Minutes of the previous meeting had been circulated by email
and corrections noted by Marilyn inserted. Motion to approve
made by Alan, seconded by Joe. Passed.
Financial Report
Alan presented the report. The income for August was $6024
while the expenditure was $7933. The income was significantly
less than that recorded for July, however the July income which
was $10196 included a GST rebate of almost $3000. Monies
expended in July were slightly less than those expended
in August, $7895 compared to $7933. The revenue for August
2007 was $8784 while the expenses for the month were $9502.
Alan noted that the losses in year to date revenues and
expenditures illustrate Chebucto's basic financial problem.
This year's to date revenue is $63203, while it was $71149 at
the end of August 2007. The year to date expenditure is $61132
while at the end of August 2007 it was $77611. Alan reminded
the Board that this years income included the cashing of one
$5000 GIC.
Alan said a fundraising letter had been sent out to 45 businesses
the week before last. Max suggested that it could be useful for
members to review the list of metro businesses and send another
round of letters out. Members present agreed with the suggestion,
but no immediate action was arranged.
Joe had some concerns about staff capacity to support new users.
Alan and Andrew reminded the Board that current staff supported
almost 4000 users in the past.
Joe suggested Chebucto consider increasing the membership
to over $100. This topic took up a few minutes of discussion, but
no definitive action was taken at this time.
Bernie noted that Richard Connolly had approached Wacky
Wheatley's on behalf of Chebucto. The firm will give an introductory
letter written by Richard to each new computer purchaser
in their metro stores, and donate $100 to Chebucto to the cover the
cost of the buyer's initial year membership. The company will pass
the purchaser's name on to Chebucto and it will be our responsibility
to contact the person and activate their membership. (This will not
be undertaken due to an objection raised by Aliant.)
Bernie noted Marilyn's concern about acceptance of memberships
at a time when the viability of Chebucto is uncertain. After some
discussion. Andrew outlined a scenario that would allow for the
maintenance of those membership remaining active at the time of
the AGM next April.
Joe outlined a grant programme whereby Emera awards up to
$1000 to selected groups or organizations. This quarter's applicants
will be informed of the awards in mid October. He suggested a
submission covering the cost of equipment needed for the immediate
expansion of the wifi would be appropriate. (Johnathan provided
a quote for the equipment which Joe submitted to Emera on
September 15.)
Mary spoke to Joy Woolfey. At this time Joy would be
interested in working with us on strategy and fund raising
rather than membership.
Alan moved his report be accepted, seconded by Kent. Passed.
Technical Report
Johnathan presented the report. Dalhousie's planned power outage
in late August provided an opportunity to set up a battery backup
system which would allow Chebucto to run for more than an hour
without mains power for whenever future outages
occurred. The battery system was easily put in place and is now
operational. However the main server, which was moved to provide
space for the system, overheated in its new position. In the two days
that it took to diagnose and rectify the problem some 1.4M messages
were on hold and the resultant backup took some time to clear.
The slow webmail service users have been experiencing recently has
been rectified by putting in a server that only handles webmail.
A stockpile of equipment is needed for the wifi project. Cables
and high gain antennas have been ordered and these items that
cost about $1000 should arrive within a week.
The node in Spencer House was relocated from the attic to the
basement and is operating perfectly.
Exterior cable and UV resistant ties on order should arrive within
the next couple of days and will replace the older material on
Fenwick Place.
Policy Committee
Andrew noted the wifi install policy is on the
website and is being used.
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