Minutes of Genesee Free-Net Board of Directors Meeting July 22, 1999

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MINUTES OF THE GENESEE FREENET BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

July 22, 1999

Visitors and Convention Bureau
Mott Foundation Building
Flint, MI

Call to Order:  5:15 p.m.

PRESENT

ABSENT

PUBLIC COMMENTS

None.

Strategic Plan:

Representatives from the Resource Center, FESC, explained the process involved with a strategic plan. The GFN Board must be one hundred percent committed to ensure success, or it will not work.  The GFN Board was asked to appoint a sub-committee and explore possibilities prior to FESC designing surveys tailored to meet GFN needs. The FESC looks at External and Internal factors, keeps any current strategic plan in mind, and performs a great deal of pre-work that includes surveys. After the pre-work, long sessions, either one full, or two half, days are scheduled. FESC costs range from $1,000.00 - $1,500.00, depending on the scope of the plan. Discussion centered on obtaining input from non-members and members. (Member feedback to be completed electronically.) Motion made by Preston to start the process immediately, establish a committee and allocate up to $1,500.00 in payment for FESC’s services. Motion supported by Chick-Whiteside. Motion carried unanimously. LeMieux, Viele, Potrafka and Chick-Whiteside volunteered to serve on the committee. A letter of agreement will be developed and sent to Potrafka.

OFFICERS' REPORTS

Board Chair:

Secretary:

Nothing to report.

Treasurer:

Preston distributed the financial report noting that everything is right on target. Certificates of deposit were rolling over and maturing every three months. Taxes have been filed and also the license to solicit. Dupuis & Ryden charged $600.00 for their services and the financial statement review was performed gratis. Motion to accept the financial report made by LeMieux.  Motion supported by Lotfi. Motion carried unanimously. Motion to accept the financial statement review made by LeMieux. Motion supported by Chick-Whiteside. Chick-Whiteside indicated that the document could appear on the web in synopsis form. Discussion. Preston will write the text to accompany the synopsis.

Montrose Modems/Jennings Foundation:

LeMieux and McNiff discussed the current situation with the grant. A third letter will be written to the Foundation that clarifies the situation and offers alternatives. Discussion centered on the need to market the Montrose modem pool.

Marketing and Outreach:

No report.

Website Committee:

Web Space Limitations:

Lemieux discussed web space limitations and detailed the differences in the amount of space providers occupy on the server. While the current maximum is 5 megs, some use less than 5 megs and one provider uses 78.6 megs. Discussion centered on raising the limit to 10 megs with a limit of 15, and charging for anything in excess. If the GFN Board decides to increase the limit, and the number of provider’s increase, a larger hard drive would be purchased. Chick-Whiteside will obtain figures from other entities that sell space and bring the information to the August Board meeting. The Board will develop a proposal prior to notifying members.

Office Committee:

LeMieux indicated that things were functioning well although Tara Block was still unable to volunteer. A new volunteer is currently undergoing training, and doing well.

System Administrator:

LeMieux apprised the Board of recent problems with re-dials, slow connections and frequent disconnects. Thomas indicated that he suspects the newly installed modems that are on a new switch could be the problem, and that it was being worked on.

Script for Internet Dialers:

LeMieux informed the Board that R. Utley has written a program that will alleviate the problem many members have experienced when setting up a dialer. The program fits on a three and a half-inch floppy and sets up the dialer for Internet connection and several other procedures. It is simple to use. Discussion occurred on the necessity of a hold harmless agreement and where it should appear. LeMieux was authorized to proceed with the project.

Area Code Changes:

Preston expressed his concerns over area code changes and the fact that some people in the 586 area will be at a disadvantage and have long distance charges. The Chamber of Commerce is also concerned and will be voicing opinions to legislators.