January 2026

Eagle Heights Garden Committee Minutes

January 14 , 2026 7 PM

Remote Meeting

Jolene, Alex, Jessica, Ann, Ric, Ron, Pam, Lily and Karen.

Jessica started the meeting.

Minutes With a motion by Lily and seconded by Ann the November 2025 minutes were approved.

Registrar Update

So far this season there have been 187 renewals and 18 new applications . New applications are a bit low. The financial assistance program has been very successful, with a lot of generous donations. We may consider not accepting aid next year or suggesting a small donation amount. Many people receiving aid are residents. Lily added a note to the Apartments newsletter about the assistance program which stated that names of recipients and donors are confidential. A couple of things to note: People applying for assistance should be asked to omit payment with their initial applications since the amount will likely change. Lily is reserving funds for new applicants in the order they applied, along with renewing applicants so they are still eligible on the same first-come, first-served basis.

Jolene has had a button for the Gardens added to the Foundation website. This is the only tax-deductible way to donate to the gardens, so we will make it available to anyone who is interested.

Budget review: Due to a system upgrade, no financial reports have been available since June, 2025. Lily has reviewed the budget to provide the best estimate she can of where we stand. We probably entered the current fiscal year with about $28,000 in the account and we will likely come out in line with the budget. The financial assistance funds are tracked separately and subtracted from the budget.

Garden Expo: A staff member at Eagle's Wing has asked if we would like to share a table at the Garden Expo on Feb 13th. Lily will go and bring along some applications. We will also donate some non-viable seeds for a craft activity.

Garden Worker Report

Pam says there is nothing to report given the time of year.

Additional topics

Hiring

Jolene reminded everyone that TE positions must now have an end date. Pam and Lily are returning next season, but Nick and Zach are not. This means we have two positions to fill. We could recruit and/or do a direct hire. Ron may know someone, and will look into it. The transition to the new system has also slowed down hiring. Jolene will put in a request for a recruitment tomorrow.


Ric asked about water system plans for next year

We need to consult a plumber about water pressure before adding a second line to the main path. Ron has some experience with this and volunteered to help. Lily will email Ron and Pam about the project.

Lily and Pam left the meeting before the wage plan was discussed

A 3% wage increase for returning employees would be in line with Campus. Discussion ensued. A 4% raise was approved for current employees.

The meeting ended at 7:24

Submitted by Karen, subject to correction by the Garden Committee