      
• Consensus & Decision Making
• Educational ACM about the proposal process. When is a proposal appropriate?

Set Agenda for Next ACM: Sunday Jan 26, 2025

Action Items: