1. Meeting called to order at 5:35pm.  Convened via Zoom video conference.  Attendees: Jim Williams, Kendi Adams, Timothy Ledna, and Joyce Weis.  Absent: Dave Miller, Paul Alanson, and Joyce Weis for the first 5 minutes of the meeting
2. A Quorum was present
3. New Business
4. 2021 Operating Budget
   1. 1. Motion to adopt the 2021 Budget (MSP Kendi, Timothy)
   2. Alnise presented a staff report on the finances and proposed budget.
   3. Jim relayed comments from the Board Blog to the board:
      1. Joyce Weis: Looks like there is a substantial deficit. We had talked about about ways to make up for this, and I am wondering if the unfilled positions were considered, and if so, which ones? Also, do we have information about the Drake Street house? 2020/12/15 at 12:02 pm
      2. Jim Williams: Is there an operating budget for Clearwater? 2020/12/11 at 8:49 pm
   4. Discussion on the budget
      1. Alnise went over the significance of the colors and columns, as well as the notes
      2. Timothy and Jim have requested a new budget be created for Clearwater.  This appears to have been incomplete in previous years.  Alnise has made note of this; budget was created with last year’s template. She said she will email this to the board within 24 hours.
      3. Alnise said Clearwater can give an extra $36,000 per quarter next year, making up for the deficit. During the session, Alnise updated the budget document to reflect this with approval from the board. The Amendment is on Clearwater Budget Line 105 General Restricted Revenue from Clearwater Counseling.
      4. Timothy asked about the unfilled positions highlighted in yellow.  Alnise explained these were positions that were filled previously but currently vacant, and the administrative assistant duties were currently covered in part by the receptionist. Timothy has requested documentation of these positions including job descriptions and where the board has authorized these. It is presumed the positions were authorized in previous budget sessions with the board in the board blog.
      5. Kendi asked if there was consideration for more allocated to the bookkeeper.  Alnise said that we are actually paying less than quoted, especially since she has found ways to save costs. As an update to our bookkeeping, Alnise said she is working with Wilson & Wilson and our accountant to find old 2019 holes in the budget from issues with our previous bookkeeper.  
      6. Timothy asked about the property tax “what address” listed on Line 73.  Alnise will double check. 122 10th Avenue  – Clearwater, Closet Door, Administration.
      7. Timothy asked about 132 10th Avenue – Alnise explained that this is staff housing.
      8. Timothy asked about the volunteer who receives free housing.  This volunteer gives 10 hours a week in exchange for housing. This contract ends December 31st and will not be renewed.  Timothy requested these items be documented.
      9. Timothy asked about the Vista- Jim said this was funded out of the city and doesn’t come from FYA Funds.  This was requested to be documented so there is a clear picture of finances in one place.
      10. Timothy asked about property taxes – Alnise said we pay on Clearwater and the Red House but not 132 10th Avenue and the shelter.  Jim has recommended Alnise go to the Borough Assessor’s office and apply for an exemption on Clearwater and the Red House.  We would probably qualify as a piece of Clearwater is being used administratively, and we may be eligible for a partial exemption on the facility. Alnise will take action on this.  
      11. Alnise- Advocated for the Care Coordinator position as that is affecting her directly, she held this position prior to being the ED and is currently doing both.
   5. Board comments on the budget
      1. Joyce – comfortable with moving forward with the operating budget with the updated Clearwater Counseling donation
      2. Kendi – requested a recap of the budget as she is a new board member
      3. Timothy – doesn’t feel comfortable with the added positions in the budget.  He feels more comfortable with those left out until after the COVID crisis so we can re-evaluate once there is more information.  He feels there is a need to re-evaluate our bookkeeping situation because he doesn’t have the working relationship with the bookkeeper as treasurer yet.  He suggests we look for someone new since that was brought up in several discussions.  He had comments about fundraising – for the past year, there has not been any fundraising as in years previous due to COVID.  He believes the fundraising numbers are not valid for 2021 due to this reason and does not feel confident in them.  
      4. Jim- We have a big picture on the budget. The budget is missing quite a bit of detail.  This gives Alnise enough information to keep going with what she needs and but we need to clarify details.  There needs to be increased visibility on Clearwater, with a Clearwater budget. Jim also voices he doesn’t have confidence in the bookkeeper and the board needs to take action on this in future meetings
   6. Motion to amend the motion (MSP Timothy, Jim) Move to delay the hiring of positions highlighted in yellow for three months until we are more clear on our financial picture due to the COVID Crisis.
      1. Vote: (after the amendment to the amendment)
         1. Jim and Timothy- yes
         2. Kendi and Joyce – no
         3. Motion did not pass.
   7. Amendment to the amendment (MSP Jim, Timothy) Move to keep the three month hiring freeze in place,  but authorize Alnise to start the recruiting piece for the Care Coordinator February 1st.
      1. Vote: Amendment:
         1. ​​​​Jim and Timothy – yes
         2. Kendi and Joyce – no
         3. Amendment to the Amendment did not pass.
   8. Jim called a roll-call vote on the motion to approve the budget:
      1. Timothy – abstain
      2. Joyce – Yes
      3. Jim – Yes
      4. Kendi – Yes
      5. 2021 Budget Passed with comments to follow up on Jim’s recommendations.
5. 4. Next Meetings
   1. Board Retreat: January 23, 2021, 2-6 pm (Red House)
   2. Board Meeting:  January 27, 2021, 5:30 pm (Red House, and/or Zoom)
   3. Please send any agenda items to Jim before these meetings.
6. Adjourn 7:12 pm

Respectfully submitted with Jim’s comments,

Joyce Weis, FYA Board Secretary