Minneapolis Telecommunications Network
Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, September 10, 2009

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

Hedden called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm

I.Opening Business

A.Comments from public, staff and board.
Congratulations to both Andrew Hedden and Ben Weeks on passing the bar exam.
B.Approval of September meeting agenda. MSP Hasan, Jenkins.

C.Approval of minutes from August board meeting. MSP .

II. Reports

A.City of Minneapolis – Harrison reported.
See attached report.
Harrison will supply links to city public hearing information.
74,000 – 75,000 Comcast subscribers for June, July and August.
Two board members (Huber and Hasan) terms are expiring January 15th. As opposed to prior years, the City Council will not be selecting candidates this year, MTN will choose candidates to propose to the Council for approval.
Question is raised as to whether the City and Comcast have reached a new franchise agreement. Harrison responds an agreement has been reached, but there is still a public hearing, followed by a review by Ways and Means, and then a presentation to the City Council for approval.
Question is raised as to whether MTN or PEG channels are mentioned in the new franchise agreement. Harrison responds he does not yet know, but any feedback from MTN should come to the public hearing.
Concern is raised by Colby and board members that MTN was not included in creation of the franchise agreement. Hasan raises concern that MTN?s mission will be lost in these negotiations. Colby points out that the structure of PEG funding was determined by a past lawsuit.

C. Minneapolis Public Schools – French not present

B.Comcast – Leupold reported
Leupold introduces new Comcast 8 Point Guarantee for customer service and accountability, including pledge to solve customer concerns in the first phone call. There are also new methods for reaching Comcast on-line, including live chat. This is part of new direction to push customer service to at least an equal position within the organization as cutting edge technology. Comcast has also been involved in community events including Extreme Makeover Home Edition.
Question is raised as to whether potential new location being scouted has a fiber connection. Leupold responds that a preliminary estimate to hook up fiber to this space would be $20,000, but that depends largely on proposed uses. Huber requests Comcast determine how much the hook up, set up and operation would cost.
Question is raised as to the Plymouth Ave. space (playback) and whether Comcast has any future plans for that space. Leupold responds that he does not know if Comcast has any plans for that space, or what the status of that space in relation to the franchise agreement negotiations might be.

C.Executive Director's Report – Colby reported.
See report attached.
Two MTN staff retreat sessions went very well. There was some focus on alternative income streams, as outlined in the strategic plan. One issue raised was feeling of disconnection of staff from board. Discussion amongst board members raises issues of staff not attending board meetings, potential for board members to check in with staff before board meetings, and having staff come to board meetings to report on parts of MTN operations.
MTN hosted a mayoral debate with six candidates, which was broadcast live and will be re-broadcast. There is also a Ward 5 debate coming up, and possibly another ward debate.
Colby met with Al Franken?s staff person recently with some other organizations to discuss the Community Access Preservation Act being put forward in the U.S. House currently (see attached summary).
MTN has been doing a number of small production services jobs recently. We will also be hosting a used equipment sale soon.


D.Treasurer's Report – Rainville not present.
See reports attached.
Alex Betzenheimer, staff bookkeeper, presented the August Profit and Loss statement and Notes, as well as a projection of 2009 year-end Profit and Loss. Question is raised as to why Production Services Income has been so far below budget. Colby explains the lack of movement on Parks and Trails productions and the end of the Nordic Roots Festival production, both of which would have

Move to accept Financial Report – MSP Huber, Nei.

IV. New Business

A.2010 Budget
Colby introduces 2010 budget process. A draft is being worked on and will be e-mailed to board members for review.

B.Resignation of Patrick Scully
Colby explains Scully has had an ongoing conflict that has prevented him from attending meetings, and therefore wishes to tender his resignation. Scully has not officially resigned with the City. The seat must be officially open 30 days before a replacement can be named.
Colby has a recommendation for a new board member, a community producer from the Somali community.


V. Adjourn
Motion to adjourn MSP Weeks, Nei. Meeting adjourned at 6:26 pm.