WBCR-LP 97.7FM, Great Barrington Community Radio

Board Meeting, Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Minutes

WBCR-LP FM
Board of Directors MeetingMarch 19, 2008 @ Zenn New Media

Meeting convened at 6:05 pm
In attendance: J. Eddy, D. McGrory, P. Rapp, N. Ring, J. Seward, B. Shalles, P. Tierney, F. Tolopko
Absent: None.
Guests: Chip Blake, Jim Carroll
Agenda adopted unanimously.
Previous minutes (February 20, 2008) unanimously accepted with one minor technical correction.

Public comments:

Jim Carroll, a teacher at Monument Mountain HS, offered his (paid) services as a grant writer. The Board considered his proposal and indicated that they would entertain his offer in the future should our needs and his skills aligned.

Chip Blake, Orion Magazine, Executive Director, highlighted and discussed generic non-profit board of directors development issues. This included strategic objectives in the board recruitment process. The process is, or should be, similar to hiring an employee. That is seeking and recruiting the best person for the position. The first step, according to Chip, is to set up a functioning nominating committee. WBCR by-laws might have to be modified to accommodate a different process. Discussion of the board development process will continue at the next meeting.

Treasurerגs Report J. Eddy

Checking balance: $14,847.70
Berkshares balance: $1,679.00
Paypal: $672.75

Net income for March 1-19, 2008: $12,910.00
Net expenses for March 1-19, 2008: $3,915.75
Net new studio construction expenses through March 19, 2008: 13,577.10

Report unanimously accepted with minor descriptive corrections.
 
Committee reports

Facilities: B. Shalles: Plumbing and electric work completed in new studio. Alarm installation is being scheduled in conjunction with building owner. Audio wiring work is being scheduled.
Membership: D. McGrory reported that he is following up on previous tasks. No future membership meeting has been scheduled. It will be scheduled as needed.
Programming: A. Timpane (via phone) reported that 16 new programs are being added to the new schedule (June 1) and training is in progress. Bob OHaver is coordinating the training. A programmer self-evaluation form has been completed and being forwarded to all re-applicants (May 1 deadline). J. Rossler is the new programmer applicant liaison. The Programming Committee is continuing work on developing a programmer absentee policy. The on-line PSA blog has been reorganized by C. Collins.
Tech: N. Ring: The Uninterruptible Power Supply problem is being addressed with all major equipment now being serviced by a UPS. The Democracy Now! Script problem has been solved. Tech work continues at the new studio. A donated computer has replaced the ailing iMac.
Fund Raising: The capital fund drive for the new studio has kicked off with the mailing of a postcard (produced by L. Chernicoff) to be followed with phone calls to the addressees. A calling script was developed to assist the callers. The spring, 2008 fund drive is in planning stages (dates and coordinators to be determined).
Finance: J. Eddy: Tax forms will be filed on time.
Public Relations: No report. J. Seward to contact L. Gabriel.

Tasks update and other agenda items

B. Shalles attended the Emergency Planning Committee. WBCR will continue to participate.

P. Rapp reported that he couldnҒt find any legal barriers to a WBCR loan program as a fund raising tool. The loan program was discussed at the February Board meeting.

J. Eddy presented an update on our application for Mass. Cultural Council grant. The application was submitted and key personnel should be prepared for phone inquiries from the Council.

The Board voted to renew membership in the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce. Efforts will be made to use their services more effectively.

N. Ring suggested membership in the National Federation of Community Broadcasters. Among the services they provide is a legal handbook that might be useful to the station along with other information that assist the Programming Committee. Membership fee is based on a stations annual cash income. Some board members questioned membership, given our current financial situation. N. Ring was to research the exact fee structure and inform board members via email.

P. Tierney reported that 12 of the 25 programmer-related voicemails at the studio were forwarded to A. Timpane

Motion to adjourn at 8:48 pm was unanimously accepted.

→ Posted by wtolopf on 06/06/2008 at 05:26 PM. Filed under "minutes".