San Juan Island Food Co-op

Posted by - :: Tue, Aug 24, 2010

i strongly encourage co-op members to vote to move the co-op to the BAKERY SJ site. as a fellow co-op member, long time islander, farmers' market manager and concerned citizen i believe staying at the surina business park/star storage site is NOT in the best interest of the co-op and its members...for many reasons. To name a few:

the bakery sj site offers plenty of room to expand and has an excellent landlord. A ton of volunteer support has been offered up to create the needed space, and there is a possible LEASE TO OWN, rather than paying rent in to a black hole of questionable pockets!

sincerely,

rosa blair

Posted by - Gary Miller :: Thu, Aug 26, 2010

The current difficulties the Ag Guild is encountering in securing a permanent site for the farmers market at the Nicol’s Street property highlights the need for thoughtful consideration regarding the co-op expansion.

As a farmer and co-op member, it is clear to me and other members that I have spoken to, that the current space provided for fresh, locally grown produce does not serve the long-term interest of local farmers or co-op members.

With enlarged refrigerated display and storage to keep shelves stocked with fresh produce, and a commercial kitchen that co-op members can use to create products for sale, not only will the co-op provide a real alternative to the current grocery monopoly on the island, it will be a viable, self-sustaining community enterprise, in keeping with the co-op’s mission.

! feel, that the Bakery San Juan building is the only possibility that can fully accommodate this potential. It is by far the largest site and, importantly the landlord, Mark Shepherd, who I have know for over 20 years, is a man of integrity. He shares in the co-op’s vision and commitment to local production and fostering community. This is clearly demonstrated through the flexibility he is offering: lower square foot costs than Surina Park; a credit for the re-modeling costs in lieu of reduced monthly rental and the potential to purchase the site as a permanent home. On top of this, 100s of hours have been volunteered by skilled trades-people to assist with the re-model, because they see the benefits of the Bakery San Juan site.

I know many people have expressed concern about the financial and every day operational impact that rapid expansion could pose to the co-op. But do we know what the actual long term costs are for either of the proposed sites? I suspect, the initial move to the Bakery San Juan site will not require much greater resources or a change in the current operation than the move to a new Surina Park location, which at best will provide a short-term solution to its current home and may necessitate another move in a few years.

Hopefully the Ag Guild will find a permanent home for the Farmer’s Market. Regardless of this, the co-op can become a major player in supporting local agriculture, but it needs an appropriate site to do so. In closing, we feel that the potential of Bakery San Juan to enable the Co-op to fulfill its mission far out-weights that of Surina Park.

We look forward to any feedback.

Gary Miller & Amy Plant
satyamiller@gmail.com

Posted by - Eleanor Hartmann :: Tue, Aug 31, 2010

Article III

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

B. All solicitation and posting on Co-op property shall be approved by the Board of Directors and shall not include religious or political propaganda.

Posted by - Linda Degnan Cobos :: Tue, Aug 31, 2010

This forum seems like a good place to air these opinions, but it was disturbing to find this statement from Gary and Amy as a printed letter sitting in the middle of our Co Op store on the desk used for Co Op business - all of our business. It’s not practical for all 300+ of us to write our opinions, however good they may be, and expect to place them on the Co Op’s business desk. I guess it might be in the by laws, too, that that sort of thing is not ok, but it’s more a matter of courtesy and common sense, and maybe emotions got in the way of considering that. Sometimes that feeling gets the best of all of us, but that's when it's the best to back up and slow down.

Whatever the reason, it is not good to use the physical Co Op store itself as a place to pit “us” v. “them”, is it? Well reasoned or not as anyone’s thinking may be, the Co Op’s a place to reach out, and please don’t change that atmosphere.
And, if that’s hard to understand, please imagine if a note had been written from entirely the opposite viewpoint and placed there on the desk.
It would not be appropriate at all for all the same reasons.
I was going to say this is a time to be reaching out and finding what we all have in common, but it's always that time, isn't it?

This is my humble opinion, I’m only one member of the Co Op, one owner, but I’m not about “us” v. “them”, and that’s my desk, too.

See you guys at the market & other places,

Linda Degnan Cobos

Posted by - Carol Anderson :: Tue, Sep 14, 2010

I have read with interest the above posts and wish to comment on the political vs. the practical "what if it all falls apart" scenario. Politics usually are driven by emotions, rumors and propaganda...on all sides. We really should consider the worst case scenarios before walking away from what is known to what is not known.

I did not see in the discussions of one site vs. the other an accounting of the "real" dollars the CO-OP would have put out for this move. Sure there are already volunteers ready to assist and sure there are expansion capabilities. That’s all good…, but what about cost of having to move when the Bakery Building sells? At some point in time, maybe not this year or next the building will sell...that is pretty much a given. If we opt for a five year lease, we would have five years to decide on a Plan B for the next CO-OP space, given the new owners do not want to continue with our lease. If we opt for a shorter timeframe, we should really make sure there is enough money and volunteers to make the next move. And, that there is another place to move to.

Also, is there a plan to make sure any improvements are removable so we can take them to a next location so our valuable funds are not wasted? When I started with the Bellingham CO-OP back in the seventies, we had a policy to not make a move to until there was enough revenue coming in from memberships to pay for at least a five year lease. When the move actually happened, we went to a building that had a "lease-option" clause, not just a potential for one. If the owner of the building would condo the spaces so the property could be owned by the CO-OP membership and the membership would actually support that purchase...this would make the whole move option much more realistic.

Perhaps getting a few more years of operations in under our belts so the CO-OP is very sound financially and getting us all out of this recession a bit farther would make more sense as far as a move goes. I agree expansion is necessary for growth, but we need to be extremely frugal and conservative about our expansion plans…especially in this economy.

On a different though, I am extremely concerned by the former use of this proposed building. I know a lot about hazardous chemicals and the mere fact that this building used a lot of heavy metal solvents in their production work could very well impact the quality of our organic foods. It would be a crime for us not to investigate both the air quality and the residual contaminants coating the walls before moving. It would be, in my opinion, in our best interest to have the facility thoroughly tested before moving the food offer to our families and children. The last thing we need is to have a portion of our members become seriously ill from foods stored in this former industrial complex.

Carol Anderson, MEd.
Owner, Etta’s Place

Posted by - andrew seltser :: Tue, Sep 14, 2010

An unfortunate series of political and emotional reactions have led to the Co-op’s upcoming move into a large room which has been used for years as a Metal Fabrications plant. While most of the equipment has been moved to the back part of the room that will eventually be hidden -- but not necessarily isolated -- by a wall,
the very real task of preparing an industrial site for the distribution of healthy organic food needs to be addressed in a serious, objective and unprejudiced fashion.

While the Co-op group was touring the room last month, a metalworker walked through the room in a protective body suit and respirator covering his or her face, indicating a certain level of toxicity in the fabrication process.Issues such as toxic chemicals and solvents used on site, the storage and ventilation of such compounds, and air quality in and around the building, are all questions that the Co-op board chose not to address, but need to be addressed now so as to assure that the Co-op is a safe place not only for our organic produce and our shoppers, but also for our staff, some of whom may be spending
long hours at the site.

The discussion of such health concerns at the board meetings
leading up to the vote was quite contentious. In the end, the board chose, as board chair Arvid Lindstrom said, to follow their “instincts” in lieu of having scientific facts on possible health hazards. Be that as it may, it is important to embrace the facts as they are today, and do all we can to assure a safe environment for the Co-op, leaving politics, emotions, and personal friendships aside – and that includes, as some members are now requesting, reconsidering the matter and conducting a re-vote.

Andrew Seltser
Former Co-op Board Member

Posted by - Karen Eslick :: Wed, Sep 15, 2010

Dear Fellow Co-Op Members:

I understand that only 61 members of the 325 voted to change locations, and that many of them aren't even regular shoppers. I am disturbed that this move will take place without the majority of active members weighing in with their opinions and I requested another vote, giving some time to spread the word more effectively. The Board has not responded to my request.

The information below comes from the Co-op Information sheet that was posted prior to the vote:

o Surina will charge $787 per month for 960 sq. feet with sewer, water, wi-fi included = $.82 sq. ft.
o The Bakery will charge $800 per month for 1050 sq. ft. = $.76 sq. ft. not including sewer, water, wi-fi. Add $150 minimum a month for water/sewer = $.90 sq. ft.

o Surina – shared bathroom, kept clean and stocked by landlord (a bathroom is possible in the co-op space as there are water and sewer connections)
o Bakery – private bathroom (which is nice but a volunteer will need to clean it and the co-op must pay for the supplies)

o Surina – possibility of expanding another 384 sq. ft.
o Bakery – possibility of expanding another 600 sq. ft.

o Surina – 8 parking spaces (although 5 are posted, it is inaccurate)
o Bakery – 11 parking spaces

o Surina – Closer to town core
o Bakery – A little farther from the town core

o Surina – There are two commercial kitchens at the Surina Park which could be rented as needed by the co-op.
o Bakery – There is an additional room in the Bakery space which could be made into a commercial kitchen at the co-op’s expense.

o Surina – Not for Sale
o Bakery – For Sale

o Surina – Building is shared with storage units, apartment, business office, and a bakery. Near neighbors are office buildings and Business Park.
o Bakery – Building is shared with a bakery, a metal fabrication shop and a landscaping company. Nearby neighbors are the Friday Harbor Airport and a San Juan Propane storage tank.

o Surina – 2-year lease required (3 published, but landlord will accept 2)
o Bakery – Lease arrangements between owner and board are unknown/unpublished

o Surina – Landlord will make space ready with an office room, fresh paint, glass doors, etc., at no additional cost to tenant.
o Bakery – Remodeling work to be done by the co-op. Initial estimate of $8000 to be done with $1700 in materials from the co-op treasury and volunteer labor in exchange for rent credit. Room for an office exists.

o Surina - Plumbing will be roughed in to space. We will be required to put in two sinks at our expense.
o Bakery - We would be required to put in a mop sink at our expense.

I don’t have facts about any future plans of the Bakery owner to offer condominium spaces in his building and offer the space for sale to the co-op, or any estimate of what that cost would be to the co-op. Surely, it would be six figures, if it even happens.

The previous use of the Bakery space was metal fabrication. The shop has been getting smaller and would be located behind the co-op, hopefully on the other side of a firewall. I spoke with the Town Administrator who consulted with Gary Hansen at the Building Department. There has never been any chemical spill, hazardous waste citations, etc. for that property. Mr. Fitch points out that any time you have welding, there is the potential for fumes from acetylene, etc. There is always the potential for particles of toxicity in an industrial site, but there is no known contamination of the site itself. When the Bakery was installed at the site, the Food Safety department for the county deemed it safe for the Bakery and I understand there is a firewall between the Bakery and the Shop. Mr. Fitch mentioned the necessity of having a firewall built between the Co-op and the Fabrication Shop. I don’t know if that is included in the current renovation estimate and the latest I’ve heard is that there may not even be a wall to the ceiling, which would not be a firewall, and would allow fumes (and fire) to freely pass into the co-op space.

Star Storage and Surina Business Park received a clean bill of health from an environmental study that was required by the bank for financing.

This is the best I can do for an impartial recap of the facts of each site. There are other issues to consider but they are more subjective. My primary concern is that we have a majority of members weighing in with their choice, and we have nowhere near a majority. I don’t think we knew all the issues. They were not emailed to me and I did not see them in the co-op (though I’m told they were there).

I voted to remain at Surina for several reasons, but the primary reason (before I heard of any safety concerns) is that it’s not For Sale! If we sign a long-term lease after putting a lot of labor into the Bakery site, then it might be okay, but I’m told (strictly second-hand information) that the Board doesn’t want a long-term lease. If we have a short-term lease, say a year or two, then we can be ejected at the end of that term, which is quite possible if a new owner has other plans for the space. I’d be surprised if the Bakery building owner wants a long-term lease as it may hamper his ability to market his building for other uses. I tried to reach him by phone but was unsuccessful.

Please join me in asking the Board for a little more time to consider all the information, to talk to the building department, the fire marshal and perhaps an environmental consultant, and to make this important decision with a majority of members being counted. If the Board believes that this vote fairly represents the desires of most of the membership, they shouldn’t object to a re-vote, as it would change nothing. If they don't feel that it fairly represents the desires of most of the membership, they couldn't claim to be unbiased board members serving the total membership and still object to a re-vote. Please ask the Board for a re-vote.

Thank you.
Karen Eslick

Posted by - Sharon Crozier :: Thu, Sep 16, 2010

To save time (I'm having typing problems tonight), I'm going to try to respond to each post by reflecting on that post. Please pardon any inadvertent liberties--there is no intention on my part to offend anyone.

Surina and Bakery: In both cases, a necessary on-site bathroom will need to be cleaned and stocked by co-op.

o Surina – possibility of expanding another 384 sq. ft.
o Bakery – possibility of expanding another 600 sq. ft. + loft storage and use of deck.

o Surina – 8 parking spaces alotted (although 5 are posted, it is inaccurate), but they are first come, first serve in an area of increasing demand for parking, as we have seen. Spaces may be alotted but they are first come, first served.
o Bakery – 11 allotted parking spaces

o Surina – There are two commercial kitchens at the Surina Park which could be rented as needed by the co-op. Even the one that is large enough to sublet will not be a dedicated space available when needed for co-op products, events, members or ongoing co-op cleaning.
o Bakery – There is an additional room in the Bakery space which could be made into a commercial kitchen at the co-op’s expense. Please see bottom note *"bakery v. serena expenses."

o Surina – Not for Sale
o Bakery – For Sale

o Surina – Closer to town core, Building is shared with storage units, apartment, business office, and a bakery. Near neighbors are office buildings, Business Park is 3.5 blocks from airport flight path.
o Bakery – A little farther from the town core, Building is shared with a bakery, a metal fabrication shop and a San Juan Propane storage tank (which is likely going to be moved). Near neighbors are a bank, a supermarket, a thrift store, and senior center. Bakery is 1.5 blocks from flight path.

o Surina – 2-year lease required (3 published, but landlord will accept 2)
o Bakery – Lease arrangements between owner and board have been established as including many possibilities; I suggest a 3 year lease with automatic long-term option to renew, and option to purchase--leaving all systems open for broadest choices to co-op. Few or no choices have been ruled out by the most straightforward property owner.

o Surina – Landlord will make space ready with an office room, fresh paint, glass doors, etc., at no additional cost to tenant.
o Bakery – Remodeling work to be done by the co-op. Initial estimate of $8000 to be done with $1700 in materials from the co-op treasury and volunteer labor in exchange for rent credit. An office exists. Please see *"bakery v. serena expenses."

o Surina - Plumbing will be roughed in to space. We will be required to put in two sinks at our expense.
o Bakery - Plumbing is roughed in, we would be required to put in a mop sink at our expense. Please see *"bakery v. serena expenses."

*"BAKERY vs SURINA expenses."
Expenses paid by Surina will be a savings in moving expenses.
Expenses paid by the co-op will be compensated by rent allowances. Then, those expenses--along with all donations of time and labor--will also count toward matching grant funds, which are the most prolific funding available for non-profits. This will, ultimately, be important to whatever the co-op chooses to do in the future.

Thanks for reading; sometimes we can look at the same information through a little different viewpoint and they may appear different than before. Not wrong, just different.

In solidarity for fresh and local,
Sharon Crozier

Posted by - andrew seltser :: Sat, Sep 18, 2010

There is currently an ongoing discussion on Facebook about the co-op's upcoming move into a Metal Fabrications plant. If you're a member of facebook, log in and find the San Juan Co-op Discussion page. Also, how about someone from the board telling us why they had a SECRET BALLOT (never before done) to vote on where to move the bakery.

Posted by - andrew seltser :: Thu, Sep 23, 2010

I would like to see a list of all solvents and all hazardous chemicals used for the last seven years in the space where the Co-op is moving, and in the adjacent metal fabrications plant that will continue to fabricate metal. Can the Board send the member/owners that information?

Posted by - andrew seltser :: Fri, Sep 24, 2010

Enter the Co-op Discussion's HAIKU CONTEST on Facebook.
example:
Fresh organic food
Glistening as if flecked with Precious metal dust