BELLINGHAM DHARMA HALL SPACE MEETING

JANUARY 29, 2005

Attending: Jean LaValley, Jay Christensen, Caroline Kingsbury, Karen FitzGerald, Paul Piper, Yvonne Talmadge, Gretchen Harsch, John Graber, Ted Williams, Bob Penny, Freda Tepfer, Mary Stone, Rem Ryals, Robin Rieck, Linda McPheeters, Cindy Madigan, Tim Burnett, Chris Burkhart, Jen Hebert, Monica Aebly

Jean and Bob chaired the meeting, and the group began with a 20-minute sit. The agenda was explained and discussed. Bob explained that the Board wants to make decisions about moving or staying in this space with input from members of the Hall. Hence if there is the energy for it, a committee might be formed from members at the end of this meeting today to work on issues of space.

There was then a round of introductions by the 20 attendees. Bob organized the group into smaller groups of three each, to discuss their thoughts and feelings about the BDH space.

The large group re-united after 15 minutes to talk about what came out in the small groups. John pointed out that the lease is up at the end of June this year. Freda thought that our goal should be to be an urban center, not a retreat center. Several people recommended that the BDH mission and aspirations might be more explored. Bob suggested that each of the four groups explore their own individual foci and aspirations. Appreciation and gladness for this particular space was expressed, but with the caveat that it feels wrong that people with disabilities cannot make it up the stairs. Several people did wonder if we are close to outgrowing Space for our sitting groups.

Tim, as representative of the Zen group leadership council said: 1. The Zen group recognizes that finding a new space properly would take time and recommends that we sign a lease at this venue for one more year. 2. If we make a major financial decision, (e.g. buy a building) consider changing the structure of the Hall membership to some sort of a mix of members and groups, rather than just individual members. Briefly, a group membership would have responsibilities for the Hall and would get benefits from being a member of the Hall. It happens now informally, because there is a member from each group on the Board. Tim thought that we have produced a solid basis, but we fail to serve people with disabilities and possibly others who are shy about coming to this space.

Ted stated that the Mindfulness leadership committee would be meeting and would discuss a structure in which the groups have some sort of say in the Hall, beyond the regular individual membership.

Jean pointed out that a move may be a burden in increased time spent on governance and financial issues, and hopes that there is no or little increased burden on our time, causing us to have less time for formal practice.

Several people pointed out that there may be creative funding available. Alternative models, such as storefront, renting a part of a large house, buying a building and renting much of it out were mentioned.

Lastly, we recognized that even if we all wanted to stay in our current space we have no control over if and when the building might be sold.

After a break, some information was given. Our total square feet is 1300, which includes the kitchen and library. We have access to a place to put our shoes, and two bathrooms downstairs. Our rent is currently $625/month. The Shambhala group also rents the Ziji Ling room, and uses Jack Birr’s office occasionally.

Jay, our official representative with our landlord, Bert Bennett, met with him two days ago and had the following report: Bert rents the second and third floors from the Masons and sublets our space to us under a triple net lease. We will not have the option to rent month-to-month in June, so if we stay, we will have to sign a lease for at least a year. Bert was not sure if the rent will go up. Currently, we pay one/fifth of the utilities. The Masons hold on to the heat bills for long periods of time. There may be a large heating bill this summer, but it will be split with the other tenants. Jay trusts that Bert will be fair with us. We will be responsible for some improvements in the building, but our lease states that that would be no more than $20/month. Our lease also states that we may be held responsible for paying for some increase in taxes, should they go up substantially. There is currently nothing in our lease that says we can’t have space heaters in the Dharma Hall.

Jean asked for input on the kinds of issues we need to know to make good decision for our space.

1. What does commercial space cost? Where is it? We would have to go through a commercial realtor to find this information.

2. What changes can we make around the heat in this building? What would these cost? What changes can we make to decrease the noise level e.g. loud pipes?

3. What changes can we make to increase accessibility? Costs of this?

4. Zoning considerations? This also includes parking and impact on nearby residents/businesses. We are a religious organization in the zoning world.

5. If we considered shared space, what would we need to satisfy our needs?

6. What do the groups that make up this Hall need for their future?

7. What would be the implications of buying verses renting for the membership in terms of commitment?

8. The above question, but in terms of community interest and support?

9. What are the financial and legal realities of buying?

10. What are our financial prospects and possibilities of creative fundraising?

11. What are the positives and negatives of different renting/buying/leasing scenarios?

12. What are the Masons’ long-term plans for this building?

13. Location considerations, including availability of public transportation: How far from the downtown area are we willing to go?

It was pointed out that, probably barring some miraculous event, we are looking at signing a lease for another year. John pointed out was that renting is a far lesser change from our current situation than buying, and is more feasible. Jay says that Bert would like at least two months notice if we do leave. Monica noted that our intentions will help determine what outcome we reach, so we must investigate them with care. Chris pointed out that looking for a space or working on this current space should be A JOYFUL part of our practice. We agree that the committee really must have representatives from each group.

Jean then asked for volunteers to joyfully work on a Space Committee. Gretchen Harsch, Freda Tepfer, Robin Reich, Chris Burkhart, Jen Hebert and Monica Aebly all agreed to be on the Committee. Bob Penny and Jean LaValley from the Board will also be on this committee.

Also, Tim Burnet, Mary Stone and Rem Ryals agreed to be available for back-up help.

Jean thanked us all and the meeting was adjourned. The Space Committee then had their first meeting.