General Membership Meeting Minutes 5.16.07
Media Education Foundation
60 Masonic St., Northampton, MA
7-9pm
Facilitators: Michelle LeBlanc and Jane Braaten
Minutes taken by Chris Tinson
Attendance: Jane Braaten (BM), Anthony D. Shannon (BM), Michelle LeBlanc (BM), Ed Russell, Bob Gardner, Dana Prescott, Nick Curley, Kristen Lipoli, Jordan Burgis, Steve Cutting, Tony Udell (BM), Chris Tinson (BM), Will Hall, Megha Macdonald (BM=Board Member)
AGENDA & MINUTES
Announcements: DJ Training/Open House on Sunday, June 3rd 10am to 1pm at the station; Grassroots Radio Conference in Lowell, MA also convening, June 21-24, 2007, cost per person: $85/weekend; 6/13 is the next programming meeting.
Lawsuit Update: Jane B. gave a brief update of the status of the lawsuit. (See Board Meeting Minutes 5.2.07).
1. FINANCIAL UPDATE AND RE-FORMING OF FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE
Bob Gardner reported on VFRs financial standing. Discussed the need to find ways to build the revenue stream; possibility of Underwriting of at least our syndicated programs such as Democracy Now; other suggestions included seeking grant writers, increased publicity and community outreach, on-air fund-drive for two-weeks (Approx. $5,500 raised in the last on-air drive); serious attention is needed.
Decision: Consensus supported the following:
A) Pursuing idea of a Two-year VFR Anniversary outdoor concert to coincide with a two-week long fund drive that would seek new members as well as raise funds.
B) VFR Tabling during the Farmers Market in Northampton
C) Seeking out environmentally responsible, progressive businesses in the area to underwrite a couple of shows. Tony Udell will continue to investigate specifics of this process and report to board.
Steve Cutting, Michelle LeBlanc and Jane Braaten signed up for fundraising event planning.
2. MIC ASSESSMENT (MIC RECOVERY FEE/TAX)
Decision: Send drafted letter out to programmers and members, post letter in the station, print hard copies for those unconnected to the internet, post at the website home page. Letter to include names of programs that have paid the recovery fee thus far.
3. VOLUNTEER COORDINATION
Volunteer sign-up on the doors at the station; Chris Tinson will check in with Eric Nash and Lundy Bancroft to check status of the coordination/dissemination of tasks and report to Board. Communication and coordination still requires consistent attention. Also see fundraising section. Board and General Membership to collaborate to determine best method for strengthening volunteer accountability.
4. SECURITY (KEY CODES/STUDIO MANAGER CHECKLIST)
Ed Russell has looked into the possibility of inserting a key code system at the front of the building to increase security. Other proposed solutions include key deposit for the production studio.
Decision: Members agreed to allow Ed Russell to continue to research and compare costs/different possibilities. GM agreed to a $100 cap on spending for new door locks for the production studio; this cap excludes the cost(s) for multiple copies of studio keys. Ed Russell will also continue to work with Eric Nash to compose a Studio Manager equipment checklist as a step toward improving station security.
5. VFR & MEF
We are currently investigating the possibility of a license transfer, establishing separate bank account and other procedures towards the separation of the two entities; VFR has 501(c)3 status which allows donors to receive tax-deductions on any donations; board currently researching license transference process and procedures in accordance with FCC regulations.
Decision: VFR to establish a separate bank account; board will continue to manage the process of separation.
Meeting adjourned at 9:01pm
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