NCF Board of Directors
Minutes of Meeting
August 17, 2004

SOME HIGHLIGHTS

• Executive Director warns declining contributions are "major red flag"
• One new addition to NCF Officers
• NCF dial-up lines and e-mail system operating near capacity

Minutes of a meeting of the Board of Directors

The meeting was called to order at 7.20 p.m. with Chris Cope as Chair and Sandy Campbell as Secretary.

1. 1. INTRODUCTIONS

   Board members present:
   Christopher Cope (bz787), President/chair
   Gary Eikenberry (aa353), 1st Vice-president
   Sandy Campbell (dt820), Secretary
   Mark Mielke (al278)
   Michael Mei (bi195)
   Shing Kwong Lee (ez191)
   Graeme Beckett (aw958)

   Regrets:
   John Hennessey (ev776)
   Don Francis (ba990)
   Michael Williamson (cm234)
   Mary Anne Dugmore (er983)

   NCF Management/Staff present:
   John Selwyn (es347), Executive Director

   Members/Guests:
   None

   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.

2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF MEETING
   (see minutes of prior month)

   MOTION: That minutes be approved as published.
   Moved by: Sandy Campbell
   Seconded by: Michael Mei
   VOTE: All in favor

3. REVIEW OF THE AGENDA
   (see draft agenda)

   MOTION: That the agenda be adopted as published.
   Moved by: Gary Eikenberry
   Seconded by: Shing Kwong Lee
   VOTE: All in favor

4. ONGOING BUSINESS
   1. Election of Officers

      MOTION: That the following be appointed as Officers of the Board: Chris Cope, President; Gary Eikenberry, 1st Vice-president; Michael Mei, 2nd Vice-president; Sandy Campbell, Secretary.
      Moved by: Mark Mielke
      Seconded by: Sing Kwong Lee
      VOTE: All in favor

   2. Update on Mayor's Walk (Chris Cope)

      Chris Cope provided details of the September 11th Walk on behalf of Volunteer Ottawa and participating agencies. Sponsorship pledges secured by any participating agency will be divided between Volunteer Ottawa and the agency. As well as raising some funds, it will be an opportunity for NCF to raise its profile in the community. Members and staff were urged to "Walk" under the NCF banner.

5. REPORTS
   1. Executive Director's Report (John Selwyn)
      (see accompanying report)
      

      ED John Selwyn described the operating losses for June and July a "major red flag" for NCF. Member contributions for the two months totalled $24,611, about $16,000 less than expenses for the period. The shortfall had to made up from reserves. There was no growth in membership over the summer, remaining just under 9,000.
      Positive news was that, except for minor glitches, all three modem pools were working well; the overflow (extended access) pools were being used regularly at close to capacity; adding another 48 lines in anticipation of increased demand in September is being explored. Mail system was also operating near capacity and a plan is being developed to increase through-put. Efforts to replace office volunteers returning to school in September will continue.

      There was considerable discussion about what might be done in reponse to the downturn in member contributions. It was pointed out that only 41% of the members contribute dollars, and only half of them at the recommended level of $60 per year. Fifty-nine percent do not contribute anything. ED Selwyn indicated he would have some changes in place before the September Board meeting. Among initiatives discussed was a suggestion from Director Don Francis (who was unable to attend the meeting) about development of a "Friends of FreeNet" group, which could include non-members.

   2. Treasurer's Report and Financial Statement(see financial statements for prior month)

      Financial statements for June and July were not available in time for the meeting, but they were not expected to differ much from the outline presented in the ED's Report. They will be forwarded to Directors as soon as received.

6. NEW BUSINESS
   No items under this heading.
7. Announcements
   No announcements.
8. NEXT MEETING

   September 21, 2004 at 7 p.m.
   Room 402, Dunton Tower
   Carleton University

9. ADJOURNMENT

   The meeting adjourned at 9.20 p.m.