Hardwick Community Television
Board of Directors Meeting
November 3, 2014
Memorial Building, Hardwick, Vermont

Present: Monty Shatney, President Kurt Bos, Secretary/Treasurer Leif Goldberg, Executive Director Rachel Kane Nancy Kellogg John Klee Jon Lussier Dave Mitchell Minutes (as taken by Rachel Kane)
Meeting called to order at 6:03.

Motion to accept the minutes of the July 31, 2014 meeting – made by Monty, seconded by Rachel. The minutes were corrected to include a discussion which had occurred on the idea of embedding HCTV videos into business websites, such as the Town of Hardwick website. A motion was then made to accept the amended minutes, moved by Monty, seconded by Jon. The board voted to accept.

Financial Report The Balance Sheet as of November 3, 2014 – motion to accept made by Monty, seconded by Jon. The board voted to accept, with little discussion. The Profit and Loss, with Previous Year Comparison, as of November 3, 2014. Moved by Monty, seconded by Jon. On a detail, Rachel thought that in future the Workman’s Comp insurance ought to be grouped with payroll expenses rather than with general insurance, to more accurately reflect the total payroll costs. The recommendation was made to do this on subsequent reports. Jon and others were pleased with the financial status of the station. The board voted to accept.

Station Report by Leif The station was asked by the Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union (OSSU) if we could tape and subsequently broadcast a series of 10 public forums which the OSSU has set up in the district to take place this fall and winter. Leif told Marina Groenewald, their communication coordinator, that we could not commit volunteer hours for this, but could do so if the forums had financial sponsorship, which has been arranged. They will pay us $80 per taping. The station will pay operators to film the meetings, unless volunteers turn up. The OSSU coordinator hopes to involve students with some of the filming. The first OSSU forum was being filmed this evening by a contractor, to whom we will pay $50. Apropos of sponsorships in general – the usual charge is $50, but with a lower charge if someone sponsors several events. Monty questioned why we should offer a lower rate at all, and Leif answers that he feels it is a good idea, as it increases support and involvement with the station. Monty is unconvinced. Some of the Woodbury School Board meetings are taped thanks to a paid sponsorship. The next volunteer training will be held in early December. Leif felt it would be a good thing to let volunteers know that, if they are competent enough, that the station might be able to pay them for taping/editing events, and this could be an incentive. The station aired Meet the Candidate interviews with the two candidates for the House seat, which received over 100 views, which was felt by all to be a good response, and something we should continue with in future.

Technical Report by Leif Several pieces of equipment have died or gone wonky recently. One of the editing computers died, and its replacement has just been installed. One of the external hard drives has been giving a lot of trouble too, but may be fixable. A smaller PC appears to have died, and this is the computer that controls the Community Calendar, so the calendar has not been up for nearly three weeks. Dave will see if he can fix this PC. The station was down completely for 2 or 3 days in September, due to a glitch at Comcast, and this was out of our control. Robin has not been able to put many hours in recently, and Leif worries that the station is beginning to fall behind in maintenance and repairs, and editing obligations. Monty will set up a meeting shortly with Leif and Robin to review hours and responsibilities.

Fundraising Jon says we might as well move on from the grocery raffle, which we have run for several years. The return and the effort no longer seem to be worth it. The idea of a coin drop was brought up again – Leif will investigate the idea with the Hardwick Town Manager’s office, and Monty will ask in Woodbury. Jon also suggests we tie our fundraising in with an existing event, such as Spring Festival. The board is encouraged to brainstorm, and bring ideas to our next meeting in January.

Other Issues Jon says that he is planning on filming all of the Hazen girls basketball games this season, and some of the boys games too. He is hoping to involve students with the taping and calling of the games, which would add some color to the game, and hopefully lead to these young people getting involved with the station. The board feels this is a fine idea. Monty moves we adjourn the meeting, seconded by Jon.

Meeting adjourns at 6:55