Board Meeting Minutes and Agendas
Agenda
Monday, September 12, 2011, 4:00pm
Ilsley Library
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of June 6
Treasurer's Report
Access Plan
Contract negotiations
Other Business
Adjourn
Monday, September 12, 2011, 4 p.m.
MCTV office at Ilsley Library
Present: George Bellerose, Chris Mueller, Ed Peet, Molly Reed, Len Rowell, Dick Thodal (director) and Nikki Morse (outreach coordinator)
Absent: Jason Mittell, Bette Moffet
Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 4:10 p.m. by Molly Reed
June 6, 2011 Meeting
Minutes were approved
Treasurer's Report
Monthly report was approved.
Contract Negotiations
Dick received a "working draft" of the renewal of MCTV's funding agreement with Comcast on September 12. Dick reviewed the proposed contract renewal, which would preserve the current level of Comcast funding.
Board members and staff will prepare the required documents for contract negotiations later this fall:
1. Dick and Molly will prepare budgets through fiscal year 2013.
2. George, Chris, Molly, and Len will meet with Nikki on Friday, September 23 at 8 a.m. to update and extend the 2010-2012 Community Access Plan through 2013.
Other Business
The board approved the reimbursement of eye care expenses for Nikki.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 5:30.
Next Meeting
October 3, 2011, 4 p.m. at MCTV office
Agenda
Monday, June 6, 2011, 4:00pm
Ilsley Library
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of April 4
Treasurer's Report
Change Signature Card
Recap of VAN Meeting
Contract negotiations
Other Business
Adjourn
Monday, June 6, 2011, 4 p.m.
MCTV office at Ilsley Library
Present: George Bellerose, Chris Mueller, Ed Peet, Len Rowell, Dick Thodal (director)
Absent: Jason Mittell, Bette Moffet, Molly Reed
Call to Order
Ed Peet called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
Minutes of April 4, 2011
Minutes were approved
Treasurer's Report
Monthly report was approved.
Change Signature Card
The National Bank of Middlebury requires two signatures on MCTV checks greater than $2,000. Molly Reed, Len Rowell, and Dick Thodal are currently on the signature list. George Bellerose was added to the list.
Recap of Vermont Access Network Annual Meeting on May 20, 2011
Len reported that a contract negotiation workshop stressed that PEG stations should highlight and hold firm on longstanding agreed-upon responsibilities of Comcast and other cable providers. In areas open to negotiation, PEG stations should ensure that contract differences be part of the paper record so that, if needed, the Public Service Board has a basis to resolve these differences.
Workshop participants also noted that live Internet coverage of community events, such as through Facebook and I-phones, and the availability of video in the website of traditional text providers, such as newspapers, are increasing rapidly. PEG stations must be conscious of this new landscape, respond to viewers' demands for immediacy, and work with multiple partners to provide unique local content.
Contract Negotiations
Dick sent an email to Comcast in late March notifying the corporation that MCTV would like to begin negotiating next year's contract. The current contract runs out October 11, 2011. Comcast has not yet responded. Dick has discussed with representatives from Rutland and Brattleboro stations their recent renegotiations of Comcast contracts.
Other Business
The board approved health benefits coverage recommendations for Dick, Nikki, and Kathy prepared by Molly Reed and George Bellerose. The board has allocated $10,000 for 2011 health care benefits. Any surplus, presently estimated at $1,999, would be placed in a reserve account to meet increased future costs.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned shortly before 5.
Agenda
Monday, April 4, 2011, 4:00pm
Ilsley Library
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of February 7
Treasurer's Report
Election of Officers
Set meeting dates and times
Recap and next steps from March 25 Discussion
Contract negotiations
Other Business
Adjourn
Monday, April 4, 2011, 4 p.m.
MCTV office at Ilsley Library
Present: George Bellerose, Ed Peet (chair), Molly Reed (secretary and treasurer), Len Rowell, Dick Thodal (director)
Absent: Jason Mittell, Bette Moffet, Chris Mueller
Call to Order
Ed Peet called the meeting to order at 4:16 p.m.
Minutes of February 7, 2011
The amended minutes were approved after one correction. (The date of the annual meeting was changed from May 29, 2011 to March 25, 2011.)
Treasurer's Report
Molly Reed explained the proposed division of the $10,000 allocated in the budget for health care benefits for Dick Thodal, Nikki Morse, and Kathy Wheatley. Molly will present a written policy for approval at the May board meeting. There were no objections to the proposal.
Election of Officers
The board unanimously approved the following officers for 2011-2012: Molly Reed, chair; Ed Peet, vice chair; George Bellerose, secretary; Len Rowell, treasurer.
Set meeting dates and times
Monthly meetings will continue to be held on the first Mondays of the month at 4 p.m. in the MCTV office. The next meeting will be May 2.
Recap and Next Steps from March 25, 2011 Annual Meeting Discussion
Dick and the board discussed the challenges in increasing local content in programming through existing and new partnerships with community organizations. Dick will continue his discussions with the Addison County Regional Planning Commission on ways to take advantage of the communication and educational benefits of broadband access.
Contract Negotiations
Dick sent an email to Comcast in late March notifying the corporation that MCTV would like to begin negotiating next year's contract. The current contract runs out October 11, 2011.
Other Business
Dick discussed the cost, roughly $3,000 to $10,000, and technical challenges in improving the quality and possible live streaming of the MCTV signal. He will continue to research such improvement.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 5:22 p.m
MCTV ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA
Friday, March 25, 2011, 5:00pm
Ilsley Library
Call to Order
Public Comment
Approve Minutes of 2010 Annual meeting
Treasurer's Report
Director's Report
Elect two At-Large 3 year board positions
Adopt Budget
Other Business
Adjourn
Agenda
Monday, February 7, 2011, 4:00pm
Ilsley Library
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of January 3
Treasurer's Report
Outreach Coordinator Report
Director's Report
2011 Budget
Employee Health Benefits
Annual Meeting
Preparation for Contract Renewal Timeline
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjourn
Monday, February 7, 2011, 4:00 PM
MCTV Office at Ilsley Library
Present: George Bellerose, Ed Peet (Chair), Molly Reed (Secretary & Treasurer), Len Rowell (had to leave early), Dick Thodal (Director)
Absent: Chris Mueller, Bette Moffet, Jason Mittell
Call to Order
Ed Peet called the meeting to order at 4:10. Because we did not have a quorum, we discussed items but did not vote on them.
Minutes of January 3
No changes were made to the minutes.
Treasurer's Report
The fund balance reflects that we came in about $14, 600 ahead of budget in 2010.
Outreach Coordinator's Report
Nikki reported that she is working on providing language instruction via MCTV:
her classroom visits are going well
she has been recording French classes at MUHS
Gailer School wants recordings of their Spanish classes
is offering after-school and vacation animation classes
the January after-school was cancelled
there are already 5 enrollees in the Feb vacation class
has resurrected the popular Pet of the Week program with an intern doing the editing
has provided a 'kit' for non-profits to do PSAs via the web
has put library plans on hold due to children librarian Judah Hamer's departure
Director's Report
Dick reported that 2011 is off and running with filming legislative breakfasts and lots of meetings filmed then showing them on MCTV and via our website.
2011 Budget
We discussed using half the $14,600 additional 2010 fund balance in 2011, partially as an increase in hours for Nikki Morse and also health benefits and perhaps raises for the staff.
Employee Health Benefits
Molly with George Bellerose's help will spearhead researching employee health benefits and enumerating options so the board can come up with an appropriate plan.
Annual Meeting
Our Annual Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 29th at the Farmer's Diner. We will begin with a short business meeting. We will hash out details of the program via email.
Preparation for Contract Renewal Timeline
Dick reported that Comcast is expected to contact us by the end of March to start contract renewal negotiations. If we haven't heard from Comcast by then, we will contact them.
Next Meeting Date
The next meeting will be the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 29th.
Adjourn
Ed adjourned the meeting at 5:00 PM.
Agenda
Wednesday, January 3, 2011, 4:00pm
Ilsley Library
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of December 6
Treasurer's Report
Outreach Coordinator Report and Goals
Director's Report
2011 Budget
Preparation for Contract Renewal Timeline
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjourn
Monday, January 3, 2011, 4:00 PM
MCTV Office at Ilsley Library
Present: George Bellerose, Ed Peet (Chair), Molly Reed (Secretary & Treasurer), Len Rowell, Dick Thodal (Director)
Absent: Bette Moffett, Chris Mueller
Call to Order
Ed Peet called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of December 6 were approved. (Unanimous)
Treasurer's Report
We came in $15,000 ahead of budget. Expenses were about $5,000 below ($4,500 in health benefits because Nikki is able to stay on her parent's plan until she is 26 and because there were no expenses for Kathy, although there will be this year) Revenue was about $10,000 over budget ($4,800 from Addison County Court Diversion, $3,000 more than the prior year from Comcast, $600 from the Bridge video, and $1,000 more than the $2,500 in income projected from Nikki's classes.
Outreach Coordinator Report and Goals
Although unable to attend the meeting, Nikki provided the Board with an extensive list of her outreach and educational goals. The Board expressed enthusiasm for her ambitious goals and looks forward to her implementing as many as time allows.
Director's Report
Dick commented positively on Nikki's goals. Her classes continue to bring in revenue. He hopes reviving "The Pet of the Week" series with the Humane Society will draw enough volunteers to make it possible. It was a very popular program in the past. Collaboration with the library continues. By CVUUS making editing software available on some of the library's computers, kids will be able to edit their videos whenever the library is open rather than wait for MCTV staff to be available.
2011 Budget
Ed recommended keeping the budget pretty much the same as last year. The Board agreed to keep about $7,500 (of the $15,000 surplus) as a contingency fund for unexpected expense items and to have Dick use the remaining funds to increase staff hours at his discretion and depending on the availability of the staff.
Preparation for Contract Renewal
Timeline
Things look to be on track. MCTV will respond once Comcast initiates the negotiation.
Other Business
The Board commended the staff on the excellent Bridge video!
Next Meeting Date
The next meeting will be Monday, February 7th at 4 PM.
Adjourn
Ed adjourned the meeting at 4:45 PM.
Agenda
Wednesday, December 6, 2010, 4:00pm
Ilsley Library
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of October 6
Treasurer's Report
Director's Report
2011 Budget
Preparation for Contract Renewal Timeline
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjourn
Monday, December 6, 2010
MCTV Office at Ilsley Library
Present: George Bellerose, Ed Peet (Chair), Molly Reed (Secretary & Treasurer), Len Rowell, Dick Thodal (Director)
Absent: Bette Moffett, Chris Mueller
Call to Order
Ed Peet called the meeting to order at 4:30.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of October 6 were approved. (Unanimous)
Treasurer's Report
Expenses are coming in at budget and revenues are coming in at approximately $8,000 ahead of budget! Addison County Court Diversion contributed $4,800 for MCTV providing equipment and helping them create programs. $2,000 additional came from Comcast. (The budget amount is based solely on the prior year.) We are making money from the bridge video: $700 to-date.
Director's Report
The big deals in October and November have been the election and the bridge video. The video has been very popular -- hundreds have gone out. Cable customers get them for free. Our Comcast contract states that Comcast will fund a quarter page ad for public outreach. Dick has sent the video, the press release, the article and the bill for the ad in the Addison Independent to Comcast.
Dick and Nikki Morse are trying to take their vacation prior to year-end.
There were 12 entries in the teen video challenge, co-sponsored by MCTV (Nikki) and the Ilsley Library (Judah Hamer -- Children's Librarian). A panel of judges will select the winner.
2011 Budget
Dick reported that next year's budget is very similar to last year's with the exception that Nikki Morse will be working full-year. We will be bringing forward a fund balance which will help cover the additional expense. Ed asked that Dick and Molly put in raises for the staff. Dick raised the question of putting in a line item for potential legal expenses. We doubt it's necessary.
Preparation for Contract Renewal Timeline
Things look to be on track. MCTV will respond once Comcast initiates the negotiation
Other Business
Dick, Len and George attended the recent VAN meeting in Montpelier where John Burke spoke on the Regulatory World We Live In and Will Live In. A few interesting points from the meeting: lifeline services will drive broadband services; every TV will have web reception in the future; and PEG channels need to be in contact with FCC and Congress for support.
Next Meeting Date
The next meeting will be Monday, January 3rd at 4 PM.
Adjourn
Ed adjourned the meeting at 5:15 PM.
Agenda
Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 12:00 Noon
Ilsley Library
Call to Order
Appoint new Board Member
Appoint Secretary
Approve Minutes of April 7
Treasurer's Report
Director's Report
Cross St Bridge Video and Opening Ceremony
Preparation for Contract Renewal Timeline
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjourn
Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 12:00 Noon
Ilsley Library
Present: Board Members: Ed Peet (Vice Chair), Molly Reed (Treasurer), Chris Mueller, Len Rowell; Staff: Dick Thodal (Director), Nikki Morse (Out-Reach Coordinator); Guest: George Bellerose.
Absent: Jason Mittell (Chair), Bette Moffett
Call to Order
Ed Peet called the meeting to order at 12:00 pm. Nikki and Dick showed the Board the beginning of the new bridge video. The video was appreciated by all! DVDs will be available to MCTV subscribers free of charge while others can purchase them for $15.
Appoint new Board Member
Len moved to appoint George Bellerose as a board member to fulfill Sally Johnson's term. Molly seconded. Unanimous.
Appoint Secretary
Chris moved and Len seconded the motion to appoint Molly as secretary (in addition to her current office of Treasurer). Unanimous.
Approve Minutes of April 7
Chris moved and Molly seconded the motion to approve the Minutes of April 7. Unanimous.
Treasurer's Report
Molly reported that the finances are on track.
Director's Report
Dick reported that the two major current projects are the new bridge video, including taping the Opening Ceremony and the upcoming election. The studio is open at all candidates. Multiple candidates have been in to do half hour shows. They appreciate the time to go into issues in depth and the DVDs MCTV gives them and the host immediately following the program. MCTV will also be providing viewers with footage of statewide forums (downloaded via VMX). More generally, MCTV is collaborating more and more extensively with the Ilsley Library.
Out-Reach Coordinator's Report
Nikki reported that MCTV is moving away from scheduled training events (because they are not well attended) and from one-on one instruction (because it is a drain on staff time) to a drop-in format. As a first project, MCTV will provide a video tutorial on animation that kids can watch in the children's room. They can then sign out a camera through the children's librarian. Nikki is also setting up an after-school program to run in the end of October. Kids ages 11 to 14 will sign up through the rec department to drop in and make videos.
Preparation for Contract Renewal Timeline
The Director and the Board are hoping that contract renewal will go smoothly and that the issues will have been worked out by the stations that have gone through the process before MCTV. The first item of business is to agree as tro what an access plan actually is.
Other Business
Dick reported that Jason Mittell has expressed his desire to step down from the Board. Ed noted that he has made a great contribution due to his knowledge of the industry and wishes he wouldn't!
Next Meeting Date
To make it more likely to get a quorum at the Board meetings, the Board decided to move board meetings to the first Monday at 4 pm. If that isn't successful, we will try another day and/or time.
Adjourn
Ed adjourned the meeting at 1 pm.
Agenda
Wednesday, April 7, 2010, 12:00 Noon
Ilsley Library
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of Mar 3
Treasurer's Report
Director's Report
Access Plan/Future Planning
Budget
Annual Meeting
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjourn
Wednesday, April 7, 2010 12:00pm
Ilsley Library
Present: Board Members: Ed Vice Chair Peet, Bette Moffett, Sally Johnson, Len Rowell
Director Dick Thodal
Absent: Chair Jason Mittell, Treasurer Molly Reed, Chris Mueller
Call to Order:
Ed called the meeting to order at 12:19pm
Election of Officers: Len nominated the existing slate of officers for reelection. Unanimous.
Minutes of 2/03/10: Len/Bette moved to approve. Unanimous.
Treasurer's Report: On track
Director's Report: Dick reported on the upcoming Rec park class and non-local program sponsorship practice.
Access Plan: Discussed budget and future secondary technology distribution applications.
Next Meeting will be May 5
Adjourned at 1:05pm
Respectfully submitted,
Dick Thodal
Agenda
Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 12:00 Noon
Ilsley Library
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of 2009 Annual meeting
Treasurer's Report
Director's Report
Elect two At-Large 3 year board positions
Adopt Budget
Adopt Access Plan
VAN Legal Fund
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjourn
Agenda
Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 12:00 Noon
Ilsley Library
Call to Order
Approve Minutes of Nov 4
Treasurer's Report
Director's Report
Access Plan/Future Planning
Budget
Annual Meeting
Other Business
Next Meeting Date
Adjourn
Wednesday, February 3, 2010 12:00pm
Ilsley Library
Present: Board Members: Ed Vice Chair Peet, Chris Mueller, Sally Johnson, Len Rowell
Director Dick Thodal
Absent: Chair Jason Mittell, Treasurer Molly Reed, Bette Moffett
Call to Order:
Ed called the meeting to order at 12:09pm
Minutes of 11/04/09: Sally/Chris moved to approve. Unanimous.
Treasurer's Report: On track
Director's Report: Dick reported on MCTV candidate procedure
Access Plan: Discussed language
Budget: Discussed health benefits.
Next Meeting will be March 3 Annual Meeting
Adjourned at 1:10pm
Respectfully submitted,
Dick Thodal