Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
August 28, 2001
Attending:
- Ed Dyer
- Tom Fullerton
- Bernie Hart
- Marilyn MacDonald
- Grace Paterson
- Mark Rushton
- Jeff Warnica
- Andrew D. Wright
Absent:
- John McKay
- Chris Watt
- Viola Winstanley
Minutes of August 7th, 2001 Meeting
It was moved by Ed Dyer seconded by Andrew Wright that
the Minutes be approved as amended but that they will not
be posted until the new User Agreement is online. Passed.
Security of the Board List
Jeff suggested using a public domain program which would
enable encryption. There was also discussion of: a root password
approach; having each person create their own list in their address
book; use of an outside mail list. It was moved by Grace seconded
by Mark that this matter be referred to the Technical Committee.
Passed.
Ed compiled a list of mail programs to determine the scope
of the shift to PGP.
Marilyn suggested that in the meantime we monitor the results
of changing the root password. This in fact may solve the problem.
Board Membership
Marilyn pointed out that we now have one
Board vacancy and may be having two. Bernie
reported that he had contacted Tracey Jones but
had not as yet had a reply. He would continue to pursue
this. Andrew suggested Bill Matheson would be a good
prospect. It was agreed Bill would be asked if Tracey does
not wish to serve. Mark asked about the process of making
new Board appointments. He suggested there needs to be
an opportunity to have a preliminary examination of
qualifications.
IP List and Fee Structure
The Board expressed gratitude for the information
compilation which Andrew had done with respect to
the list of organizations. Andrew suggested we review
the status of all sites. Andrew indicated organizations
now provide 6% of our revenue. Marilyn suggested we
deal with this matter in depth during our upcoming
visioning session. Ed added that we need to make clear
what our goals with respect to organizations are and then
develop our policies based on this. Jeff recommended the
membership at large be involved in this discussion. Tom
added that it would be useful if we had a sample price list
and corresponding service offering.
CCN Revitalization
Following a discussion of the need for a marketing program.
Marilyn indicated she, Andrew and John McKay would work
on this. Bernie suggested we re-examine the feasibility of
reapplying for an OLT grant Ed pointed out that the timing
was not appropriate and that what was needed was to:
- Get the Internet Service provider function in a better position.
- Revitalize our training programs.
- Reform our support and services for groups and organizations.
Andrew introduced the notion of developing a sponsorship program
which could cover the costs of people on low income who could not
afford to shift to a PPP account. It was moved by Andrew seconded
by Mark that we investigate the possibility of instituting a sponsorship
program to provide funding to cover the costs of PPP accounts of
low income people. Passed
Mark asked about the arrangements required to institute on-line
discussion forums. Jeff pointed out if we want to implement discussion
groups on a wide basis new software would be required. Mark asked
that this matter be referred to the Tech Committee for
recommendations.
Web Hosting Fees
Jeff reported he was not ready to report on this topic.
Committee Reports
Treasurer
Jeff indicated he is not yet able to provide a
written report. He indicated we are well ahead
the current cash flow will result in a
surplus this year. Jeff said he was not clear as
to whether a refund from Rev Can is legitimately
ours. He added that the main account funds will
be used to purchase a GIC.
External
Marilyn reported the Committee met on Aug 15th
to deal with Word On The Street. A overall plan is now in place
and the physical needs have been identified. At this
point the key problem has to do with connectivity.
Policy
Andrew reported that the changes in the User Agreement
have been posted for five days and to date there have been
no responses.
Technical
Ed reported we are running short of space on the hard drive.
While the solution is to purchase a larger drive as a short term
solution they are purging old accounts to clear space.
There is still a block of users who are not getting renewal
notices of Doug
McCann's
projections for
this period of
the year
there are about 120 accounts initiated since 1999
which are not receiving the notices. Although these members
will get one free year they will now be placed on the renewal
pattern. The alternative which was not agreed to would be to
do a mechanical mailing to this group.
The question was raised concerning the running of a web server
on a PPP line. Ed indicated that technically we can block this.
He pointed out it is important the Board knows this is an issue
and it may come up again.
Other Business
Mark asked if he is still Chair of the Volunteer
Committee. Marilyn indicated he was. Mark
suggested he will have more time to devote
to this after Sept 10th when he would be willing
to assume the Chairmanship of the Internal Committee.
The meeting adjourned.
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