The meeting was called to order at 7.30 p.m. (after "Once
around the table . . .")
with Chris Cope as Chair, Sandy Campbell as Secretary, and Sheila
Alder as note-taker.
Board members present:
Christopher Cope (bz787), President/chair
Gary Eikenberry (aa353), 1st Vice-President
Andrea Holland (es170), 2nd Vice-President
Sandy Campbell (dt820), Secretary
Mary Anne Dugmore (er983)
Mark Mielke (al278)
Don Francis (ba990)
Michael Mei (be195)
John Hennessey (ev776)
Regrets:
Graeme Beckett (aw958)
Michael Williamson (cm324)
Vanessa Kanu (ev216), Treasurer
NCF Management/Staff present:
John Selwyn (es347), Executive Director
Sheila Alder (xx306), Office Manager
Guests:
Jim Elder (aa456)
Once around the table . . .
Informal pre-meeting conversation, with Directors taking turn
offering personal views and commentary on interesting things
that might not make it to the Agenda.
This being the first meeting after the AGM elections, the Chair asked all present to introduce themselves by way of personal career bios, interest in NCF, etc. At the conclusion, Chair Cope noted that Board members were putting an impressive wealth of personal experience and accomplishment at the service of FreeNet. Together with those unavoidably absent, who would be asked to provide the same personal sketches at the May meeting, Chair Cope observed the Board's "collective CV" was probably the strongest ever.
MOTION: That minutes be approved as published.
Moved by: Sandy Campbell
Seconded by: Mark Mielke
VOTE: All in favor
MOTION: That the agenda be adopted with an amendment to
include 8 d) as AGM report.
Moved by: Don Francis
Seconded by: Mary Anne Dugmore
VOTE: All in favor
Veteran NCFer Jim Elder presented a detailed PowerPoint presentation for new and old members of the BoD, tracing the history of FreeNet and pinpointing where it had "missed the wave," but was now catching up steadily. Board members were advised to "play their role," i.e. function as a governance board, providing informed oversight to staff. Slides of the PP presentation are available at Orientation 2003. (This presentation was presented in concert with ED John Selwyn's report, following.)
MOTION: That Jim Elder be thanked for his presentation
Moved by: Sandy Campbell
Seconded by: Michael Mei
VOTE: All in favor
Executive Director Selwyn presented standard report on past months, progress report on ongoing items, and a PowerPoint presentation to the meeting outlining NCF's steady progress toward a year of solid accomplishment.
MOTION: That the ED report be accepted
Moved by: Mary Anne Dugmore
Seconded by: John Hennessey
VOTE: All in favor
The Committee did not meet this month.
Financial statements, Treasurer's report, and 2002 audited statements from KPMG were delivered, but discussion was deferred to next meeting in the absence of Treasuer Vanessa Kanu.
MOTION: That the reports be tabled to next meeting
MOVED BY: Michael Mei
SECONDED BY: Gary Eikenberry
MOTION: All in favor
Co-chair Francis reported his stint was a learning experience; he had received about a hundred emails inquiring about the AGM. He suggested development of an "auto-response" for the next AGM, especially with instructions about how to vote. Member Jim Elder suggested that those involved in the 2003 AGM, including Don Francis, Mary Anne Dugmore, and Ian Allen should submit emails of their experience which could be archived for the information of those who come after.
MOTION: That the report of the AGM co-chair be
accepted
Moved by:Mary Anne Dugmore
Seconded by: John Hennessey
VOTE: All in favor
May 20,2003 at 7 p.m.
Client Services Boardroom
Ottawa City Hall
111 Lisgar street, Ottawa
The meeting adjourned at 10.18 p.m.