2017 August - Board of Directors Meeting Minutes 📝

MEETING NOTES

Attending:  Stephen Janes, Kate Griffith, Tara Gomez, Matt Murphy, Ross Rankin & Denise Shurtleff

The meeting was called to order by Matt Murphy.  There were no minutes of the June meeting which did not have a quorum and, the Board took a July Board Meeting summer break.

Steve Pepe updated the status of the Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance which will be on the Board of Supervisor’s (BOS) agenda for the October 3rd BOS meeting in Santa Barbara.  The key issues of those opposing STRs are traffic, noise and parking.  Those in favor of STRs cite increased income for agriculture during “fallow” periods, STRs add to Santa Barbara County income from collected fees ($2M current fees, 90% cut in number of STRs would mean a $1.5M loss in fees), and increases the number of “beds” available to visitors.  Currently, STRs are approved for 5+ acres.  Opponents would limit STRs to 20+ acres on agriculture properties resulting in a 90% cut in available STRs.  Steve Pepe asked for membership support by sending in comments to the supervisors prior to the meeting, possibly suggesting revising the proposed acreage limits, sending out “talking points” to members (letter to be forwarded to Matt Murphy) and to attend the meeting to show support of the STRs.   

Matt Murphy presented the July Financials and asked for their approval.  It was noted we are in a tight cashflow situation with $25K a month in expenses.  We will need to solicit 2018 dues by the end of October to cover expenses.  Approved as submitted.       

Stacie Jacob led the review of the Executive Director job description which was approved with a few edits and will now be listed on the winejobs.com website.

The strategic framework of the association will include concerns, suggestions of focus, vision and funding sources derived from member focus groups to be conducted August 30th, 31st and September 1st in addition to the strategies developed at the Board’s Strategic Meeting Retreat.

The meeting was adjourned with the September Board meeting to be scheduled.