A few of us had a chat at Paul's place on the 25th of Jan. Here's what we talked about.
Articles of incorporation - decided the remaining outstanding issues. Ryan will edit the wiki.
Board of directors - Min 3, max 7. President, VP (if >3 directors), treasurer, secretary. Others are directors at large.
Discussed and revised mission statement. Ryan will edit the wiki.
Discussed financial feasibility.
It was suggested that we raise membership rates, or have tiered membership. No decision.
Paul will look for cheaper locations.
Spambots are invading forum and wiki. Paul will add additional moderators to forum, and see how to add sysops to wiki.
Insurance - discussed appropriate amounts for liability insurance, and the possibility of D&O insurance. Brett will seek legal advice.
Legalese - looked at Milwaukee's waiver, lease agreement, and membership agreement. They look good, but Brett will seek legal advice to make sure they are appropriate for SK.
Future meetings were discussed:
2 weeks advance notice if possible
Minutes to be taken and posted to the wiki and/or forums after the meeting
Consider using a more formal “motion/second/vote” system
Agenda to be posted in advance
Software - if hosted by the space, it should be legit
Sponsorship
Possible revenue sources
Classes - lab fees + donations?
Membership fees
Storage rental?
Rent out rack or server space?
Canteen. A vending machine was suggested instead of an honor system.
Random thoughts on membership:
Vouching
Anyone who donates before space is open is grandfathered in, no vouch
Provision in bylaws for voting out problem members
Member projects should be both legal and safe
Guiding principles: be safe, be legal, don't be a dick.
A safety committee was suggested, as well as training on tools before use
Not actively pursuing spaces until we have seed money in the bank. Can look and see what we like/don't like, though.
Financial stuff:
Signing authority - the board has signing authority, 3 signatures required.
No debit/credit card, all with checks where possible
Keep petty cash on hand, managed by treasurer. Treasurer to report on expenditures.
Votes: online? Through the forum? (Can the admin see who voted for what?)
Provision in the bylaws for virtual meetings (
IRC or something)
Don't worry about having a shop full of fancy stuff. Provide a space and things will come.
Bylaws to be finished on the wiki over the next few days. Tim to finish framework, everyone else to review and edit