Minutes of Genesee Free-Net Board of Directors Meeting September 29, 1998

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Call to Order:  4:30 p.m.

PRESENT

Potrafka, LeMieux, Preston, Chick-Whiteside, McNiff, Austin, Viele, Lotfi, Shepherd, Wascha

ABSENT

Brown, Emery, Goldfarb, Magidsohn, Rilett

PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

MINUTES

Minutes of the August 25 meeting were approved as presented with a motion made
by LeMieux. Motion supported by Austin. Motion  carried unanimously.

OFFICERS' REPORTS

Board Chair

Potrafka apologized for missing the August meeting. New  modems are installed
and Darby's renewal report indicates that 81% are  renewing.

Treasurer

Preston tendered reports for August and September. One C.D.  has been re-issued for
three months nonly due to low interest rates.   Discussion re balances, to which
Wascha responded.

Finance Committee

  Potrafka indicated that there was no longer a need to
  provide a cellular phone for the GFN Chairperson. Motion made by
  Potrafka, supported by LeMieux, to eliminate this expense. Motion carried
  unanimously.

Marketing and Outreach:

  Viele has received two responses to the recent mailing to
  ten non-profit organizations. Some have been returned due to incorrect
  addresses. This will be corrected. GFN will participate in the
  Interactive Technology Expo, to be held on October 2. Motion
  made by Austin to authorize Viele an amount up to $300.00 to
  purchase a sign. Motion supported by Lotfi. Motion carried
  unanimously.

Web Site Committee:

  Chick-Whiteside discussed progress. Lotfi will write a set
  of instructions that will be included in help desk.

Office Committee:

  LeMieux asked if there were any questions of the minutes
  that were distributed earlier. Preston indicated that the new voice
  mail system will be activated September 30, 1998. discussion regarding
  allowing Board members to participate in meetings via the telephone.
  Motion made by LeMieux that Board members are allowed to do so in
  emergency situations. Motion supported by Chick-Whiteside. Motion
  carried unanimously.

Training Committee:

  New User training commenced in September. The Training Team
  compiled a new approach that was received favorably by the
  participants.

System Administrator:

  Austin reported on the recent changes and enhancements. An
  additional handout from Merit provided valuable information
  clarifying v.90 56k-modem support. The basic information
  will be added to the GFN web page. Affiliate costs will be rising
  based on usage. Therefore, fees from Merit will escalate, but this
  increase will not be realized until October/November of 1999.
  Accounts new during October 1998 will be charged the old rate.
  November renewals will reflect the new rates. Feedback has been
  positive regarding the increase. Austin discussed the need for a
  System Administration Programmer on a contract basis of approximately
  $1,000.00 per month. Motion made by Wascha to approve as presented.
  Motion supported by McNiff. Motion carried unanimously.

Proposed resource Center:

  Austin reported that as the deadline for grant application
  could not be met, the project would not be started.

Annual Meeting:

  Potrafka will try to secure the GMI facility for October 27
  at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of holding the annual meeting. LeMieux
  will chair the nominating committee and Austin will contact providers
  for the purpose of web page demonstration.

Telecommunications Advisory Panel-City of Flint:

  Chick-Whiteside relayed the history and asked that GFN make
  a presentation to the group on October 27. (Chick-Whiteside is
  willing to present on behalf of the Board.) Preston and Shepherd
  expressed interest in serving as Board members on the Advisory Panel
  as per a request from the group.

IRS Re-Structuring Committee:

Wascha will chair the Ad Hoc committee. Potrafka, Lemieux
 and Preston will also serve. Preston will contact an accountant
 to complete the composition of the group.

Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 5:40p.m.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 27, 1998 at 7:00 p.m.