The June 05, 2001 meeting of the Monroe County Green Party began at 7:07pm. Facilitator: Jeff Melton Scribe: Steps to Freedom Introductions were made due to a large number of new persons at the meeting. Attendance: Jo Ellen Thomas, Isabel Piedmont, Steps to Freedom(Sean Bagley), Dennis McNamara, Danyi Heckaman, George R Brooks, Heather Drake, Dan Hussey, Julie Roberts, Colleen Briggs, Jeffrey Willsey, Peter Drake, Jeff Melton The agenda was approved. The minutes from the last meeting were approved. Coordinator Reports: *Treasurer: Isabel reported there are now approximately 16 full members of MCGP. The treasury was approved and we discussed combining IUBGreens tabling merchandise with the merchandise of MCGP. All approved. Chris to be repaid the balance of money due to him for his initial investment in the merchandise. *Technology: Peter reported we now have about 150 people on our announcement list at yahoogroups. He also reported the MCGP website is updated regularly. Julie requested that summaries of the activity on the discuss list be posted to the announcement list. *Media: Jeff spoke of doing a Speak Your Mind editorial statement on local radio. The topic was the Canterbury Apts development to which the MCGP is opposed. *Liason: Steps reported that the next meeting of the Indiana Green Party is on Saturday, June 09, 2001 in Indianapolis at noon at the Unleavened Bread Cafe. Steps reported he is working to get other Green Parties to update their links and/or add links to MCGP. Announced that MCGP may have enough G/GPUSA members to be authorized a delegate at the G/GPUSA Green National Congress coming up in July in Carbondale. Announcements: *Monroe County Council meets next Tue. June 12, 2001 with approval of the bond to fund Canterbury House Apts on the agenda. All were encouraged to attend and to voice opposition. *The Bluebird treesit opposing Canterbury House Apts is in need of donations and support. Old Business: *Farmers Market; it was requested that people make commitments to tabling at the Farmers Market for upcoming Saturdays. People volunteered for the next three weeks(see bottom) *Jeff summarized the Stony Springs/Canterbury House Apts issue and a discussion of the issue followed. Everyone is urged to contact the County Council members and voice their opposition before next Tuesdays Council meeting. *Planning retreat; Monroe County Green Party first annual planning retreat happens Sunday June 10, from 10am until ??? at the Drake residence. Suggestions were taken for a proposed agenda for the retreat. Included suggestions...*membership drive *investigation of laws pertaining to political parties and candidates inc. qualifications for office *elections...who to run? deadlines? *Voter Bill of Rights *affiliation questions regarding state and national parties. *creating literature linking 10 Key Values with local issues *forming, creating, being a shadow government in Bloomington, Monroe County *plans for Independence Day Parade(4th of July) Democrat Bloomington City Councilman Jeffrey Willsey spoke about the need for Greens to work with progressive Democrats on issues that are current and relevent in Bloomington. For example the city Growth Policies Planning is currently underway and more progressive voices are needed. He suggested that we begin to draft resolutions as to how we would have Bloomington develop. Heather noted that the information packets given to participants in public meetings(ie city/county council) are usually available to the public in the Indiana Room at the Monroe County Public Library. It was noted that the Bloomington City Council meets at 7:30 each Wed. New Business: *4th of July(Independence Day) Parade: ideas were presented for a theme and banners for the MCGP entry. Isabel agreed to check on necessary contacts. *Citizens academy is a crash course in city government offered by the city. Over the course of nine weeks, interested participants go step by step through the varied aspects of city government, from utilities to police to the council and mayor. Heather encouraged all to participate as it is an effective way to learn about city government. *Fundraising: to be discussed at annual retreat *City committee and board openings: There was discussion about the fact that there are current openings on several City of Bloomington appointed boards, including Commission on the Status of Black Males, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Commission...It was noted that the city clerk has an updated list of current openings and folks are encouraged to apply. Ideas were presented regarding useful methods for getting involved. *Greens/Green Party of the United States of America National Congress is coming up on July 20-23, 2001. Steps is looking into the status of MCGP individual memberships in G/GPUSA to ascertain that we will have the requirements to receive a voting delegate at the National Congress. Sean Bagley(Steps to Freedom) was appointed by consensus to be the MCGP delegate due to his being MCGP Green Liason. Julie Brown agreed to facilitate the next meeting which is tentatively set to be in the Bloomington Environmental Center on College St. Next meeting is on Tuesday, June 19, 2001 at 7:00pm. Review of commitments: Farmers Market June 9; Heather, Colleen(8-noon) Farmers Market June 16; Isabel, Heather Farmers Market June 23; Julie, Jeff Isabel; inquire re. parade Steps; IGP meeting, post meeting notes, work on IGP charter, Liason stuff Julie; facilitate next meeting, meet at Farmers Market for rides to IGP in Indy, will post to group re. county council info Heather; Farmers Market, make and post schedule for retreat, Colleen; Farmers Market, retreat Peter; add names to announce list, Farmers Market, IGP, County Council meeting End of minutes for the June 05, 2001 meeting of the Monroe County Green Party