Board of Directors Meeting 20161217
This meeting will be held in Modified SRC3 format.
Contents
- 1 Time, location
- 2 Prior minutes
- 3 Financial Statement
- 4 Consent Agenda
- 4.1 Increase Infrastructure Monthly Allocation (Brooks Scharff & Robert Davidson)
- 4.2 Allocate $4,500 to Infrastructure for Electrical Work (Brian Davis & Brooks Scharff)
- 4.3 Purchase of better computers for 3d fab (Mitch Cerroni)
- 4.4 Transfer of funds from 3d Fab to the Competitive Robotics Committee (Axeonos)
- 4.5 Terminate parts washer contract (Brandon)
- 4.6 Burning Screens and Taking Names - help us pay half of the exposure unit $500 (Nicole Franczvai)
- 4.7 PR Budget Proposal for Makerspace Entrance (Priyanka Pohar)
- 4.8 PR Credit Card
- 4.9 Reclaim Storage Room (Brooks Scharff)
- 4.10 Allocate $2,500 to Machine Shop (David Kessinger)
- 4.11 Increase $3,000 Monthly Savings Allocation to $7,500 per Month a $4,500 increase (David Kessinger)
- 4.12 Purchase 4x Crowd Control Barrier / Stanchion for $240 (Brandon)
- 4.13 Purchase 1 ton crane scale for gantry for $133 (Brandon)
- 5 New Business
- 5.1 Combine creative art annexes (Brandon)
- 5.2 Restore PayPal as a payment method (Zach Metzinger)
- 5.3 Don't combine silkscreen with the creative art annex - clearly define the intent of the annex to members (Nicole)
- 5.4 Complaint Against Member Regarding Not Being Excellent
- 5.5 Member Accused of Theft of Service
- 5.6 Reduce Blacksmithing Committee Footprint (Brandon)
- 5.7 Clarify Beer Brewing Activities (Ebony)
- 5.8 De-allocate $2500 from reserve fund set aside for Science (Eric proxied by Ebony)
- 5.9 Reinstate Member's Teaching privileges (John Gorman on behalf of ???)
- 5.10 Update rule 5 under honorarium Process (Alex Rhodes)
- 6 Minutes
- 7 Action Items
Time, location
19:30, Dallas Makerspace
Prior minutes
Board_of_Directors_Meeting_20161118#Minutes
Financial Statement
Balances
Checking $188,052.80 Quickbooks $193,261.56 Difference $ 5,208.76 (due to clearing/processing times) Savings Account $ 53,453,42
November
Income $43,039.83 *** Operating $22,564.09 Honorarium $6,200.00 Comm Alloc. $6,250.00 Expenses $12,000.00 Monthly NET (3,974.26) *** ***Note, appears low due to PayPal integration drop. Fixed as of 12/11, filling back in transactions from 10/9. This will also allow us to update committee balances to current. All issues to be addressed by EOY.
Net Proposed Spending/Cutting
4.2 $ 4,500 Electric Work 4.3 $ 2,800 3D Fab Computers 4.5 $ (375) Terminate Parts Washer 4.6 $ 500 Exposure unit CA 4.7 $ 4,500 PR Lobby Upgrades 4.8 $ 100 Storage Room 4.10 $ 2,500 Machine Shop 4.11 $ 7,500 Savings increase 4.12 $ 240 Crowd control - Auto 4.13 $ 133 Scale - Workshop 5.8 $(2,500) Science De-allocation $19,898 Total
DMS Management Report 2016 12 YTD
Consent Agenda
Increase Infrastructure Monthly Allocation (Brooks Scharff & Robert Davidson)
Problem: Electric and Gas bills are now being classed to Infrastructure instead of the General Fund. The number of Adobe Creative Cloud licenses has increased threefold with no increase in allocation.
Solution: Increase Infrastructure's monthly allocation from $2000 to $6500 to account for these accounting practice changes, and increase in number of Adobe Creative Cloud licenses, and to get a Hoshizaki DCM-270 from Parks Pantry.
Allocate $4,500 to Infrastructure for Electrical Work (Brian Davis & Brooks Scharff)
Problem: We received a quote from Scott-Del Electric to do some electrical work that is needed. The total is $5900. Infrastructure received $2000 last month for this purpose, but we were informed of other necessary electrical work.
Solution: Allocate $4500 to Infrastructure ($5900 * 1.1 [+10% contingency] - $2000) for the purpose of completing the electrical work.
Relevance: Electrical work keeps us up to code.
Purchase of better computers for 3d fab (Mitch Cerroni)
problem The computers in 3d fab are old and running slow, we would like newer ones with updated software for the computers. updates to windows 10, 2 computers next to the windows which can be used for design and slice.
Solution Allocate 1400 per computers (2 computers, 2800) to infrastructure for updating the computer's .
Transfer of funds from 3d Fab to the Competitive Robotics Committee (Axeonos)
Problem Funds for the Competitive Robotics Committee were put into 3d fab before the Competitive Robotics Committee was created. now that they are their own committee they should have their promised funds.
Solution Transfer $300.00 from 3d Fab to Competitive Robotics Committee. the 3d fab committee will continue to help and support the Competitive Robotics Committee, and can not wait to see them grow.
Terminate parts washer contract (Brandon)
Problem: Parts washer costs $350 / month and the service no longer seems to be worth the expense (they don't take used fluid, don't proactively perform upkeep like replacing window)
Solution: Terminate contract and return parts washer
Burning Screens and Taking Names - help us pay half of the exposure unit $500 (Nicole Franczvai)
NOTE: PLEASE COME GET ME FROM THE POT LUCK TO DISCUSS THIS
Problem: While we have ways to burn screens for members this process is clunky. My observation is that members don't screen print because they don't have personalized screens. During classes almost every single person has expressed interest in wanting to burn screens. This is a huge want. I wanted to make sure we had the flash dryer in place so members could easily have a finished shirt (it's a chicken and egg dilemma)
Solution: Fund 1/2 the purchase price of an exposure unit found here Ryonet RXP X-Series . The cost of this unit is $800 with $180 shipping. I feel it's a great option for our price range and needs (exposes 24X36" which is all shirts plus some artwork)
FYI on what this does if you're curious: the member would print the image on a transparent film, prepare your screen with a photosensitive liquid, after it dries you put both in the exposure unit and set the timer. What is NOT exposed to the light (the black on your transparency) doesn't harden and will be washed out (with some effort) and wham bam you have a screen to use.
Note: I've been working to get members acquainted with the silk screen for the last three months. In the last three months we've purchased a flash dryer this is the (almost the) last piece to really making that whole tool very "easy/accessible" to use for members. I'm going to encourage members to buy personal screens - we will do a bulk buy when the time is right with members preordering screens. They make WAY bigger and much more expensive versions of this tool here but I don't see a need right now nor do we have the space. They sell models for cheaper off eBay link1 but this company offers a warranty and is reputable. Speaking of space this will be placed under the TV in the CA room I think.
PR Budget Proposal for Makerspace Entrance (Priyanka Pohar)
Problem: PR would like to revamp the outdated design of the Makerspace entrance.
Solution: Request funds to invest in the improvement of the entrance such as paint supplies, an interactive LED wall, a TV, couches, chargers, ceilings tiles, shop furniture, a bench, and a chalkboard, totaling $4500.
PR Credit Card
Problem: PR currently doesn’t have a credit card to use for purchases.
Solution: Request a Makerspace credit card for Luis.
Reclaim Storage Room (Brooks Scharff)
Problem: What used to be the paint booth has turned into the wild west of storage. Finance is using the conference room as storage. PR has no storage space. Logistics has no storage space. The electrical room is being used as storage (a big no-no!) until this closet can be reclaimed.
Solution: Provide the current occupants 30 days to remove their items and reclaim the back closet (the old paint booth) as secured storage for Finance, PR, and Logistics. Also allocate $100 to Infrastructure for the purpose of securing this room.
Allocate $2,500 to Machine Shop (David Kessinger)
Note: This was submitted when QBO showed Machine Shop at -$1,400, some adjustments behind the scenes have been made and we now show a +$1,821 balance. If this is correct, which I hope, this withdraw this request.
Problem: When prior Chair left Machine Shop had a negative balance of ~$1,900, currently -$1,400. Machine Shop had relied primarily on funds generated by Chair through HAAS classes and matched by Dell. That person is no longer a member.
Solution: Allocate $1,400 to bring committee balance to $0 plus an an additional $1,000 for working capital to finish getting Cold Cut Saw and Lathe up and running, plus other incidentals such as procuring thick walled aluminum tubing to be welded on a large thick aluminum plate, etc.
Motivation: Machine Shop is undergoing a renaissance:member involvement, physical reorganization, expanding into machining plastics, broader class offering beyond basic machine operation. Recent "Purge" has resulted in additional space for metal work tables. Machine Shop is in the process of selling off some assets no longer needed. Member involvement is reflected in committee attendance of approximately 15-20 members and the willingness to teach a broader range of classes. Longer term goals of acquiring bench top manual mill and lathe or a combo unit, to allow smaller projects to be produced.
Relevance: Allow Machine Shop to have funds to rejuvenate equipment, expand capabilities, and educational offerings to the members in the area
Increase $3,000 Monthly Savings Allocation to $7,500 per Month a $4,500 increase (David Kessinger)
Problem: Current Savings Rate Low Relative to Cash Flow and Need to Build Savings for Future Expansion or Move.
Solution: Current Mandatory Savings is $3,000/mo representing about 5.5% of current membership cash flow of $54,000+, excluding all other sources of income. Bod monthly allocations range form $10,000 to $15,000 monthly, leaving a surplus after current spend rates for all expenses and a projected rent increase under lease easily allowing for a $4,500 increase. This will provide us approximately >$350,00 at the end of our next lease (based on 36 month renewal and 6 months on remaining lease). If the money is needed it will always be available for emergencies. We are still growing. At $7,500/mo this represents about a 13.5% savings rate based only on membership cash flow.
Motivation: We currently save $3,000, the Multi-cam is paid off and we were use to $1,000 not being available, so using just this would raise it to $4,000. So saving an additional $3,500 above this will not impair operating capital in General Fund which should still grow at above spend rates.
Relevance: Provides strong saving rate allowing for expansion into an additional building if it becomes available near us or for a larger building in future to cover build-out and moving costs or possible down payment.
Purchase 4x Crowd Control Barrier / Stanchion for $240 (Brandon)
Problem: With an open and shared work space, it is important to help guide others to not accidently enter a dangerous area, such as when a vehicle is lifted on jack stands / lift
Solution: Allocate $240 to auto for purchase of 4 crowd control barriers
Relevance: Improving safety is vital
Purchase 1 ton crane scale for gantry for $133 (Brandon)
Problem: Would be useful to be able to weigh things with new gantry that weigh up to 1 ton
Solution: Allocate $133 to auto for purchase of 1 ton crane scale
New Business
Combine creative art annexes (Brandon)
Problem: Previously CA had project storage space allocated for screen printing storage. Since then CA has a new annex and our membership has increased. The screen printer location is taking up 2 prime pallet spots, and pallet storage has been at nearly 100% utilization for months.
Solution: Move screen printing storage into new currently empty CA annex, freeing up more project storage for general member use.
Restore PayPal as a payment method (Zach Metzinger)
Problem: PayPal has been removed as a payment method for monthly dues, apparently due to some vague complaints about it not working well. Some members do not trust the "Credit card on file" method and prefer PayPal as an isolation mechanism against CC and identity fraud.
Solution: Restore PayPal as a payment method for monthly dues and add-on memberships.
Don't combine silkscreen with the creative art annex - clearly define the intent of the annex to members (Nicole)
Problem: The new annex is going to be used for digital work, printing, and matting. Specifically called a white room in art because of the clean nature of the room. Not a single liquid will be allowed in the room out of respect to the intended work the room will produce. The silk screen unit will not be put in that room with all the other equipment thus turning it into a ill-functioning messy storage closet (again). While I understand space is at a premium this is not a solution that is acceptable.
Solution: Just say no to moving the screen printing storage into the CA annex. The annex is in fact not empty and has been progressing pretty well considering the holidays and family issues.
Complaint Against Member Regarding Not Being Excellent
Member Accused of Theft of Service
Reduce Blacksmithing Committee Footprint (Brandon)
Problem: Blacksmithing has been using ~150 sq ft of floorspace (more than is allocated to jewelry). As we continue to grow we need to optimize usage of space to facilitate more tools and functionality for members.
Solution: Reduce allowed floorspace to 3 pallets worth of floorspace, a 12'x4' area inside metalshop, including up to the ceiling. Allow committee 30 days to reduce footprint or DMS will start liquidating blacksmithing items.
Clarify Beer Brewing Activities (Ebony)
Problem: It's a well known fact that beer brewing is one of Science's most advertised activities. We've hosted brew sessions this past summer and even held multiple Talk threads detailing our past, current and future activities. Science recently submitted a class for honorarium and was denied because it was classified as cooking and isn't allowed according to the lease. However, in our lease it says:
Solution: Requesting the Board to clarify explicitly whether or not brewing beer falls under "similar beverages" and if we are able to continue such activities in our current space.
De-allocate $2500 from reserve fund set aside for Science (Eric proxied by Ebony)
Problem: Science has $2500 in reserved funds for a ducted-fume hood install. We'll be opting for a ductless-install of an indoor filter system for the time being until we demonstrate unequivocal need for the ducted option... give us a few months.
Only Solution: De-allocate those funds from Science to the General Fund.
Reinstate Member's Teaching privileges (John Gorman on behalf of ???)
Problem: An instructor recently had his teaching privileges revoked. No opportunity was presented to the individual to challenge the reasons why privilege was revoked. No communication was sent to the instructor until he tried to create a class and questioned why he was no longer allowed.
Solution:
1. Reinstate Instructor
2. Clearly define instructor requirements and duties so the process does not seem arbitrary and vindictive when privileges are revoked. Require effective notification to individual involved. Provide individual a forum to represent his position before the decision is made, or an effective appeals process.
Update rule 5 under honorarium Process (Alex Rhodes)
Problem: Rule 5 currently States: Classes must be attended by at least 3 registered people to be eligible for payout
Solution: Modify the rule to state: Classes must be attended and marked by at least 3 registered people to be eligible for payout. rule will go into effect starting January 1st of 2017 and must be marked 72 hours (3 days) after the class is done.
Minutes
DALLAS MAKER SPACE BOARD OF DIRECTOR'S MEETING : DECEMBER 17, 2016 MEETING CALLED TO ORDER 19:30 ==== IN ATTENDANCE - Erik Smith - Ken Purcell - Luke Olson - Alex Rhodes - Robert Davidson PRIOR MINUTES APPROVED WITHOUT PROTEST ==== TREASURER'S REPORT Raw Balances: - Checking $188,052.80 - Quickbooks $193,261.56 - Difference $ 5,208.76 (due to clearing/processing times) - Savings Account $ 53,453,42 P&L: - Income $43,039.83 *** - Operating $22,564.09 - Honorarium $6,200.00 - Comm Alloc. $6,250.00 - Expenses $12,000.00 - Monthly NET (3,974.26) *** ***Note, appears low due to PayPal integration drop. Fixed as of 12/11, filling back in transactions from 10/9. This will also allow us to update committee balances to current. All issues to be addressed by EOY. ==== THE FOLLOWING ITEMS PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT 4.4 Transfer of funds from 3d Fab to the Competitive Robotics Committee (Axeonos) PASS - AS WRITTEN: "Transfer $300.00 from 3d Fab to Competitive Robotics Committee. the 3d fab committee will continue to help and support the Competitive Robotics Committee, and can not wait to see them grow." 4.8 PR Credit Card PASS - AS WRITTEN: "Request a Makerspace credit card for Luis." 4.13 Purchase 1 ton crane scale for gantry for $133 (Brandon) PASS - AS WRITTEN: "Allocate $133 to auto for purchase of 1 ton crane scale" ==== CONSENT AGENDA 4.1 Increase Infrastructure Monthly Allocation (Brooks Scharff & Robert Davidson) PULL BROOKS - AS WRITTEN: "Increase Infrastructure's monthly allocation from $2000 to $6500 to account for these accounting practice changes, and increase in number of Adobe Creative Cloud licenses, and to get a Hoshizaki DCM-270 from Parks Pantry." - DISCUSSION - Robert: $4000 - $4500 electrical bills - Alex: Housecleaning on books - Brooks: No one wants to take ownership of the fridge, not interested in doing it myself; needs to be cleaned out unconditionally on a schedule; the fridge is for when you are *here* - Alex: Interested in a bottle filler water fountain accessory - Alex: Will instruct cleaning service to empty fridge once a week - Ken: May donate a fridge once this one dies - Brooks: Can accommodate the bottle adapter if allocation stays as-is - Ken: $3545 12mo average for electricity - MOTION : "Increase Infrastructure's monthly allocation from $2000 to $6500" - PROPOSED: Robert - SECONDED: Erik - Motion passed unanimously 4.2 Allocate $4,500 to Infrastructure for Electrical Work (Brian Davis & Brooks Scharff) PULL LUKE - AS WRITTEN: "Allocate $4500 to Infrastructure ($5900 * 1.1 [+10% contingency] - $2000) for the purpose of completing the electrical work." - DISCUSSION - Luke: We allocated $2000 previously - Brooks: Additional work was quoted via e-mail - Chuck: We need an as-built drawing from the contractor on this job since we have not received this previously - Luke: We should not spend over $9500 this month since we don't have a complete picture of DMS finance because of the - MOTION : AS WRITTEN - PROPOSED: Alex - SECONDED: Robert - Motion passed unanimously 4.3 Purchase of better computers for 3d fab (Mitch Cerroni) PULL ALEX - AS WRITTEN: "Allocate 1400 per computers (2 computers, 2800) to infrastructure for updating the computer's ." PULL ALEX - DISCUSSION - Mitch: Two PCs are ~2 years old - refreshing systems, get towers off floor to escape dust. Hardware is not insufficient, moving towers is inconvenient; presently using personal PCs. Want new monitor w/ VESA mounts to accommodate compact back-of-display models. - Luke: No performance improvements w/ proposed Nook PCs. Should perhaps look at it later as part of a space-wide upgrade. - Alex: Feel that this is not pressing. - Steve Wylie: HP used to have a deal for employees where you could buy new machines from a list at 25% of list... - MOTION (no motion) 4.5 Terminate parts washer contract (Brandon) PULL LUKE - AS WRITTEN: "Terminate contract and return parts washer" - DISCUSSION - Robert: We should call to see if the vendor can satisfy our requirements before just terminating - Alex: For ~18 months, Bryan Gangwere was handling disposal himself - Chuck: It's a bad plan not to have the parts washer lest people start using cans of brake cleaner - MOTION: "Transfer responsibility for parts washer to Automotive and increase Automotive Committee's monthly allocation by $350." - PROPOSED: Robert - SECONDED: Luke - Motion passed unanimously 4.6 Burning Screens and Taking Names - help us pay half of the exposure unit $500 (Nicole Franczvai) PULL LUKE - AS WRITTEN: "Fund 1/2 the purchase price of an exposure unit found here Ryonet RXP X-Series . The cost of this unit is $800 with $180 shipping. I feel it's a great option for our price range and needs (exposes 24X36" which is all shirts plus some artwork)" - DISCUSSION - Luke: Waste chemicals? - Nick: Needs some wash-out - Brooks: Uses an emulsifier - Alex: We can most likely dump with water - MOTION "Allocate $500 to Creative Arts Committee" - PROPOSED: Luke - SECONDED: Alex - 4 in favor, Erik abstains, motion passes 4.7 PR Budget Proposal for Makerspace Entrance (Priyanka Pohar) PULL ALEX - AS WRITTEN: "Request funds to invest in the improvement of the entrance such as paint supplies, an interactive LED wall, a TV, couches, chargers, ceilings tiles, shop furniture, a bench, and a chalkboard, totaling $4500." - DISCUSSION - Luis: Originally mentioned $3000, but Robert also suggested sofas - 60" TV - Board - Bench - Chairs - LED wall (interactive pixellated image) - All ceiling tiles - Paint - Upfront - Alex: Some leftovers from Parking Day... - Ken: Have some panels, Pi to donate... - Luke, Alex: Don't want to spend money on couches - Luis: $1000 for LED project, surplus returned to General Fund? - Brandon: PR has ~$2000 [Luis: Almost all allocated to other projects] - Alex: Minimum $1500 from Bernzomatic contest, which will go to PR - Luis: If we are staying here for 2-3 more years, perhaps we should not focus on growth - Robert: Down for TV's, chargers, ceiling tiles, - Paul Wilson: Suggest an itemized list, timeframe before allocation - Ken: Built numerous projects that went to dustbunnies after first 2 weeks of fanfare - Mitch: Expect the LED wall to be low-maintenance - Ken: PR's paypal balance is unknown b/c of Paypal issues - Luke: Go professional on T-shirt sales to avoid sales tax issues; major finance headaches - Ken: Can have twice-annual rummage sales w/o tax; consumed supplies are also tax-free - Robert: Want to see completion before allocating more money - Luke: Think LED wall won't go over well; last one overwhelmed surveillance system diskspace - MOTION "Allocate $2500 to PR Committee" - PROPOSED: Robert - SECONDED: Alex - Motion passed unanimously 20:27 RECESS 20:38 BACK IN SESSION 4.9 Reclaim Storage Room (Brooks Scharff) PULL ALEX - AS WRITTEN: "Provide the current occupants 30 days to remove their items and reclaim the back closet (the old paint booth) as secured storage for Finance, PR, and Logistics. Also allocate $100 to Infrastructure for the purpose of securing this room." - DISCUSSION - Brooks: Discussed previously with entire board - Beth: Have already vacated half of the room - Robert: - Chuck: No onsite office nor management space; conference room already used almost excursively for DMS business - why not re-allocate that room since it is marginal. Going through Fired Arts all the time will be troublesome. - Ken: ~3 years of Finance records that need to be secured - MOTION: "Provide the current occupants 30 days to remove their items and reclaim the back closet (the old paint booth) as secured storage for Finance, PR, and Logistics." - PROPOSED: Luke - SECONDED: Erik - 4 in favor, Erik abstains, motion passes 4.10 Allocate $2,500 to Machine Shop (David Kessinger) PULL LUKE - AS WRITTEN: "Allocate $1,400 to bring committee balance to $0 plus an an additional $1,000 for working capital to finish getting Cold Cut Saw and Lathe up and running, plus other incidentals such as procuring thick walled aluminum tubing to be welded on a large thick aluminum plate, etc." - DISCUSSION - Luke: We do not have $2500 to allocate - Robert: Balance in QB ... - Luke: Machine Shop balance $3000 - Brooks: Seeing $1871 balance - David Kessinger (via Stan): Please withdraw request due to QB issues - MOTION: Dismiss - PROPOSED: Erik - SECONDED: Alex - Motion dismissed unanimously 4.11 Increase $3,000 Monthly Savings Allocation to $7,500 per Month a $4,500 increase (David Kessinger) PULL ROBERT - AS WRITTEN: "We currently save $3,000, the Multi-cam is paid off and we were use to $1,000 not being available, so using just this would raise it to $4,000. So saving an additional $3,500 above this will not impair operating capital in General Fund which should still grow at above spend rates." - DISCUSSION - Ken: This is a really big jump - Erik: We are expecting an increase in rent when we renew due to FMV clause in existing lease renewal clause; commercial rents are up appreciably from what we are paying now - Alex: Want to increase savings in the future - MOTION: Dismiss - PROPOSED: Alex - SECONDED: Robert - Motion dismissed unanimously 4.12 Purchase 4x Crowd Control Barrier / Stanchion for $240 (Brandon) PULL BROOKS - AS WRITTEN: "Allocate $240 to auto for purchase of 4 crowd control barriers" - MOTION as written - PROPOSED: Robert - SECONDED: Erik - Motion passed unanimously ==== NEW BUSINESS 5.1 Combine creative art annexes (Brandon) - AS WRITTEN: "Move screen printing storage into new currently empty CA annex, freeing up more project storage for general member use." - DISCUSSION - Brooks: Have not seen equipment moved recently - Luke: Annex is now populated by enormous new wide-format printer - Erik: Beer-brewing judging will squeeze pallet storage for roughly 2 months - Amelia: Other committees were given 30 days or less to handle storage problems - Alex: Feel that it will cramp the room - Art: Multiple issues w/ storage issues - much of which does not need routine access to? - Amelia: Why do we have things used so seldomly that we store it offsite? - Robert: We'd like to see more utilization - Chuck: Autoclave is gone, forklift is also going - more space is available? - MOTION: Dismiss - PROPOSED: Alex - SECONDED: Robert - Motion dismissed unanimously 5.3 Don't combine silkscreen with the creative art annex - clearly define the intent of the annex to members (Nicole) - AS WRITTEN: "Just say no to moving the screen printing storage into the CA annex. The annex is in fact not empty and has been progressing pretty well considering the holidays and family issues." - MOTION: Dismiss - PROPOSED: Erik - SECONDED: Alex - Motion dismissed unanimously 5.2 Restore PayPal as a payment method (Zach Metzinger) - AS WRITTEN: "Restore PayPal as a payment method for monthly dues and add-on memberships." - DISCUSSION - Erik: What does financial/infrastructure committee think about paypal? - Brooks: WHCMS does not integrate w/ Paypal and Infra does not wish to support it - Alex: Refunds are painful - Luke: Members can get prepaid cards to pay dues to limit risk - MOTION: Dismiss - PROPOSED: Erik - SECONDED: Ken - Motion dismissed unanimously 5.5 Member Accused of Theft of Service - COMPLAINT: "Max Kirkland has been accused of failing to pay substantial fees for laser usage - $39 in November. Other irregularities were noted in previous months." - DISCUSSION - Max: Do not have my own paypal account. Do not routinely have the cash to pay the fees immediately. Also use a different paypal account at times. - Luke: DMS expects immediate payment for services - Patrick: Even if $20 payment had checked out, would still be short - Luke: Bothered by the apparent lack of concern - Amelia: Uncomfortable about the behavior towards Patrick and the effort this forces our volunteers to undertake. - Luke: It is not our problem if you cannot pay upfront - Eric: Not under impression that we pay immediately after use [mistaken] - Ken: Helped Patrick count, and saw numerous envelopes from Max that were shorted based on the information on the envelope. - Luke: Nov 19th e-mail from Patrick. - Eric: Recurring issue? - Luke: Aware of allegations of issues predating being on the board - Eric: Was this being addressed at the time? [Luke: Yes] - Max: Was post-paying for snacks when that was on the honor system - Amelia: Historic penalties for theft? - Alex: Report to police typically; 3 months for J. Gorman; 12 months for the automotive tools; indefinite for the prolific thief - Luke: Class B Misdomeanor if reported to police - Alex: Payments were after Max was informed that he was in arrears - Luke: 30-day ban with a condition that another issue is permanent - Eric: Do not believe that theft has been proven - Patrick: 45-day ban from Laser [Alex: Not in favor] - Alex: Significant volunteer effort to track down payments - Max: Never intended to steal - Luke: If I felt you were intending to steal, the motion would be for a permanent ban - MOTION: "Max Kirkland is expelled for 90 days" - PROPOSED: Robert - SECONDED: Alex - Motion passed unanimously 5.9 Reinstate Member's Teaching privileges (John Gorman on behalf of ???) - AS WRITTEN: - DISCUSSION: " 1. Reinstate Instructor 2. Clearly define instructor requirements and duties so the process does not seem arbitrary and vindictive when privileges are revoked. Require effective notification to individual involved. Provide individual a forum to represent his position before the decision is made, or an effective appeals process." - Alex: Blacklisting was added to system initially because of W9s; Max was first to be used for quality issues at behest of instructor for no-call/ no-show. Was here at the day that Max failed to show, saw on calendar, talked to people waiting for the instructor to show. - Max: Cancelled via calendar, had medical/vehicle issues (check engine light) - Luke: Respect for students is important for organization. Willing to revisit when Max returns, subject to adequate performance. - Max: Review was from someone not on class list, 60 minutes into a 2-hour class. - Alex: Went through calendar system Sep thru Nov - MOTION: "Remove Max Kirkland from the teacher blacklist upon his return" - PROPOSED: Luke - SECONDED: Erik - Motion passed unanimously 5.4 Complaint Against Member Regarding Not Being Excellent - COMPLAINT: "I am filing a formal complaint against Walter Anderson for repeatedly spreading misinformation designed to damage my reputation on talk.dallasmakerspace.org as documented in the following thread. Walter routinely misrepresent the facts or just lies and publish it as fact on the forums. As this is a public forum and is searchable I would like the facts set straight and Walter to be removed from the forums for publishing false information about me with the intent to harm my reputation." - ROBERT VACATED HIS SEAT PRIOR TO DISCUSSION - ALEX REFUSED TO VACATE HIS SEAT DESPITE WALTER'S REQUEST - ERIK READ WALTER'S PREPARED STATEMENT ALOUD TO MEETING AS REQUESTED: "Eric, Ken, and Luke: Gentleman, due to a personal appointment, I will not be able to attend the meeting tonight. Which is why I had removed the agenda items I had previously placed on the agenda. Since I wasn't going to be around for the discussion, I didn't want to waste your time by forcing you to table them. I will keep this email brief, since I believe a complaint by a elected board member about criticism he receives is patently ridiculous... My first comment is related to adherence to our by laws for conflict of interest. Obviously Robert must be excluded from any board vote AND discussion. I also request that Alex be excluded since it was his post that prompted my response that Robert objected to. Note that my original post only described the insurance agent as a friend of Robert's. And that was only included as an explanation as to why I requested the insurance information in the first place. It was Alex that raised the issue of a PRIOR relationship in that thread- a rumor that has been around far longer then I have been a member. Clearly Alex was an involved party and as such has a conflict in any judgment of the complaint. If he refuses to abstain, and the remaining board does not insist, I would like the minutes to reflect that clearly. I also expect the part of the by law about 'vacate their seat' to be actually enforced for this complaint (as well as all other aspects of the conflict paragraph). My second and final comment concerns the timing of the complaint. Robert has complained about me (and others) criticizing him in the past; however, I suspect the timing of this complaint has more to do with getting me silenced during the upcoming election process. Obviously, I consider that a serious violation of my rights as voting member and a dangerous precedent to allow. This is particularly concerning aspect, given the similar timing of the banning of Mark Havens when he was campaigning against a board member last year. I will also point out that vote against Mark was in violation of our bylaws. I got Alex to abstain because he was obviously involved, but Robert admitted later that he too had been involved in the board member ban and hence should have been conflicted out of the vote. I will also point out that NONE of the 'board' were in fact on the list of voting members before that meeting (or even during) and hence not technically allowed to sit as board members. A large part of Roberts problem with me has been because I have been a thorn in his and yours sides concerning adherence to state law and our by laws. And it does not seem to be much of a stretch to view this complaint as a retaliatory means of silencing those valid actions on my part. Finally, since I can not be there, I request that Eric read this email out loud to the members prior to the commencement of the debate. Sincerely, Walter Anderson" - DISCUSSION - Robert: Requesting a ban only from Talk - Alex: Andrew LeCody was involved with Mark Havens - Robert: I did not go to college with Erin, not at the same school - Brooks: In the legal interest of DMS, this should be settled in court - Erik: If Robert feels his reputation - Chuck: Walter is a troll on Talk; he would have been kicked off any other moderated forum; Walter so disrupted a metal shop meeting that it ceased - Marissa: Kent indicated that ignoring the problem makes it worse and is constantly repeating - Nick: Walter has repeatedly berated members - Luke: Informal show of hands on whether Talk is better with Walter (no hands raised) - Christoff: I have seen some useful posts from Walter - Amelia: Often appreciate points he raises, wish he would do it in a more useful way - Brooks: May not be possible to allow read-only access to members section. Seems possible, but not firm. - Luke: Ideal if Robert drops complaint and we do not deal with this as a BoD action; want to establish a moderation process for Talk instead. Talk is not a membership right. May need to formalize Talk somehow w/ appointed moderators. - Brooks: Infra owns Talk - Marissa: Any bans? [Alex: One account named "Troll" as well as OpCode] - Christoff: Don't think it's a goof idea to act at this point against Walter; probably better to establish a new system - looks like a direct response to this system - Amelia: Sounds like this should be a committee-based system to avoid BoD conflict of interest - Brooks: Pledge not to be heavy-handed and will consult with others - Alex: We should not have a venue for bullies; propose 3 months' ban from Talk - Luke: 3 months will get into election - Luke: A stern warning, transfer responsibility for Talk to Infrastructure - Robert: If someone else... - Erik: I do not approve of Walter's behavior on Talk, but I do not feel this is appropriate - Eric: Can claim that Talk is a hazard for members that spend more than 3 hours a day - MOTION: "Ban Walter from Talk for 60 days and create moderation group on Talk" - PROPOSED: Alex - SECONDED: (no second) - No second, motion fails - MOTION: Table indefinitely - PROPOSED: Luke - SECONDED: Erik - 3 in favor, Alex opposed, Item tabled indefinitely DMS Talk Initiative - AS WRITTEN : "Request that Infrastructure Committee develop a moderation policy and create volunteer moderators for DMS Talk" - ROBERT VACATED HIS SEAT PRIOR TO DISCUSSION - MOTION: As Written - PROPOSED: Erik - SECONDED: Luke - Motion passes unanimously 5.6 Reduce Blacksmithing Committee Footprint (Brandon) - AS WRITTEN: "Reduce allowed floorspace to 3 pallets worth of floorspace, a 12'x4' area inside metalshop, including up to the ceiling. Allow committee 30 days to reduce footprint or DMS will start liquidating blacksmithing items." - DISCUSSION - Chuck: No classes since October, otherwise missed since July - Alex: Prior to their break, they had a long streak - Chuck: Consuming a great deal of space; want to establish a foundry area indoors, induction forge can be used indoors - Luke: Pallet rack + duct lift? - Nick: Years of classes - Chuck: Presently cannot use any blacksmithing equipment in their present location; little room for a lift + shelves; all items very heavy to boot - Alex: We may need to better evaluate what justifies a committee as a larger policy discussion - Erik: Prefer to speak with stakeholders prior to making a decision - MOTION: Table indefinitely - PROPOSED: Alex - SECONDED: Erik - Motion tabled unanimously 5.7 Clarify Beer Brewing Activities (Ebony) - AS WRITTEN: "Requesting the Board to clarify explicitly whether or not brewing beer falls under "similar beverages" and if we are able to continue such activities in our current space." - DISCUSSION - Alex: No response from landlord on issue - Erik: Feel that since we allow blacksmithing, we should allow this occasional outdoor usage, which as performed avoids steps that would anger the TABC - MOTION: Table indefinitely - PROPOSED: Robert - SECONDED: Erik - 4 in favor, Alex abstained, Motion tabled indefinitely 5.8 De-allocate $2500 from reserve fund set aside for Science (Eric proxied by Ebony) - AS WRITTEN: "De-allocate those funds from Science to the General Fund." - DISCUSSION - Erik: Accounting maneuver - Eric: Using a filter to push air through in order to use vent hood in order to be able to handle an approved list of chemical reagents - MOTION: As Written - PROPOSED: Luke - SECONDED: Ken - Motion passes unanimously 5.10 Update rule 5 under honorarium Process (Alex Rhodes) - AS WRITTEN: "Modify the rule to state: Classes must be attended and marked by at least 3 registered people to be eligible for payout. rule will go into effect starting January 1st of 2017 and must be marked 72 hours (3 days) after the class is done." - DISCUSSION - Alex: This is a reclassification from class signups to actual attendance - MOTION: "Modify Honorarium Rule 5: 'Classes must be attended by at least 3 registered people to be eligible for payout. Attendance will be verified via the calendar system and attendees must be marked by the instructor within 24 hours of the class.' Rule goes into effect January 1, 2017" - PROPOSED: Luke - SECONDED: Alex - Motion passes unanimously 22:42 RECESS 22:47 MEETING RESUMES MAKER FELLOWSHIP - AS WRITTEN: "Grant 2-month Maker Fellowships to Kris Anderson and Alan Lu" - DISCUSSION - Alan Lu has been teaching numerous classes without requesting honorarium, also has been helping with tours - Kris Anderson has been tremendously helpful, painting the lobby by herself and created the chalkboard art in the lobby - MOTION: As Written - PROPOSED: Erik - SECONDED: Alex - Motion passes unanimously Digital Media: Draco is not going to be a member for approximately 3 weeks, leaving Digital Media without a chair - MOTION: "Appoint Luke Olson as interim chair of Digital Media" - PROPOSED : Alex - SECONDED : Robert - 4 in favor, Luke abstains SQUARE - AS WRITTEN: "Allocate $500 to Financial Committee for the purpose of obtaining an iPad to test Square payments" - PROPOSED : Alex - SECONDED : Robert - 4 in favor, Erik abstains ==== DISCUSSION ==== LMS DISCUSSION - Alex: Calendar is nearing completion, next application DMS is looking at is a LMS (Learning Management System). Off The Shelf systems are too expensive, Moodle (the open source system) is too burdensome. Would like to develop a new system in house. DMS spends ~$6000 a quarter on honorariums, this would pay for itself. - Patrick: Such a system would focus committees on more advanced courses rather than basics/foundations - Alex: Would like to pay for quality curriculum in the neighborhood of $500 - $1000 a course. 23:13 MEETING ADJOURNS
Action Items
Status | Item Description | Responsible Party |
---|---|---|
[X] | Transfer $300.00 from 3d Fab to Competitive Robotics Committee | Finance |
[X] | Allocate $133 to auto for purchase of 1 ton crane scale | Finance |
[X] | Increase Infrastructure's monthly allocation from $2000 to $6500 | Finance |
[X] | Allocate $4500 to Infrastructure for the purpose of completing the electrical work | Finance |
[X] | Transfer responsibility for parts washer to Automotive | Auto Committee |
[X] | Increase Automotive Committee's monthly allocation by $350 | Finance |
[X] | Allocate $500 to Creative Arts Committee | Finance |
[X] | Allocate $2500 to PR Committee | Finance |
[X] | Allocate $240 to auto for purchase of 4 crowd control barriers | Finance |
[ ] | Request that Infrastructure Committee develop a moderation policy and create volunteer moderators for DMS Talk | Infrastructure |
[X] | De-allocate those funds from Science to the General Fund | Finance |
[ ] | Modify Honorarium Rule 5 | BoD |
[X] | Grant 2-month Maker Fellowships to Kris Anderson and Alan Lu (Allocate $200 from Maker Fellowship Fund) | Brookes |
[X] | Transfer $200 from Makers Fellowship Fund to the General Fund (for above) | Finance |
[X] | Allocate $500 to Financial Committee for the purpose of obtaining an iPad to test Square payments | Finance |
Quick Books Journal Entry: 593797