Member Meeting Minutes for August 5, 2020: Difference between revisions

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=== Call to order ===
=== Call to order ===


Becky Zajdel called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM
Becky Zajdel called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM


=== Attendees ===
=== Attendees ===
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* Becky Zajdel, Secretary
* Becky Zajdel, Secretary
* Adam Longwill, Board Member
* Adam Longwill, Board Member
* Asher Klick, Treasurer
* Alex Reasinger
* Geno Soroka
* Kwame Wright
* Taylor Huston
* Chris McCann
* CW Kreimer
* Steve Owens
* Rob Bedel
* Andrew Campbell
* Ezra Juliar


 
=== COVID, mold, and tours ===
=== COVID, mold, and accepting new members ===


* Allegheny County is still "green", despite a large resurgence in COVID cases. Our commitment to member safety is absolutely paramount.  
* Allegheny County is still "green", despite a large resurgence in COVID cases. Our commitment to member safety is absolutely paramount.  
** Everyone will be required to maintain 6 ft of distance, wear masks, hand wash, etc.  
** Everyone will be required to maintain 6 ft of distance, wear masks, hand wash, etc.  
* The Board has had many people ask to join. We want them to! We need the money! Here are the rules we came up with:
** We will now be allowing six people in the dirty side of the shop, and EIGHT people on the "clean" side of the shop.
** Tours and training must be pre-scheduled. No walk-ins.
* Steve has updated the wiki about COVID rules. We also plan to print out and laminate signs to place on the entrances.  
*** Steve and Becky are looking into filming a virtual tour for HackPGH. This will not only be helpful during COVID, but in times of bad weather and for those with disabilities. We have video production friends at WorkHardPGH that may be able to make this a high-quality online tour!
* Tours have been successful! We have gained eight new members since we welcomed new members.
* IN-PERSON tours and training will be limited to six people TOTAL (including the leader).  
** Tours are still by appointment only. Please sign up to help the Board out!
** Visitors/potential new members must get their head scanned (via the new thermometer gun donated by Becky), wear a mask, and not touch any of the shop items. Surgical masks will be available for those who forget or have a broken/improper mask.  
** Becky will be typing up a tour script so that every member can feel comfortable giving tours. This will be turned into a pamphlet/document that can and will be emailed to every member.  
* The Board will be installing new hand sanitation "stations." Our cleaning supplies are well-stocked, and new cleaners are hard to come by. Please consider picking up an extra lysol spray or cleaner if you see it at the store and donating it to hack!
* We have created five "sanitation kits." They are portable and contain new cleansers, paper towels, hand sanitizer, and other items. Please place them around the shop as you see fit.


=== Shop news ===
=== Shop news ===


* Nominations for our open Board Member position are now OPEN! We will be accepting nominations for about a week, and Board elections will be held online beginning August 1st, 2020. Simon Heath will be stepping down from his position as President and we thank him for his service!
* The election is underway for our new Board Member. Again, thank Simon Heath for his service as President (Emeritus)!
** The nominees are: Samantha Black, Nolan Cash, Cassie Griger, and Taylor Huston.
** If you have been a member for over a year and have not been able to afford recent membership dues due to COVID, please email your nomination to info (at) hackpittsburgh.org. Thank you!  
** Please note, you will be not be voting for a new President. Board Members are elected in general and then officer positions are decided between the Board proper.  
** Please note, you will be not be voting for a new President. Board Members are elected in general and then officer positions are decided between the Board proper.  
* Classes. We are considering approving small in-person classes such as jewelry-making and welding. The maximum number of students allowed will be three.  
*** Discussion was had about adding two new positions (making the Board total 7 people), but the motions regarding this have been tabled until after the election.
* Classes. We are considering approving small in-person classes such as soldering and welding. The maximum number of students allowed will be four.  
** We are looking into offering virtual classes for topics such as arduinos and computer-building.  
** We are looking into offering virtual classes for topics such as arduinos and computer-building.  
** Please contact Asher if you would like to help us with this! They would like helpers for video recording classes. Another option are the folks at WorkHardPGH!
* McAuley Ministries Grant stuff
* The Board was interviewed by the Pittsburgh City Paper regarding how makerspaces are surviving and thriving during COVID. Protohaven was also interviewed. Becky tried her best, she promises.
** We received an extension for our grant. We have until July 2021 to complete the grant requirements and submit our final report.
*** So far, two members have received McAuley membership "scholarships."
* Inquires were made about the status of the air filtration system.
** As far as the Board knows, it was completed in late Summer/Fall 2019, but we will confirm this. 
* Rob Bedel has replaced the PC case on Alpha. It does not have an optical drive. If you need an optical drive, please use Beta instead!
    
    
=== Shop finances ===
=== Shop finances ===


* We have EXACTLY $6,609.29 (including PayPal funds and our bank account). This is AFTER Augusts's rent check. So we are in slightly better shape.  
* We have EXACTLY $6,609.29 (including PayPal funds and our bank account). This is AFTER Augusts's rent check has been deposited. So we are in slightly better shape!
** The only funds that have not been included in this total are checks and cash (from vending, laser payments, and mailed/drop off membership payments). We are assuming this will total $200 maximum. This will be counted soon and added to next month's financial report total.
** Our tours are fully booked, and membership is growing slowly!  
** That gives us only about three months of operating expenses.
** The total above includes a cash deposit (from vending, laser payments, and mailed/drop off membership payments). We understand the shop was closed and thus vending and such was very low, but the laser box was WAY under the bookings from Skedda.  
* HackPGH will be operating on a shoestring budget when possible. This means rent, insurance, and utilities are our primary financial concerns.  
* HackPGH will still be operating on a restricted budget where possible.  
** The second tier of importance includes cleaning and sanitation supplies. Please let the Board know if we are short on hand sanitizer, cleansers, toilet paper, and/or paper towels.  
** However, the shop is completely stocked! This includes food, drink, bottled water, and cleaning supplies. This came at no cost to the shop. It was donated by the Zajdel family and their friends at Tyler Mountain Spring Water.  
** Water and coffee will always be provided for free to our members. These items are donated by the amazing Tyler Mountain Spring Water Company. Please let the Becky know if bottled water is in short supply or if the fridge filter needs to be replaced.  
** Becky is still pursuing two grants.
** Bring your own snacks and food, as vending items will not be purchased again until we secure more money.
** If a tool breaks, please try to fix it yourself or post on Slack before asking us to replace it. 
** Thank you to our amazing member, Chris McCann, who donated $500! 
* Fundraising ideas? We are all ears. Every little bit helps. The Board's efforts:
** Meta Mesh (Adam and Becky's charity) is looking into donating what they can to HackPGH.  
** Becky is currently pursu
*** Wal-Mart NPO granting three financial avenues:
*** Wal-Mart NPO granting three financial avenues:
*** CostCo $5,000 grant (completed, takes 4-6 weeks for approval)
*** CostCo $5,000 grant (completed, takes 4-6 weeks for approval)
*** She spoke to an investor who originally wanted to set up a TechShop-like place in the city. She's trying to get him to donate to Hack instead. Anything is possible!  
*** She spoke to an investor who originally wanted to set up a TechShop-like place in the city. She's trying to get him to donate to Hack instead. Anything is possible!  
** Asher is setting up a Facebook fundraiser for their birthday.


=== Gentle Rule Reminders ===
=== Rule Reminders ===


* Laser cutter use and misuse
** Laser time MUST be both paid for AND logged in the paper log on the laser desk.
** Skedda scheduling is not matching up with the payments, less than 50% of laser time is being paid for.
*** We will be erecting a large sign reminding members about laser rules. If necessary, we will put a RFID lock & payment system on the laser.
* Children aged seven and under are NOT allowed in the shop, even with a parent or guardian. This is for their safety and for the good of the organization, as it allows us to keep our insurance.  
* Children aged seven and under are NOT allowed in the shop, even with a parent or guardian. This is for their safety and for the good of the organization, as it allows us to keep our insurance.  
* Garbage  
* Garbage  
Line 59: Line 73:
=== Move to adjourn ===
=== Move to adjourn ===


* Adjourned at 8:35 PM
* Adjourned at 8:39 PM
** Minutes by Becky "The Icebox" Zajdel
** Minutes by Becky "The Icebox" Zajdel

Latest revision as of 08:06, 6 August 2020

HackPGH member’s meeting minutes for August 5th, 2020

Call to order

Becky Zajdel called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM

Attendees

  • Becky Zajdel, Secretary
  • Adam Longwill, Board Member
  • Asher Klick, Treasurer
  • Alex Reasinger
  • Geno Soroka
  • Kwame Wright
  • Taylor Huston
  • Chris McCann
  • CW Kreimer
  • Steve Owens
  • Rob Bedel
  • Andrew Campbell
  • Ezra Juliar

COVID, mold, and tours

  • Allegheny County is still "green", despite a large resurgence in COVID cases. Our commitment to member safety is absolutely paramount.
    • Everyone will be required to maintain 6 ft of distance, wear masks, hand wash, etc.
    • We will now be allowing six people in the dirty side of the shop, and EIGHT people on the "clean" side of the shop.
  • Steve has updated the wiki about COVID rules. We also plan to print out and laminate signs to place on the entrances.
  • Tours have been successful! We have gained eight new members since we welcomed new members.
    • Tours are still by appointment only. Please sign up to help the Board out!
    • Becky will be typing up a tour script so that every member can feel comfortable giving tours. This will be turned into a pamphlet/document that can and will be emailed to every member.
  • We have created five "sanitation kits." They are portable and contain new cleansers, paper towels, hand sanitizer, and other items. Please place them around the shop as you see fit.

Shop news

  • The election is underway for our new Board Member. Again, thank Simon Heath for his service as President (Emeritus)!
    • The nominees are: Samantha Black, Nolan Cash, Cassie Griger, and Taylor Huston.
    • If you have been a member for over a year and have not been able to afford recent membership dues due to COVID, please email your nomination to info (at) hackpittsburgh.org. Thank you!
    • Please note, you will be not be voting for a new President. Board Members are elected in general and then officer positions are decided between the Board proper.
      • Discussion was had about adding two new positions (making the Board total 7 people), but the motions regarding this have been tabled until after the election.
  • Classes. We are considering approving small in-person classes such as soldering and welding. The maximum number of students allowed will be four.
    • We are looking into offering virtual classes for topics such as arduinos and computer-building.
  • McAuley Ministries Grant stuff
    • We received an extension for our grant. We have until July 2021 to complete the grant requirements and submit our final report.
      • So far, two members have received McAuley membership "scholarships."
  • Inquires were made about the status of the air filtration system.
    • As far as the Board knows, it was completed in late Summer/Fall 2019, but we will confirm this.
  • Rob Bedel has replaced the PC case on Alpha. It does not have an optical drive. If you need an optical drive, please use Beta instead!

Shop finances

  • We have EXACTLY $6,609.29 (including PayPal funds and our bank account). This is AFTER Augusts's rent check has been deposited. So we are in slightly better shape!
    • Our tours are fully booked, and membership is growing slowly!
    • The total above includes a cash deposit (from vending, laser payments, and mailed/drop off membership payments). We understand the shop was closed and thus vending and such was very low, but the laser box was WAY under the bookings from Skedda.
  • HackPGH will still be operating on a restricted budget where possible.
    • However, the shop is completely stocked! This includes food, drink, bottled water, and cleaning supplies. This came at no cost to the shop. It was donated by the Zajdel family and their friends at Tyler Mountain Spring Water.
    • Becky is still pursuing two grants.
      • Wal-Mart NPO granting three financial avenues:
      • CostCo $5,000 grant (completed, takes 4-6 weeks for approval)
      • She spoke to an investor who originally wanted to set up a TechShop-like place in the city. She's trying to get him to donate to Hack instead. Anything is possible!

Rule Reminders

  • Laser cutter use and misuse
    • Laser time MUST be both paid for AND logged in the paper log on the laser desk.
    • Skedda scheduling is not matching up with the payments, less than 50% of laser time is being paid for.
      • We will be erecting a large sign reminding members about laser rules. If necessary, we will put a RFID lock & payment system on the laser.
  • Children aged seven and under are NOT allowed in the shop, even with a parent or guardian. This is for their safety and for the good of the organization, as it allows us to keep our insurance.
  • Garbage
    • Garbage CANNOT be placed in the alley (Watson Street). It MUST be taken up and around in front of the building on Fifth Avenue every Monday night for Tuesday AM pickup! We were fined last week because multiple bags were left in Watson Street. We have garbage guidelines as well as the city pickup/recycling calendar posted on the white board right inside the Jumonville entrance.
    • Our recycling was not picked up because the delicate garbage princesses refuse to pick up blue bags. ONLY clear bags or... whatever they decide on that day. On Tuesday morning, they also did not pick up Dale's recycling despite it being perfectly packed up. Who knows.

Move to adjourn

  • Adjourned at 8:39 PM
    • Minutes by Becky "The Icebox" Zajdel
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