Re: BioDiesel Coop -Distributed Model Meeting -5

This is a follow-up meeting to continue discussions on the distributed model.  At our last meeting, we made some good ground on picking apart the model in how it would serve members.  Tasks were also established for what the coop would do.  The basic agenda for this next meeting: continue to define tasks and what positions and board or directors the new model needs.  

Details:
What: Biodiesel Coop Future -planning meeting.-5
When: Tues, Nov 13, 7-9 pm (or later if need be; lot to discuss)
Where: TBD -sorry, we are still looking for a quite, spacious, inexpensive meeting location (let me know if you have any ideas)

So far, the basic model still stands.  See below for ref.

Hope to see you on Tues

Pete Kramer

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Overview 
The distributed model is based on providing sources of oil and discounted fuel supplies to independent biodiesel producers.

Members are either fuel producers or persons who have aligned themselves with a fuel producer forming a production "team".

Fuel is made by these producers independently from the cooperative. Fuel is consumed by them and their team. No fuel is ever sold.

Each production team collects oil from one or more cooperative-brokered oil sources. A member from the team collects oil directly from the vendor and transports it directly to the team site, where it is made into fuel for the team.

At monthly meetings, members decide how to fairly allocate source oil based on oil availability and the needs of each production team.

Membership
Members pay annual dues of around $100. Members either make their own fuel or contribute to the fuel-making efforts of a fuel producer. Collectively, these members are a production "team".

Teams
A fuel producer and the coop members electing to contribute to that producer's efforts are a team. They share the costs and responsibilities of making fuel for their team. Individuals may contribute to the team by:
a) helping make fuel
b) picking up source oil
c) purely financial support
All team members should be expected to share the costs of fuel-making in return for sharing the fuel made. They are, in effect, getting fuel "at cost".

The fuel made by a team is consumed by that team. No fuel is ever bought or sold.

Teams are solely responsible for their safety and  the quality of the fuel they produce.

A representative from each team must attend the cooperative's monthly meeting.

Meetings
Meetings are held at the same location once a month. A representative from each production team must attend. The meetings are used to discuss the allocation of source oil to member teams. They are also used to discuss formation of new production teams and/or give an opportunity for new members to join an existing team formally.


Coordinators
There are several volunteer positions which are elected annually by representatives of the coop's production teams.

Oil Coordinator - Works with source oil "clients" (restaurants, schools, large businesses with cafeterias, etc) to maintain contracts to collect their oil. Communicates with clients on a regular basis. Also works to secure new sources of oil. And coordinates with producers as needed to track the pickup of oil and deliver to production sites.

Materials Coordinator - Works with vendors to secure the best possible price for fuel-related materials (methanol, lye, cat food). Communicates with vendors on a regular basis.

Website Coordinator - Maintains cooperative web site with updated information about the cooperative, meeting dates and minutes, administers mailing lists and posts technical documentation of use to member producers.
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