[Noisebridge-discuss] General Meeting Notes 7 October 2008 --JimComments

[jim]

okay, but how to get money to pay for 
the electrical stuff? 

On Wed, 2008-10-08 at 18:02 -0700, Mitch Altman wrote:
> Hi Jim,
>  
> You can give me your dues when you pick up the battery tomorrow
> morning.  And there is a key waiting for you at the space.
>  
> Mitch.
>  
> 
> ---------------
> > Subject: Re: [Noisebridge-discuss] General Meeting Notes 7 October
> 2008 --JimComments
> > From: jim at well.com
> > To: dmolnar at eecs.berkeley.edu
> > Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 16:55:43 -0700
> > CC: noisebridge-discuss at lists.noisebridge.net
> > 
> > 
> > Thank you, david, for the big job of writing all 
> > that down. 
> > not to cause trouble, rather to help: a couple 
> > of points. 
> > 
> > * i plan to do electricity upgrades thursday and 
> > friday (and other days). initial work will be just 
> > to add circuits for the fishbowl workshop. 
> > a couple of people verbally have told me they 
> > support my purchase of parts as going toward my 
> > monthly dues. I cannot afford to pay monthly dues 
> > and buy a few hundred dollars of electrical parts. 
> > IF YOU OBJECT, please say so now, and i will 
> > pay my three months' dues to someone and then ask 
> > for money to go buy the parts and do what i can 
> > with what parts i can buy. 
> > (i am currently unemployed and have been for 
> > months; i like it that way, but money is tight.) 
> > had i been able to attend after shannon brought 
> > keys, i would have stood up while jake talked. 
> > if you have an interest in what's happening 
> > with electrical upgrades, please read the wiki 
> > discussion (talk) page: 
> > https://www.noisebridge.net/index.php/Talk:Electricity_Upgrade 
> > the "real" page is a little awry wrt 
> > predicting what'll happen: 
> > https://www.noisebridge.net/index.php/Electricity_Upgrade 
> > 
> > 
> > * wells fargo, at least for corporate business 
> > accounts, wants a minimum of $4000 in the account. 
> > if the balance falls below that, WF charges $16 
> > per month ($192 per year if account always falls 
> > short). there are other banks that have easier 
> > policies (WaMu, now a proud member of the Chase 
> > Banking family, provides free checking and debit 
> > for commercial accounts). 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > On Wed, 2008-10-08 at 02:22 -0700, David Molnar wrote:
> > > Hi all,
> > > 
> > > Here are my notes from the meeting today. Please let me know if
> you have
> > > any additions, questions, or amendments, etc.. I'll wiki-fy them
> after a
> > > day or two, including any fixes people send me, unless someone
> else
> > > feels like doing it.
> > > 
> > > Roughly 32-35 people in attendance.
> > > 
> > > 1) Incorporation Status
> > > 
> > > * Secretary of State has accepted the incorporation documents
> > > * The first Board resolutions to activate the corporation have
> been
> > > drafted, need to be slightly fixed up, redrafted, and then signed
> by
> > > Board members. Then we are an active California Public Benefit
> > > Non-Profit corporation.
> > > ** ETA: Wednesday 8 October 2008
> > > ** Andy and Mitch take responsibility for obtaining signatures
> > > * David Molnar will file online for a Tax ID number
> > > * Noisebridge will then open an account with Wells Fargo
> > > ** There is a branch down the street
> > > ** Question about Wells Fargo's stability - they appear to be
> stable
> > > (they are eating other banks, not being eaten)
> > > ** Question about credit unions -- they appear not to be a good
> fit for
> > > small businesses
> > > * Wells Fargo can be changed later if membership desires, but we
> need a
> > > bank account now
> > > 
> > > 2) Keys, Dues, Membership
> > > 
> > > * Shannon Lee sent out to make many copies of the key to the space
> > > ** People are getting keys tonight
> > > 
> > > * Bootstrap Membership process
> > > ** We have talked about a 3 month contribution/waiting period
> > > ** Do not want to prevent people from being members who have
> contributed
> > > so far!
> > > ** Therefore invite people to join now
> > > ** Initial members will help us all make a membership process
> > > ** Goal: simple 1-page document to sign stating agreement with
> > > Noisebridge mission, disclaim liability, and agree to pay dues on
> time
> > > 
> > > * Dues: where does it go?
> > > ** Rent - $1975/month
> > > ** Electric bill - we're not sure exactly, but $300-$600?
> > > *** Previous tenants paid $365 for 1.3 megawatt-hours (13,000
> 100-watt
> > > lightbulbs on continuously)
> > > *** House can use 2 megawatt-hours per month
> > > ** Connectivity - DSL + cable bill
> > > ** Consumables - toilet paper, resistors, etc.
> > > 
> > > * Board exists to fill will of membership
> > > * Want to trust the members. "We're not sacred cows. Don't be
> afraid to
> > > kill us."
> > > ** "Don't actually murder us."
> > > 
> > > * Want to collect 2x rent every month
> > > ** Cushion because we don't know our monthly expenses yet
> > > ** Will be moving target until we work this out
> > > 
> > > * Two proposals for membership fees, assuming 55 members:
> > > 1) Baseline fee of $75, "starving hacker" fee of $50
> > > 2) Baseline fee of $80, "starving hacker" fee of $40
> > > 
> > > * We accept donations above membership fee
> > > ** If you want a "Corporate Rate" of $5000/month we can do that
> > > 
> > > * Pay 3 months or more at a time if you can
> > > ** Helps Noisebridge figure out what to expect
> > > * Jake promises to sink as much money as needed to keep
> Noisebridge
> > > running for one year more
> > > 
> > > * Feeling that $10 makes a difference to starving hackers, so
> $80/$40
> > > * What do members get for their dues?
> > > ** Need to work that out with members
> > > ** Keys at a minimum
> > > * Membership lapses? 1 month behind on dues?
> > > ** Another thing to figure out
> > > ** Won't take away key because you're one month behind
> > > 
> > > * Door lock progress
> > > ** Goal: keycard lock
> > > ** Thomas is obtaining bill of materials for AnonAccess keycard
> system
> > > ** We will be obtaining a quote for SALTO DESFire system, too
> > > ** Contact David Molnar to be on the Lock Team
> > > 
> > > * For now, trust the members to do the right thing with keys
> > > * Do we redo key discussion when we have a new lock?
> > > ** Probably not, but we will talk about it
> > > ** Likely scenario: trade in key for keycard
> > > * What if income is low enough that $40 is too much?
> > > ** Gender issues, women work for 50 cents/dollar
> > > ** Scholarship program - Noisebridge forgives some dues?
> > > ** Sponsorship/patronage program - one member sponsors another?
> > > ** We will try to work something out
> > > * The $40 is not "hard wired"
> > > * Grants?
> > > ** Jake looking at $150K grant for "hacker in residence" program
> > > * Want to make Noisebridge accessible as possible
> > > * Even if not member, not paying dues, welcome to hang out at
> space!
> > > * Members will also be part of consensus process
> > > ** Welcome input from non-members too, but members decide
> > > * Greg wanted to point out that the $80/$40 can be reviewed at a
> future
> > > time, even if we agree to it now
> > > ** Put as agenda item for meeting on wiki
> > > * Treasurer will open source accounting
> > > ** Subject to privacy of donors - $1k in anon donations already
> > > 
> > > * Should ask "does anyone disagree" with consensus rather than
> "does
> > > everyone agree" - easier to hear when there are dissenting voices
> > > ** Adopted
> > > 
> > > * After Shannon arrived with the keys (at the end of the meeting),
> Jake
> > > then asked people to sit down. Then Jake asked people to stand up
> if
> > > they felt they had made a contribution, that they would continue
> to make
> > > a contribution, and they were OK with paying dues. Many people
> stood up,
> > > they all got keys.
> > > 
> > > * Consensus: Move forward with $80 baseline, $40 "starving hacker"
> dues,
> > > with concerns noted about payment in kind, sponsorship, or
> scholarship
> > > for people that can't afford $40 but still contribute. Also noted
> that
> > > these numbers are open to revision.
> > > 
> > > 3) Consensus Process and Running Meetings
> > > 
> > > * Proposals for improving meeting and consensus process:
> > > ** 90 minute time limit to meetings
> > > ** Recorder reads back consensus to everyone, asks "Does anyone
> disagree?"
> > > ** Do not decide big things in same meeting when introduced
> > > ** Limit ad-hoc agenda items (see also 90 minute time limit)
> > > * Who joins the consensus process? "Wander in off the street"
> issue.
> > > ** Have to be a member
> > > ** Person has to be a member of a group for consensus to work
> > > ** This deals with "out of nowhere" problem
> > > * Can we get IRC channel to discuss beforehand?
> > > ** Yes. See #noisebridge on irc.freenode.net !
> > > ** Sadly, this by itself does not shorten meetings
> > > * NYC Resistor - need to do a cool project to be a member
> > > * What about members interested but not present?
> > > ** Some weeks people can't leave the apartment
> > > ** People travel
> > > * Ubuntu Boston meetings: webcam, IRC
> > > * Space will have projector, webcam, microphones
> > > * Work on telepresence and tele-consensus needs doing
> > > * Process discussion will go on wiki
> > > * Consensus: we are not done yet discussing the consensus process.
> More
> > > work needed.
> > > 
> > > 4) Safety Committee
> > > 
> > > * Seth Schoen is starting a Safety Committee. He couldn't make it
> > > tonight, but he has already started adding things to the space.
> > > * Currently 2 fire extinguishers, some goggles, earplugs, etc.
> > > * e-mail the list and start a wiki page about Safety Committee
> > > * Action items for Safety Committee: figure out agenda items for
> near
> > > future meeting
> > > * Question - are board members on Safety Committee? Jake is.
> > > * Consensus: we have a Safety Team.
> > > 
> > > 5) Kitchen and Chem Lab
> > > 
> > > * Shannon previously had suggested on list that we scrap the
> kitchen and
> > > use it exclusively as a chem lab.
> > > * Shannon stated at the meeting that he felt the consensus was to
> keep
> > > the kitchen. No one disagreed with this.
> > > * Meredith described plans for a fume hood on casters.
> > > * Meredith and Shannon will form the Chem Lab Team. Talk to them
> if you
> > > want to help out with building out the chem lab.
> > > 
> > > * Consensus: we keep the kitchen. We have a Chem Lab Team.
> > > 
> > > 6) Insurance Status
> > > 
> > > * David Molnar is handling interactions with insurance agents.
> > > ** One agent gathering a General Liability quote for us
> > > ** Another agent has given us application forms
> > > ** Forms sent to board at lists.noisebridge.net, archives public
> > > ** Check wiki page, ask David if any questions
> > > 
> > > * We are applying for the following insurance:
> > > ** $1MM of general liability, $500K per occurrence, because the
> lease
> > > says we need to have it. Covers slip and fall, accidents, etc.
> > > ** Property theft insurance - $15K replacement cost, $1K
> deductible, but
> > > this may change depending on the premium. This covers Noisebridge
> > > property of the space only, so it covers the oscilloscope but it
> DOES
> > > NOT cover your laptop! We will ask about coverage for member
> property
> > > and see how much it costs.
> > > ** $1MM of Directors & Officers insurance. Protects board and
> officers
> > > in case a donor sues the corporation for mishandling a donation
> among
> > > other things. At a previous meeting Alameda County Computer
> Resource
> > > Center people suggested seriously having this.
> > > 
> > > * These are starting points for insurance so we can get up and
> running.
> > > We can revisit in the future. In particular we may want to
> increase the
> > > coverage for member property. That depends on our finances and the
> cost.
> > > Our priority now is to get the basics in place to cover
> operations.
> > > ** Until then, please don't leave your laptop in the space.
> > > 
> > > * Two people pointed out that renters' insurance may cover
> personal
> > > property lost in the space. Check your coverage!
> > > 
> > > * Consensus: David M. should continue to pursue insurance.
> > > 
> > > 7) Safari
> > > 
> > > * Brian/endenizen is researching Safari, online book service for
> > > O'Reilly books
> > > * Current status is we can get a corporate account at no cost to
> > > Noisebridge proper, then that enables individuals to access
> cheaper
> > > plans than they could obtain on their own. Need minimum 5 people.
> > > * Plans are pre-paid, cheapest is $153/year in advance
> > > * Cheapest plan is 10 books / 30 day period, not downloadable
> > > * Slightly more expensive plan allows downloading
> > > * Plans rocket up in cost from there
> > > * Still need individual accounts under the corporate account, but
> these
> > > accounts are transferable
> > > * Brian asked if group is OK with having a group account, also
> asked if
> > > there were at least 5 people interested
> > > * More than 5 people raised their hands
> > > * Meredith pointed out competing services may be available.
> > > * This does not establish a precedent that all no-fee corporate
> accounts
> > > are automatically OK. For example, would need to discuss a
> corporate
> > > Zipcar account. Settle on case-by-case basis.
> > > 
> > > * Consensus: Brian can move forward with a corporate account for
> > > Noisebridge and organizing Team Safari. Several members have
> concerns
> > > about being associated with a service that uses Digital Rights
> > > Management, but these concerns are not blocking. In addition,
> future
> > > corporate accounts must be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
> > > 
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > Noisebridge-discuss mailing list
> > > Noisebridge-discuss at lists.noisebridge.net
> > > https://www.noisebridge.net/mailman/listinfo/noisebridge-discuss
> > 
> > _______________________________________________
> > Noisebridge-discuss mailing list
> > Noisebridge-discuss at lists.noisebridge.net
> > https://www.noisebridge.net/mailman/listinfo/noisebridge-discuss
>