February 2024

 

 Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes

February 14, 2024  7 PM

Remote Meeting

Lily, Alex, Jolene, Ann, Jessica, Barb A and Karen.

Alex started the meeting.

Minutes  With a motion by Lily and seconded byBarb A, the January 2924 minutes were approved. 

Registrar Update

There was a discussion about what constitutes a quorum, since all the gardeners are able to be members of the committee.  After discussion, we will have the quorum be 50% of the attendance of the last 10 meetings.  If we have a low attendance meeting, then we can solicit input through email, understanding that this is time consuming for the Registrar.

Lily reports there are now 65 new gardener applications and 432 renewals from returning gardeners.  We have around 568 plots.  Lily will send a reminder out about tomorrow's deadline for renewing plots.  Last year here were about 2 dozen late renewing applications.  Some of those people lost their plots and made the plot assignment process difficult.

Lily asked if there were volunteers to lead orientations

Opening day will be March 30th. 

Seed Fair April 6

The UW Preserve produces a report about pesticide use.  A small part of University Houses is non organic.  The Committee agreed that the goal is to phase out the non Organic section over time.  All existing gardeners will be allowed to continue in the non organic section.  This year there are a few non-organic applications which will be honored.  

Hiring More Garden Workers

Jolene said we technically have three vacant garden workers positions.  Jolene reports that Nichole is no longer a garden worker.  Ian has not responded to Jolene’s calls and messages.  It is possible that we will have no garden workers at the beginning of the season.  Volunteers should prepare to run workdays if there are no garden workers at the beginning of the season.

The recruitment of Garden Workers has been approved by HR. Jolene will run the requirement as fast as possible.  The position will pay $17.00 an hour with a shift premium for nights and weekends.  It is helpful if the person is available some weeknights and a weekend day a week. Most people work 5-10 hours a week, but the position allows up to 20 hours a week. Tanya could mow, but it would be expensive.  As soon as the job is posted, Jessica  will post it on gardening sites and Sandra will put it on our website.  Jolene is happy to answer questions about the position.

Alex reported that there was one potential candidate but they have not responded to her email.

There will be a salary increase for longevity.  

Jolene needs to travel for family business and will be available via email or there will be a substitute contact person for the Gardens.  She will keep us informed.

Motion by Lily and seconded Barb A to adjourn

Adjourned 7:35

Submitted by Karen, subject to correction by the Garden Committee