[sjbiofuels] 11/8 Meeting minutes
- From: Credence Ross <credence_ross@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: sjbiofuels@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 11 Nov 2007 11:27:52 -0600
Hi All,
We had a very well attended and productive meeting this last Thursday,
11/8. Here are the agenda items and my notes from the meeting. I hope
I am not too verbose; I just really want to bring everybody up to speed,
especially those who have been unable to attend meetings.
1) Business Plan
We have a draft of the business plan. Grisha spoke with Bill Watson
with the Economic Development Council, who suggested some revisions.
Because Grisha and Rosa have left on a trip, I will be revising the
business plan and will send out a copy of the finished draft. Many
thanks to Grisha for his work on this as well as our by-laws.
2) Grant Status
There is a grant available to us, and there are two stipulations. The
grant money must be given to a non-profit organization so it will be
tax-deductible for the donor, and the money must given this calender
year (2007). The grant money will cover approx. 40% of our start-up
expenses outlined in our business plan. We will make up the difference
by pursuing financing for the equipment and/or by cutting costs. Many
thanks to the people who have facilitated this grant.
3) Non-Profit Status
In a nutshell, federal non-profit status (501c3) is difficult and
time-consuming to achieve. Washington State non-profit status is much
simpler to get, but does not allow us to receive tax-deductible
donations. We can bypass this limitation by finding a 'fiscal agent',
basically an umbrella organization with a 501c3 which can receive the
money on our behalf. It sounds like Friends of the San Juans will not
provide this service for us, but we are contacting Navigating Our Future
to see if they are interested. We will still apply for WA non-profit
status. Many thanks to Jacob for his work in this department.
4) Site Work
The site still looks promising. Once the building is in place (soon) we
can pursue a conditional use permit. We will have to have a sit-down
meeting with the Fire Marshall and the building department to see what
is required. Depending on the requirements, site improvements are
projected to cost up to $5000-$6000. This is part of our budgeted
start-up cost and assumes that all labor will be volunteered. Many
thanks to Floyd for making this all possible.
5) Equipment Update
Our first choice for a processor is the BioPro 380
(http://www.utahbiodieselsupply.com/biopro380.php). It is fully
automated, has a 100gal capacity, and puts our a very high-quality
fuel. We will pursue financing options and possible plan a field trip
to Everett, where the nearest distributor is. Many thanks to Gary for
his research and work in this department.
6) Use Permit Status
See 4) Site Work, above.
7) Membership
Membership dues will be collected soon ($50/vehicle). We will be
working on a membership agreement and the related forms. More on this
soon. Interested people will be encouraged to get in on the 'ground
floor' since membership may be limited later on, depending on fuel
availability.
8) Oil, City Commitment
Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, Rosario Resort, West Sound Cafe, and others
are all willing to give us their oil. We have no written agreements or
recycling contracts in place yet, but so far everyone is very supportive
of us. Many thanks to Rosa & Grisha for pursuing these contacts.
9) Forms
See 7) Membership, above.
10) Whole Energy
Whole Energy, a biodiesel supplier based in Bellingham, has offered
support in various forms including testing our finished fuel for us,
taking the glycerin off of our hands, etc. They currently collect used
motor oil and anti-freeze from the island. Grisha has been in contact
with Kevin, who will be on island in a week or two, if we have any
interest in meeting with him.
Here is a copy of the task list:
Jacob- Talk to Navigating Our Future
Jacob- Fill out paperwork for non-profit status
Grisha- Email bylaws to list
Grisha- Call King Fitch
Gary- Call Westsound Cafe
Susan- Draft membership agreement
Floyd- Call Kevin Cooper @ Whole Energy
Credence- Revise business plan
See you all soon!
Credence
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