October 11th, 1999
CALL TO ORDER: Board Chair Margaret Barlow called the meeting to order at 11:40 a.m.
Members in attendance were: Roberta Taylor (vice chair), Robert Bradley, Lela Estes, Mark Madry, Aaron Sheaffer and Vicki Souve'. Also attending were Tim Strach, cable administrator for the City of Dayton; Wende Wright, representing Time Warner Cable; John Rocco, executive director of DATV, and Dee Jividan of DATV.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: On a motion by Robert Bradley, seconded by Lela Estes, the agenda was unanimously approved as presented.
BOARD CHAIR COMMENTS: M. Barlow thanked J. Rocco for the "Right-of-Way Talking Points" and offered congratulations for DATV's winning the Philo T. Farnsworth Video Award for 1999 programming.
MINUTES: On a motion by L. Estes, seconded by A. Sheaffer, minutes of the August 2 meeting were unanimously approved.
TREASURER'S REPORT: J. Rocco offered to answer any questions in the absence of Treasurer Tony Capizzi. He noted that Merrill-Lynch-Dover will be asked to report on the status of DATV's investment accounts at the December Board meeting.
In response to a question, J. Rocco attributed the larger-than-usual amount of revenue in the equipment line item to the sale of equipment. L. Estes asked if a procedure needs to be established for the sale of equipment, since it is purchased with public funds. Mr. Rocco will check.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Development Committee--J. Rocco reported that canvassing has shown good response to a proposal to sponsor a gospel concert as a fund-raiser. Between $20,000 and $25,000 would be needed for initial costs and approximately 1,250 tickets would need to be sold to break even.
On a motion by R. Bradley, seconded by A. Sheaffer, the board voted unanimously to sponsor a gospel concert with expenses not to exceed $25,000.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT: J. Rocco reported that nonprofit organization membership programs have started to be recorded. L. Estes thanked Mr. Rocco for handling an issue involving the Ombudsman's Office.Mr. Rocco also reported that:
--DATV will be deeply involved in an Alliance conference next year, October 26-28 at the Dayton Marriott;
--Jeannette Monaghan, a former bookkeeper at DATV, has been employed in that capacity.
DATV Board Minutes October 11, 1999
CABLE ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS: T. Strach said there had been a few problems during the conversion from TCI to Time Warner, but they are being worked out.
TIME WARNER COMMENTS: W. Wright, whose office is on Little York Rd., reported that there is a need to keep payment centers open. J. Rocco said there had been good relations with TCI and he hopes they will continue under Time Warner.
OLD BUSINESS: There was no old business.
NEW BUSINESS: R. Bradley volunteered to serve as the member-at-large, along with members of the Executive Committee, for a Nominating Committee. Two years remain in the term of the late Ed Dorsey and three members' terms expire--L. Estes, M. Madry and A. Sheaffer. Deadline for applications for a seat on the board will be Nov. 15. The Nominating Committee will meet between then and the regular Board meeting on Dec. 13 to determine a slate for the December meeting.
In addition to the usual means of announcing the vacancies, J. Rocco will access the Center for Non-Profit Resources' Boardbank.
Regarding the setting of goals for 2000, M. Madry suggested that this action be delayed until the board membership is finalized in December. He suggested that the structure created by the Personnel Committee in 1999 be used.
M. Barlow noted the passing of board member Ed Dorsey, shortly after the August meeting.
A. Sheaffer suggested that a computer list of awards won by DATV be maintainted.
ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by L. Estes, seconded by R. Bradley, the meeting was adjourned at 12:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Beverly Jones, Secretary
John Rocco, Executive Director