Council's Committees

Committees play a crucial role in providing research, preparation, and recommendations for proposals and issues to be voted on by Council. Committees have seats for Council members, staff liaisons, and “at-large” GreenStar members.

Committee at-large members earn an 8% discount on purchases for their work.

• Brief Committee descriptions and responsibilities appear below.
• There are often vacant seats throughout the year which can be filled by an at-large member any time. A Council decision is required to fill seats.
• Please complete the online application below, or complete and submit a paper application at any one of our three locations.
• Please indicate your preferences for a committee, and provide a Statement of Interest indicating why you would like to serve and what experience or skills you would bring to the role.
• Council makes at-large member reappointments annually, in January, for one-year terms. There are no term limits.
• If you have any questions about any of the committees, or about this application, please contact elections@greenstar.coop.

Finance

Oversees the Cooperative’s financial health and asset protection, monitors the financial strategies of the Cooperative, and oversees its investment options.

Composition: at least 3 Council members, one of which is the Council Treasurer, the GreenStar Finance Director, and up to 3 members-at-Large.

Meeting Time: meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm*

Responsibilities:

• Draft and monitor the Council budget.
• Review and advise Council on the General Manager’s proposed budget for the Cooperative.
• Assist Council with the process of monitoring the General Manager’s reports on finances and finance-related policies.
• Recommend and liaise with an independent public accountant to Council no later than the June meeting to audit or review the financial statements of the Cooperative.
• Consider or recommend finance-related policies.

Governance

Ensures the functioning and efficacy of the Cooperative’s governing structure and policies, and facilitates effective working relationships among Council members.

Composition: at least 3 Council members, up to 1 staff liaison, and up to 6 members-at-large.

Meeting Time: meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 5:30 pm*

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the election of officers.
• Oversee orientation and training for Council and committee members.
• Ensure policies reflect the attention to diversity and inclusion goals set in C.1 Governing Style.
• Improve Council’s understanding of inequality and discrimination in order to inform policy.
• Ensure that Council monitors and reports on its own performance annually.
• Recommend amendments to policies, procedures, and the Bylaws.

Membership Engagement

Facilitates a meaningful connection between Council and the membership of the Cooperative.

Composition: at least 3 Council members, up to 1 staff liaison, and up to 6 members-at-large

Meeting Time: meets the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm*

Responsibilities:

• Plan and coordinate membership meetings, mailings, and member-owner engagement activities that are open and accessible to all.
• Oversee member-owner initiated petitions and referenda to ensure they follow appropriate procedures.

Personnel

Facilitates Council’s monitoring and evaluation of the GM’s performance and the GM’s annual report on staff issues and compensation.

Composition: at least 3 Council members, and up to 4 members-at-large

Meeting Time: as needed (approximately 6 meetings per year)

Responsibilities:

• Develop necessary procedures for the completion of the GM annual evaluation.
• Develop and draft the GM annual evaluation, including a summary and recommendation for Council.
• Review the GM’s annual report on Policy B.6 – Staff Treatment and Compensation and provide a recommendation to Council.