Minneapolis Telecommunications Network
Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, April 10, 2008

Board Members Present: Kevin Jenkins, Floyd Child, Barb Nei, Tamir Nolley, Joel Rainville
Board Members Absent: Tom Cassidy, Marido Huber, Andrew Hedden, Robert Vose
Ex-Officio Present: Lance Leupold, Edie French, John Harrison
Others Present: Pamela Colby, John Akre, Vera Allen, Beth Peloff

Jenkins called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
Jenkins called the meeting to order at 6:14 p.m. when Quorum was achieved.

I. Opening Business

A. Comments from public, staff and board – Allen is planning a gala for the 25th anniversary of MTN. Event will also be a fundraiser. She is asking for people to join her committee to put the event together for September. Cassidy will be a member of this committee. Committee will meet the week of May 12th.

B. Approval of the agenda. Agenda was not approved because Quorum was achieved only near the end of the meeting.

C. Approval of Minutes from the March board meeting as Amended. Child proposed an amendment to the Swarmcast section of the Executive Director's Report that "some concern was expressed by board members about use of MTN copyrighted materials by a for-profit corporation, and the Executive Director was asked to share any proposed agreements with the MTN board." MSP Nolley, Child.


II. Reports

A. City of Minneapolis – John Harrison presented
He proposed a July MTN annual meeting to the City Coordinator. He will report back when he has a date for the meeting. Colby said that a Thursday would work best.

B. Minneapolis Public Schools –Edie French presented
North High School is playing host to a Peace Jam event this weekend and Archbishop Desmond Tutu is speaking. The speech will be cablecast on channel 15 live. The Schools are investing in technology in classrooms. They have started a new show called Cultural Connections.

C. Comcast – Lance Leupold presented
Twin Cities Comcast became the first system to announce 50 MB download, 5 MB upload as a new service level. Other current service levels are also increasing speeds. This is because of the excellent technical team here. Leupold pointed out that this service increase may also lead to increased cable subscribers. He said the numbers of subscribers is growing.

D. Executive Director's Report. Pam Colby presented
Amy Goodman of Democracy Now will be in Minneapolis on April 28. MTN is a co-sponsor of her speech event and a portion of the proceeds will go to MTN. Colby is seeking volunteers.
MTN is producing the Urban League dinner video coverage and working on a video about the scholarship winners.
There was a Youth Media mini camp over spring break at MTN.
Access to Art taped Minnesota Opera Company's youth program and has sold about 20 copies so far.
Media Reform Conference is coming up to the convention center June 6 – 8. A live signal will be sent out of the building. MTN will partner with SPNN and TC Media Alliance on that event. French suggested talking with Colby about live programming out the convention center in respect to graduation coverage.
Child asked for a follow-up on the MTN Commission. Final meeting will be on April 29 in Studio A. Colby and Borrup will be conferring on the shape of the meeting and whether it will be videotaped. Colby and Borrup will be meeting with the Mayor on April 17 to go over the report.

E. Treasurer's Report. Colby presented.
February P & L was handed out. Colby said that budget is looking in line. French asked about the "% of budget" column. There was some discussion to explain this line. There was a question about the high amount of interest income. Peloff explained that the new investment company figures it quarterly.
Motion to accept the Treasurer's Report. MSP Nolley, Child.

III. Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m. MSP Nolley, Child.