Committee Reports

Chris Watt, the current Treasurer, was not present. Marilyn explained that Chris will be moving away from the area and has resigned his position. Marilyn pointed out that the key finance issues have to do with the Audit and the Banking arrangements. She is now working with a Linda Grainger at the Royal Bank. There is a need to transfer $13,000 from the Royal Bank to the Credit Union. However, first the signing officers must be recognized by the Credit Union.

Following a discussion of the role of the Treasurer it was moved by John McKay and seconded by Jamie Carroll that Chris' resignation be accepted and that Jeff Warnica be appointed Treasurer. Passed

It was moved by Mark Rushton and seconded by Jamie Carroll that Chris Watt's name be removed as a signing officer and that in his place Jeff Warnica be given signing authority. Passed.

Marilyn reported that two significant donations had been received since the last meeting. One of $5,000 and another of $1,000 which she had managed to obtain while in Ontario.

Ed reported on the UPS upgrade and the problems which had been associated with this change. The source of the problem was a switch which had to be replaced. This has resulted in an increased speed for the Text service - all are now 28 or 33; however, due to the linkage to the service the service is limited to 19.6.

Five more lines will be added to PPP as well as four additional lines for the Dal Dial Up Service. This leaves 32 lines for the Text service. Ed indicated there has been some discussion of Dal setting up its own Dial-up Service as there is now more space available.

CBC had donated an equipment rack and more may be available. Ed indicated the intention is to move from 33K modems to 56K for the PPP service and perhaps for Text as well. In response to a question about Chebucto withdrawing from Dal and setting up its own servce - Ed pointed out there are two issues to address. First is the cost of equipment and the second is the cost of lines.

Tom Fullerton raised the problem of CCN voice mail service and the difficulty it poses in enabling users to find out about service problems. Andrew outlined the limitations of the present voice mail arrangement and it was agreed Tom would meet with Andrew and report back to the Board with recommendations.

Discussion then turned to the Switch which Ed had acquired and the merits of exchanging this for one which would provide additional functions, particularly more ports. Ed has negotiated with the Company to take back the initial switch and replace it with a more suitable one for a total cost of $900.

It was moved by Jamie Carroll and seconded by Mark Rushton that Ed Dyer be given approval to purchase the new switch at a cost of $900. Passed

The following points were raised:

• Marilyn asked about staightening out the the Board listserv and changing Doug McCann's ownership status. She added that the Ext List is still not functioning.
• Ed agreed to look into discontinuing the membership report template which is generated each month.
• Marilyn asked about being added to the Tech List.

Ed reported that he has been approached by several organizations which indicated an interest in having CCN host their web site for up to $50. per month. Ed pointed out that if this service was to be expanded it would mean acquiring a new server which is estimated to cost approximately $2,000. Quite apart from the hosting feature there is the aspect of having a secure server for financial transactions.

Marilyn reported a meeting of the Committee had been scheduled for next week and the concentration would be on Membership and Word on the Street.

Marilyn indicated she is concerned about the lack of an Internal Committee and she would continue to raise this issue until the Board is able to respond to the need.

Other Business

John McKay asked if members had been receiving calls from Robert Speirs. Ed indicated he is and will be reporting this to the Police. John urged all members to report each incident.

Jamie reported that Johnathan has been hired for ten hours per week at a rate of $10 per hour. A Letter of Understanding has been prepared and signed. Johnathan will keep a log and report on a bi-weekly basis.

Ed raised a concern about Johnathan being involved in dealing with Tech issues without the knowledge of the Tech Committee. Andrew and Jamie both assured Ed they would work in concert with the Tech Committee.

There was a question about continuing the Editor in Chief position which is presently held by Michael Cormier. Marilyn pointed out that this is another role for the Internal Committee. There was also a question about the selection of the Feature IP on the Home Page. Ed pointed out this was being done by Chris Majka and there was a procedure being followed. However, he would look into this matter.

The next meeting will be on June 26th.