March 20, 2006

Present: Judy Krajewski, Ann Mueller, Tania Nezrick, Ruth Peterson, Mary Helen Polensky, Cynthia Nelson, Kathy Stelford

Absent: Peggy James (illness in family)

The meeting was called to order by President Nelson at 7 p.m. Nezrick moved and Polensky seconded the motion that the minutes of February 20 be accepted as circulated. The motion passed. The agenda was accepted as presented.

In the absence of the manager, Nelson reported that a coupon book is now available for members. Not all items in the book may be in stock at the coop, but most of them are available, and any could be ordered if the quantity ordered is sufficient.

The taxes were filed and the coop paid $2400 ($1500 federal and $900 state) this year marking the first time in many years that the coop has paid any taxes. Now the coop is on the estimated quarterly pay system for taxes.

Since Jack Carpenter is currently traveling, he asked his son to indicate that he has received our offer to purchase the building. In a personal visit with Mr. Carpenter’s son, James emphasized that the board is very serious about the proposal. Since we only have two years before the lease will come up for renewal, the board felt we needed to start thinking about this now because we move rather slowly as an organization. Recent good years have made the board and manager feel like we would like to expand either by changing the configuration of the current store or by finding another site.

No direct response has been forthcoming from Mr. Carpenter, and no indication was given as to when he might return to town.

The point of sales system (POS) that Manager James is most interested now is available through a local provider, Integrated Store Systems of DeKalb. The package includes 2 cash registers, and a server, which is also usable as a computer. The system uses touch screen technology. James feels the package is comprehensive and provides good support. The system is totally portable so it could be moved should the coop need to move to another site. The bid was $19,000.

Since James was not available to answer questions, the board asked several which will be passed along to her. * (See below) The topic will be addressed again at the next board meeting. The current suggestion is that the POS system be put into use before the reset so staff can be accustomed to it before other major changes are made in the store.

The possibility of incorporating as a coop in some other state was discussed further. In general, the coop does not pay taxes on profit since it usually gets put back into the business. We are a not-for-profit organization incorporated in Illinois. It is our own bylaws that make us a coop.

Incorporating would allow a patronage dividend to be paid to members but that would be subject to taxation for the individual member. It probably would be approximately the same as the discount members now get, so it might not prove to be an advantage to members in that area.

James has indicated that right now there are so many exciting possibilities for DSC that she would rather revisit this at another time rather than spending time, energy and money on it now.

A question was raised about the need for an external audit. Discussion ended with no decision but the accountant will be consulted.

The minutes for December, January and February are to be sent to interested members now that Mr. Carpenter has received our letter.

Discussion about the possibility of having an associated business like a lunch bar ensued. Consensus was that if we stay in the current building there would probably not be room for a kitchen, but should we move we should keep the idea in our thinking.

There were no reports.

President Nelson suggested that committees convene sometime this coming month, and do some brainstorming on future plans.

The possibility of staffing the phones for the WNIJ fund-raising week was mentioned. April 2 was suggested as a possible time if it was available and if there were enough DSC volunteers to staff the time period. Stelford will look into this.

Polensky moved and Nezrick seconded adjournment at 8:15 p.m. Passed.

The next meeting will be April 17.

Ruth Peterson, Secretary

*Questions about the POS system –

Is there a monthly fee?

Is there back up maintained off premises?

Is maintenance part of the package? Service contract?

Is there a disaster recovery plan?

Are there references for this company? Is it a stable company that will be around for some time?

Is this a local operation or part of a larger organization?

Is extra help commonly needed after initial training?

Is the $19,000 package the basic, standard or deluxe package?

Do touch-screens last or do they wear out sooner?