Minneapolis Telecommunications Network
Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, May 10, 2007

Board Members Present: Marido Huber, Andrew Hedden, Joan Higinbotham, Tom Cassidy, Floyd Child, Kevin Jenkins, Tamir Nolley, Joel Rainville
Board Members Absent: Robert Vose
Ex-Officio Present: Mike Hestick, Lance Leupold, Edie French
Others Present: Pamela Colby, John Akre

Huber called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.

I. Opening Business

A. Comments from public, staff and board – clips of live Voices call in show presented.

B. Approval of the agenda. Amend Agenda to add part III A. Disposition of old truck and possible purchase of new van. MSP Child, Nolley Amend agenda to add part III B. Performance Agreement 2007 MSP Child, Nolley. Approve Amended Agenda: MSP Child, Nolley.

C. Approval of Minutes from the April board meeting. MSP Child, Jenkins.


II. Reports


A. City of Minneapolis – Mike Hestick presented representing Harrison
Per the city settlement with Comcast, the city is investigating activating a video on demand channel for government access programs. There is also an opportunity for VOD for education access.
Because of accounting errors on the part of the city and MTN, MTN was paid $17,436 less than it was owed. Harrison asked that Colby invoice the city for this.
Access Minneapolis this month is focusing on environmental issues.
They are producing a PSA for National Night Out and would like to send it to MTN and Comcast.
Child asked if MTN could be included in VOD.

B. Minneapolis Public Schools – Edie French reported
French said that there was a power failure over the weekend. They are gearing up for graduation coverage.

C. Comcast – Lance Leupold presented
Comcast completed the digital upgrade of MTN signals. They have heard from Jim Derks that there is an audio delay but the signal looks much better. Colby said that the delay is wreaking havoc on the live interactive shows. Leupold said that there might be some way to deal with this and their engineers would like to work on this with MTN. Leupold said that this delay is the norm in the digital world.
Comcast is a sponsor of Minneapolis Mosaic. MTN ran an ad that mentioned Time Warner in it. Time Warner is also mentioned on the web site.


D. Executive Director's Report – Colby presented
Two new phone lines were installed in Studio B with a new phone system for call-in shows.
MTN is drafting a policy referring to live time application.
Colby has been spending time on ACM Conference planning. MTN will offer scholarships to members. The Mayor and Ellison will be there to give welcome comments.
Colby suggested that board members be sure to attend the Friday Nicollet Island Pavilion event. Higinbotham suggested that MTN piggy-back on this for publicity purposes. Colby has been mentioning it to elected officials and staff.

E. Treasurer's Report – Hedden presented
P & L report passed out for March. Hedden said there was nothing out of the ordinary. Motion to receive report MSP Child, Rainville.


III. Action Items

A. Disposition of old truck and possible purchase of new van
Colby said that MTN had been discussing purchasing a used van, but none available met MTN?s needs With the extra funding coming from city, MTN would be able to purchase a new van. Juxtaposition Arts would be able to provide an artist to put the MTN logo on it. The old van has been sold. Equipment in the van would be a second portable production unit. That would cost around $15,000. Huber suggested the possibility of getting equipment on a lease to maintain cash flow. Colby asked if Comcast would like its name on the van. Leupold said that he would check. Motion: approve purchase of the van as proposed by Colby MSP. Child, Nolley.
Jenkins asked about the equipment for the van. Colby said that the equipment committee will meet soon about it. Huber asked that the Finance Committee be consulted before the purchase.

B. Performance Agreement 2007
Colby asked board to approve a performance agreement that was built off the business plan. It was written by Colby and Vose was rewritten by Harrison and Colby. The documents will then go to the city attorney office; they might recommend changes. Move to adopt 2007 Performance Agreement. MSP Child, Nolley.
Huber said that city departments will soon be presenting their budgets for 2008. Huber suggested that MTN present its 2008 Performance Agreement soon.

Next board meeting June 14
III. Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 6:24 p.m. MSP Nolley, Child.