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MINUTES AS220 Board of Directors Meeting 1996/10/08
Members not present: Staff present: Guests present: (1) Lucie called the meeting to order.(2) Secretary's BusinessThe minutes of the September meeting were not mailed to the members because the secretary broke his elbow a few days after that meeting. The minutes were distributed and their passage was tabled until the November meeting. On a motion by Steve Durkee, seconded by Erminio Pinque, the Board unanimously VOTED to elect Jay Coogan and John Kelly to the Board of Directors. John Kelly reported that he was reviewing Robert O.'s draft revisions to the bylaws, and that he would report his recommendations in November, for voting in December. The chair, with the Board's concurrence, changed the order of the agenda. (4) Space allocation in the Empire-Arnold-Potter Block (AS220 Complex)Staff reported that money was coming in on contracts with the City of Providence and the Greater Providence Convention & Visitors Bureau to create and maintain WWW pages for those organizations, and that it was necessary to use the old office as a computer center. Laura again expressed her concern that AS220's foray into cybertechnology diverged from the organization's original mission. Manny observed that income-generating activities, insofar as they support organizational operations, do help AS220 to sustain its general mission. Someone questioned whether the Board was getting too micro-managerial by getting involved with space usage, and whether such decisions were better left to the executive director. Robert O. noted that insofar as building use affects rental income, and the Board must approve and monitor the budget, that certain types of building-use changes must be board-sanctioned. Bert explained that creation of the computer center was not intended to move AS220 into the "computer consulting business," but was part of a broader endeavor to explore how technology can serve the arts and culture, through projects such as cultural mapping and storytelling on the Internet. He also reported that use of the old computer lab in the basement for the music program was generating income for AS220. Laura insisted that a policy be adopted that a "major priority" of the Capital Campaign should be the creation of at least three new studio spaces at AS220. Considerable discussion followed about the prudence and efficacy of affirming such a detailed policy when the results of the Capital Campaign are far from clear.On a motion by Manny Vales, seconded by Steve Durkee, the Board unanimously VOTED that there be no more reduction of studio space at the AS220 Complex; (5) Capital Campaign UpdatePreliminary meetings continue with city officials, banks, and the Perishable Theatre staff and board. If things go as planned the banks should be able to get CRA "points" for participating, which makes this an attractive proposition for them.(3) Treasurer's ReportMonthly budget-to-actual comparisons for July and August were distributed (see copies). Our annual RISCA grant for operating support was received in September. Manny Vales said he was interested in devising creative fundraising strategies, and he volunteered to report on a few ideas at the November board meeting. (6) Coalition for Arts & the Revitalization of Downcity UpdateLucie reported on CARD's efforts to get the city to hold the Providence Place developers to their promise to site a cinema complex downtown, and noted that an important city council committee hearing was coming up on the issue. The Board decided that AS220 would not take a position as an organization, but board members were encouraged to make their personal views known, if they wished.(7) Director's ReportSince the hour was late, two board members had left, and all substantive business had already been discussed, the Director made no additional report.(8) On a motion by Gerry Heroux, seconded by David Newton, the Board unanimouslyVOTED to adjourn the meeting.
AS220 Board Meeting Minutes -- 1996/10/08 page 3
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