Minutes of Free Geek Michiana Board of Directors Meeting, November 13, 2008

Submitted by Thomas Brown

I. Call to Order

Thomas Brown called the meeting of the board of directors of Free Geek Michiana (FGM) to order at 6:22 PM, Thursday, November 13, in the Pokagon Room of the St. Joseph County Public Library, South Bend, Indiana.

Board members present: Richard Zimmerman, Michael Cook, Thomas Brown

Volunteers present: Chuq, Joe, Kevin, Andre, John

II. Approval of Minutes

Since the minutes of the previous board meeting were posted on the FGM mailing list, the minutes were not read. There were no additions or corrections. Approval of the minutes passed by acclimation.

III. Officer Reports

The officers agreed that nothing substantial had changed since the board meeting on Oct. 29, 2008. So there were no officer reports.

IV. Old Business

Proposals:

Kevin proposed we hold the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 6:30 PM, at Barnaby's restaurant on Jefferson Blvd. across form Howard Park in South Bend. Mike seconded the motion, and the proposal passed by consensus. Richard Zimmerman sent the notice to the FGM mailing list during the meeting.
Thomas proposed that FGM post a list of suggested cash donations at the warehouse and on the organization's web site (www.freegeekmichiana.org). Chuq seconded the motion, and it passed by consensus.
Thomas proposed that FGM expand volunteer sessions to three nights per week. After lengthy and inconclusive discussion, Michael moved to table the proposal, and Richard seconded. The motion to table passed by consensus.
Thomas proposed that FGM establish a Linux Users Group which will meet once per month to help new Linux users, particularly FreeBox recipients. The motion was seconded by Richard and passed by consensus.
Andre suggested that we place labels on each FreeBox we distribute. No formal motion was made so no vote was taken. The consensus during discussion favored the suggestion. Richard researched label prices on the Internet, and laser labels are much less expensive than dedicated label printer labels.
Thomas asked for advice regarding accommodating Free Geek Portland's request to divulge our recycling vendors so FGP can investigate the ultimate destination of recycled components. Kevin suggested that we list Gertrude Recycling since we know Gertrude shreds and smelts components at their plant in Michigan and that Dale should follow up at our other major vendor before we decide on listing the company. After considerable discussion, there were no objections to the advice.

V. New Business

Proposals:

Chuq proposed to ask the South Bend Tribune (SBT) to publish an article on FGM. Thomas proposed an amendment, which is to invite reporters to the class this Saturday morning. The amended proposal was seconded by Thomas and passed by consensus. Chuq will contact SBT, Fox News and WSBT.

VII. Next Meeting

The board did not set a date, time and location for the next meeting. Tom will float several dates at the warehouse sessions to see when most people can attend.

VIII. Adjournment

The meeting room was reserved until 8:00 PM. At 8:15 PM Thomas moved to adjourn the meeting. Michael seconded the motion, and it passed by consensus.

Page last updated: Sat Feb 7 14:31:11 2009