Minneapolis Telecommunications Network
Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, August 13, 2009

Members Present: Andrew Hedden, Kevin Jenkins, Barb Nei, Rashad Hasan, Joel Rainville, Peter Larsen, Marido Huber, Ben Weeks
Board Members Absent: Patrick Scully
Ex-Officio Present: Lance Leupold
Others Present: Pam Colby, John Akre

Hedden called the meeting to order at 5:31 pm

I.Opening Business

A.Comments from public, staff and board – none

B.Approval of August meeting agenda. MSP Huber, Jenkins.

C.Approval of minutes from June board meeting. MSP Larson, Nei.

II. Reports

A.City of Minneapolis – Harrison not present
Colby announced that Mayor's budget address was held today.

B.Minneapolis Public Schools – French not present
Colby met with public schools and city representatives. They discussed possible ways to partner.

C.Comcast – Leupold reported
Comcast is sponsoring several events in August, including the Uptown Art Fair and Family Day. Comcast also sponsored the Northeast Parade. Leupold said that MTN would not be able to connect to the Prisma system.

D.Executive Director's Report – Colby reported.
At the Mayor's budget address, Colby was told to expect some kind of budget cut for 2010.
MTN has started the contract covering meetings of the Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission. Colby said that this basically replaces the funds received from the NRP contract in the past.
The staff will have two retreat meetings in September.
The CTEP Americorps Member Chris Nordenson will be starting in September.
Step Up interns David Lurvey and Tom Lockman are done with their service to MTN. They produced a documentary on the MTN staff and shot a documentary on the Home Grown Minneapolis project.
MTN has received furniture from Project for Pride in Living in exchange for sponsorship of the MTN News show.
MTN completed a grant application to be a partner in the Open Media Project.
The Members Meeting is on-line.

E.Treasurer's Report – Rainville presented
June P & L statement handed out and reviewed. Rainville had notes on revenue – Memberships, trainings and certifications are ahead of budget. Production Services is below budget. Huber suggested that income billed but not yet received by incorporated into the report. Expenses were ahead of budget partly due to a third pay period in June. Health benefit spending was also ahead of budget. Huber suggested MTN complete a revised budget for the remainder of 2009 to help in setting priorities.
The Management letter from the audit was discussed. Rainville said that this year the auditor had some recommendations in adjusting some of MTN's processes. The letter recommended training to use the full benefits of MTN's accounting software and adjustments to MTN's accounting policies in areas such as credit card purchases, fixed assets and inventory. The Chart of Accounts needs some new headings. There were also deficiencies in reimbursement policies and uncashed checks that were still in the system and vacation accrual. Colby will set up a conference call with the auditor and Finance Committee. Huber asked when 2010 budget process begins. Colby will begin working on it presently.
Motion to receive the Treasurer's report MSP Huber, Nei.
Motion to give the Finance Committee authority to approve the audit after it has been reviewed – MSP Rainville, Huber.

III. New Business

A.Member's Meeting discussion regarding MTN Facility
At the Member's Meeting, two city council Members raised the issue of the MTN lease, which expires February 2010. Huber suggested that a committee be formed to discuss that issue. Volunteering for the Lease Committee were Huber, Weeks, Rainville, Hedden, Larson. Motion: that the board give the Lease Committee authority to enter into a lease agreement if the Lease Committee deems it appropriate. The committee will report to the board a week prior to any action. MSP Rainville, Nei. Leupold said that the Council directed MTN to meet with CPED to discuss other locations. Hedden suggested that this would be one of the options that the committee will evaluate. Colby said that our landlord wants notice soon if MTN wants to renew for a five year block.

IV. Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 6:19 pm. MSP Huber, Weeks.