Refurbishing
From CFI
Contents |
This is a work space for fleshing out the shared building use policy.
Draft Proposal for shared space in the MEC building 106 W. Standley St. Ukiah CA
By Freeda Alida Burnstad, Cloud Forest Institute
Purpose: For almost a year Mendocino Environmental Center Board of Directors’ members and individuals interested in the new evolution of the space mentioned above have been tossing ideas around regarding a shared use arrangement. This draft proposal is being presented in an attempt to establish something concrete from which to work and decide just how this arrangement will take place. These are my ideas and I am not stuck on them. However I do ask that if someone doesn’t agree with part of this to write addendums to the draft proposal with alternate suggestions if they want them to be entertained. For the sake of time, let’s establish something; it can always be changed in the future. I have tried to develop the proposal so that the arrangement could function at bare bones with the three groups that surely are committed to using the space: MEC, KMEC, and Cloud Forest Institute, making the revenue accrued by other organizations discretionary funds.
Some of the key elements of concern are:
- Liability: Since many different groups with various purposes, legal status and designation will share the space this area of concern must be addressed so that each particular group and no other group is able to be held liable for their actions.
- Shared Resources: Because the Mendocino Environmental Center is essentially opening up their resources to the shared use of other organizations, and inviting these other orgs to bring and share their resources; it is important to insure that these resources are respected and treated well and that shared costs are paid in a fair and timely manner.
- Decision Making: To stay in alignment with the Mendocino Environmental Center’s commitment to consensus based decision making it is important that such a forum be developed for the co-management of the space and resources.
- Process: The building will soon be opening again and bills soon needing to be paid again so it is important that a management structure/process be agreed upon to support the new opening and entrance of other groups, and also to support grievances and departures of other groups.
Mendocino EduAction Coalition
This way people can still say “Meet you at the MEC” or “meeting’s at the MEC”.
Full Time Occupants: These are the core groups, MEC, KMEC and CFI. These groups get there own non-shared resources; desk and computers and phone line.
Half Time Occupants: Four groups, as of yet unknown. (possible groups should be brainstormed and personally invited) These groups should have or be in process of acquiring a legal status with the State. These groups share (2)desks and (2)computers, but get there own phone line.
Part Time Occupants: Up to ten groups, as of yet unknown. (a public notice could go out inviting any/all community groups) These groups get a shared desk and computer, share a phone line with voice mail system, have mail cubbies and access to all common resources.
Common Resources: Internet, printers, copier, Office Materials i.e. paper cutter etc., meeting area, and media equipment (TV, projector, etc.)
Hours Open to the Public: Monday – Friday 1-5pm (or five hours a day whatever hours they be)
Special Events: The meeting space could be rented for Special Events to Occupants and non-occupants (public) during “closed” hours as scheduling permits. Basic meeting $5 an hour, any event lasting longer than 2 hours or hosting more that 15 people: $20 per hour ($15 for occupants, $25 for non-occupants?) or $30 per hour on Friday and Saturday after 7pm. These costs could be lowered or waived by petition.
Apx. Expenses Budget Monthly & Annually
Rent $250 $3,000
Electricity $150 $1,800
Toner & Ink $100 $1,200
Water $30 $4,320
Administrator $1,500 $18,000
Total w/ Admin. $2,030 $28,320
Total w/o Admin. $530 $10,320
Are there other costs that need to be factored into the costs to run the building? Insurance, Employer Taxes, etc?
Administrator: I think it will be very important for the smooth functioning of the space to hire an administrator as soon as possible. This person would be responsible for reception and retail during open hours, bookkeeping, scheduling, purchasing supplies, etc. The person keeping everything together! If there weren’t all of the part time or half time spaces filled than the $1,500 a month or $18,000 a year would have to be divided between however many groups there are.
Requisites as an Occupant: Essentially the Mendocino Environmental Center would sublet the building. Full and Half time Occupants would be required to sign a six month lease agreement and pay first and last months rent. Part Time Occupants could lease month to month. All occupants invited to join in a monthly decision making meeting, required attendance for Full and Half Time Occupants and Part timers if dealing with grievances.
Cleaning and Upkeep: This should be done by each group and individual when they are done using the space/resource as a matter of respect. However additional payment should be collected to get a cleaning service in once a week or Occupants should take turns weekly.
Apx. Income Budget Monthly with administrator and with out
MEC $400 $150
KMEC $400 $150
CFI $400 $150
Sub Total $1,200 $450
Half Time Occupant 1 $175 $50
Half Time Occupant 2 $175 $50
Half Time Occupant 3 $175 $50
Half Time Occupant 4 $175 $50
Sub Total $1,900 $650
Part Time Occupant 1 $55 $20
Part Time Occupant 2 $55 $20
Part Time Occupant 3 $55 $20
Part Time Occupant 4 $55 $20
Part Time Occupant 5 $55 $20
Part Time Occupant 6 $55 $20
Part Time Occupant 7 $55 $20
Part Time Occupant 8 $55 $20
Part Time Occupant 9 $55 $20
Part Time Occupant 10 $55 $20
Total monthy w/ admin $2450 w/o admin $850 annually w/ admin $29,400 annually w/o $10,200
Funds Earned w/ Total Occupancy monlthy w/ admin $420 monthy w/o $320 annually w/ $5,040 annually w/o $3,840
With 5 groups (the three core full timers and two half timers) and no Administrator we would cover costs.
With the 3 full timers, 4 half timers, and three part timers we could cover costs including an administrator.
Other income (not shown) could be accrued by renting the space for events.
There are of course other aspects that still need to be addressed but I hope that this is a good start and will serve to get the ball rolling on this.
