The meeting was called to order at 7.36 p.m. with Chris Cope as Chair and Sandy Campbell as Secretary.
Board members present:
Christopher Cope (bz787), President/chair
Gary Eikenberry (aa353), 1st Vice-president
Sandy Campbell (dt820), Secretary
Mark Mielke (al278)
Graeme Beckett (aw958)
Mary Anne Dugmore (er983)
Regrets:
Michael Mei (bi195)
John Hennessey (ev776)
Don Francis (ba990)
Michael Williamson (cm234)
Shing Kwong Lee (ez191)
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.
MOTION: That minutes be approved as published, when
amended to clarify the summary of the Executive Director's
Report.
Moved by: Sandy Campbell
Seconded by: Gary Eikenberry
VOTE: All in favor
MOTION: That the agenda be adopted as published, with the
addition under New Business of 7 a) Search for Treasurer; and
7 b)Budgeting Process.
Moved by: Graeme Beckett
Seconded by: Mary Anne Dugmore
VOTE: All in favor
The ED reported no change to the financial situation, i.e. that the "major red flag" of falling member contributions cited in his last report persisted. As a response to the situation he had inaugurated a "Mandatory contribution" system for membership renewals, based on usage of NCF equipment and resources. Renewing members will receive this advice on contributing: "* For members who use NCF's modems, we recommend a donation of $5/month * For members who use only NCF's email or web page hosting, and do not use NCF's modems, we recommend a donation of $1/month * For members who use only NCF's StartPage, CBC news, and discussion groups (no modems, email, or web pages hosting), we recommend no donation (but of course would be pleased to receive support) * In addition to covering their costs, all members are encouraged to contribute a little bit extra to help others less fortunate, and to help NCF improve core services." Those points will also be reflected in a personalized web-page on "donation guidance."
Preparations were underway for testing of an affiliation with Ottawa Public Library that would give NCF a bigger and more visible role in the library's computer system. Plans include a custom web-page to allow the Library to authenticate applicants for NCF membership and an icon on Library computer desktops to open browser at NCF login page. NCF will provide training and a manual for Library personnel. The system was scheduled to be tested at three Library branches in November, followed by training and rollout and formal launch in January 2005.
Meanwhile, in-house technical work included resolving email delay issue; updating modem-sharing at Mitel; implementation of alternate email system; changes to PFA reservation system; and modifications to Start Page to make web discussion groups visible and work on the File Manager to allow members to access their personal web space as easily as files on their own drives.MOTION: That Executive Director's Report be
accepted.
Moved by: Graeme Beckett
Seconded by: Gary Eikenberry
VOTE: All in favor
Gary Eikenberry underlined the urgency of appointing a qualified Treasurer to assist the Board with interpretations and explanations in the financial area.
MOTION: That Gary Eikenberry and Chris Cope be
appointed as an ad-hoc committee of the Board to renew
the effort to recruit a qualified volunteer as Treasurer,
including a listing with Volunteer Ottawa.
Moved by: Sandy Campbell
Seconded by: Mary Anne Dugmore
VOTE: All in favor
MOTION: That Gary Eikenberry, Chris Cope, and ED John
Selwyn be appointed as an ad-hoc committee on drafting of
the 2005 Budget.
Moved by: Sandy Campbell
Seconded by: Mark Mielke
VOTE: All in favor
October 19, 2004 at 7 p.m.
Room 402, Dunton Tower
Carleton University
The meeting adjourned at 9.40 p.m.