annwfn.org

Attendance: Jeanne, Arthur, Denese, Whitehorn, Brendan, Laura, Jeff, Joe, Aileen, Paige, Juan, Ayisha, Mike B, Olwen, Macha, Kindoor, and Kathy, a non-FOA member as a fair witness.
Meeting started at 2:27pm. and was held at 32 E. San Francisco Avenue, Willits, CA instead of Annwfn due to an expressed conflict in schedule by the caretakers (ample notification had been published in previous minutes and Section 4 of the FOA bylaws).

Election results for the new Board of Directors of FOA counted by Joe and Jeff, the new stewards of Annwfn, were as follows:
Bryan 24 votes, Ian 25 votes, Arthur 28 votes, Jeanne 21 votes, and Macha 19 votes for the five new board members of FOA.
There were a total of 33 ballots cast from the voting Ents. Other results were Michael 9 votes, Jeff 9 votes, Joe 1 vote, Dal 1 vote, and Ayisha 1 vote.

Choices to add the bylaws changes to redefine membership were Yes with 16 votes, and No with 8 votes.

While the votes were being counted we each introduced ourselves and Ayisha gave a very detailed report of Gwydion's vision for Annwfn and his history with the land. She noted that the problems experienced 30 years ago are much the same as the problems we are facing today, notably lack of trust, stored animosities, prejudice, unrealistic goals, fear, ego, burnout, and using polarizing language. She encouraged the new board to have patience and understanding with each other, and to install more checks and balances into the affairs of Annwfn.

Macha volunteered to became acting secretary.

The Board discussed plans to open a new bank account, and determined that 2 signatures would be preferable for checks over $500. Discussed various options for electronic banking and an option of continuing our present account if Jack would cooperate with the bank requirements for his signature removal. Moved, seconded and passed unanimously that FOA may open a new bank account if needed.

The Board discussed other financial matters, including the Annwfn financial reports due to CAW, the need for a budget, and the legal and insurance ramifications of future tree plantings and events. We were advised that there is a past due balance of $1600 on this year's liability insurance for CAW.

The Board was advised that Annwfn is in arrears for its Greenfield Ranch assessments. As of July 1, 2007, Annwfn owed $3160 since 2002. Greenfield's board has made a proposal for gradual payment of this debt. Jeanne was delegated to follow-up on the matters of taxes, fees & assessments. We were advised that one fee is the driver fee, for which we will be paying $840/year ($10/person/month) so that the seven residents at Annwfn have road privileges.

The Annwfn Stewards present reported that Solstice proceeds totaled $750. They had purchased propane, and were currently replacing the stairs on the front porch of the Goat Lodge.

The Board was advised that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has new regulations making it possible that Annwfn could be held liable if illegal substances were to be found in use during gatherings. We were advised to post a disclaimer stating "No Illegal Drugs Permitted." Ayisha presented archives that addressed this issue.

Moved, seconded, and passed unanimously that it shall be FOA policy that no ritual cakes which contain any illegal substances, or other illegal drugs, may be offered to participants at festivals by the stewards of Annwfn.

The President's Report was presented. It included historical data about the founding of FOA. The president voiced concern that the bylaws needed the revisions voted on. It was emphasized that the wording about community, maintaining Sacred Space, fundraising, and continuation of ceremonies and holiday observances had been carefully considered, and that any other revisions should reflect those values. It was reported that fundraising efforts had produced increased revenue, but that we may need to file forms if we receive an excess of $25,000 in any one-year. The Friends of Annwfn are estimated as being 100-110 on-line members, and 45 other supporters.

The proposal was made that an official FOA thank you be made to Dal for his contributions of a tool shed, the Cistern Chapel, and the repaired generator. So moved, seconded, and passed unanimously.

Annwfn needs were discussed, including having fixed the broken shower, a new refrigerator, new water tanks preferably with 3750 gal. capacity, garden work, and trash removal.

The Board agreed that FOA wants to work with the Stewards to set appropriate spending priorities and realistic budgets.

The Stewards brought up their concerns about the soil contamination from automotive fluids. They requested assistance from vehicle owners in removing them from the land and aiding in the cleanup.

The Stewards reported that they are building their structures on skids, so that they meet the criteria for "Non-permanent Structures." Concerns were raised about increasing the taxes at Annwfn and for the other parcel holders, and about Code K compliance. The Stewards were urged to be vigilant about their compliance with County ordinances in any building projects.

The Board was advised that an Operations Manual is in progress, so that the new stewards will have a clear idea of how to make Annwfn operate.

The Board was advised that Cougar had obtained the names of 5 people interested in telephone mediation sessions, and was expecting to hold the first session on 7/11/07. Other sessions to follow.

Changes in E-mail and web communications were recommended. The Board was requested to develop an ethics statement regarding this. The board was advised to check out the statement of the Sonoma County Pagan Network. Other elements of discussion included the development of a new web site, a question about who owns Annwfn.org, and the possibility of changing to a new server which might have more room, a message board, where somebody could host, and pictures could be posted.
No decision was made on this.

The Board was presented information about the status and history of the Elliptical Congregation as an "official nest" of CAW. Letters were received from Jack Crispin Cain, and from Tim Emert. Tim's letter stated that he was no longer a board member of FOA, although his letter was undated and his status never established.

The Board heard information about the history of the association between FOA, EC, and CAW. The Board agreed to work on a MOU between FOA and CAW. It was the opinion of the board that the CAW Board of Directors would be the appropriate agency to make decisions about caretakers coming and going; and about how to process such interrelated paperwork. Denese Ullom reported that she intentionally sends her FOA tithe to pay for caring for the caretakers, and would like that intention honored.

The Board agreed to send a thank you letter to Queen Seasons and King Rik honoring their recent efforts at peacemaking. They have shared Blessings and Healing Prayers for the Community, and they will be given 2 overnight passes to Orr Hot Springs at their discretion.

Under Old Business, it was noted that Jack and Tamar still have not apologized as was requested at a previous board meeting.

The Board acknowledged that all offices and titles of Board members are for legal and functional purposes only. We agreed that all members are equal to each and every other member and valued for their work. There is no special status conferred in being a Board of Directors member.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:48 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Macha Maybourne McClure, acting secretary FOA

Present: Joe B., Jeff, Laura, Brendan, Sidra, Tim, Royce, Alia, Macha, Kindoor, Ayisha, and board members Jack, Arthur, and Jeanne.

Meeting started at 2:30pm at the Willits Business Office, 32 East San Francisco Avenue with Royce and Sidra acting as recording secretaries.

Prior to the meeting, Jack gave a financial report with a FOA bank balance of $1500 and CAW bank balance of $350. Jack noted the need for an additional water storage tank, the purchase of a large inverter for electricity, and stated a desire to purchase additional solar panels. Jeanne mentioned the need for more accuracy in categorizing the incoming funds into four groups for reporting purposes (donations, tithes, membership dues, and festival fees).

First Agenda Item: Adoption of last two meetings minutes (9/9/06 and 1/13/07) as posted to the website. Jack objected stating he had not yet seen the 1/13/07 minutes and was handed a copy. Jack objected to the inclusion of the words "with no reason given". Further discussion was postponed until later in this meeting.

Second Agenda Item: Bylaw change re: membership definition, as previously brought before the board 1/13/07. Jack read the proposed change for the record as it would be placed on the ballot for voting approval by the membership at the annual membership meeting. Proposed by Jack, seconded by Jeanne. Passed unanimously.

Third Agenda Item: Stewards report: Jack mentioned he was still bound by the bylaws of CAW in effect in 1996 and that respect for any project one has devoted one fourth of their life to was a priority. He mentioned his personal path lay toward ordination. He stated that he was not leaving the land anytime soon. Jack acknowledged that he and Tamar were no longer the principle donors to Annwfn, and that he was very happy about this as he has spent over $10,000 on the land. Jack mentioned seeking advice from several professional counselors concerning his issues with Royce and offered his forgiveness. Jack also gave recognition to the new stewards and their intent to move onto the land in August. Jack then read into the record and presented hard copies of Tamar Kaye's official letter of resignation from the FOA board. The board officially accepted this resignation with regrets.

Continuing the report, Jack stated he had purchased a log splitter and a 20-inch chainsaw for the sum of $2200 that were his personal property and not donations to Annwfn, but for use on the land as needed. He also stated his Jeep had died of transmission failure.

Jack then moved into a discussion of the argument he and Tamar had with Royce on 1/7/07 and presented a letter from the Elliptical Congregation, signed by Tamar, stating Royce had lost all rights and privileges as a member in good standing at Annwfn until January 2008, since the agreed-upon written apology from Royce had not been received by them. Jeanne stated that Royce's written apology had in fact been received at the office. The question was raised that Jack and Tamar's action was against the decision reached by the FOA board at the last meeting (a split vote with no action), and that Jack and Tamar had acted alone in this matter. Ayisha noted for the record the conflict of interest between the boards. After more discussion Jack and Tim then left the meeting.

Arthur moved that the board request a written apology from Jack and Tamar for their part in the incident of 1/7/07. Seconded by Jeanne. Motion passed by quorum present.

Arthur brought a second motion requesting that Jack and Tamar reconsider their position regarding the banishment of Royce from Annwfn for a year and a day. Seconded by Jeanne. Motion passed by quorum present.

Fourth Agenda Item: New board member nominations entered for the elections to be held at the annual membership meeting as follows:

Ballots for the election will be mailed to all eligible members. They need to be received at or before the annual membership meeting to be held 7/7/07 at Annwfn. Joe and Jeff volunteered to count the ballots.

Fifth Agenda Item: New Business: Jeanne read from an Annwfn Council report dated 11/16/01 in which Jack stated that a full turning of the wheel (one year) would be needed to pass the torch and transition new caretakers onto the land. An opinion was expressed that this concept may have been a primary reason we have had several potential caretakers not continue into their positions as stewards of Annwfn. Our new Stewards pledged they would stick it out and be there for the complete transition Arthur proposed a future bylaw change, for consideration by the membership in due course, that the stewards of Annwfn can collectively hold no more than one seat on the board of FOA.

Sixth Agenda Item: Jeanne quickly recapped the financial report as presented by Jack prior to the meeting.

Seventh Agenda Item: Unfinished Minutes: Jeanne expressed her frustration with not receiving minute notes from the two previous meetings in a timely manner. Relevant passages from the FOA bylaws were read. Arthur moved that the change to the 1/13/07 minutes as posted, re: the inclusion of Jack's stated reason for not accepting the 9/9/06 minutes being that they were in his opinion, incomplete. Seconded by Jeanne. Motion passed by quorum.

Arthur moved that the board adopt minutes of the 9/9/06 meeting as posted, and adopt the 1/13/07 minutes revised as mentioned in the previous motion. Seconded by Jeanne. Motion passed by quorum.

Next board meeting was set for the annual membership meeting to be held July 7, 2007 at Annwfn.

Board Minutes from The Friends of Annwfn President: -- ~~Draft, not yet approved.~~ APPROVED at March 10, 2007 FoA Board meeing, as amended below:

Present: Sidra, Tim, Kia, Royce, Macha, Ayisha, and board members Jack, Tamar, Arthur, and Jeanne.

Meeting started at 2:00pm at the Willits Business Office, 32 East San Francisco Avenue with Tim tape recording the proceedings and Kia acting as recording secretary.

First Agenda Item: Adoption of last meetings minutes as posted to the website. Jack and Tamar objected ~~with no explanation given~~ for the stated reason of being incomplete. Told the written version from the last meeting were available for review but Kia's version was not available. Not interested in reviewing the notes present. Item not adopted.

Second Agenda Item: Additions to be added by Mike Greenman to the elist policy and online brochure to include the policy of behavior adopted at the last board meeting. Jeanne will call/email Mike. Tamar proposed and Jack seconded that a new elist and name be established to address the concerns of Annwfn Stewards online. This item was put on hold so we could refocus during the next three months.

Third Agenda Item: Membership definition of teenager to be 13 and above and to be changed in the bylaws. Arthur proposed and seconded by Tamar. Item passed.

Fourth Agenda Item: Proposal by WillowOak to facilitate the Beltaine ritual was read and accepted by Jack and seconded by Jeanne. Dates for Beltaine set for May 4-6, 2007 and May 2-4, 2008 to accommodate the Heretics in their planning for next year. Ostara to be March 23-25, 2007. Item passed.

Suggested by Jeanne to increase the price at the time of a festival if participant(s) have not pre-registered. Jack proposed and Tamar seconded that all prices will increase to:

- $25.00 overnight camping per night per person, seniors to stay at $12 per night per person

- Beltaine and Samhain sliding scale of $50-$200 with the charge of $200 if not pre-registered

- Other festivals with a sliding scale of $40-100 and the charge of $100 if not pre-registered

Fifth Agenda Item: Discussion of the status of an Operations Manual for Annwfn. Bryan will be working with Jack to complete this important document. All in agreement as this would facilitate other members to help with the job load to run the Sanctuary.

Sixth Agenda Item: Tim and Jeanne volunteered to form an Elections Committee to oversee the memberships voting and ratifying of bylaw changes at the Annual Membership Meeting. All board members are up for reelection for three-year terms. Nominations for board positions are being accepted and all nominees must be of The Order of Ents and have current membership status. Positions open and nominations will be listed on the FOA website with the Annual Membership Meeting scheduled for June 16, 2007.

Seventh Agenda Item: Financial reports given to Arthur to be added to FOA website. Lawyers' bill still outstanding with status of amount owed unknown.. Jack finishing kitchen in the red house and purchasing a log splitter for use in wood processing as a gift for the Sanctuary's use from his disability funds. Jack was also asked to keep a list of donations so tax-related letters may be distributed in a timely manner.

Eighth Agenda Item: Dal's donation of a garden shed was discussed and his scheduling conflicts noted for the record. Tamar suggested we not have him sign onto the tax base for the sanctuary, as it would encumber documentation. All agreed.

Tamar then proposed and Jack seconded to banish Royce for a year and a day for a verbal altercation at Annwfn. Royce apologized for his loss of temper and acknowledged his difficulty with standing down when confronted in a negative manner. All present entered into the discussion to calm the proceedings. A written statement and apology was requested of Royce. He agreed. Vote on this [banishment] item was a two to two split with Jack and Tamar walking out before the meeting was adjourned. Item did not pass.

New Business: Discussion of the removal of trash from under the Goat Lodge and old vehicles from the ancestor lot. No decisions made.

The Friends of Annwfn Board Minutes
September 9, 2006

Present: Board of Directors: Jack, Tamar, Jeanne, Arthur

Friends: Denese, Kendoor, Kiara, Tim, Dal, Macha, Rosie, Royce, Alia,
Noel, Savannah, and Prince Gavin as his beautiful self

Starting Time: 2:00 PM Water sharing in the Circle

Discussion of Dal Burns's Agreement for construction of a yurt was
presented for signatures. Dal felt certain other projects were more
important at this time. He also wanted to include copy for an agreement
to pay a share of the taxes on the land at $2.00 per day or a percentage
-- proposed $700.00 a year, starting January 2007. Tabled for completion.

Discussion of Email problems and conduct on line was next. Annwfn.org
website run by Arthur, Friends of Annwfn yahoo list run by Mike
Greenman, and started by Don "Bear" Wilkinson who is not a current
member of FoA. Tamar suggested everyone be an up-to-date card carrying
member of FOA by November 1st or be dropped from the list, however, the
group present felt this would be counter-productive to increasing
membership. Another suggestion was a subscription e-list, however,
another list server would have to be found. Next, a discussion of Tim's
claiming to hold a position on the FOA board as part of the on line
problem.. He was voted onto the CAW board in January but not the FOA
board. Noted that one board does not equate inclusion on another board.
He agreed after much discussion he was not on the board of FOA. We also
needed to determine who is to speak for the board.

Action: Jeanne as the president of the board was empowered to speak for
the board on matters concerning Annwfn.

Proposed: that those name-calling or spreading provocative vicious
dialog on line be sent a letter of reprimand and be given a year and a
day time out from Annwfn activities. Passed.

Proposed: to add four policies/rules of conduct suggested by Jeanne for
appropriate behavior at the Sanctuary and on line. These are:
1. Have respect for yourself and others at all times.
2. Be an active participant/ member of Annwfn. All members are to
be included in the Order of Ents and have physically participated in one
or more tree plantings on Annwfn.
3. Leave no trace of your presence on the land after you leave.
4. Use the system of a gift economy -- each participant
contributes to the whole -- a cooperative co-created community. Passed.

We next did a walk-around of the Sanctuary to get a better idea of the
amount of work needed on the buildings, trees, broken window, dome

Minutes submitted by: Jeanne Koelle

The next Board Meeting is Scheduled for January 13, 2007 at 2pm at
Annwfn if the weather is good. If not, then it will be held at the
corporate office downtown Willits at 32 East San Francisco Avenue. The
meeting is open and all are welcome
Blessed Be,
Jeanne