Terra Nova  Project Meeting from 1/29/10 by Dan
Meeting 2pm. All members present.
Main goal for meeting to define design goals for cohousing project, consider floor plans and examine social processes to effectively achieve end goals.
Initial conversations centered around physical layout of existing structure and the location of the commons house. It was decided that the first floor of the apartment complex would be converted to the commons house.  Many ideas were shared as to how to design and develop this area to meet the needs of the occupants. Items mentioned are listed now, in no particular priority since that had yet to be finalized.  Commons house (area, Floor) would contain Large communal kitchen, attractively designed to enhance a sense of community and pleasure. Commons area would have large living area for social interaction and gathering. Furthermore there would be a guest area and bathroom in commons area. Commons area would contain a small area for quite , reflective time. Possibility of having elevator installed was mentioned and agreed upon.
In the design of the cohousing complex it was decided that the basement would contain all mechanical equipment appropriate to that means. We discussed having the laundry facility there along with media/ craft room appropriate for games and entertaining. Storage would also be served by this area. Many of the sustainable energy items would be house here, which include hot water heaters, pumps, energy converters and electrical units. The items here are listed in no particular priority as they are still to be finalized.
The two floors of the cohousing complex will be used for residents and it was left up to the occupants as to how the units could be designed.  It was established that all remodeling should contain sustainable materials that comply with the Red list that restricts certain materials in the complex.
The roof of the cohousing community would be designed to be a garden area, slated to grow produce.  The roof top would also have transparent awning to facilitate rain harvesting and control watering of plants. Water would be harvested to run irrigation systems and non potable systems. Other uses of the roof top included social gatherings and cookouts.
Possibility of adding floors to the cohousing complex discussed.
Many design items were mentioned and are still open to discussion, these include wifi, composting, recycling area, chickens filtration of water systems, insulation of complex, landscaping.. There is an additional building on the grounds that could be put to use as an artist studio and small business area, still to be discussed..
Social processes were discussed and it is still being examined as to whether our design goals are getting us close to the idea of our cohousing project.
In the next meeting on Monday 2/1/10 at 1pm we will look towards governance and operating the community and succession across the generations. Specifically who participates, how are issues decided and rules made and enforced.
If any items were omitted from the Friday meeting it was entirely the fault of the minute taker, namely me and the person typing the minutes, again me. I apologize ahead of time, and look forward to the next meeting, anyone desiring to be facilitator should come to the meeting prepared to take on said role.  Thanks again to Linda for the use of her house for the meeting and being the facilitator.