Minutes of the Board Meeting of The Islamic Center of Orange Park.

The second meeting of the Islamic Center of Orange Park (ICOP) Board of Directors (BOD) was held on Saturday, February 29, 2020 from 2:00 – 3:30 pm at the Islamic Center of Orange Park, 7821 Collins Road, Jacksonville, FL. The following members of the board attended the meeting.

Br Ubaid Aslam Khokhar (Chair) Br. Asad Haque Br. Lateef Majeed Br. Muhammad Farooq Br. Bashir Hotaki Br. Muhammad Khaled Hossain (by proxy) Br. Abdelrahim Noubani Sr. Fareeda Ismaeel Sr. Maryam Shaheen (by proxy)

The meeting started with recitation of Holy Quran. The minutes of the ICOP Board of Directors meeting held on Jan 11, 2020 were presented and comments were asked. There were no comments or changes and the minutes were approved unanimously. The agenda of the meeting was presented and was approved with the following additions. Repair of the College road Electrical work at house on Collins Road. Operating Funds.

Old Business

Fundraising update: Br Farooq reported that total pledges of $ 28376.00 were made for purchase of the modular building of which $ 21876.00 were received. There are $6500.00 still to be received.

Modular building purchase: Br Ubaid reported that the building has been purchased with balance of the funds taken out of construction fund which will be returned when remaining pledges are received. Br. Asad was requested to process the title application through Duval county.

Seera Conference: Br Ubaid reported the confirmation of speakers and March 14, 2020 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at UNF as the date, time and venue of the conference. Board members were requested to be there by 5:00 pm to prepare for the event.

Br. Luqman’s induction into Advisory Council: Br. Bashir informed that Br. Luqman is willing to be on the Advisory Council and it was approved unanimously to induct him into the council.

New Business

Ramadan preparations

Iftar Plan: It was agreed that ICOP will arrange community iftar on Friday, Saturday and Sunday through volunteers. However, any family or member willing to provide Itar on weekdays, would be encouraged to do so. ICOP board will facilitate by providing all crockery and other stuff except food.

Haffaz Arrangement: Upon suggestion from Br. Bashir and to provide chance for the whole community to connect with each other during holy month, taraweeh will be held at College Road Center only. Therefor, one Imam will be arranged for the month of Ramadan.

Imam’s Participation in Board meetings: Br Farooq brought up that according to By-laws, Imam is a non-voting member of the board. After discussion it was decided that due to part-time assignment of the Imam, it is not appropriate to include him in the board meetings.

Membership of board members: Br Farooq reminded that due to new fiscal year, all board members should keep their membership active. It was decided that Secretary will prepare an update on membership of the board members and provide to the president.

Operating Funds: It was brought up by Br Ubaid that operating funds are depleting and emphasized on the need to raise funds for the day to day operations of the two centers. Also, options to reduce cost were discussed. After discussion, it was decided that

Brothers and sisters after Juma prayers will be asked to donate and wait for response before taking other steps.

It was considered to get a system to collect funds using cards and deposit to bank account. Br. Ubaid will get more information for one system and discuss further in the next meeting.

Br. Bashir will look for alternates to collect garbage from College Road center.

Br. Farooq was assigned to prepare minimum monthly cost for the two centers.

It was reported that some shingles on the College Road building were blown away by wind. It was also reported that insurance will not cover it due to wind inclusion in the policy. It was decided that Br. Asad will arrange to fix the roof. It was also decided that insurance will be limited to liability only as it will be renewed on March 16, 2020.

Br. Asad explained the need, estimate and process for electrical in the building being renovated at Collins Road. As some funds from building fund were used for purchase of the modular building, it was decided that this work will be carried out when the account in the building fund is restored.

Br. Bashir explained on availability of Khateebs for Collins Road and asked for backup. He was asked to bring up a few months schedule using bothers available and the khateeb for missing spots will be looked for.

Next Board Meeting: Secretary was asked to check required minimum meetings in a year. The next meeting was scheduled on Friday, April 10, 2020 at 6:00 pm at College Road center.

The meeting was adjourned with dua by Br. Majeed.