MCMGA Board Minutes for December 2, 2025

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6:00pm via zoom

Attendees:
Cynthia Chase, Rich Becker, Valentina Chau, Jack Lazareck, Marcia McIntyre, Winnie Mauch, Linda Goldser, Kim Butchereit, Carole Hardy, Jen Hazen, Susan Marcus, Angela Myatt, Lorna Schilling, Corrine Thomas-Kersting, John Jordan

Discussions:

  1. Acceptance of Board minutes from October.

    • Motion to approve: Lorna S.

    • Seconded: Angela M.

  2. Kim provided an update from OSU Extension. Topics discussed included the Extension’s budget cuts, the progress on verifying 2025 hours for interns and perennials, 2026 cohort sign ups, and county workshop proposals being due to Srijana soon so that the schedule can be finalized for next season. 85 new interns “graduated” ~60% of interns come from Multnomah County

  3. Corinne provided an update on the Growing and Belonging resources on the MCMGA website that came from the DEI group 5 years ago. The resources include a checklist for planning and promoting welcoming events and an update to the description of what DEI means to MCMGA, through using Growing and Belonging language. Corrine will get a draft of the webpage/resource to Carole and Cynthia to distribute to the board before roll out with the hope these tools continue to be dynamic and useful.

  4. Carole reported on 5 year strategic plan for 2026. Kim and Carole have a joint presentation and want to float sharing with the membership at the end of December - the timing of which feels tough given the holiday season. Cynthia suggests utilizing the 1/6 board meeting to provide time for membership to hear about the strategic plan after our board meeting (Board meeting at 6, strategic plan at 6:30-7:30pm)

  5. Susan shared proposed Bylaws changes. There are some small additions to the proposed changes. A larger conversation that needs to be tabled due to waiting on updates from OMGA is what constitutes an active member vs. a member in good standing. Susan will send out minor bylaw changes to be voted via email (changing phrase citizens of Oregon > Oregonians, announcement of special meeting % notifications - sent to all members electronically).

  6. Jen reported on the budget for 2026. Jen noted we’ve been building an increase for the IE sale in the amount of plants and the increase of price expected to sell per plant. We are also increasing education and outreach and MG training support line items (in support of 2026 strategic plan goals). The Demo Garden maintenance budget is also increased.
    The Board also discussed the news that there is no budget in Multnomah County for a program assistant and potential solutions to help bridge the gap in funding as we work to get funding from the county, which will not vote and approve a budget until June for July 1. There is strong support to keep the position funded however possible due to the increased communication, efficiency, and clarity across the board and for program participants in the county. It’s been 20 years since MCMGA had a program assistant in the county and for its volunteers. A call for a vote to pass the 2026 budget passed -
    Approved: Linda G. Seconded by Angela M - Board agreed to pass this to the membership.

Next Board Meeting: Jan 6, 2026

Meeting led by: Cynthia Chase
Adjourned at: 7:39pm
Notes taken by: Valentina Chau
Minutes approved on: Jan 6, 2026