Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
February 12, 2009

Attending:

• Richard Connolly
• Bernie Hart
• Marilyn MacDonald
• Bill Matheson
• Kent Murray
• Mary Rigby
• Johnathan Thibodeau
• Alan Turner
• Andrew D. Wright

Regrets:

• Jim MacLennan
• Joe Thomas

Absent:

• Max Russell

Minutes of last meeting

The minutes of the 14 November meeting were approved as circulated. Acceptance moved by Richard, seconded by Marilyn. The December meeting lacked a quorum. In January the regular meeting time was used for a planning session.

Committee Reports

Financial Report

Alan Turner, Treasurer, presented the monthly financial statements for both December 2008 and January 2009.

The revenue for December was $6890, well above the $5260 recorded in the previous month of November, but below revenue recorded in December 2007 which was $7575. The year to date revenue was $97722, which included the redemption of a $5000 GIC.

Expenses for December were $5361 which was well below the expenses for either the previous month of November or for December of 2007 which were $9025 and $11111 respectively. This December figure did not include a payment to Eastlink, but it did include a rental fee for a generator. The year to date expenses were $96660.

The revenue for January 2009 was $11420 and the expenses were $7532. January is usually the strongest month for membership renewals so expected income would normally be significantly higher than routine expenses. Alan moved the acceptance of his report, seconded by Kent.

Andrew presented a pie chart noting the breakdown of expenses for 2008, and remarked on differences the Board would see in the budget being prepared for 2009. Andrew requested the Board consider raising Johnathan's hourly rate to $15.00. He also requested that commencing in March his position be considered half time until such time as both he and the Board agree there is a need for a full-time administrator. These suggestions will be addressed at the March meeting.

A review statement for the year 2008, and a budget for 2009 will be presented at the March meeting.

Technical Report

Johnathan noted the hard drive for the mail storage was replaced. Two hard drives required for the mail server have arrived and will be installed shortly. Both these these situations involved routine maintenance.

The lull in spam which occurred last fall was welcomed, however spam is back and the amount is constantly increasing.

Review of Planning Session

• Meetings with municipal and provincial representatives: Bernie, Alan, and Andrew met with the MLA for the area. Bernie is pursuing meeting times with the municipal councillors in Southend Halifax, and in the Bloomfield and St Marks areas.

• Sponsorship opportunities:
  1. Jim spoke to the NS Society of Professional Engineers, they have a fund which might be accessed for sponsorships.
  2. Bernie contacted ReBoot and discuss the feasibility of approaching United Way concerning sponsorship for people receiving computers through ReBoot. This will be pursued with the United Way. In the meantime ReBoot will mention CCN to individuals who purchase computers from them as well as those who are supplied computers though an assistance programme.

• Joe Howe Manor - Johnathan noted that in order to service this building a second antenna would be needed on Fenwick Tower. The installation, including the purchase of needed components, would be approximately $500. There may be a need for some cabling on the Manor itself, but the cost will not be significant. Service to this building was mentioned during the meeting with the MLA. Sponsorship will be needed for people in the this and other Manors. Bill offered to contact the officer responsible for the Housing Authority and ask about the best way to promote CCN services in these highrise residences. A motion delegating this responsibility to Bill was made by Marilyn and seconded by Alan

• Convenience store promotion: Richard handed out the Draft Merchant Agreement and the CCN Merchant Referral Programme Application that he and Andrew had drawn up. A poster will be needed for participating stores.

• Website redesign Andrew is working on revamping the home page. The intention is to make it easier for users, particularly first time users, to navigate the website.

• Clinics The Halifax CAP office has moved to the HUB on Barrington Street, but there is a still a CAP site at Veith House. The plan to have clinics at Veith House, other specific CAP sites, and Northwood will be pursued.

Other business

Annual General Meeting

Nomination Committee

Next Meeting