Minutes of Genesee Free-Net Board of Directors Meeting
August 26, 2010
Bristolwood Community of Christ Church
1158 West Bristol Road
Flint MI 48507-5518
PRESENT:
Larry Porn, Chair
Scott Gifford, Vice Chair
Solomon Johnson, Secretary
Dennis Cavanaugh, Treasurer
Chris Hall, Board
Nicolette Hodge, Board
Chad Cramer, Website
ABSENT:
Janet Craig, Board
The regular meeting of the GFN Board was called to order at 5:19pm by Board Chair Larry Porn.
Financial Report.
Treasurers Report.
Treasurer Dennis Cavanaugh reported that he discovered that GFN had been running a negative balance in the ELGA checking account until the MNA grant money was deposited. GFN monthly deposits have not matched monthly receipts. Denny had not transferred money from the savings account to the checking account since 8/4/2010. Denny reported that he should have been transferring money from savings to cover the shortfall since June until the grant money was deposited on 02 July. ELGA changed its online accounting a few months ago and it is not known if GFN will be charged penalties for six payments GFN made while carrying a negative balance. The Treasurer apologized for the oversight.
GFN Status.
Treasurer Dennis Cavanaugh reported that GFN had $22,518.49 in the ELGA savings account and $6,858.83 in the checking account. GFN has been operating with a loss of approximately $200 a month.
Modems.
Following the Treasurer's report, there was discussion of further ways GFN reduce operating costs. Consideration was given to dropping Telnet Worldwide modem pool expense and using only 123.net service. Telnet Worldwide is needed to service the few GFN members who have to dial-in using CenturyTel telephone service. It was noted that when the GFN server configuration is complete the SectorLink expense may drop enough to cover most of the $200 operating shortfall.
Secretary Comments.
Chad has been posting the Board minutes to the GFN Website.
Office Report.
The DSL modem still drops out and/or resets but office staff has been trained how to restart office systems. Eight (8) accounts were deleted this month and six (6) were shut off. Janet Craig continues to work on updating office procedures for the Office Manual. Replacement of the outside wires to the DSL modem may reduce the dropout problem.
Systems Report.
Server migration to the DELL machine continues. Larry needs to check out the database interface and Chad is working on data migration from gfn.org to ns.gfn.org using the rsync program.
123.net is running with monitoring software at user rates of about five maximum and one average. The Telnet PRI line (23 modems) costs GFN $19 per modem per month. 123.net charges only by usage. Due to recent 123.net problems, some members were switched to Telnet Worldwide dial-in. GFN will decide how to best reduce modem pool expense.
Other Old Business.
Discussed how to make Website hosting work. It appears GFN will need a paid manager (Executive Director) to oversee any volunteers. The next few scheduled Strategic Planning sessions will deal with the issue.
MNA (Michigan Nonprofit Association) Program Status.
The grant money needs to be spent by September 23, 2010.
New Business.
Discussion of how to improve member service by dropping the new account setup fee and modifying the membership contribution structure to support six month and twelve month accounts.
It was moved by Sol Johnson and supported by Denny Cavanaugh that GFN eliminate the new account setup fee. The motion carried.
Nicky Hodge moved and Denny Cavanaugh supported that GFN establish a membership contribution structure of $35 for a six month account and $60 for a twelve month account. The motion carried.
Larry Porn will revise the GFN brochure. Scott Gifford will ask marketing consultant Julie Hordyk to rework the brochure to be more user friendly with a view to adding Web hosting options later.
Comments.
None.
Adjournment: 7pm.
Next Meeting.
The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 23, 2010, 5:00pm, at Bristolwood Community of Christ Church, 1158 West Bristol Road, Flint MI, 48507-5518.
Respectfully Submitted,
Solomon T Johnson, Secretary
