In attendance:

Scott MacPherson, E.D.
Jennifer Myszkowski, President
Carey Baker, Clerk (remote)
Daniel O’Sullivan, Treasurer
Ismary Santiago (remote)
Keishia Archeval (remote)
Mike Hines (remote)
Vinnie Bonilla (remote)

Not in attendance:

Carey Baker
Vinnie Bonilla
Carolyn Rogers-Harris, R.I.P.

Call to order: 6:36pm

Accept prior meeting minutes – June 24, 2025

• Motion to approve the minutes:
  • Motion: Keishla
  • Second: Michael
  • Approved unanimously

Directors Report

Budget Reconciliation

• July has been unexpectedly busy due to increased training sessions and special events.
• Holyoke Media supported a public listening session for the opioid settlement funds with ~100 attendees.
• Discussion about implementing scheduled training sessions in the fall.
• Staffing Needs
  • Urgent need for a full-time Production Manager to relieve current staff overload.
    • This position would oversee production and event coverage.
  • Scott will provide 18 month budget projection for the purpose of discussing adding this position.
• Queer Joy Collaborative is in talks to host monthly events at the center.
• Financial reconciliation required manual adjustments due to QuickBooks syncing issue.
• Budget report shared; any line items added/modified under $5,000 will be flagged and explained in future reports.
• Motion to approve budget reconciliation for submission to the Mayor:
  • Motion: Daniel
  • Second: Gloria
  • Approved unanimously
• Line of Credit Update
  • Collateralization has been released.
  • Term sheet for new line of credit from People’s Bank reviewed.
  • No vote required; for informational purposes only.
  • Anticipated to act as a reserve; usage not expected unless urgent.
• Facilities and Equipment Updates
  • Signage: Installation scheduled for July 21 (weather permitting).
  • Streaming: New multi-stream encoder device acquired to reduce third-party costs.
  • BoxCast storage reconciliation completed.
  • Upcoming transition from BoxCast to cost-saving alternatives.
• Vacation notice: Scott will be out July 28 – August 4; minimal availability.

Old Business

• Annual Meeting of Membership (Sept 18)
  • Planning in progress.
  • Performers and alcohol vendor secured.
  • Awaiting confirmation from Holyoke Hummus.
  • More promotional emails and flyers to be released.
  • Talking points for board members to be drafted.
  • Encouragement for board member attendance.
• Marketing & Membership Update
  • Membership has increased to 448.
  • Suggestion made to explore Substack for an easier newsletter solution and potential revenue.
  • Scott to explore Substack functionality.
  • August 2: Flywheel event; Daniel volunteered to attend and speak on behalf of the board.
• Grants & Fundraising
  • No new updates; follow-up with ROCA to occur regarding journalism fellowship funding.
• Building & Maintenance
  • Roof leak suspected to stem from HVAC system condensation; MJ Moran to inspect.
  • Signage installed to prevent standing in the studio egress area.
  • Technology
  • Point to point streaming encoders restored.
    • System operational and stable; scheduled testing before upcoming School Committee meeting.
• Finance Committee Updates
  • Plan to move $25,000 from ESB checking into mortgage principal.
  • Long-term goal: maintain $100k high-yield accounts at two banks and make lump sum mortgage payments annually.
• Personnel & Staffing
  • Part-time temporary staff (12 hrs/week) currently supporting operations.
  • Proposal to develop 2026 draft budget including potential new full-time production position.
• Miscellaneous Updates
  • Facility insurance quote expected by end of July.
    • Facility & Technology Committee (Keisha coordinating) to meet post-August 4 to review insurance proposals before the board meeting on August 21.
• Important filing reminders shared:
  • Building Inspection: September
  • Entertainment License: November
  • ABC3 Form (Tax Abatement): March

 Task review and due dates

• Scott to draft 2026 budget.
• Scott to compile usage statistics from YouTube, BoxCast, Facebook.
• Daniel to attend the Flywheel event (Aug 2).
• Keisha to coordinate Facilities & Tech Committee meeting post-vacation.
• Jennifer to draft talking points for Sept 18 event.

Motion to Adjourn

• Motion to adjourn: Gloria
• Second: Keishla
• Vote is unanimous, the motion carries.

Adjourn 7:48pm