Monthly Meeting Tues 5 th August 2008

BRISTOL WIRELESS MONTHLY MEETING, TUESDAY 5th AUGUST 2008

PRESENT: RichH, Jules, Woodsy, JimF, Acesabe

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: PeteF, SeanK, MikeH, Bails, BenG, SamR, Lloyd, KevinO'M

In the absence of PeteF, the meeting commenced with Rich in the Chair. It was decided to proceed with the meeting even though we were inquorate and could not pass any resolutions.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING:

Agreed nem con.

MATTERS ARISING

1. LTSP laptop insurance: Jules reported that MikeH had not contacted him in this respect.
2. LTSP training: Woodsy informed the meeting that he had mailed the daily list. Bails had responded, suggesting a look be taken at BenG's Moodle stuff. Those interested in some formal LTSP training are currently: Jim, Acesabe, Rich, Jules, Woodsy. As regards the LTSP documentation, Jim has examined this and some suggestions have been made for its updating, e.g. replacing 2006 costings with more recent information.
3. Knowle West Project with StreetNet: No news from Sam on whether timetable mentioned by Kevin O'M was feasible.
4. Recycled machines from BCC: Rich reported from a conversation he had held with Kevin that this was still be progressed.

REPORTS

1. Financial: Jules passed round copies of the balance sheet and profit & loss account for the year to date. In summary, our financial position could be better: due to a decline in income, our reserves were being used up; in addition, some expenditure was far too high (e.g. Car Club). Indeed Jules stressed that everyone should be trying harder on income generation, e.g. selling ADSL connections. Jules is to write to the Phone Co-op regarding the lack of communication regarding our investment (dividends, etc.). Jules also emphasised it was the job of the various project managers to chase late payments of invoices, not that of the treasurer, as well as the need to check that the central services charge was included in all future costings. Finally, a centrally available copy of Lloyd's VoIP billing script is needed for further development.
2. Recycling project update: It was generally felt that the project needed more involvement and documentation could be improved.
3. UFI update: User journey info is needed from Sam.
4. KWW update: Rich reported that the captive portal page was now being tested, although more testers were still needed. No report on infrastructure report due to absence of Sam and Lloyd.
5. Charitable status update: Rich informed the meeting that Sean had contacted Essential with an eye to a visit to see how their co-op works. Voscur has been contacted re assistance with funding: their next funders' fair takes place in November. Woodsy is also investigating fundraising. At the last meeting on 29th June it was decided to proceed with writing the initial job specifications.

AOB

1. New volunteers: Jules noted we had not had any new volunteers for a while and suggested we have a drive to recruit new blood.
2. Fundraising/income generation: Rich mentioned that when rolled out, the captive portal page could carry location-based advertising. In addition, organising a fundraising event was mentioned.
3. Werburghs closure: Rich reported that on 18/19th September, surveyors will be visiting WCC in advance of the forthcoming refurbishment. Rich suggested a note was circulated stating we would be closing the lab on those days.

Date of Next Meeting: Tuesday 2nd September 2008 at 6.30 pm at St Werburghs Community Centre