KLTV
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
February 16, 2009

President Mark McCrady called the meeting to order at 5:40 pm.

Secretary Arlen Hubble called the roll.   Board Members Present:  Position 1 – George Ford,  Post 2 - Mike Kayser was late, Post 3 – Brian Magnuson, Posit 4 - Joe Daggy,  Post 5 – Mark McCrady, Post 7- Don MacDonald, Post 8 - Hal Phillips, Post 9 – James Johnston.  All Board Members were present.

Members present: Leroy Gerdlud, Ken Botero, Keath Huff, Karin Huff, Katie Huff, Jane Still, Rick Still, Bill Kasch, Sharon Kuroda, Lorna Moon, Elaine Snyder, Bob Metke, Jack Radique, Heidi Shaw, and Eric Nyugen. Staff included: Barry Verrill, Gary Hill, Linda Manning, Marilyn Freerks, Frank Huckstep, Joe Creppell, and Eric Anderson.

Mark asked if there were any changes or additions to the agenda. None were recommended.

Mark said he would entertain a motion to approve the minutes of January 19, 2009. The motion to accept the minutes was made by Mike Kayser and seconded by Hal Phillips. The minutes were accepted as presented.  

Treasurer’s Report   Mark turned the floor over to Brian Magnuson. He directed everyone to their copies of the financial statements of January 31st, 2009 and the Profit and Loss (budget vs. actual) Statement. As it is early in the year there is no cause for alarm - we are very solvent. We brought in more than budgeted last year in addition we spent less than was budgeted. The 4th Quarter 2008 figures will soon begin to roll in. As an endeavor to save additional funds, Gary will begin writing the checks that pay the bills. We will maintain our longtime association with Bob Chace, who will continue providing  KLTV with Quarterly Reports and prepare our taxes.

Operations Manager Report - Linda started her report by describing a critical problem with our Fiber Optic system that prevented our going LIVE from our government locations. Initially we were unable to go live from any of the government locations but due to the diligence of the Comcast crew, Brian Magnuson’s Cascade Networks crew, Neil Johnson from the City of Longview and KLTV’s own staff, we were able to remedy two of the three locations. Longview City Council Chambers posed some unusual problems so Joe Creppell was forced to Tape – Delay the Feb 12th Council Meeting. The Longview Council Chamber will hopefully be operable by tomorrow.

Executive Director Report   Barry Verrill recapped HOUSE BILL 5241 which was proposed to promote Access Television channels but may also require weekly Neilson Rating calculation which would be financially inhibiting.

He reported on a recent meeting with Castle Rock City Council specifically to address establishing a Franchise Agreement in exchange for covering their council meetings.

Barry felt since he was on a roll, he contacted Woodland Mayor Chuck Bloom to offer a similar proposal. Barry then announced a proposal to cover Port of Longview Commissioners Meetings.

Barry reported the first Local Matters show is scheduled for Wednesday March 11th with Kelso Mayor David Futcher as he and Rick Winsman’s first guest.

As of Feb 11th Barry was pleased to report KLTV membership tallies 104 Individuals, Families, and Organizations alike. Of that 104 - 12 have committed to working off their membership dues. With approximately the same number expressing interest in working off training fees as well.

He was extremely pleased to announce the window blinds have finally been installed which until today was the last studio remodel project inside the facility to be completed. The next project negotiated was the replacing of the front desk – counter top. David Swanson agreed to replace the existing ceramic tile with a strand of oak similar to our front window sills.

Linda and her crew were stead fast at remodeling the Master Control Room. Eric will soon have textured walls and ceiling, built in shelving, an actual desk to work at, and several file drawers to organize his clutter. He’s hinting that he wants a comfortable chair to round off the classy redo.

The PowerPoint presentation prepared for the Longview City Council meeting has been postponed  again. Mark and Barry were set to present on February 12th’s meeting but asked to delay till further notice.

Barry reiterated that Gary will take on writing the checks and paying the bills starting the first of March as an endeavor to save roughly $10,000 per year.

Mark introduced Maureen McCarthy, a consultant, whom we hired for an organizational improvement back in September of 2008. She interviewed staff and board members alike. Her recommendations include diversifying our revenue streams and more importantly bringing in municipal political entities as a supportive body. We realized we couldn’t advance to the next level with the Bylaws the way they are written so Maureen and board members worked through them in October and November. The goal was to get to the next level and still remain a majority control by the membership. The proposal would increase the board to 11 members, which would include the six elected members, a member appointed by each of the three largest contributors. These are Cowlitz County, City of Longview and the City of Kelso. Then the board members will appoint the last 2 people.

Mark explained that while 19 states have yanked government support for non-profits, it is imperative that we gain community support. An advantage to bringing major contributors to the board is that they almost always become champions of that organization.

Whereas Mark acknowledges the Board’s intentions were completely honorable in seeking a revision to the makeup of the Board, he feels that perhaps now is not the time to make the change. He suggests that further thought and discussions be scheduled with the membership. He further stipulates that a Special Meeting could be called at anytime rather waiting for the next Annual Membership Meeting as spelled out in the current Bylaws.    

Positions four, five, and six are up for election in 2009. Position 5 held by Mark McCrady will be open in 2009 for he wishes to excuse himself from the position. Mark appointed George Ford and Hal Phillips to assist him and to comprise the Nomination Committee. The committee will report a slate of officers to be announced at the Annual Membership Meeting in March. Date, Time and Location also to be announced.     

           
Mark reiterated that by the deadline for becoming a voting member is 12:00 Midnight March 20th , 2009.

Good of the Order 

The meeting was ADJOURNED AT 7:15 PM  

Minutes Approved   ____/____/____ by KLTV Board ________________________________
                                          Date                                                       Secretary’s Signature