Author: Members United

Board Meeting, August 6, 2020: Member’s Request for Audiovisual Recordings of Meetings to Be Made Available to Members

person writing on notebook

On August 6, 2020, the GHI Board of Directors returned to their discussion of the member’s request that audiovisual recordings of meetings be made available to members.  This was originally placed on the agenda for the July 9, 2020 meeting (read more here).  The decision of the Board was that the General Manager would request a legal opinion from GHI legal counsel.  This discussion was brought back to the Board after the legal opinion was obtained. Continue reading “Board Meeting, August 6, 2020: Member’s Request for Audiovisual Recordings of Meetings to Be Made Available to Members”

Request for Audiovisual Recordings to Be Made Available to Members

people on a video call

At the July 9, 2020 GHI Board of Directors meeting, the request for audiovisual recordings of Board meetings to be made available to members was discussed.  Currently, the virtual Zoom meetings are recorded but deleted after the minutes are taken.  This is also the same practice for the audio recordings of in-person Board meetings, which is done at the advice of GHI legal counsel.

After a brief discussion and some questions, it was proposed that General Manager Eldon Ralph discuss this further with GHI legal counsel as a first step.  The proposal passed, and the General Manager will move forward with this discussion.

Members United has explored this topic in the past with a member survey.  Click here to read the results and here to watch the live stream results.  Check back on MembersUnited.net for further updates on this topic.

Thinking About Running in the 2020 GHI Election?

person dropping paper on box

The GHI Nominations and Elections Committee is still accepting candidates for the 2020 GHI Elections.  Members can run for Board of Directors, Audit Committee, or Nominations and Elections Committee.  The following positions are available:

  • Board of Directors: 4 positions with 2 current candidates (as of 4/13/2020)
  • Audit Committee: 3 positions with 3 current candidates (as of 4/13/2020)
  • Nominations and Elections Committee: 5 positions with 4 current candidates (as of 4/13/2020)

The May 14, 2020 Annual Meeting has been postponed; this means that the deadlines for candidacy applications have also been postponed.  Applications will be accepted up to 14 days prior to the Annual Meeting (rescheduled date TBD).  See the GHI website for more information and to get the candidate’s packet: https://www.ghi.coop/content/ghi-elections.

GHI Board to Hold Meeting via Conference Call

GHI has announced on their Facebook page that tonight’s Board of Directors Meeting (March 19, 2020) will be held via conference call.  Read the post below for more information (Credit: Greenbelt Homes Facebook page).

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Link for conference call: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/536171877

Credit: Greenbelt Homes Facebook page

Member Spotlight Series: Episode 2

Our new Member Spotlight series debuts with videos focusing on those who are active in Members United.  Learn more about who we are and our backgrounds as members in GHI. Future videos will feature interviews with other members of GHI and the Greenbelt community.  

Missed Episode 1?  Watch it on our YouTube channel here.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to get notified when future videos are released.

Interested in becoming more active with Members United or being featured in a future video?  Reach out to us at wearemembersunited@gmail.com to find out how you can become more involved.

Succession Planning and Emergency Backup Planning Task Force Meeting: Tuesday, November 5

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On July 25, 2019, the GHI Board of Directors passed a motion to establish a task force to recommend a succession and emergency backup plan for the General Manager position.  This task force is scheduled to have their first meeting on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 6:30pm at the GHI Administration Building.

Why this Matters:
  • The General Manager position is essential to the proper functioning of a healthy cooperative.
  • While the Board of Directors has the authority under the GHI Bylaws to:
“Appoint, assign the duties of, and determine the salary of a general manager, who shall assume administrative control of the business of the Corporation” (see Article V, Section 4 on p. 10 of the bylaws);

The Membership, at membership meetings, has the responsibility under the GHI Bylaws for:

“determining policies of the Corporation” and for “exercising final authority on all matters vitally affecting the Corporation” (see Article IV, Section 9 on p. 8 of the by-laws)
The GHI Bylaws may be found here.

Continue reading “Succession Planning and Emergency Backup Planning Task Force Meeting: Tuesday, November 5”

National Night Out: Tuesday, August 6

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Come visit Members United during National Night Out!  Greenbelt’s National Night Out event will be Tuesday, August 6 from 6:30-8:00pm in Roosevelt Center.  Other participants include:

  • Mishkan Torah
  • GHI Member Outreach
  • Proteus
  • Town Center Realty
  • Coop Supermarket
  • Greenbelt Elementary and Middle School PTAs
  • WAGS
  • Greenbelt Dog Walker Watch
  • Greenbelt CART
  • Greenbelt CERT
  • Greenbelt Pride
  • Peace and Justice Coalition
  • Greenbelt Community Church
  • Good Samaritan

We hope to see you there!  You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram @MmbrsUntd for live updates!

GHI Looking to Fill Board Position

The following email was sent by GHI on Thursday, December 27, 2018 announcing a vacancy on The Board:

GHI Alert

GHI Board of Directors Seeking to Fill Vacant Board Member Position

Mr. Paul Kapfer will be resigning from the GHI Board of Directors with effect from December 31, 2018. The Board thanks Paul for his 1½ years of service as a Board member. His contributions will be greatly missed.

In accordance with GHI’s bylaws, the vacancy resulting from Mr. Kapfer’s resignation shall be filled by the remaining membership of the Board, until the next annual meeting of the membership.

GHI members who are interested in being considered for the position should inform GHI’s Management Office, no later than January 14, 2019. This can be done either by submitting your names in writing via e-mail to mgmtoffice@ghi.coop, regular mail or in person to Cashielle Nelson at GHI’s Management office, 1, Hamilton Place, Greenbelt, MD 20770.

 

New Zoning Ordinance Could Bring Dramatic Change to Historic Greenbelt’s Density, Open Spaces, and Skyline

zoningOn October 23, 2018, the Prince George’s County Council voted to approve a new zoning ordinance. This new ordinance is estimated to become effective in 2020. At that time, the current zone which caps density (the number of residential dwelling units) in Historic Greenbelt will go away.

The new zoning ordinance will allow for:

  • Increased Density – the number of dwelling units which may be built in GHI
    would increase by over 500%!
  • Increased Building Height – up to 5 stories for townhouses/apartments and no height limitation on commercial buildings
  • Less Green Space – as a result of infill development on existing green spaces

The County Council also authorized the creation of a Neighborhood Conservation Overlay (NCO) Zone for the Greenbelt, Maryland National Landmark District that includes GHI. This NCO will provide a framework for protecting the existing character of Historic Greenbelt. Continue reading “New Zoning Ordinance Could Bring Dramatic Change to Historic Greenbelt’s Density, Open Spaces, and Skyline”