Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Boulder Community Broadcast Association, Inc.
July 8, 2003

Call to order at 6:10

Board members in attendance: Arleigh, Greg O’Brien, Liz Valles, Phil Dougan, Paul Mischo, Steven Sherman-Boemker, Chip Grandits, Tracy Miller, Gabrielle Silva, and Anne Bermingham

Public, staff, and volunteers in attendance: Sam Fuqua and Davide Andrea

The minutes of the previous board meeting held on May 13 were approved with corrections as was the agenda.

Public Participation: None

The board discussed a proposed all-station meeting in which signal expansion to Denver would be discussed. The board agreed that the meeting would be held on Monday evening, August 4, from 6:00 -8:00. Members would be informed of the meeting through broadcast announcements, an all-station e-mail, and a posting on the KGNU website. The board agreed to this arrangement.

A discussion followed about the desirability and feasibility of acquiring 1510 AM in Denver. The question was posed as to whether a realistic price would be acceptable to the owner (NRC) in an inflated market. It was pointed out that NRC’s application for a power increase for 1510 AM would probably not be granted in the foreseeable future and could turn into a political football. Higher power may be possible but at less than the wattage requested in the current application to the FCC. The current transmitter site for 1510 must be vacated in two years, and new facilities will cost about $500,000, although signal quality would likely improve. It was suggested that the Anshutz Foundation be approached with a request for financial assistance for the deal. Gabrielle Silva argued that increased membership will reduce the airtime available to existing programmers, the culture of KGNU will become less democratic and intimate, and that a wonderful situation at the station could be ruined. Tracy Miller suggested that the purchase presented opportunities as well as liabilities, and that our personal comfort was less important than our responsibility to serve. Greg O’Brien stated that we must know where the expense of due diligence proceedures will come from and suggested that we might try to broadcast on 1510 for a limited time prior to actual purchase. Steven Sherman-Boemker expressed concern that we are not ready for the “big time” that this project would thrust us into. Davide Andrea suggested we not move so quickly on the letter of intent and that we were focusing too narrowly on AM technology. Paul Mischo reported that he had asked many people about broadcasting in Denver and that the response was about 50/50. He pointed out that community in Denver would benefit from KGNU’s presence. Anne Bermingham urged that the board be willing to take risks. Chip Grandits stressed that we must avoid any decommissioning costs at 1510’s present antenna site and observed that a new antenna site must have the approval of local political jurisdictions. He also pointed out that it is we who will decide how much to spend on due diligence and that the amount may be as low as $25,000. Liz Valles asked how we will raise the money, considering our history of running a building capital campaign that was only modestly successful. She was concerned that we would have to leave our comfort zone in the fund-raising arena. Arleigh cited the station’s mission statement and urged that we move ahead and that we limit due diligence costs.

Station Manager’s Report: There was no report as Marty was in Thailand teaching community radio workshops.

Nominating Committee: Steven Sherman-Boemker has agreed to become the acting board secretary beginning with the September board meeting. He will replace Phil Dougan, whose second term is ending at that meeting.

Signal Committee: A reduced price for our main transmitter location has been negotiated. We will now pay $1800/quarter. Plans to move our Ward translater to Nederland are progressing. With approval by the FCC and the Nederland Board of Trustees, KGNU could be broadcasting in that area by fall. Will will not attempt to place a translator in Frazier as there appears to be very little new membership potential there.

Mosaic Committee: Mosaic installation will occur on July 17th. It will be covered until the unveiling at the reception on August 8.

Building Committee: Michael Bradshaw has agreed to become KGNU’s Building Maintenance Coordinator. He will work on a volunteer basis but will be paid for larger projects. The committee is also discussing refinements to our landscaping plan.

Bylaws Committee: The committee will meet at 6:00 on July 21 to review Sections 6-9 of the bylaws. Presentation of the final draft of the revised bylaws will occur at the Annual Meeting in November.

Internet and IT Committee: No report

Budget Committee: No report

PBOG: (See agenda for event dates) A prairie dog parade will be held on the mall on September 20 prior to the auction at the Odd Fellows Hall. Gabrielle Silva raised questions about how caterers are chosen for such events. KGNU will purchase a 30’-0 X 30’-0 tent which will first be used to house the Book and Record Sale. The payback for the tent purchase will be two years.

Other Business: The Annual Retreat will be held on September 6th and 7th.

Adjourned at 8:20  

Respectfully submitted,
Phil Dougan, Secretary
September 2003


Index of board mins