Genesee Freenet Board of Directors Meeting Visitors and Convention Center Mott Foundation Building Flint, MI

OPENING The regular meeting of the Genesee Freenet Board of Directors was called to order at 5:15 PM on December 14, 2000 in Conference Room Visitors and Convention Center by Preston.

PRESENT

Preston, Chick-Whiteside, LeMieux, Schwartz, Lofti, Swedorski, Allen, Cramer, Peterson, Javic. Also present was Thomas.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved with no changes. Motion by LeMieux. Supported by Schwartz

TREASURER'S REPORT

Schwartz distributed two documents. Document one was the normal monthly report of cash flow and budget. She indicated loss of $8824.95 for the year as of the meeting date. She indicated that there was sufficient money in the checking account and that there were five CD's which are to mature in next 12 months.

Document Two was distributed for discussion later in agenda.

The Treasurer's report was accepted. Moved by Chick-Whiteside. Seconded by Lofti.

OFFICERS REPORTS

Chair

Preston discussed the letter being mailed to charter members that is dated December 8, 2000. He discussed with the Board the scheduled January 10, 2001 meeting with the charter members. Schwartz and Preston will meet to prepare the meeting agenda and financial status.

Vice Chair

No Report.

Secretary

No Report

Treasurer

No Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Finance

2001 Budget discussion. Discussion concerned adopting a one quarter budget or a full year budget. Questions concerned usage of the cash-flow budgeting technique.

Concern also was expressed about the payments to Merit and how we provide connectivity. Discussion also considered the non-profit status of the GFN. The proposed partnership with the Resource Center was mentioned as well as more marketing efforts to ensure local content on the web pages we design and activate. In the first three months of 2001 there are approximately 255 accounts due for renewal. There is also a projected $15,000.00 income from annual fees and $600.00 from setup fees.

This results in approximately a $9710.00 cash flow profit estimate.

LeMieux indicated that there were more than 1000 members and 526 charter accounts but only about one-half of these are active.

There is also a $9900.00 due to Merit on April 1, based on $33.00 per modem per month and 100 modems.

Swedorski asked about including the donations in the budget. Swartz indicated that these were too random to include.

Chick-Whiteside made a motion to accept the one-quarter budget as proposed by the Treasurer. Seconded by LeMieux.

A question was raised about the insurance line item. Schwartz indicated that it included Directors' insurance and liability.

The motion passed.

Web Site

Swedorski indicated that some new items would be added to the web site. Discussion on the Password changer program from LeMieux. Chick-Whiteside asked about adding local links. Swedorski indicated that, most of the requests he receives for local links are educational in nature and then real estate.

Office

LeMieux indicated that the office was satisfactory with the exception of some disconnect complaints. LeMieux requested items be added to the account creation program. LeMieux will send the final text requested to system or web site chairman.

System Administration

Cramer indicated that two accounts had been added plus help for providers setting up web pages. Questions concerned the use of a template being made available for providers. Cramer indicated that this could be done and he would furnish the templates to the providers.

Strategic Plan

ISG (the company we have had discussions with) has indicated that DSL only is unacceptable. Preston indicated that he and Jason will meet next Tuesday with the ISG. Preston reviewed ISG and plans for the new board members. Swedorski indicated that Telnet accounts may require GFN maintaining hardware. Thomas and System Administration are to verify usage and report back with possible alternatives to Telnetting to GFN site.

Preston indicated he will draft a tentative agreement with ISG by next Tuesday and electronically transmit it to Board members.

Swedorski asked about financial viability of the ISG Company. The Board found that the information is not available.

Preston indicated he may call a special meeting of the Board to review the "contract" with ISG

Chick-Whiteside asked what options are going to be presented to charter members? Preston responded that the financial status and forecast financial status.

Next Meeting

January 25, 2001 (perhaps earlier depending on the January 10, 2001 meeting)

Meeting Adjourned at 6:28 PM by Preston

Respectfully submitted: Garry Viele Secretary pro tem