Meeting of the Board of Directors
Boulder Community Broadcast Association, Inc.
June 14, 2005
Called to order at 6:12 pm
Board in attendance: Michele Barone, Marty Durlin (ex-officio), Chip Grandits, Kit Hollingshead, Janaki LeFils, Paul Mischo, Greg O’Brien, Steven Sherman-Boemker and Michael Shuster.
Public in attendance: Kris Abrams, Clover, Joel Edelstein, Denise Hetzner and Marge Taniwaki.
The minutes of the previous Board meeting and the agenda of this meeting were approved.
Station Manager’s Report: (See attached)
Denver Capital Campaign: The Rutt Bridges house party was successful in terms of making contacts and building relationships with potential donors, but a bit of a disappointment in terms of actual money raised, though the final numbers are still out. The event was attended by Kit, Michael, Chip and Janaki, and it was noted that acknowledgement of Board members present at these events is needed. Kris expressed again that she needs more support in the capital campaign. She also reminded everyone that we all need to be clear and confidential in our communications regarding the Denver fundraising campaign. The Board will discuss the issue of conflicting opinions regarding Board fundraising with Rich Male & Associates at the July Board Meeting.
Loan Progress: Kris feels confident that we will be able to procure loans. We may have to approach donors already within our fold if we are not successful, especially for the $650,000 payment due in October. As a contingency the Board wants to consider proceeding with the bond process. Marty will make an advance call to Marc Hand. Clover expressed his concern that we would reach the deadline and then be forced to put up both the building and the AM signal as collateral. In that case we would have to notify our listeners and members of our options. Michelle raised the question again of whether we should consider a commercial loan for the October payment, based only on the value of the AM signal. Further discussion was tabled until more information was available.
Nominating Committee: Paul presented Marge Taniwaki as a Board applicant who was approved unanimously by the Nominating Committee. Marge has attended past Board meetings and Denver Outreach committee meetings as well as recent training and long-term planning sessions. After interviewing Marge the Board met in closed session and voted unanimously to welcome her as the newest Board member. Marge’s first term will expire in June, 2008.
Multi-Racial Inclusiveness Training Update: Joel reported that Peg Logan of the Chinook Fund isn’t available until late September. Kit suggested that we consider another option and use the existing Denver Foundation’s study and survey, which is available on their website ( Denverfoundation.org. Marge added that she feels that this training with Chinook isn’t needed and that it would create more problems and divert time, attention and funds away from other pressing issues. Marty feels there is an issue here, but that it is hard to trust trainers and their programs. Some questions raised: Do we have racist people within KGNU, or an institutionalized racism problem? Will this training do us more good than harm? Is this the right time to undertake this issue? How can we pay for this now? Board members should read the Denver Foundation survey before the next Board meeting. Next meeting of Inclusiveness Committee is Monday, June 20th.
Rich Male SWOT Meeting Schedule: There was no presentation from Rich Male & Associates at tonight’s meeting. A special meeting will be convened to discuss assessment and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats). The staff will have their SWOT session at the June 21st staff meeting. The best possible date for the Board is Thursday, June 30th, although some Board members may need to attend the staff session due to scheduling conflicts. On the subject of Kris’ successor, Michele feels whoever that will be should not focus only on major donors but also on building listenership in Denver. A future development director could also raise funds for an endowment.
Michele Barone’s Board Term: Michele is moving to the Vancouver BC are after the August Board meeting, and she is concerned about finding an appropriate Treasurer. The Nominating Committee is aware and is pursuing some prospects. Also, another liaison/chair will be needed for the IT committee.
Budget Committee: We are still $50,000 short for AM signal operations. We have been using money from house parties to replenish our coffers and to pay back what was borrowed from the FM operating budget.
Other Business: Discussed the current CPB situation, and funding cuts which would threaten public and community broadcasters.
Public Participation: Denise questioned whether back rent owed on the AM transmitter site could result in any possible negative legal action. It was felt that the risk was minimal since we have been operating in good faith.
Orientation Meetings: Board members were reminded to review which months each agreed to attend the monthly orientation meeting.
Marge and Janaki agreed to attend the Denver Outreach Committee as the Board liaisons. There is a concern that the Denver committee may be overlooking some interested people, especially youth. The possibility of a mini-orientation in Denver was suggested. Marty will invite Andy Bardwell to an orientation.
The next Board meeting will be Tuesday, July 12th, 6pm.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:46 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Steven Sherman-Boemker
Secretary, KGNU Board of Directors