Minutes of Genesee Free-Net Board of Directors Meeting January 25, 2001

PRESENT

Mary Ann Chick-Whiteside President
Les Lemieux Vice-President
Jerry Preston Board
Johanna Brown Board
Sara Lajavic Board
Scott Swedorski Board via conference call
Chad Cramer Board and Staff via conference call
Garry Viele Board
Kenny Thomas Staff
Pat Peterson Board

ABSENT: Vahid Lotfi Board

Call to Order Call to order 5:30pm.

Minutes for the last meeting were approved via email.

New officers were named: Mary Ann Chick-Whiteside, Chair; Les Lemieux, Vice-Chair, Kay Schwartz, Treasurer; Sara Lajavic, Secretary.

PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no comments from the public

CHANGES TO AGENDA There were no changes to the agenda as published and distributed

OFFICERS REPORTS

Chair. No Report

Vice President. No Report

Secretary's Report No Report

Treasurer's Report No Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Finance Committee No Report

Web Site Committee No Report

Office Committee
reported that minutes of their meeting were sent to the board via email. Les discussed the "Snow White & 7 Dwarves" virus which had been found in our system, having 5 documented cases on the Genesee Free Net. The emails for those infected were blocked with individuals notified where possible.

System Administration
System Administration also discussed the virus in the system and advised the board a filter had been installed to prevent further transmission of the virus into the system. In a discussion of Domain Names, it was reported by Kenny that system administration required to host domain names was not a time-consuming exercise--taking perhaps 1/2 - 3/4 hr to set up after the initial configuration of the system. The Board discussed the feasibility of hosting/providing domain names, with cost depend on different variables including how this was aligned with the strategic plan of the Genessee Free Net. Free Net members wishing to have a site hosted would pay the set up fee, registration fee, and annual provider fee and would be provided with 1 unique name email account.

OLD BUSINESS
The Board discussion moved to the Strategic Plan and the possible partnerships with ISG, Avalon Systems & the Resource Center. The Board members voiced concern over the "arrangement" with the possible service providers..who would handle the Internet fee, the partner or the Board? Is it possible for us to make money as an ISP? Do we want to? What would we charge? Is there a market present? Returning to the domain name issue, would we provide domain names only for those who qualify for provider accounts or to individuals with a .name extension? Kenny advised the Board it was a fairly quick process (1.5 hours) to install the DNS server, stating he could have it done by Monday (January 29, 2001). It was suggested GFN initially host only provider accounts, no individuals, with governments & non-profits first.

It was agreed Avalon was unclear on our needs and that further discussion was required with Avalon to attempt to obtain a revised proposal.

Objections to ISG were voiced, some stating the difficulty some found in dial-up access and that the Internet service was lacking, while others hadn't found such problems in the 5 test accounts, though it was agreed the testing was conducted during off-peak hours. Les reported his testing to be more varied in timeframe: he reported the connection to be as good as or faster than GFN.

It is unknown at this time what will happen with the Montros connections.

The proposal was forwarded to all Board members with Chad agreeing to contact Avalon.

The Board voiced various questions regarding the issues: Do we want to go to ISP? Do we want to get out of ISP? How to provide revenue?

In discussing web-hosting, it was suggested we negotiate the web space but not physically maintain the boxes, and that if we solve dial-up issues, other issues will also be resolved.

While there are no time constraints on the Avalon & ISG proposals, it was agreed the Board has the desire to resolve in a timely manner.

A motion was made to table the Avalon & ISG proposals pending contact with Chad to get back to the Board via email.

The Board discussed options: 1. Continue as we are 2. Disband ISP/Dial-u[p 3. Find someone who will let us re-sell their services under GFN.

It was noted that if we are no longer an ISP, we erase our income stream. Could we then continue email through GFN & dial-up through another organization?

NEW BUSINESS

Resource Center: A motion was made to table this issue as more information was needed. It was decided to review the communication between the parties and to discuss in a committee forum. The need to address "for-profit" vs "not-for-profit" and the purchasing of goods from a for-profit agency needed to be addressed. It was also decided this is not as high a priority issue as that of the dial-up question. The committee was formed with Mary Ann, Les & Garry.

It was agreed the Board would continue to meet in the same location, continuing with the 4th Thursday of each month at 5:15 pm. The next meeting will be February 22, 2001.

ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned 7:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted

Sara Lajavic, Secretary