Minutes
Representative Assembly Meeting
Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 10:30 SLT
Attending: Almut Brunswick, Jerry McNally, Kyoko Jarvinen-Barzane, Rosie Gray
Also attending: Agatha Macbeth, Gwyneth LLewelyn, DanDeeMcNite, Moon Adamant
1 Administrative Business
1.1 Approval of the Agenda
Motion to approve the agenda as presented. Jerry 1st, Kyoko 2nd, all in favour, motion carried.
1.2 Review and Approval of the Minutes of the Fifth RA Meeting on March 2, 2024
Motion to approve the minutes as presented. Almut 1st, Kyoko 2nd, all in favour, motion carried.
2 Executive Report
Postponed.
3 Artisan Guild Report
Rosie reported that the Artisan Guild met on March 9 to discuss two ongoing projects, led by Moon. The first, near the old PIO offices, is to divide existing parcels to create smaller parcels with gardens and terraces, with a public staircase to connect Centro Stoico and the lower temple level. Adjusting walls and adding greenery should reduce the feeling of confinement. The second relates to the Garden of Peace, seen as expensive with a steep slope. The proposal is to create two parcels at a higher elevation (Via Luna level) and designate the lower area as the Garden. The height difference could be utilised for a wall with niches for statues, fountains, etc. Moon will post these ideas to the Forum for review (see subsequent forum post). The Assembly expressed enthusiasm for the proposed changes, noting they could significantly enhance both areas.
4 Old Business
4.1 RA-20240211-4.1: Updating the General Covenants and Locus Amoenus Covenant on the CDS website by the RA Archivist
Jerry reported that these webpages have now been updated.
4.2 RA-20240302-2.1: Contacting the Scientific Council regarding ongoing management of the Discord server through the Chancellor
To be carried forward.
4.3 RA-20240302-2.2: Asking the Chancellor for more info regarding the possible expansion of the CDS exhibit at the SL Welcome Hub
To be carried forward.
4.4 Website Refresh Project
Jerry has made several updates to the website, including adding additional photos to the Visit us page, creating a Citizenship page within the expanded Support section, and adding a map to the Locus Amoenus Covenant page. The Assembly discussed ideas for further development such as a Galleries page showcasing Tori's work and other citizen contributions, and a Community/Amenities Page, highlighting businesses, event spaces, and other points of interest. Another suggestion was a Resident Profiles page, displaying interviews with long-time residents, discussing their reasons for living in their chosen neighbourhoods.
5 Citizen Concerns
5.1 Aligning with Covenants
A concern was raised about a gallery and event space in Locus Amoenus that appeared not to fit with the covenant for that area. It was noted that a significant language barrier may be an issue. Members of the Assembly and Estate Managers present discussed how best to proceed, but no agreement was reached. It was suggested that this be passed to the Executive branch for the Chancellors and Estate Managers to determine a resolution.
6 RA Member Concerns
6.1 Falling Representative Assembly attendance
Given the Constitutional requirement for the Chancellor to attend Representative Assembly meetings, a member of the Assembly suggested asking the Chancellor to submit a statement or report in advance of a meeting they know they will be absent for, especially if they are mentioned in the Actions section of the previous meeting's minutes. To help with this, the RA Archivist agreed to send the minutes directly to those mentioned in that section, ahead of the next meeting, to ensure they are aware. The Scientific Council's non-attendance at recent meetings was also noted.
7 Announcements
Almut shared with the Assembly a MoCA update from Tori that included news that the MoCA garden renovation is complete and houses a successful International Women's Day sculpture exhibition. She reported that recent, well-attended events have generated interest in the CDS. An educational gallery egg hunt is planned, and another AI & I event is possible in April. Tori wished to thank Moon, Tor, Delia, and the wider community for their support.
Upcoming CDS events are displayed on the CDS Google Calendar, as shown on the CDS Events webpage.
8 Next RA Meeting
Saturday, April 13, 10:30 SLT.
9 Adjourn
Adjourned at 12:07 SLT.
--
Actions
RA-20240302-2.1: The Chancellor to contact the Scientific Council regarding ongoing management of the Discord server
RA-20240302-2.2: The Chancellor will be asked for more info regarding the possible expansion of the CDS exhibit at the SL Welcome Hub
RA-20240323-6.1: RA Archivist to send RA minutes directly to people mentioned in Action section, prior to the next meeting