In attendance:

Scott MacPherson, E.D.
Jennifer Myszkowski, President
Daniel O’Sullivan, Treasurer
Ismary Santiago (remote)
Mike Hines (remote)
Gloria Caballero
Keishla Archeval (remote)

Not in attendance:
Carey Baker
Vinnie Bonilla
Jayne Melendez
Carolyn Rogers-Harris, R.I.P.

Guest:
Omar Torres, Board Member Elect

Call to order: 6:33pm

Accept prior meeting minutes – September 21, 2025

• Motion to approve prior meeting minutes: Daniel
• Second: Ismary
• Motion carried unanimously.

Directors Report

Profit and Loss

Balance Sheet

Budget Reconciliation

2025 Budget Projection

2026 Draft Budget

PT Director of Production Job Description

• Recent Activities:
  • 11 events, 9 digital navigation classes, 8 podcast productions, 3 television programs hosted since the last meeting (20 days).
  • Welcomed a cohort of marketing students from Central America.
  • The schedule remains heavy through Thanksgiving; December is expected to be quieter.
• Director of Production Position (Part-Time):
  • Job description revised to reflect part-time status (~20 hrs/week, salaried at $27,000 annually).
  • Position includes live event production, technical oversight, and front-of-house duties.
  • Discussion on wage and hour compliance—clarification needed on whether position must be hourly if non-exempt.
  • Limited benefits include proportional paid time off and retirement contributions; no health insurance.
  • Target hire date: January 2026.
  • Board to review and approve job description at next meeting.
• 2026 Budget Draft:
  • Preliminary budget shows a $14,000 shortfall, mainly due to the new position.
  • Anticipated coverage from Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts ($30,000 expected grant).
  • If not funded, organization can manage shortfall through reserves or additional fundraising.
  • Proposed 3% staff salary increases included.
  • Sponsorship and donor development will be priorities in 2026.
• Digital Navigation Program:
  • Current funding secured through July 2026 via Senior Center partnership.
  • Discussion on program’s importance and impact for seniors and residents with limited tech literacy.
  • Consensus that fundraising for continuation of this position is essential.
• Fundraising Strategy:
  • Morgan (Grant Writer) to assist with development plan.
  • Explore small-donor cultivation, sponsorships, and participation in community “giving days.”
  • Consider modest surcharges for non-members attending events to support sustainability.
• Loan & Savings Update:
  • Ongoing discussions about refinancing existing mortgage before September 2027 maturity.
  • Exploring moving funds into higher-interest money market accounts.
  • New relationships with Florence Bank and forthcoming Holyoke branch of Easthampton Savings Bank noted as opportunities.
• Motion: To approve third-quarter budget reconciliation.
  • Motion: Daniel,
  • Seconded Gloria.
  • Vote: Unanimous. Motion carried.

Old Business

• Marketing & Development Committee
  • Membership: 488 active members (record level).
  • Candidate Debates scheduled for October 20, 23, and 24 in partnership with OneHolyoke CDC.
  • Board members assigned to represent the organization at each event.
  • Discussion of obtaining nonprofit MailChimp subscription through TechSoup for outreach efficiency.
• Building/Technology Committee
  • Ongoing capital needs include facade cornice repairs, window replacement, and lower-level door upgrades (estimated $85,000).
  • Potential CPA (Community Preservation Act) funding discussed.
  • Grant writer to pursue capital grant opportunities.
• Personnel Committee
  • No new business; continued review of new part-time position job description.
• Finance Committee
  • Discussion of new bank construction in Holyoke (potential partnership).
  • Review of Memorandum of Understanding with City – to be updated before end of 2025.
  • Discussion of staff workload balance and sustainability with the addition of new hires.
• Editorial Committee
  • Discussion of the Johnson amendment in light of recent legislative changes.
  • Committee to meet to review Editorial policies

New Business

• Formation of a Sponsorship sub-committee
• Daniel and Gloria offered to participate.

Motion to Adjourn

• Motion: Ismary
• Second: Daniel
• Approved unanimously

Meeting adjourned at 7:56