Liveaboards United General Meeting
Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023
Called to Order ~7:15PM
In Attendance: with Marina and YC affiliations, (Z indicates via Zoom).
Marlyse Hansemann, San Rafael. ex-Oyster Cove (Z)
Stewart Port, 5th Ave. BVBC (Host)
Alison Madden, Docktown, ex-Pete’s Harbor (now Blu) and in Marin presently
Tommaso Boggia, Jack London (Z)
Andrew Bennett (414ARB) Mission Creek
Michael Ohta, Mission Creek, BVBC
John Cartwright, Mission Creek
Tom Camp, Embarcadero Cove (Oakland)
Mike West, Embarcadero Cove (Oakland)
Chris Kenney, Mission Creek PC BVBC
Steve Neves, Mission Creek, ex- Oyster Cove
Rachel Gunnells, Safe Harbor Ballena Isle (Z)
Donna Smithey, 5th Ave upland, affordable housing organizer. (Z)
Alison Facilitating
Introductions: Attendees briefly stated names, marina affiliations, interests in working with group
Alison gave background on Oyster Cove eviction, accommodation at Oyster Point, relevant proceedings before BCDC and SM harbor District.
Motions:
- Alison Moved we conduct business as an Unincorporated Association. Discussion: Other forms are available but cost $$ to file. Alison advised the UI is legally sufficient at this time. Passed unanimously (“PU”)
- Tomasso moved our name be “Liveaboards United”. Discussion: Concerns that LU might be taken as exclusive of non-liveaboard supporters and allies; that scope of interest of this group includes issues not restricted to liveaboards (affordable housing, tenant protection). Argument for: LU is simple, catchy, easy to explain incusivity. PU
- Moved that we meet in person on the 4th Thursday of every month, with Zoom Hybrid available. Discussion: Stewart is generally available to host at BVBC. Meeting cannot be an official club function, but many members are interested and might be willing to host if Stewart were not available. Though BVBC is central and convenient, other sites should be sought in East, South, and North Bays as well. PU
- Moved to use Slack as our primary means internal communications. Discussion: Some reservations about multiple channels (email, text etc) and need of some members to learn a new platform. Reassurance given that benefits outweigh inconveniences. Tomasso offered to train anyone needing help. PU
- Moved to rotate facilitator and note-taker. PU
- Stewart moved to set up committees as outlined in previous email attached below
That we establish the following standing committees, each with two to five members including a chair, with respective responsibilities. Each committee to convene as necessary, but not less than once a month, and to report at least once a month to the general membership. Members can serve on multiple committees, Ideally each committee should have a different chair, though until we’re up and running limit to two chairs per customer.
- Press: Cultivate relationships with journalists, write press releases, track media coverage, maintain a social media presence.
- Research: Inventory marinas, do research for other committees as needed
- LA support: Outreach, Support and education to the LA community, Aid to LAs in immediate peril / threat of eviction.
- Outreach: build relationships with Harbormasters, YCs and sympathetic marina owners (ie. Gallilee Harbor). Identify vulnerable marinas and making efforts to acquire or stabilize, Make contacts with tenants rights, land trust, homeless advocacy and affordable housing communities
- Public Policy (lobbying leg. and commissions): raising the LA allowance; securing tenant protections for LAs. Rationalizing houseboat/flat-top policy.
Discussion: Task based vs. competency? might not be what we wind up with, but need to get something in place.
Amendment: “, with such working groups as we may see fit. “
PU.
