Valley Free Radio » Minutes

Programming Committee Meeting 1/15/09

keely malone — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:55:02 +0000

Schedule changes

1. Emily Miller and her show CCD from Monday from 2-4 PM to Monday 10:00- noon effective immediately (my mistake on this Monday- didn’t contact her- mucho busy this weekend)

2. TRGGR radio currently broadcasting from WMUA to upload their show and we will play it as automated syndication on Sundays 2:00 PM- 4:00PM

NEW SHOWS:

Andy Sewell- RadioHodgePodge hour show with segmented interviews with local artists and personalities, cultural events and creative audio content. Monday 9:00-10:00 AM beginning January 19th. Selected Arts & Culture collective

Sidra Eisman- Real Estate Radio- focusing on such things as green architecture, energy efficiency, feng shui, music, interior design, together with artist and design interviews. Assigned to Fridays 8:00 AM- 9:00 AM subject to slot remaining open after Sidra completes her training, sit-in’s and volunteer work. Selected to Public Affairs collective

Samuel Bass- Inside The Urban Bottom Line- issues of urban life and culture, cultural dynamics, quality of life issues, education, arts and entertainment. One hour interview and talk. One hour music – R&B Soul. Assigned to Monday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM subject to training etc- see Sidra, above. Selected Arts & Culture collective.

Donn Henry- The Beat Clinic- Hip-Hop from birth to the present. Assigned to 11:00 PM- 3:00 AM Monday, subject to training etc, again, see Sidra above.

Soul Alive- Tabani Abdullah- eddie Kennedy will follow up through music collective.

Parenting Possibilities- Shana Hiranandani- Education and Social Issues- Keeley will discuss with Derek.

POLICY

Programming committee agree that collective individuals need to get more involved with programming duties, as for example, taking on work requirement enforcement and using easy logs software, as well as calling collective meetings and facilitating. In that way the collective will become more of a collective effort as opposed to leaving it all to the programming liaisons.

next meeting February 12th

VFR General Membership Meeting Minutes 12.19.07

Bill Baue — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 19:36:36 +0000

7-9 pm MEF

In Attendance: Fidel Hidalgo, Matt Dineen, Tony Shannon, Bob Gardner, Mo Ringey, Dana Prescott, Bill Weye, Nick Curley, Bushi Harvey, Michelle LeBlanc, Arjuna Greist, Ed Russell, Joshua Vrysen, Derek Goodwin, Paolo Mastrangelo, Glen Ayers, Don Ogden, Voice of Reason/Katherine, Mary Serreze, Bob Gutowski

Matt Dineen facilitating

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Matt Dineen made an announcement about the enviro show being listed in the valley advocate’s horns and halos of 2007 (as a halo).

1.) AUTOMATION COMPUTER UPDATE
The automation software needs to be updated. The cost is 49$. Tony Shannon will verify the cost. It was approved as an expense.

2.) REPORT BACK FROM COLLECTIVE MEETINGS

Education/Social Issues: Derek Goodwin and Katherine will be acting liaisons through January meeting. Non attendees will be contacted in an effort to find replacement liaisons from thereafter. Derek will set up a google group for the collective.

Music Collective: Liaisons are Eddie Kennedy & Nick Curley. Community outreach was discussed at their collective meeting.

Arts and Culture: Liaisons are Anneliese Fouza and Mary Wheelen. Alan Vogel proposed a new show to be called Storytown.

News and Politics: Paolo Matrangelo and David Packman (volunteered in his absence) will be liaisons.

3.) RECORDER
People are having a lot of trouble using the current recorder. Tony Shannon proposed the purchase of the *Marantz PMD560*, http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PMD560/print/
The Marantz records directly to a flash card thus eliminating costly CDs. It also means that 2 hours shows will now be able to be recorded onto a single device. The cost is $499.99. The cost was approved with members being asked to donate toward the purchase on a sliding scale and the purchyase being made once funds are collected. Tony Shannon agreed to collect funds, In the interim we will borrow Richardâ€™s CD recorder.

4.) STREAMING
Bill Weye reports that the current streaming situation is unstable and likely to cause more problems in the future. It is suggested that there be a meeting of the Tech Group, reporting back at the next meeting.

5.) OPERATIONS COMMITTEE UPDATE
The Operations Committee will be holding meetings via internet conference call and will include people from key areas like Tech, Web, Volunteer Coordination and Studio Management. Contact for Op Com will be via vfroperations@gmail.com.

6.) PLEDGE OF SUPPORT FOR PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE COORDINATORS
Bill suggested a statement of support empowering the coordinators for all that needs to be done to follow the spirit and the word of the bylaws to show support in the event that they make unpopular decisions.

7.) RESPONSIBILITY & PRIVILEDGE
Item added by Ed Russell to explore whether we can successfully make a linkage between responsibility and priviledge for necessary momentum to continue. It was discussed whether program time slots can be linked to fulfilling tasks at the station. Arjuna Greist suggested making a chart for people to fill in showing their contributions. Mary Serreze suggested allowing cash donations in lieu of volunteer hours such as membership dues function at other stations. It was decided that the Operations and programming committees work together to devise a system for sign up and tracking of contributions in the form of tasks and hours.

NEXT BOARD MEETING IS TBA.

VFR GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES 11.29.07

Bill Baue — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 19:56:40 +0000

7-9 pm MEF
In Attendance: Fidel Hidalgo, Matt Dineen, Tony Shannon, Bob Gardner, Mo Ringey, John Prettyman, Megha Arraj, Dana Prescott, Bill Weye, Shawn Smith, Tom Erwin, Nick Curley, Lundy Bancroft, Lena- Eckert-Erdheim, Sara, Aboulakia, Eddie Kennedy, Linda Kennedy, Mary Wheelan, Annalise Fonza, Bushi Harvey, Michelle LeBlanc, Arjuna Greist, Ed Russell, Joshua Vrysen

Lundy Bancroft facilitating

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Fundraising discussion event to be December 8th 10am at MEF. Expert on Fundraising to speak

Open House, Sunday 10-1 at the station. Training/Orientation for new people & volunteers

1.) FUNDRAISING UPDATE: Pledge Drive Reflections

Over $1,000 was raised during pledge drive. Funds still coming in from bulk mailing in October. Over $2,000 from internal mailing list.

Checking acct at close to $10,000.

Website is currently set up for people to donate online. Totals to come from Tony Shannon. Discussion about promoting the station as well as individual shows.

2.) LAWSUIT UPDATE:

Dec 19-21 Depositions of individual defendants.
Dec 31, 2007 Discovery completed.
Jan 31 & Feb 28: Summary Judgement Motion (where we petition to have case thrown out)
Pre-trial conference: 3/27/2008
No trial date has been set.
Legal fees are under $2000.00
Attorney Morneau is essentially working pro-bono.
3.) SCHEDULE UPDATE:

Programming committee created a chart and is trying to fill in slots.

4.) COLLECTIVE REFORMATION

collectives will be:

Education/Social Issues

Music

Arts and Culture

News and Politics

The collectives will meet and assign/vote on liaisons by December 19

A vote was taken in favor of the Programming Committee having two coordinators: Megha Arraj and Josh Vrysen

Responsibilities will include:

Booking rooms for scheduling meetings

Training and Scheduling

Coordinating with liaisons

Assist new members in finding an appropriate collective

Minutes notes

Term to equal one year.

5.) PROPOSAL OF FORMATION OF OPERATIONS COMMITTEE

Will coordinate with Studio Managers and ideally will have two coordinators/liaisons

Michelle suggested a board member contact the studio managers to discuss how they can be helped by an Operations Committee.

Tony will post past Operations Committee notes for review.

The Board will formulate a plan based on input from this meeting.

Bob Gardner and Tony Shannon volunteered for Operations Committee.

6.) FACT FINDING FROM OTHER STATIONS

Matt Dineen volunteered to contact other stations and do a presentation at next board meeting. New definition of programming/membership to come from Lundy Bancroft after discussion with board.

7.) REVISIONS TO MISSION STATEMENT

Revised mission statement approved and updated on website to remove affiliation with MEF’s mission.

NEXT MEETINGS

Wednesday, December 5th, Board meeting at MEF

Thursday, December 6th â€“ Programming Committee meeting at station

Wednesday, December 19th, General Membership Meeting at MEF.

VFR Board Meeting Minutes 12.5.07

Bill Baue — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 20:02:10 +0000

7-9 pm MEF

In Attendance: Fidel Hidalgo, Matt Dineen, Strong Oak, Tony Shannon, Tony Udell, Bob Gardner, Richard Moody, Bob Gutowski, Dana Prescott

1.) Edwards Church streaming: Decision deferred to Programming Committee.
2.) Recorder: Bob Gutowski will ask Bill Childs for permission to fix CD burner 12/6/07.
- Digital Marantz Recorder will be donated by Edwards Church and Bob Gutowski will install it 12/6/07.
- Tony Udell will do research on computer for the purpose of recording VFR programming 24/7.
3.) Keys: Operations Committee will put a list of 5 people that live near VFR that have a key to VFR.
- Operations Committee will ask Florence Community Center about putting another box for VFR keys at the other entrance as a backup.
- There will be reprimanding for misplacing keys.
4.) OpCom: Bob Gardner and Tony Shannon are Operations Committee interim coordinators.
- Operations Committee tasks and responsibilities include:
– Volunteer Coordination.
– Scheduling Studio Managers.
– Repair and Maintenance of equipment.
– Keeping Supplies Stocked.
– Internal Communications.
-Further description of OpCom to be presented at December’s GM
-Contact OpCom at: vfroperations@gmail.com

VFR Board Meeting Minutes 11.7.07

Bill Baue — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 19:47:19 +0000

MEF
7:00-9:15 pm

In Attendance: Matt Dineen, Tony Shannon, Bush-I Harvey Ahmai, Mo Ringey, Strong Oak, Fidel Hidalgo, Lundy Bancroft, Tony Udell, Michelle LeBlanc, Bob Gutowski, Dana Prescott, Ed Russell, Bob Gardner.

-Introductions/New board member welcome
-Hopes and dreams for growing and sustaining the station
-Board contracts distributed, signed, and given to clerk
-Election of board officers: Co-chairs: Matt Dineen and Fidel Hidalgo; Clerk: Mo Ringey; Treasurer: Tony Shannon
-Liaison to the programming committee: Bush-I and Tony S. will share this position
-Vote to establish an operations committee, find interested members before the GM where we will elect OpCom coordinators.
-New legal liaison group: Matt Dineen, Lundy Bancroft, and Strong Oak.
-Transfer of license: Tony Udell will take this on and contact Alex from MEF about working together.
-Financial report presented: Over $2,000 has come in from the mass mailing initiated by Tony S. last month.
-Fund drive next week: Tony S. and Johanna have been coordinating volunteers, article in this week’s Valley Advocate mentions fund-drive with quotes from Michelle LeBlanc.
-Voted to provide ATM/ Debit access for checking account
-Voted to add an additional check signer when current check book runs out; Tony Shannon (Treasurer) to replace Jane Braaten as signer along with Bob Gardner and Ed Russell
-Executive session (Lawsuit update)

VFR Board Meeting Minutes 10.3.07

Bill Baue — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 15:57:32 +0000

MEF 7-8:15pm

In attendance: Bob Gardner, John Prettman, Dana Prescott, Bob Gutowski, Mary Wheelan, Michelle LeBlanc, Scott Lahteine, Matt Dineen (took the minutes), Tony Shannon (facillitated)

1.) Board Election
-The election will be held at this month’s GM (10/17). There are currently 4 open spots that need to be filled. The nominations committee is comprised of Bill Weye, Bob Gardner, and Mary Wheelan. All members are encouraged to assist with the effort of nominating potential candidates. Bios should be e-mailed to Bill Weye: billhector@gmail.com by 10/14 to be posted on the website.

2.) Fundraising Updates
-We raised $25 at the Farmers Market this past Saturday and $40 at the “Passions and Survival” film event. Tony S. and others are working on a mass mailing to past VFR supporters. This will happen the third week of October to promote our next on-air pledge drive from 10/22 to 10/28. Volunteers are needed to help with the pledge drive and can sign up at the GM meeting for shifts. A series of Halloween-themed house parties will take place on Saturday 10/27 to raise money for the station. Contact Matt Dineen if you are interested in hosting a party: passionsandsurvival@gmail.com There was also discussion of applying for grants both for fundraising and to fund a weekend-long anti-racist training for board members in November which Bob Gardner is writing. Underwriting is still in the works and contracts are currently being written for worker-owned businesses that wish to underwrite syndicated programs. *The next Fundraising Committee meeting will take place this Sunday 10/7 at Cafe Evolution on Maple st. in Florence at 11:00 am.*

3.) ATM/Online Access for Checking Account
-When the board elects a new treasurer at November’s meeting we will name an admininstrator to access the checking account online and also enable ATM deposits at any time.

4.) License Transfer
-Our license still needs to be transferred upon the wishes of MEF.

5.) New Website
-New website is up and ready and has been met with positive feedback. It will be voted on at this month’s GM along with a revised mission statement that appears on the homepage, which will be distributed before that meeting.

6.) Mics and Headphones
-The over $600 that was raised from the mic tax will be used to purchase new equipment.

7.) GM Agenda
-Election
-Approval of new website/mission statement
-Underwriting
-On-air pledge drive sign-up
-Collective Reformation

VFR General Membership Meeting Minutes 9.19.07

Bill Baue — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:41:10 +0000

Attendance: Michelle LeBlanc Nick Curley, Dana Prescott, Anthony Udell, Jake Sager, Bob Gardener, Ben Frank Chris Walther, Shawn Smith, Eddie Kennedy, Linda Kennedy, Matt Dineen, Mary Serreze, Derek Goodwin, Scott Lahteine, Fidel Hidalgo, Anthony Shannon, Peter Sky

Board Elections: We need 3 people to serve on the board nomination committeefor next month’s board elections. We will need to fill 4 slots. Committee members will be responsible for identifying candidates, collecting biographies, and running the election. No interest was shown at meeting, please contact Matt Dineen if interested.

Website update: Stream needs a static IP address from studio computer, not transmitter site in order to improve. The Web committee is creating an updated website to increase usability with a possible further upgrade to a new system in the future.

Fundraising update: Trivia night: $80, Eddie Bartok Barrata performance: $205.
We are preparing a mass mailing but still need content for envelopes. Jake S. will draft a letter. We need to generate survey cards to be returned with pledges. Volunteers should contact Tony Shannon.
The idea of underwriting was further explored: we will continue to pursue the limited list with a plan to move forward with more companies if this list is successful. There is a possibility to hire a commissioned employee to pursue underwriting, but it is not feasible at this time.

Programming Proposal: The programming committee restructuring proposal was presented. After an agreement that this proposal would not in any way replace or supersede the by-laws it was voted on. 16 were in favor and 1 opposed. There was one abstention. The proposal was approved. The next step is to come up with definitive collectives. Collectives should be proposed either before or at the next Programming Committee meeting.

VFR Board Meeting Minutes 9.5.07

Bill Baue — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 17:57:49 +0000

Media Education Foundation 7-9 pm

In attendance: Tony Udell, Michelle LeBlanc, Lundy Bancroft, Mary Wheelan, Tony Shannon, Matt Dineen, Bob Gardner, Ed Russell, Dana Prescott

1. Programming Commitee Reportback
Tony U. and Michelle gave an overview of last month’s Programming Committee meeting. They are combining their revised restructuring proposals into one. This proposal will be voted on for approval on the 19th at September’s General Membership meeting.

2. License Transfer
An electronic form must be filled out by both VFR and MEF for FCC approval. Tony S. will send the link to form to the board and we will check in about it at the fundraising event at the Friends’ Meetinghouse Sunday evening.

3. Board Election
An election committee will be formed at September’s General Membership meeting to seek candidates to replace board members who are stepping down after this term is completed. The election will be held at October’s General Membership meeting.

4. Fundraising
Bob G. presented the financial report showing that recent fundraising efforts have raised over $1,000. Despite this, the current budget will only ensure 7 more months of operations. September fundraising events include: 8th-Farmer’s Market table, 9th-Eddie Bartok-Barrata poetry performance at Friends Meetinghouse, 11th-talk at MEF (Matt will table), 13th-Trivia Night at WWII Club, 22nd-Pulaski Park outdoor concert, 29th-House Parties. An on-air pledge drive will take place the final week of the month from Sunday the 23rd to Saturday the 29th. The next Fundraising Committee meeting will be at 6:00pm at the Friends Meetinghouse in Northampton before the event.

5. Underwriting
Will Hall recently made phone calls to potential underwriters, all of whom responded positively. Matt will follow up with a specific proposal to each of them: Collective Copies, Food for Thought Books, River Valley Market, Pedal People, National Priorities Project, Peace Development Fund, and Pelham Auto.

Minutes taken by Matt Dineen

General Membership Meeting Minutes for 8.15.07

Bill Baue — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 15:43:29 +0000

In Attendence: Michelle L., Matt D., Francesca R., Jake S., Lundy B. (Facilitator), Tony U., Bille W., Jose T., Dana P., Annalise F., Linda K., Eddie K., Will H., Frances C., Nick C., Ed R., Anthony S., Arjuna

Announcements: Jose distributed a letter from Glen of the Enviro Show regarding Pay Pal for the website. Bill Weye is currently looking into alternative website credit card processors.

Report from Pledge Drive: We have made just over $900 in the recent pledge drive, volunteers are needed to stuff envelopes with “thanks yous” and tee-shirts for donors. Contact Tony Shannon if you are interested.

September Events Update: Matt reported on the progress for upcoming events in September. Current list includes: Sept. 11th Howard Friel at MEF, Sept 9th Poetry at the Friends Meeting House, and September 22nd Block Party at Pulaski Park. Brainstorming for other ideas continued included a Mike’s Maze night, making personal phone calls, and a Raffle. Volunteers are still needed for all events.

Schedule Restructuring: Continued conversation about schedule restructuring and collective re-formation. Previous ideas summed up and new ideas for accountability discussed. Final proposals will be re-presented at the Programming Committee meeting on 8/21 including a new proposal for the creation of a Program Coordinator position and a restructuring of the original proposal by the subcommittee

Underwriting: Continued discussion of underwriting, several members will be meeting to draft letters to local businesses and contact them for underwriting. Volunteers are still needed for this task.

Submitted by Michelle LeBlanc on 8/20

General Membership Meeting Minutes 7.18.07

Bill Baue — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 12:36:59 +0000

July 18, 2007 7-9 pm
Media Education Foundation

In Attendance: Glen Ayers, Nick Curley, Matt Dineen, Annalise Fonza, Bush-I,
Bob Gutowski, Chris Herland, Sara Jaffe, Eddie Kennedy, Linda Kennedy, Alisa
Klein, Michelle LeBlanc, Don Ogden, Dana Prescott, Ed Russell, Joel Saxe,
Tony Shannon, Strong Oak, Jose Tolson, Tony Udell, Mary Wheelan, Nora
Harrington, Maxine Jimerson, Emma Jimerson, Jake Sager, Rikk Desgres

-Introductions

-Reportbacks from Conferences:
Matt and Annalise made brief comments about their experiences at the Allied
Media and Grassroots Radio Conferences.

-August Pledge Drive:
Will take place from Friday Aug. 3rd to Tuesday Aug. 7th to coincide with
VFR’s 2 year birthday. All programmers will be expected to
participate. Additional information will be sent out via e-mail and placed
in the mailboxes. A volunteer sign-up sheet will be posted in the station
next week. New fundraising PSA’s will be made this Monday night (7/23) at
10:00 pm. All are welcome to contribute.

-Birthday Party:
Tuesday August 7th marks VFR’s 2 year birthday. That day there will be a
party in the Florence Community Center’s auditorium from 7-10pm. There will
be (donated) pizza and cake, but people are encouraged to bring other snacks
and NON-ALCOHOLIC drinks. Megha is providing a PA and there will be a sign
up sheet in the station for programmers to DJ for 20-30 minute blocks during
the party. Friends and family are encouraged to attend and to give donations
to VFR.

-September Events:
A series of VFR fundraising events are being planned the second week of
September. Including a potential collaboration with the Northampton
Committee to Stop War’s film series, a night of house parties, an all-day
outdoor concert at Pulaski Park, a lecture at MEF by a local media critic, a
poetry reading, and more to be announced. We will begin promoting these
events during the pledge drive.

-Recommendations for the Scheduling Subcommittee:
Annalise presented 5 options to revise the current proposal by the Subcommittee
on Scheduling and Collective Formation to reduce the number of collectives
from 27 to 4 (public affairs, youth, music, people of color). Additional
suggestions (such as forming a Youth Caucus) were put forward and discussed
and will be presented at the Programming Committee Meeting next Wednesday
(7/25) at 7pm at MEF. Contact: fireinbones@hotmail.com with more feedback.

-Underwriting
People working on this will continue to keep us updated.

-Volunteer Coordination
There is a continued effort in the way of promotion and operations, still
looking for jobs to be filled. Sign up in the station. The first Sunday of
August (8/5) there will be a training/orientation for new people. This
Saturday we will once again have a table at the Farmer’s Market.

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes 7.10.2007

Bill Weye — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:35:46 +0000

Meeting of the Board of Directors

Media Education Foundation
60 Masonic Street, Northampton, MA
Tuesday, July 10, 2007, 7pm

Minutes

Attendance: Lundy Bancroft (BM), Jane Braaten (BM), Matt Dineen (BM), Bob Gardner, Bob Gutowski, Michelle LeBlanc (BM), Tony Shannon (BM), Chris Tinson (BM), Tony Udell (BM), Mary Wheelan (BM).

BM= Board Members

Minutes taken by Chris Tinson

Announcements:

Michelle announced that the Farmerâ€™s Market (Northampton) tabling was successful. She suggested that more VFR members may want to table during the next Farmerâ€™s Market between 9am â€“ 12:30.

Questions from Non-Board Members: None.

1. Fundraising update/Pledge driveâ€¨â€“ August to September: Matt Dineen

Begin: Friday, August 3rd
End: Tuesday, August 7th

Two-year VFR Birthday Celebration on August 7th, 2007 â€“ 7-11pm at the Florence Community Center

Matt D. is in conversation with Florence Community Center management to obtain cost of renting the facility. He will have more concrete estimate at next meeting.

September Events Week

Begin: Friday, 9/7/07
End: Thursday, 9/13/07

September Events include the following:

7th â€“ Film and potluck
8th â€“ Polaski Park
9th â€“ Eddy Bartock
11th â€“ Media Education Foundation
12th â€“ The Basement

Matt also suggested that there be a sign-up sheet to obtain more participation from VFR programmers throughout the September Events Week.

2. License Transfer: Tony Udell reported that the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has a form for LPFM transfers (Application for Consent of Transfers). He is currently researching the FCC regulations and will report to next Board meeting.
3. Volunteer Coordination: report and discussion tabled to next meeting.
4. Membership Defined: Bob Gardner and Lundy will draft a new membership policy
5. Renewal of Rental Lease: Bob Gardner reported that there will be a slight increase in the VFR rental fees. Asked for Boardâ€™s approval to pay for difference whenever VFR is billed for the increase. Board approved.
6. New operations committee and appointing a chairperson: Bob Gardner expressed need to reform the operations committee. Discussion tabled.
7. Studio lock timeline: Ed Russell will install the new mic and begin locking the door as of this Sunday, July 15th, 2007. Programmers must contact Bob Gardner for keys.
8. New Mic Installation: (see Item 7 for related information).
9. Tentative Agenda for Next General Meeting

General Meeting July 18th, 2007, 7pm

Announcements

Report back from grassroots radio and allied meeting conference, US Social Forum

Birthday celebration planning (August)

September events week planning (September)

Recommendations for scheduling subcommittee

Underwriting

Volunteer coordination

Board Meeting adjourned at 8:25pm

General Membership Meeting Minutes 6/20/07

Bill Weye — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 10:31:21 +0000

VFR General Membership Meeting Minutes
6/20/07 7pm to 9pm

In Attendence: Tony U., Nick C., Michelle L., Matt D., Anthony S., Strong Oak, Mary W., Annalise F., Lila W., Bill W., Dana P., Jose T., Anthony R., Emily M., Steve C., Eddie K., Linda K., Lundy B., Bart E. and Keely M.
Facilitated by Lundy Bancroft, Tony Udell, and Matt Dineen

Introductions and Announcements:

GRC in Lowell and Detroit this weekend, several VFR programmers will attend.

1. Fundraising commitee report:

- For VFR’s August 7th Birthday, we will hold a fundraiser from August 3rd to 7th

- There will be a series of events from September 7th to Thursday the 13th

- Summary of fundraiser at the Farmers Market, call for new participants

- Suggestion of possible Tag Sale for fundraiser in the future.

- Next fundraising meeting on 7/10 at 6pm in MEF

2. Program rescheduling:

Tony U. presented the results of the Programming and Collective Formation Subcommittee:

-Collectives will be reformatted into four clear collectives Music, Public Affairs/Talk, Youth, and “Poly-cultural”

-Each collective will elect a liaison at an all-collective meeting; this liaison will attend programming committee meetings and hold collective-members accountable for upholding their responsibilities

Tabled, Discussion will continue on the 11th at the Programming Committee regarding the new collective designations

Web streaming

The stream is working again, but it is a temporary/unreliable stream right now. We are considering paying someone to set up “one click” streaming in the future.

Underwriting

Will Hall and others have been working on possible structures for underwriting for syndicated programs. Bob G. presented the proposal:

Collectives, worker-owned businesses, and possibly non-profits would be approached to underwrite Democracy Now and other syndicated shows. Approved via consensus, those working on it should continue to pursue. Currently restricted to just syndicated programs.

Pacifica Radio History

Jose presents a brief overview of Pacifica Radio History.

VFR Board of Director’s Meeting Minutes 6.6.07

Bill Baue — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 15:23:18 +0000

7-9pm Media Education Foundation
60 Masonic St., Northampton

MINUTES

Attendance: Mary Wheelan, Matt Dineen, Tony Shannon, Michelle LeBlanc, Jane Braaten, Tony Udell, Lundy Bancroft
Absent Board members: Chris Tinson, Anthony Ratcliff
General members/others: Bob Gardner, Bill Weye, Joan Tabatchnik, Alisa Klein, Dana Prescott, Ed Russell
Minutes taker: Jane B.

1. Sexual offense policy: Joan Tabatchnik (sp?) and Alisa Klein presented materials to be used in formulating recommendations for a policy regarding sexual offenses at the station. Alisa and Lundy will confer on what recommendations to make.
2. License transfer â€“ VFR is undertaking to transfer our broadcasting license from MEF to VFR. Tony U., Chris and Anthony R. will address the license transfer paperwork.
3. Jane B. currently is the check signer for VFRâ€™s new account. Jane will email Ed R. and Eric about the possibility of empowering an operations/tech person to be check signer.
4. Financial report â€“ short version, current balance
5. Publicity spending: the Board agrees that in principle we should be ready to spend on publicity (example, an August anniversary event), despite scarce resources.
6. New program schedule: Tony U. presented two proposals from the Scheduling Subcommittee, to simplify the collective structure to 4 collectives, each responsible for allocating time slots in respective time blocs. These proposals are intended to simplify and increase accountability of program schedule management. The Board agrees that these proposals are moving in the right direction, though further discussion is necessary. They will be proposed and refined in this weekâ€™s Prog Com mtg and presented to the General Membership.
7. Webstreaming has been down and some tech fixes are necessary. Tony U. will be emailing Bob Gutowski.
8. Some restructuring/revitalizing suggestions will be addressed at the Fundraising meeting June 10. Organizational restructuring suggestions were tabled until the next Board meeting.
9. The next Board meeting will tentatively be held July 10 (instead of 4th). Matt will check on room availability.

General Meeting Agenda (?)
1. Program Schedule/Program Committee restructuring
2. Webstreaming needs
3. Fundraising/publicity initiative
Presentation: VFRâ€™s historical role (Jose Tolson â€“ see his recent email)

General Membership Meeting Minutes 5.16.07

Bill Baue — Thu, 17 May 2007 14:26:38 +0000

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

Programming Committee Meeting 5-9-07

Bill Baue — Thu, 17 May 2007 13:39:08 +0000

In Attendence: Michelle LeBlanc, Steve Cutting, Tony Shannon, Lila Wolan, Ed Russell, Nick Curley, Tony Udell (Facilitator) D.O. (from the Enviro Show), Bob Gardner, Ben Frank, Chris Walther.

Meeting Called to Order at 7:10pm

Introductions

1. New Members: concern regarding how new members are introduced to the station and trained.

Tony U. proposed that VFR revive Sunday training sessions.

Unanimous decision to hold a trial Sunday training session on June 3rd from 10AM to 1pm

Bob proposed removing collective responsibility for training to be replaced with training sessions. Programming committee will gradually try to do this. New policy documents will be created regarding training requirements in future Programming Committee meetings.

2. PSAs/Show Promos: Rotations of PSAs, requirements by FCC, enforcement

Tony U. will discuss with Eric in training the “PSA director” position for volunteer coordination

3. Program Proposals

Ben Frank and Chris Walther, members of the Northampton HS Republicans Club proposed a political issues dialogue talk show (title TBA). Are looking for a weekend time slot.

Show approved. Referred to The Youth Collective to begin training.

Steve Cutting proposed a general music show, will present a full proposal on the next meeting on 6/19

Board Meeting Minutes 5.2.07

Bill Baue — Sat, 05 May 2007 00:32:32 +0000

VALLEY FREE RADIO | WXOJ-LP 103.3 FM
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
NORTHAMPTON, MA
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2007

Attendance: Bob Gutowski, Anthony Shannon (BM), Michelle LeBlanc (BM), Bob Gardner, Noemi Valentin, Matt Dineen (BM), Tony Udell (BM), Jane Braaten (BM), Dana Prescott, Frances Crowe, Ed Russell, Mary Wheelan (BM), Chris Tinson (BM)
(BM=Board Members)

1. Welcome

2. Questions / Announcements from the floor:
Announcements: Allied Media Conference in Detroit convening June 21-24, 2007; Grassroots Radio Conference in Lowell, MA also convening June 21-24, 2007.

3. Updates on legal affairs â€“ Jane B. reported that we are in a waiting stage but a settlement is still being considered; unsure of lawyers outreach to other party; potential trial later this year, but nothing confirmed; VFR informed to prepare docs for trial at this point. Bob Gardner spoke with J. Morneau this week and Morneau confirmed that the other party has denied any request for settlement.

Note added 5.6.07 by Bill Baue per Chris Tinson: The discovery process is continuing toward a possible trial this Fall. Our most recent effort to settle with the Plaintiff, like earlier attempts, has been refused.

4. Board Orientation, Assignment of Officers, etc.
Jane handed out a brief write-up identifying the roles of the board officers as part of orientation process for new members.
Officer: Co-Chair: Matt Dineen
Officer: Secretary: Chris Tinson
We clarified the process of posting the agenda and minutes. Bill Baue should receive any relevant posting materials. Bill Weye receives all web-related requests not related to agendas and minutes
Officer: Treasurer: Jane Braaten
Board Role: making financial decisions for the organization, advisory capacity, among other duties as specified in governing documents.

5. VFR â€“ Atty. Liaison
4 members originally assigned to serve as liaison between board and attorney: Libby, Adam, Noemi, Jane; Libby and Adam have gone. Jane is willing to continue, but wants to see if duties can be relieved. (Postponed to end of meeting for exec. Session)
Tony Shannon expressed interest in serving as a liaison. Jane B. will mentor Tonyâ€™s service on liaison sub-committee.

6. Mic Tax (Paying for the Stolen Mic)
Not all members have responded to Bob Gardnerâ€™s request for mic replacement payment of $5 from each program. So far he has received payments amounting to $360 with half the membership (including programmers) paid; Â½ programmers have paid (37 out of 75).
Decision: Draft a letter from the Board requesting that all members submit their fee to recover the stolen mic. Chris Tinson to draft a letter for Board input.

7. Security
Michelle suggested the possibility of webcamming to deter theft. Discussion.
Decision: construct an equipment checklist for studio managers (implement immediately); changing key codes monthly (pass to GM); Ed and Eric suggested as members to construct a checklist for studio manager equipment checks during their shifts.

8. Insurance
Bob Gardner raised questions for discussion about insurance against lawsuits; equipment insurance for the transmitter $198/year covers transmitter equip (approx. $17K worth of equipment); legal liability insurance: such as officers insurance against lawsuits, was too expensive the last time we checked. (Further discussion tabled to a later unspecified date.)

9. Continue Volunteer Coordination
Jane is working with Eric Nash and Lundy Bancroft on list of jobs that can be done by volunteers at the station. We discussed publicity, outreach, etc.
Decision: Continue to discuss; Jane and Michelle will begin brainstorming ideas to coordinate publicity

10. Webstreaming
Bob Gardner expressed a concern regarding webstream accessibility. Consensus reached on need to move to a more functional streaming system. Other low-power FMs have one-click access, why not VFR?
Decision: eliminate two non-working links; keep/re-title â€œthe linkâ€ instead

11. MEF-VFR relationship
Chris Tinson raised issue of MEF-VFR separation. MEF looking to separate before next fiscal year (beginning June-July 2007). License is the binding document between parties. License binds MEF to VFR. What does the separation look like? Structural, financial, etc.?; educational or government organizations can hold Low Power FM licenses. Discussed possibility of transferring license to VFR sole ownership. Board agreed to allow Tony Udell, Anthony Ratcliff and Chris Tinson to continue to discuss the process of MEF-VFR separation with MEF officers.

12. GM agenda and Facilitators: 5/16/2007
Security (Key Codes); process to be decided; Studio Mgr. checklist
Mic Assessment (or tax)
Facilitators: Michelle and Jane

Meeting adjourned at 9:32pm
Minutes submitted by Chris Tinson, Board Secretary

General Membership Meeting Minutes 2.21.07

Bill Baue — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 18:04:54 +0000

In attendance: Mark Peters, Richard Moodie, Mary Wheelen, Michelle LeBlanc, Bush-I, Eric Nash, Tony Udell (chairperson), Dana Prescott, Bob Gatowski, Ed Russell, Noemi Valentin, Revan Schendler, Matt Dineen, Bob Gardner-notetaker.

Nomination committee has been recruiting nominees for board membership. Eric Nash is in charge of collecting and posting bios of people running.
Nominated candidates:
Mary Whelen
Lundy Bancroft
Tony Shannon
Michelle LeBlanc
Mark Peters
Tony Udell
Richard Moodie
Candidates will send their bios to:
Eric Nashâ€™s email is endotox1@hotmail.com

Volunteer Coordination:
Board has initiated a subcommittee to facilitate the volunteer process. Currently composed of Tony Udell & Lundy Bancroft.

Scheduling Subcommittee: meeting to revamp VFR broadcast schedule.
First major decision: eventual home for Democracy Now will be 5-6 pm.

Station Security: one of our better microphones disappeared about two weeks ago. All members and programmers are asked to donate 5 to 15 to replace the Missing microphone. Payment should be made to Bob Gardner by March 30th.

Volunteers Needed for Grievance/Mediation Committee: Bush-I is asking for 4 or 5 new members who can commit for a year. Michelle expressed interest.

Lawsuit updated. Hearing on motion to dismiss on Feb. 22nd.

Bush-I announced a fundraiser at Hampshire: 9:00 PM March 2, benefit for VFR, sponsored by Vibe, a Hampshire student group, with live music by Mystophan, plus a faculty/student band.

It was announced that Valley Free Radio is now a 501(c)3 charitable & tax exempt organization. Donations may now be directly addressed to VFR.

Board Meeting Minutes 02-07-2007

Bill Weye — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 15:53:48 +0000

Valley Free Radio Board
Meeting Minutes Feb 07, 2007
Media Education Foundation
7-9pm

present: Jane Braaten, Matt Dineen, Bob Gardner, Bush-I Harvey, Revan
Schendler, Ed Russell, Lundy Bancroft, Dana Prescott, Tony Udell, Eric Nash

notes submitted by Revan

1. Lawsuit update

2. New Treasurer needed: Jane will assume this position until new board
members join following elections in March

3. Board Elections in March
Eric, Lundy and Revan will form nominations committee, seeking suggestions
from general and board members; nominations will taken at Feb. 21 general
membership meeting; all bios to be sent to Eric at endotox1@hotmail.com by
board meeting March 7 for posting on website; elections March 21 (first day
of spring: a good omen!)

4. Publicity and Fundraising
Lundy, Tony U. to discuss volunteer coordination and implementation of
two-hour work requirement for all programmers; will consult with Patti and
Emily about work already done; define tasks, etc.

5. Financial report presented by Bob Gardner
serious cash crunch

6. Linux crash problem, following power shut-offs and surges last year:
board approves $500 for purchase of two Uninterruptible Power Supplies

7. Streaming: Eric to research monthly cost of more efficient streaming from
website

8. Recording Shows: Tech Committee to research legal requirements for having
copies of shows for FCC; costs of a friendlier CD burner

9. Richard Moody’s request concerning Edwards Church connection: Eric, Jane
to clarify request with Richard before sending the question of live
webcasting of religious services back to the Programming Committee with
boardâ€™s recommendation

10. Station security/ recent theft of studio mike and minidisk player: Ed to
research keycards; Bush-I and Ed to solicit donation of a microphone; also
suggestions of volunteer donations

AGENDA FOR GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING 2/21/07

1. Nominations Committee presentation/ nominations taken for March elections
2. Report on Volunteer Coordination Effort
3. Report from Scheduling Subcommittee
4. Station Security and recent thefts/suggestions for ways to replace them
5. Volunteers needed for Grievance and Mediation Committee

meeting to be facilitated by Tony U. and Jane B.

meeting adjourned at 9:10

VFR General Membership Meeting Minutes 1.17.07

Bill Baue — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 18:14:12 +0000

Introductions – Meeting began at 7:15

Attendance: Eric Nash, Matthew Herschuer, Eddie
Bartok-Baratta, Noemi Valenti, Lisa DePiano, Dana
Prescott, Bill Weye, Bob Gutowski, Ed Russell, Tony
Udell, Revan Schendler, Libby Reinish, Lundy Bancroft,
Sara Jaffe, Anthony Ratcliff (clerk), Matt Dineen,
Emily Miller, Bob Gardner, Chris Tinson

Board Openings (15 minutes) – Matt D. – Due to the
resignations of four board members, we need to hold
elections for the positions in March.
-Therefore we have to organize a nominations committee
(at least three members)
-By consensus it was agreed that five non-voting
members would be appointed to the board until March
when a full election for those spots can take place.
(See discussion under volunteer coordination.)

Lawsuit Update (30 minutes) – Bob Gardner discussed
the current status of the lawsuit. VFR’s lawyer
Morneau has recently filed a point-by-point response
to the lawsuit. He also stated that there wasn’t a
serious problem with suspending Cathy Santosus for the
duration of the lawsuit, although the best thing would
have been for her to voluntarily agree to step aside.
Dana P. announced that all documents in the case are
available at www.freedom-center.org/vfr.

Volunteer Coordination (30 minutes) – Eric N. stated
that the collection of programmer’s contact
information is pretty much completed. He has placed
information in a spreadsheet and someone (Bill Weye)
will place it into a database.
-Emily made recommendation that we do formal organic
networking with people we know in VFR to get more
programmer information (we still have a volunteer
shortage)
-We need to reconstitute/reorganize our committees
-Libby made a proposal that the board appoint
non-voting replacements for vacant board spots: up to
five replacements in order to deal with the volunteer
situation and committees:
Lundy B, Tony U, Revan S, Lisa D and Eric N each
agreed to serve on the board as non-voting members
until March – approved by consensus

Code of Conduct – Emily M. introduced Code of Ethical
Conduct, which had been discussed at previous General
Membership meetings
-Draft of Valley Free Radio Working Agreement of
Ethical Conduct was approved by consensus.with minor
language alterations that will be dealt with by the
GMC.

Station Security – Tabled
Committee Reports – Tabled

Meeting Adjourned – 9:10pm

MINUTES FOR THE BOARD MEETING 1-07-2007

Bill Weye — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 14:40:20 +0000

3 JANUARY, 2007

Executive Session:
Board Members Present: Jane B; Jose T; Cheryl A; Jessica L; and Matt D
Non Board Members: Noemi V; Bob G

Discussed legal matters.

General Board Meeting :
1. PETITION FROM GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING OF DEC. 20.
Brief discussion pertaining to quorum issues.

2. CHECK FOR LAWYER.
A check was required by the lawyer as a retainer for $2000.00. Vote of approval was requested.
VOTE: 5- Yes. Passed

3. PATTY’S PETITION: Patty was not present at meeting and there were no copies of the petition so this item was tabled.

General member asks for a subcommittee to address “conflict of interest” issue raised by Patty’s petition.

4. SUB COMMITTEE TO HANDLE THE LAWSUIT:
General member suggests forming a subcommittee to handle the lawsuit. This group would meet with the lawyer and make regular updates to the Board. The committee would be comprised of 2-current board members and possibly 2-former board members.

One board member objects, stating he would prefer to seek out other, newer members, including self, to be on the subcommittee.

More discussion around subcommittee membership. A preference is expressed that Jose not be on the committee.

More discussion on subcommittee

It is proposed that Jane and Adam be the board reps.

VOTE: 3-Yes; 1-No; 1-Abstention. Passed

OTHER SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS:
After some discussion from members on and off the board, it is proposed that Noemi and Libby also be members on the subcommittee.
VOTE: 3-Yes; 1-No; 1-Abstention. Passed

5. PETITION TO REMOVE CATHY SANTOSUS:
Discussion around the pertinence of lawyer approval to remove Cathy. It is agreed upon that lawyer approval is not a relevant issue in light of most current circumstances, and most recent discussion with lawyer.

A general member suggests that the board could “suspend” Cathy for the duration of the lawsuit. Vote to “suspend” Cathy Santosus immediately for filing a lawsuit against VFR; disruptive behavior; and other reasons. Also suspension from any and all committees radio programs, and other duties she is involved with at the station effective immediately.
VOTE: 4-Yes; 1-No. Passed

Letter to be written and distributed to the Board. Phone call to be made to Cathy tonight and/or tomorrow so that she is aware of the ruling. Certified letter to be sent.

6. STUDIO SECURITY
It is suggested we send it back to the Program Committee.
VOTE: 5-Yes. Passed

7. COMUTER PASSWORDS AND SECURITY
It is suggested we send it back to the Operations Committee to formulate a proposal.
VOTE: 5-Yes. Passed

8. FUNDRAISING:
Board member expressed number of fundraising ideas, including Tee-shirts and Note Cards, etc. Looking for feedback. More details coming.

9. GENERAL MEETING AGENDA:
Past GM notes will be located, and unfinished agenda items will be identified. A suggestion from the floor for an agenda item was “discuss a process for approving minutes”

MEETING ENDED AT 9:05PM

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