Log
Board
Meeting
June 11, 2000
MS-Chat0001
6/11/00 1:03:48 PM,Nancy,Since Ron is very
familiar with the Agenda, and I chatted on the phone with Shirley just the other
day and went over many of the items, I'd like to call the meeting to order to
discuss the first 4 Agenda items and see if there are any questions.
6/11/00
1:04:12 PM,Nancy,The meeting will come to order. We anticipate a quorum and the
arrival of Jurian and Ron (who is connecting with Shirley)
6/11/00 1:04:31
PM,Jurian,Ah, there I am :)
6/11/00 1:04:36 PM,Jurian,I think
6/11/00
1:04:42 PM,Nancy,The first 4 Agenda items are primarily a report to the Board,
so I'd like to ask if there is any discussion or questions about Item
1.
6/11/00 1:05:48 PM,Nancy,There has been some discussion about earthworms,
mostly with information from Michel and from a web site that Ichi located
(Canadian)
6/11/00 1:05:54 PM,Clipper,No questions here. It looks very
organized.
6/11/00 1:06:00 PM,Jurian,None here either
6/11/00 1:06:06
PM,Gerard,
(Michel) No
6/11/00 1:06:12 PM,Gerard,For me no questions too
6/11/00 1:06:27 PM,Nancy,We have taken care to keep our nightcrawlers in
their native soil, but Michel has pointed out that red wrigglers break down
compost more quickly. Perhaps we should be getting some of those too.
6/11/00
1:07:26 PM,Ron,Hi all, had a hard time getting in.
6/11/00 1:07:41
PM,Jurian,Same here :-)
6/11/00 1:07:48 PM,Nancy,We are learning lessons on
hydroponics, for instance the mix of plants is important for compatibility, etc.
They should all germinate same time (all are quick in any case) as the nutrient
solution needs to be changed apace. Also, from living with the worms, lessons
are being learned.
6/11/00 1:08:17 PM,Nancy,Ron, Shirley has been in and out.
Tried to send some messages. I think one of us should call her on the phone,
etc.
6/11/00 1:08:42 PM,Nancy,Do you want to come upstairs so we can free up
a line?
6/11/00 1:09:21 PM,Ron,Yea, I guess so ... be there in a
minute.
6/11/00 1:09:29 PM,Nancy,We have a lot of projects started, and it is
my focus this summer to bring them all to operational status, closure in that
regard.
6/11/00 1:11:59 PM,Nancy,We have the worm beds in operation,
hydroponics Cycle 1 coming along, short wave pad under discussion with a
contractor, storm shelter site being readied, and much under seed
a'coming.
6/11/00 1:12:31 PM,Nancy,I want to ensure that our ongoing projects
are OK before we start anything new.
6/11/00 1:13:39 PM,Nancy,New is wood
gas prototype, houseboat demo, streaming audio/video development.
6/11/00
1:14:14 PM,Nancy,New also could be info from Clipper's concrete dome, which is
being developed to be pole shift sufficient.
6/11/00 1:14:44 PM,Nancy,Ron has
computed the value of our physical assets and they come to about
$11,000.
6/11/00 1:14:58 PM,Nancy,Any discusison on Item 1?
6/11/00
1:15:09 PM,Clipper,None here.
6/11/00 1:15:10 PM,Jurian,Stupid netmeeting is
really starting to annoy me..
6/11/00 1:15:12 PM,Jurian,Nope none
here
6/11/00 1:15:51 PM,Nancy,Next year, I'd like to see other hands doing
the seed planting and collecting, as we have the land and equipment (could use
more land though), but not enough hands!
6/11/00 1:16:29 PM,Nancy,We also
will be in a position to have more visiting professional helpers, with the
cottage now truly operational and cleaned up (and can open the
windows!)
6/11/00 1:16:31 PM,Gerard,None here
6/11/00 1:17:33
PM,Nancy,It's so great having the place cleaned up and labs in operation
(basement, etc.) as we are now making real progress.
6/11/00 1:18:08
PM,Nancy,Along those lines, where we are looking now at what we have
accomplished and what is yet to be done, is there any discussion on Item 2, the
proactive project list?
6/11/00 1:18:29 PM,Clipper,I would like to note that
MikeL is also involved in the design and implementation of the concrete
dome.
6/11/00 1:18:53 PM,Nancy,We have gotten word that substantial funding
might come our way. To date, we have waited until a Principal offered their
time, then put the project up for funding.
6/11/00 1:19:08 PM,Gerard,Personal
question from Michel:
(Michel) Ask nancy if I'd be welcome to help out next year for a month or two..?
6/11/00 1:19:57 PM,Nancy,Now, this is reversed, with the
funding coming ahead of the projects! So, I'm trying to be more proactive, and
have put out a list to tt-forum asking for ideas (only got them from MikeL, in
fact) and also onto tt-inc asking for review (only got an addition from
Clipper).
6/11/00 1:21:59 PM,Nancy,For those who have read the Agenda, you
can see that I am asking for Ichi's plane fare to be reimbursed, some $800 or so
per trip, for his time here to help out. I certainly would entertain an offer
from others in a similar manner! This is very cheap labor!
6/11/00 1:22:39
PM,Nancy,Japan has an arrangement with the US where a 3 month tourist visa is
easy to get. Not sure about other countries, but we have rooms here for those
coming to work their butts off, etc. :-)
6/11/00 1:23:02 PM,Nancy,I even made
our primary donor rake and plant and get out in the heat and sweat. No one is
exempt!
6/11/00 1:23:27 PM,Jurian,Question.. once our group starts working on
our survival site, would it be possible to get radio equipment from TT-inc
funding? if possible, we could set up intercontinental communications between
our locations..
6/11/00 1:23:52 PM,Nancy,We need a vote on Item 2, before I
can officially switch to this list from our old format. There are new projects
on this list, and per the Bylaws, we must have these approved by the Board. I'd
entertain a motion, etc.
6/11/00 1:24:26 PM,Nancy,Shirley states that she
moves that we approve Item 2 as stated.
6/11/00 1:24:31 PM,Nancy,Ron seconds
this motion.
6/11/00 1:24:59 PM,Nancy,A motion has been made and seconded to
approve the project list as outlined in Item 2. All in favor say YES, opposed
NO.
6/11/00 1:25:01 PM,Nancy,Yes
6/11/00 1:25:03 PM,Jurian,yes
6/11/00
1:25:06 PM,Clipper,Yes
6/11/00 1:25:13 PM,Nancy,Shirley and Ron, both
yes
6/11/00 1:25:27 PM,Gerard,yes
6/11/00 1:25:58 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) Yes
6/11/00 1:26:18 PM,Nancy,Item 3 of the Agenda is a simple
report re the IRS status possibly calling our nonprofit a private foundation vs
public benefit. I frankly think there is scant chance of this for all the
reasons outlined in Agenda Item 3, but is seems even if this happens, the hit is
on the donor, not us.
6/11/00 1:26:27 PM,Nancy,Nothing, in fact, would change
for us.
6/11/00 1:26:51 PM,Nancy,The motion passes and the new project list
is approved.
6/11/00 1:28:08 PM,Nancy,Item 4 is outlining what the reporting
requirements are that I am aware of, to date. Clipper's resignation has left us
without a VP, but the Bylaws state that one is not strictly necessary, and in
fact the Board can appoint several if they wish.
6/11/00 1:28:35
PM,Gerard,
(Michel) what are the differences between the Inc as a private foundation and public benefit?
6/11/00 1:28:44 PM,Nancy,Should I be unable to function
for more than a 30 day period, then a quorum of the Board functions as a
substitute President. So, you'all should be aware of the reporting requirements
:-)
6/11/00 1:29:39 PM,Nancy,Michel, the IRS wants to prevent wealthy
families from avoiding taxes by setting up private foundations.
6/11/00
1:30:31 PM,Nancy,They then hire their family, have a stock portfolio where they
don't have to pay taxes on the dividents, and smirk behind the IRS's
back.
6/11/00 1:31:17 PM,Nancy,So, if the IRS finds a nonprofit is
functioning in this way, they limit the amount they can personally give to this
or that from 50% of their gross income to 30%, and make the nonprofit give away
5% of their net worth every year!
6/11/00 1:31:40 PM,Nancy,For the recipient
of a donation (us), there is no change :-)
6/11/00 1:32:51 PM,Nancy,I
conferred with our CPA, and she stated that in most cases the IRS does not even
follow their rules, lets things slide by. In our case, where this donor is not
on the Board, and our mission is not changing since they started donating, I
think the issue is mute.
6/11/00 1:33:22 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) So the Inc will not become a private organization I think, right?
6/11/00 1:33:34 PM,Nancy,Item 5 is a requested discussion
on whether my view on the Binding Agreement is considered correct by the Board.
6/11/00 1:34:23 PM,Nancy,As stated, if there is no chance of a NEW invention
coming out, I have not been requiring a binding agreement. Example: seed team
growers are not asked to sign them, as they are NOT creating new seed, only
growing existing seed.
6/11/00 1:35:07 PM,Nancy,However, if a new invention
is possible, in the case of Ron who is creative and inventive and HAS patents in
his name, or the case of Ichi who WILL be creating new recipes, I have required
this. Geson also agreed in writing.
6/11/00 1:36:33 PM,Nancy,Michel, unless
we get a lot more donations, we WILL be considered a private foundation from the
major donor who is giving us $10,000 in January, and $15,000 now, and maybe up
to $50,000 in December. If more than 10% of a nonprofit is from a single source,
the IRS can rule it is a private foundation at the bidding of that
source.
6/11/00 1:37:19 PM,Nancy,Question from your President. Do you thing
my policy in demanding a Binding Agreement is corect? Should I be more strict?
Discussion and comment?
6/11/00 1:38:15 PM,Clipper,I think your binding
agreement policy is fine.
6/11/00 1:38:40 PM,Nancy,While we are waiting for
any comments on this Item 5, I'd like to also move to discussion of Item 6. Ron
is formulating a policy re the nonprofit's funding of short wave antenna towers
and the like - big ticket items, etc.
6/11/00 1:39:02 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) I don't understand it, so I can't comment.
6/11/00 1:39:35 PM,Nancy,He has been both pleased and
disappointed with the response to his radio classes. Good response re joining
up, poor response re doing the grunt work, the reading and learning Morse Code
and the like.
6/11/00 1:39:59 PM,Nancy,We don't want to be seen as the place
to go if you're looking for radio equipment just because you show up!
6/11/00
1:40:30 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) Nancy, how much antenna towers are needed and what will the educative value of this be exactly?
6/11/00 1:41:38 PM,Nancy,Michel, I would require you to
sign one if you got funding, because you do creative work. For instance, you
could not take our funds, create something, then patent or copyright it for
profit. The IRS does not want a nonprofit to be used to support R&D for a
for-profit enterprise. This is why that issue with Geoff was such a sore point
and I got out of tt-video so quickly! They do not mix, and we could lose our
nonprofit status.
6/11/00 1:42:22 PM,Nancy,The Binding Agreement states,
simply, that the person getting money in any way from the nonprofit for a
project agrees that any patent or copyright or Trademark ensuing is the property
of the nonprofit, NOT the person.
6/11/00 1:42:36 PM,Nancy,Michel, I'd have
to ask Ron.
6/11/00 1:43:35 PM,Nancy,Ron says - we need as many towers as we
have trained operators, and the short wave internet replacement
procedures.
6/11/00 1:44:00 PM,Nancy,Ron states - and we want to place them
in as many parts of the world as we can get these operators.
6/11/00 1:44:50
PM,Nancy,Ron says - if you can pay for your own tower, wonderful! In those
cases, the nonprofit may purchase an amplifier for the person.
6/11/00
1:45:48 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) To what extent will funding be pushed to be used for basically preparation at the Inc. site? Basically, when the poleshift hits - the Inc. site will have been made into a prepared survival site with all the necessary necessaries to survive paid by funds. I do not like this idea when there is nothing in it for the other board members of the Inc.
6/11/00 1:45:49 PM,Nancy,Nancy says - depends on the
funds the nonprofit gets, the other demands for the funds, but per Ron it ALSO
depends on the quality of the operators. He wants blood and sweat from those
folks FIRST, in the web lessons and IRC and the like, before they get
funding.
6/11/00 1:47:07 PM,Nancy,Michel, I quite agree with you and this is
one reason the storm shelter will NOT be cemeted down but can easily be moved.
ALL nonprofit assets can be moved, and in fact may. Do you know of another site
where a lab such as we are operating in the basement can be housed? NO other
offers have been made, to date.
6/11/00 1:47:42 PM,Nancy,Also, this place is
very public, the address known to the world (an IRS and other requirement), so
just what kind of a survival site do you think this will be?
6/11/00 1:48:45
PM,Nancy,My focus has been on developing solutions, getting these fine tuned so
that the public does not make mistakes when they have little funds or time.
Getting this out in written word (brochures) or videos or the Internet
(streaming video). Many many interviews, etc.
6/11/00 1:50:19
PM,Nancy,Michel, in NO way do the Board members or officers get ANY benefit from
the nonprofit assets! I have spent all my funds, and put all my personal assets
at the disposal of, the Inc. My home is invaded, my time completely consumed,
and I know of NO other members who have done this short of Ron who has worked
full time on these projects!
6/11/00 1:50:52 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) Nancy, whether all items paid by funds can be moved or not does not matter if they will eventually be used by you or Ron or another present member of the Inc to survive while the other board members have nothing - in most cases. They have nothing to offer for they have in most cases nothing. Wouldn't the Inc. be able to co-fund property for building such a lab on, for instance?
6/11/00 1:51:24 PM,Nancy,Please compare my and Ron's
contribution, and personal sacrifice, to all others! Plus, where we have
repeatedly stated this is NOT a survival site, others murmur this! Those others
who so murmur should be looked at for THEIR agenda, frankly, how much they have
contributed and what they are looking for, personally.
6/11/00 1:52:03
PM,Nancy,There is, to my knowledge, one source of this view. No more grousing on
this matter publically. Lets take this off line unless it is
professional.
6/11/00 1:52:57 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) Your focus on developing solutions is in fact getting you prepared for the shift.. ergo your requests and that of Ron to buy this and that for use AT the Inc. site.. that is in fact BENEFITING YOU AND RON, members of the Inc.
6/11/00 1:53:09 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) Ron has worked full time because he had the time, he said so himself before his heavy contributing began.
6/11/00 1:53:25 PM,Nancy,Michel, buy the land so someone
can setup a lab? If the person had the track record such that they could be
counted upon to DELIVER, certainly this would be an option. Please give me
examples!
6/11/00 1:54:18 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) Nancy, I see this as a matter important to the Inc. You call it unprofessional, and to be honest I have spoken about this with both Jurian and Gerard.
6/11/00 1:55:24 PM,Nancy,Let's take the projects, one by
one. Where in the world is lab work on growing hydroponics with urine and worm
pee and the pH and the like able to grow tomatoes when no nutrient powder can be
purchased. Are YOU going to do this? WHO?
6/11/00 1:56:36 PM,Nancy,My husband
is spending days of his time assembling Linux servers. YOU on the other hand
have had the Pole Shift video proposal out there for years, and NOT moved it
along with your time. He works long days, full time, what is your excuse? This
is an example of these complaints!
6/11/00 1:57:07 PM,Nancy,Ron says - this
is a matter that is not appropriate for the Board Meeting, was not on the
agenda, and should be taken to tt-inc for discussion. Lets move on.
6/11/00
1:57:18 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) Nancy, that was an example, as I made clear. The point is, will all funds be used at the Inc. site only?
6/11/00 1:57:20 PM,Clipper,I agree
6/11/00 1:58:06
PM,Clipper,I agree with Ron I mean. We should move on.
6/11/00 1:58:14
PM,Nancy,Michel, Ron is not in a differnt position from you. He needs to work to
live, and gave UP much which you do NOT give up so he can work on these
projects. You just give excuses, frankly!
6/11/00 1:59:15
PM,Gerard,
(Jurian) It's not as easy to buy land in Europe as it seems to be in the US, land here is generally very expensive, and none of our group currently have the resources to buy land, let alone set up an entire survival site.. Any help from the Inc to at least START a site in Europe, would be a good begin for us, and it'd make it possible for us ALL to start setting up the worldwide HAM network..
6/11/00 1:59:48 PM,Gerard,
(Jurian) I'm not saying the Inc should buy us a bunch of land, but helping funding stuff like the radio tower(s) and other equipment, would be a good thing in my opinion. Now maybe I'm missing something here, in that case, sorry.. I'm only 19 years old, dont know everything yet :-)
6/11/00 1:59:50 PM,Nancy,Michel, this I heard from
Clipper when he wanted to fund his survival site in Alaska. Clipper has NOT
developed any prototypes, but now needs money for his site so suddenly offers.
Has his time changed? No, same demands. His comment was, when I pointed out that
funds were not to be used unless they could deliver, that he felt that only
headquarters projects would be funded.
6/11/00 2:00:52 PM,Nancy,Now, lets
look at the 1997-1998 time frame. I didn't have a home, was renting in
California, and ALL projects were being funded wherever they appeared! Geson got
funded. Michel would have if he had been willing to work on this project. NO one
else came forward!
6/11/00 2:00:54 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) Nancy, you are being quite rude. You act as if you know how I live my life, what I do and don't. The fact that I don't contribute makes me a lesser value than Ron (by your example and statement we must believe so). I have other things I am quite busy with.. should I report to you with what?
6/11/00 2:01:31 PM,Clipper,I have since ended my
discusion about this topic. I see Nancy's and the Inc's point of view.
Clearly.
6/11/00 2:01:36 PM,Nancy,One looks, when hiring for a job or
whatever, at past track record. If nothing came in the past, then hot air or
promises mean little.
6/11/00 2:02:42 PM,Nancy,Jurian, yes, radio towers are
an example. Please note that in Item 6, short wave policy, that Ron and I are
BOTH suggesting that Shirley be a recipient of a tower! She lives a long long
way from us, and after the pole shift where would be no travel there either,
from here!
6/11/00 2:04:01 PM,Nancy,I think this demonstrates that this point
being raised by Michel, based on, I have no doubt, Clipper's complaints about
his funding of his survival site efforts, is baseless. If off-site funding is
NOT my goal, then how did the early projects get funded, and why are we
recommending Shirley get an antenna?
6/11/00 2:04:18 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) Nancy, then Jurian should be optionally become a recipient of a tower too?
6/11/00 2:04:26 PM,Nancy,This disproves this carping
complaint, which is based on personal sore point and NOT because it has a
basis.
6/11/00 2:04:52 PM,Nancy,Jurian, absolutely. Has he done the ground
work that Ron is looking for? We very much need an European antenna.
6/11/00
2:05:49 PM,Nancy,A CEO is required to move projects along. NOT to panper hurt
feelings. I'd like to point out that you raised this discussion by pointing a
finger at me, and I defended myself.
6/11/00 2:06:10 PM,Clipper,Just to
clarify one point. I have discussed the funding of our concrete dome with no one
but MikeL.
6/11/00 2:06:16 PM,Nancy,Ron says - point of order!
6/11/00
2:06:58 PM,Nancy,Ron says - this discussion belongs on tt-inc and must cease
immediately at this Board Meeting. It is NOT on the agenda. Any further
discussion should be ignored by the Chairperson.
6/11/00 2:07:08
PM,Nancy,Nancy says - I quite agree, and will stick to the agenda.
6/11/00
2:07:11 PM,Gerard,
(Jurian) I don't have a license yet, as soon as I get the financial means, I'll work on getting that. Reading up on HAM radio tech stuff, and electronics in general.
6/11/00 2:08:45 PM,Nancy,Agenda item 5 is acceptance of
$1,798 from Nicholas Kobusch personally and $15,000 from his family foundation.
We have received the first and deposited it, and anticipate receiving the
$15,000 as the attorneys required some documention from us first.
6/11/00
2:09:56 PM,Nancy,They want to be sure we are what we say, are where we say we
are, had a report from an on-site visitor, and you can be sure that our
backgrounds were researched! This is WHY funds are put into hands that can be
trusted to deliver, and no repeat of the Diana situation where $1,500
disappeared and was recovered only after prosecution, occurs!
6/11/00 2:10:11
PM,Nancy,Jurian, good for you!
6/11/00 2:11:13 PM,Nancy,Ron - I move that we
accept the funds outlined in Item 7, $16,798, from the donors. Nancy's note,
there were no conditions attached to this funding.
6/11/00 2:11:25 PM,Nancy,A
second?
6/11/00 2:11:32 PM,Clipper,I second
6/11/00 2:12:04 PM,Nancy,A
motion has been made and seconded to accept the $16,798 from donors. All in
favor say YES, opposed NO.
6/11/00 2:12:06 PM,Nancy,yes
6/11/00 2:12:10
PM,Nancy,Ron - yes
6/11/00 2:12:12 PM,Clipper,Yes
6/11/00 2:12:14
PM,Nancy,Shirley - yes
6/11/00 2:13:08 PM,Gerard,yes
6/11/00 2:14:13
PM,Gerard,
(Jurian) yes
6/11/00 2:14:15 PM,Nancy,While we're waiting for Michel
and Jurian (Jurian lost the NetMeeting connection) I'd like to move to
discussion on disbursement issues.
6/11/00 2:14:20 PM,Nancy,The motion
passes.
6/11/00 2:15:18 PM,Gerard,Michel hadn't give an answer yet
6/11/00 2:16:14 PM,Nancy,As I noted in the Agenda update posted yesterday
and noticed to the Board via tt-inc, we have $14,676.65 in funds that can be
disbursed. This is assuming that certain items approved by the Board will NOT be
spent over the next 6 months. Geson's clip was duplicated and another $500 in
case we needed more dups, but the demand has been light so probably that $500,
this year, will not be required!
6/11/00 2:17:56 PM,Nancy,The $14,676 takes
into account approved expenses that WILL be spent, in my view. When we approved
the Minor/Maint allowance account in April, it was stated that funding was not
available to cover all. However, to proceed with the Worm Beds, for instance, we
had to buy many items not anticipated, and having this fund was very much needed
to not impact progress!
6/11/00 2:20:04 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) Nancy, since I don't have any access no longer to the right equipment to produce material and scenes for a video I'd like to retreat from that. Please remove me as such from the Inc. site where this proposal is concerned. I need to put my time and energy - as I have done so in the past - in earning money for my European group. I'm really sorry.
6/11/00 2:20:22 PM,Nancy,I have outlined what I feel is
necessary to complete ongoing projects, and to balance in all fairness. Worm Bed
project required the purchase of a table saw and mitre saw, assets of the
nonprofit which can be repeatedly used on many projects and can be MOVED to
another site. This project used all the minor/maint allowance and
MORE.
6/11/00 2:21:21 PM,Nancy,Michel, your request will be honored! We may
have a Silicon Graphics computer here, a slight chance, and if you could come
for a couple months and work on it HERE, that would be great!
6/11/00 2:23:11
PM,Nancy,I'd like to see, first off, a balance to Clipper getting reimbursed for
$855 in travel for a few days effort, Roger's gas and meals on the road for his
week of assistance (both efforts were very much appreciated!) with Ichi's dual
visits of 3 months each. This he paid for out of his own pocket, and is a very
hard worker! In fairness, his travel expenses should be reimbursed!
6/11/00
2:24:07 PM,Clipper,I agree
6/11/00 2:25:26 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) Nancy, I thank you for your invitation and will consider it. I advise though you hire a professional 3d animator/student animator from a college and pay them from the funds to make a professional animation. Students don't ask lots of money and are in most cases happy with the work, the pay, the food and the bed
6/11/00 2:25:54 PM,Nancy,As mentioned, we overran the
$250 in minor expenses for Worm Beds by $440. I want another $500 for that
account, $60 extra for unforseen. A hydroponics and fish tank oversight in
estimating the initial costs, was de-humidifiers. Ron sees mold setting in NOW,
and the several gallons of transpiration/day has not yet started. A basement has
no ventilation, etc. Dehumidifiers, which can be MOVED as can the hydroponics
and fish tanks and worm beds, will also gain pure distilled water, needed for
hydroponics actually.
6/11/00 2:26:28 PM,Nancy,Michel, a very good
suggestion! This is just coming together, and I will need your advice on this
frequently!
6/11/00 2:27:08 PM,Nancy,Since I'm outlining many suggested
expenditures, perhaps we should vote on these as we go along, rather than as a
whole.
6/11/00 2:30:06 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) Nancy, if you want advice from me you can always contact me via email.. michel@davelaar.com or if necessary via the tt-inc. of course
6/11/00 2:31:53 PM,Nancy,I'd entertain a motion to
approve Ichi's travel expenses and fund the ongoing worm bed and hydroponic
projects (also included is reimbursement for $100 in lumber for the outhouse
demo, which can be MOVED to another site I'd like to add!). This is altogether a
bit under $3,000.
6/11/00 2:32:38 PM,Clipper,I make a motion we approve the
items as listed
6/11/00 2:33:22 PM,Nancy,While we're waiting for this, motion
to vote or not, etc., I'll move along to the next item suggested. This is a
CHANGE from the past project, but a GOOD change as it makes the storm shelter
more in keeping with our policy that funding should only be for solution sets,
not silly or just a purchased item.
6/11/00 2:33:33 PM,Nancy,Shirley seconds
the motion.
6/11/00 2:34:50 PM,Nancy,A motion has been made and seconded to
approve disbursement of funds to reimburse Ichi his travel expenses, increase
the worm bed allowance by $500, purchase de-humidifiers, reimburse $100 for
outhouse demo - total under $3,000. All in favor say YES, opposed NO.
6/11/00
2:34:52 PM,Nancy,Yes.
6/11/00 2:34:56 PM,Nancy,Shirley - yes
6/11/00
2:34:58 PM,Clipper,Yes
6/11/00 2:35:00 PM,Nancy,Ron - yes
6/11/00 2:35:44
PM,Gerard,yes
6/11/00 2:36:13 PM,Nancy,The storm shelter was originally
called a bermed hut with metal roof, as I thought (in my naïveté) that the old
barn foundation would only need a tin roof for a couple hundred bucks. Then the
White's donated specified $2,000 for this, and I got estimates.
6/11/00
2:36:46 PM,Nancy,The foundation would take $8,000 to be repaired, per a stone
mason, and the roof was coming up about $5,000 no matter how we tacked at
this.
6/11/00 2:36:50 PM,Nancy,No way!
6/11/00 2:37:17
PM,Gerard,
(Michel) I do not approve the travel expenses, but I do approve the other items and give them a firm yes
6/11/00 2:37:59 PM,Gerard,
(Jurian) yes
6/11/00 2:38:16 PM,Nancy,Ron suggested that some pre-fab
storm shelters might fit this bill, and the cost was certainly closer to the
donation. However, this was just an off-the-shelf purchase, and this bothered me
big time.
6/11/00 2:38:35 PM,Nancy,The motion to approve Ichi's travel
expenses, etc., passed.
6/11/00 2:39:16 PM,Nancy,Ron came up with some good
ideas. If we got a metal shelter instead of the cheapest concrete, then several
pole shift modifications could be done.
6/11/00 2:39:55 PM,Nancy,1. the
concrete shelter has a vent that would suck out all the oxygen in a firestorm,
but the metal one could be adjusted to have a close-able valve.
6/11/00
2:40:34 PM,Nancy,2. the concrete shelter could not have seats or belts attached,
but the metal could have metal seats welded, seat belts, helmets could be worm,
etc. for quakes.
6/11/00 2:41:26 PM,Nancy,This made the expenditure more
acceptable, especially as there has been MUCH discussion on the tt-forum re
burrying a VW bug and using set belts, having oxygen tanks handy, etc. for the
shift.
6/11/00 2:43:35 PM,Nancy,However, this metal shelter, which I intend
to place as much ABOVE ground as not, and NOT anchor with concrete so it could
be MOVED to another site, would cost another $1,000, and the travel is a bit
more expensive. Without this approval, we are yet again stuck on what to do with
the White's $2,000 in designated donation. The metal shelter is bermed, with a
metal roof, and is as specified in the original a way to avoid winds, firestorm,
etc.
6/11/00 2:44:48 PM,Nancy,Shirley states - because we are an eduational
center, we should be able to show videos and photos that are uniquely suitable
for pole shift conditions as opposed to burrying an off-the-shelf
shelter.
6/11/00 2:45:06 PM,Nancy,I would entertain a motion on this item as
a stand alone issue.
6/11/00 2:45:46 PM,Clipper,I make a motion we approve
the metal shelter as listed
6/11/00 2:46:25 PM,Nancy,Shirley says -I second
the motion to approve this item as stated in Item 7 of the Agenda.
6/11/00
2:46:25 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) Nancy, can you put up copied scans of receits etc. of purcxhased items by the inc.?
6/11/00 2:48:38 PM,Nancy,Ron says - Michel, this is not
required, and is too much work. We have an audit firm (CPA). As a Board Member
you are encouraged to walk in and review the books at any time. Or, you can send
in a proxy to view these books and puruse the receipts.
6/11/00 2:49:27
PM,Nancy,A motion has been made and seconded to approve the storm shelter
changes (about $1,500) as stated in Agenda Item 7. All in favor say YES, opposed
NO.
6/11/00 2:50:10 PM,Clipper,Yes
6/11/00 2:50:22
PM,Gerard,yes
6/11/00 2:51:30 PM,Gerard,
(Jurian) yes
(Michel) substain
6/11/00 2:51:44 PM,Nancy,Nancy wants to note that the
Bylaws specify audits, or reviews by the Board, which is altogether encouraged!
Also, the State of Wisconsin requires a formal audit by a CPA firm of any
nonprofit that exceeds $100,000 in a year. We may, in fact, reach that this
year! This audit looks at receipts, checks that folks received the checks that
were sent to them, double checks everything, and costs several thousand dollars!
So, we are and have been an open book!
6/11/00 2:52:29 PM,Nancy,Ron and
Shirley both vote Yes
6/11/00 2:52:32 PM,Nancy,Nancy votes Yes
6/11/00
2:52:48 PM,Nancy,The motion passes. Michel abstains.
6/11/00 2:55:06
PM,Nancy,The next item of disbursement is something I addressed in April,
compensating some VERY hard and heavy workers for their MASSIVE time spent on
nonprofit projects. There has been some grousing about this, so I took some
pains to document the time spent, on what projects (and photos document that the
time was actually spent!) between all who could be considered for
compensation.
6/11/00 2:55:58 PM,Nancy,Ron is not here because he is wealthy,
he is here because he has decided not to have a life, and room in a
spider-ridden chicken coop for a hot (no AC and no windows that could open)
summer getting these project going!
6/11/00 2:57:26 PM,Nancy,Nancy could have
done other things with her time, after a full time job and all else being
juggled, but spent several weeks SUCCESSFULLY getting 1023 forms into the IRS
and other things not easily done. Attorney's are usually hired for these
matters, plus CPA firms.
6/11/00 2:58:21 PM,Nancy,Geson did a professional
job not only on the nonprofit home page, but on the TV film clip, which he
received $$ for ONLY after he had delivered, etc. I think the $1,000 I suggested
is only 1/25 of what this would cost if one were to go to a PR firm, for
instance.
6/11/00 2:59:11 PM,Nancy,I put the list of who did what, comparison
time, out for the April meeting, on the tt-inc, and as a link off this agenda. I
asked for comments. Other than a bit of grousing from those not being suggested
for compensation, nothing was said.
6/11/00 2:59:20 PM,Nancy,Is there any
discussion on this now?
6/11/00 2:59:50 PM,Clipper,None here
6/11/00
2:59:53 PM,Nancy,I'd like to point out that most nonprofits hire people, when
they must put in these hours. People costs are right up there with equipment
costs.
6/11/00 3:00:09 PM,Gerard,none here
6/11/00 3:00:22
PM,Nancy,Nonprofits have staff, as these folks must eat, and get insurance, and
occasionally buy a pair of pants, etc.
6/11/00 3:00:48 PM,Nancy,We'd rather
have volunteers, always, who are wealthy and don't need compensation, but lets
get real!
6/11/00 3:01:55 PM,Nancy,I'd entertain discussion of this matter,
have for the past 2 months made quite an effort to put this out and get
discussion going on tt-inc and the like, brought this up before the Board 2
months ago for this reason, and no discussion other than a bit of grousing has
occurred.
6/11/00 3:02:13 PM,Nancy,If no discussion evolves, I'd entertain a
motion on this matter.
6/11/00 3:05:09 PM,Nancy,Shirley moves that
compensation be approved as outlined in Agenda Item 7.
6/11/00 3:05:20
PM,Clipper,I make a motion that we approve items as listed
6/11/00 3:05:57
PM,Nancy,A motion has been twice made (moved and seconded) to approve
compensation as outlined in Agenda Item 7. All in favor say YES, opposed
NO.
6/11/00 3:05:58 PM,Nancy,yes
6/11/00 3:06:06 PM,Nancy,Shirley -
Yes
6/11/00 3:06:09 PM,Clipper,Yes
6/11/00 3:06:14 PM,Nancy,Ron -
yes
6/11/00 3:07:22 PM,Gerard,yes
6/11/00 3:07:46 PM,Nancy,While waiting
for the votes to come in, I'd like to put out an appeal to the Board Members
about gathering content for brochures and videos and the streaming video
servers. We are looking for folks who know of, or can go personally and video or
photograph, prototypes that are working and operational!
6/11/00 3:09:00
PM,Nancy,For instance, I've appealed to Jay in Boise Idaho re his windmill
expertise. Asked him if he could video his stuff, or help us document the gist
of what he can offer (kW per type of windmill, and how to make a windmill from
paper cups or whatever :-)
6/11/00 3:09:48 PM,Nancy,Do you folks know of
special prototypes nearby YOU, and can you help gather this content? We would
certainly give credits where requested, etc.!
6/11/00 3:10:14 PM,Clipper,I
will keep my eyes open.
6/11/00 3:10:16 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) Nancy, I can come and film the prototypes at the inc. but anybody else could do this. All that is needed is a steady hand and some visual insight.
6/11/00 3:10:44 PM,Gerard,vote from Michel:
(Michel) yes
6/11/00 3:11:03 PM,Gerard,Jurian:
(Jurian) yes
6/11/00 3:11:22 PM,Nancy,Michel, you seem to know a lot
about earthworms, for instance. Are there earthworm growers near you? Do you
know of any hydroelectric examples? We don't have water generation nearby here,
and could go to Pelton Wheel, I suppose, but .. this is the type of thing I'm
looking for.
6/11/00 3:11:31 PM,Nancy,The motion passes and compensation is
approved.
6/11/00 3:12:58 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) Nancy, I am going to start worm breeding over here this year. I'd like to film that. Once I have the money (in two months perhaps if I am lucky because I have debts to pay) I could buy a moviecam for this. I could convert the movie to digital format and make a real video from it for streaming video showing the wormbreeding progress.
6/11/00 3:14:16 PM,Nancy,The last issue in Item 7 is
remaining funds from the donations recently received. I have not covered
insurance for the nonprofit assets which are housed here, nor getting welding
equipment which is needed to modify the (cheap) cow tanks we got (as the 86"
wide round fish tank would not go into the basement, nor could it be MOVED). I
am in the process of getting insurance estimates, to cover loss and liability.
Ron also is getting estimates re welding equipment. We could wait until the July
meeting to get specific on these two items.
6/11/00 3:15:36 PM,Nancy,Michel,
if you are going to be an ALTERNATE site, the nonprofit could certainly fund
your expenses re worm beds! You seem to have researched this very thoroughtly!
This is a lab in your home! Let's talk about this off line.
6/11/00 3:16:02
PM,Gerard,
(Michel) Nancy, hydroelectric devices I know not much about. As for worms, yes, I have always been an A student when it comes to biology. I have read several meaningful websites on wormbreeding and have given Ron one url of a website with a lot of helpfull information.
6/11/00 3:16:30 PM,Nancy,Ron says - if Michel's approach
to growing earthworms is sufficiently different from what is being done
currently at the Inc headquarters, then this should be discussed on tt-inc and
if it merits funding, should be funded.
6/11/00 3:16:52 PM,Gerard,Aron just
joined
6/11/00 3:17:08 PM,Nancy,Nancy says - I think a second soil/worm type
and results as to what makes them grow the best (statistics and the like) would
be VERY helpful. You would be only the 2nd site!
6/11/00 3:17:40 PM,Nancy,We
are also looking for statistics on how the worm pee (from watering the beds)
supports indoor growing.
6/11/00 3:18:47 PM,Nancy,As long as Aron is here,
I'd like to address, briefly, the last discussion item on the Agenda Item 7 -
video camera and digitizing camera.
6/11/00 3:19:22 PM,Nancy,Aron, Ichi's
camera is here with him, and Ron's documentation on the worm beds and
hydroponics is an example of using this camera. We're hooked!
6/11/00 3:19:48
PM,Gerard,
(Michel) Nancy, I have two medium sized containers (for keeping plants and it has a plastic see through lid etc.) (90 cm x 40 cm x 50 cm I think).. these are perfect as I am currently not using them for anything else (except for the buckweed in the left container)..
6/11/00 3:20:15 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) Nancy, the worm pee is called vemiculite. From what I have understood, it drains throug the soil to the bottom of the container where you can collect it.
6/11/00 3:20:16 PM,Nancy,Also, my video camera is busy
documenting the steps we are taking, especially where this is very different
from what anyone else would be doing (the space blanket to raise the temp is a
first, to my knowledge).
6/11/00 3:20:43 PM,Nancy,Also, Aron, can you work
with a Silicon Graphics machine, or with Toonz software?
6/11/00 3:21:03
PM,Nancy,Nicholas may be able to send these things our way!
6/11/00 3:21:30
PM,Nancy,Michel, you've become an expert! :-)
6/11/00 3:22:37
PM,Nancy,Michel, where did you come upon the info re reg wrigglers vs crawlers?
I have been looking around, and we are thinking that we need MORE that the
massive crawlers that abound around here in Wisco. Can you give me a source,
etc?
6/11/00 3:22:42 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) Nancy, no.. I need to become an expert by aplying my knowledge and learn from experience.
6/11/00 3:23:12 PM,Nancy,Michel, it's the blind leading
the blind here, to some degree. You're a relative expert, etc.
6/11/00
3:24:23 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) Nancy, I can email you a url of a website from which you can even order a worm-colony.
6/11/00 3:24:57 PM,Nancy,What we're trying to do, in my
opinion, is get a tight solution set where we can state to panic'd people that
if they do x/y/z that they will get results a/b/c. For instance, if you run out
of hyroponic powder, and need to use urine, worm um pee (vermiculite), or some
wood ashes in water to substitute - does this work? Does it work only for a
time, then everyone's teeth fall out?
6/11/00 3:25:16 PM,Nancy,Michel,
thanks!
6/11/00 3:25:31 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) Nancy, after the chat I will send you an email with information. Ok?
6/11/00 3:26:30 PM,Nancy,I have a plan on the web re the
worm beds and hydroponic and fish tanks, with how quickly I hope to move to
these steps. We'll all be eating Japanese noodles soon enought, so if our teeth
fall out, we'll let you know!
6/11/00 3:26:59 PM,Nancy,If there is no further
business to address, I'd entertain a motion to adjourn.
6/11/00 3:27:22
PM,Clipper,I make a motion to adjourn
6/11/00 3:28:48 PM,Nancy,I noted
several things that are additional business, pending, at the end of Item 7. For
instance, we are getting down to nitty-gritties re installing the antenna for
short wave. Seems a soil test is required, to determine how big the pad needs to
be, for instance. This soil test costs $1,500! However, this would be the case,
I suspect, for each antenna we install at nonprofit costs.
6/11/00 3:29:01
PM,Gerard,
(Aron) NO I don't know about graphics
(Aron) Sorry for the delay in replying
6/11/00 3:29:27 PM,Nancy,A motion to adjourn has been
made and (essentially) seconded. All in favor say YES, opposed say
NO.
6/11/00 3:29:29 PM,Nancy,yes
6/11/00 3:29:37 PM,Nancy,Shirley -
yes
6/11/00 3:29:40 PM,Nancy,Ron - yes
6/11/00 3:29:40
PM,Clipper,Yes
6/11/00 3:29:55 PM,Gerard,yes
6/11/00 3:30:31
PM,Gerard,
(Aron) Since I missed it all yes
6/11/00 3:31:13 PM,Gerard,
(Michel) yes
6/11/00 3:31:46 PM,Nancy,The motion passes. Meeting is adjourned.