Monthly Meeting Tues 5 th May 2009

BRISTOL WIRELESS MONTHLY MEETING, TUESDAY 5TH MAY 2009, HELD AT THE WATERSHED, CANON'S ROAD, BRISTOL

PRESENT: RichH, SeanK, Jules, Woodsy, PeteF

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: No apologies as full committee present.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: Subject to one minor amendment (action - Woodsy), the minutes were agreed to be a true record.

MATTERS ARISING:

1. Fluffy Logic quote: Pete informed the meeting he had sent a follow-up email and was awaiting a response.
2. Hamilton House bandwidth: Jules needs to know the amount to charge before raising the invoice and was advised to bill at £75/month (action - Jules).
3. Hamilton House contract: Sean has obtained the costings and contract.
4. Hamilton House meeting: Rich and others had held a meeting with Jamie of Coexist and space for Bristol Wireless agreed.
5. Futurelab 'fablab': Still outstanding (action - Pete).
6. Share register review: Woodsy reported the review was complete and we now have 27 co-op members on the register.
7. AGM: The AGM was arranged and held on 29th April.
8. Next Generation Roadshow blog post: Now lapsed.

REPORTS:

1. Financial report: Jules presented the profit & loss account and balance sheet to 05/05/09. As regards the profit and loss account, bar takings of £25 at the AGM more than covered the cost of room hire. Project income is also looking very healthy and sales have picked up. Turning to the balance sheet, net current assets are much healthier than at the close of the last financial year, but would still benefit from being higher.
2. Recycling report and project review: Sean has circulated the original project review and his latest comments via email. The machines have been on sale at £30 for 6 months now. One drawback has been the recording of sales in CiviCRM; the date of sale needs recording for future contact for offering extended warranties. Another option meriting investigation would be selling extended warranties at the time of the original sale. Rich reported on his recent contact with the Sofa Project who are a prospective source for regular supply of machines. Sean stated that supplies from BCC should resume soon. Finally, Jules mentioned it may be profitable to approach the other local authorities.
3. Knowle West Web: Rich announced he would be doing the first 3 household installs on Thursday. However, some doubt was expressed as to whether the mesh boxes would actually connect to the lamppost boxes; Sean is to contact Matt for clarification (action - Sean). Some interesting network abuse was noticed last week; Sean has contacted Raj of Cityspace on this matter since it comes within their remit. Nixcom have now fulfilled the contract to the satisfaction of the project managers: nevertheless, some concern was expressed at the continuing absence of the promised 2 boxes for the lab, which currently has half a box).
4. Hamilton House: The protocols and membership agreement have been received and will be signed by Pete after scrutiny and comment (actions: scrutiny and comment - all; signature: Pete). Rich will be planning the move (action - Rich). Linda is prepared to be flexible as regards our leaving and 15th June is the projected moving date. Sean will mail the main list seeking volunteers to help with move (action - Sean) and will also sound out potential transport (action - Sean).
5. PRG/Rosevear upgrade: As the grant received is less than was originally requested, some thought needs to be given to what works can be done. It was agreed that hardware would be upgraded by 2 extra terminals per site plus printer. Pete suggested that some of the grant be used for paying for bandwidth. The kit for the infrastructure works is available and should be installed.
6. SWCC support after move: Other organisations in SWCC (Khaas, High Road Studios) benefit from the bandwidth we supply. It was agreed that SWCC be charged £75/month after we move out. In addition, support package needs to be developed (action - Pete).
7. Arnolfini: Rich and John P did site visit. However, Pete reported no response to emails since from John P and some details still need to be worked out before quote is ready, e.g. should any failover be to Holroyd since trees impede clear view of Watershed.
8. Lab roles post-HH move: Distinct roles for lab volunteers need to be prepared; Jules and Rich will draft these before the next committee meeting (action - Rich, Jules).
9. Nominet Trust: Woodsy circulated copies of the funding criteria of the Nominet Trust and Bristol Wireless qualifies on several counts. The Trust operates a two-tier application process and the earliest any funding bid would be considered is at their August board meeting.
10. Big Green Gathering: Sean had been requested to produce figures for IT production. Two sets of figures have been produced to date: the first quotes £600 for provision of crew area access if broadband connection is provided by BGG and a higher quote for a separate satellite link if no broadband provision is available. Our commitments will require a presence on site of approx. 1 week prior to the event's start. Sean and Mike H are providing liaison with event management.

AOB

1. FSA: Jules will contact the FSA to inquire why we have had no contact from them, as well as to attempt to obtain a replacement for our missing registration certificate (action - Jules).

Date and place of next committee meeting: Tuesday, 2nd June at 6.30 pm. Venue TBA.