HCMI Board Meeting March 20, 2025

 In Board Minutes

In attendance:

Scott MacPherson, E.D.
Jennifer Myszkowski, President
Carey Baker, Clerk (remote)
Daniel O’Sullivan, Treasurer
Ismary Santiago (remote)
Gloria Caballero
Vinnie Bonilla
Jayne Melendez (remote)

Not in attendance:

Keishia Archeval
Mike Hines
Carolyn Rogers-Harris, R.I.P.

Call to order: 6:35pm

Accept prior meeting minutes – February 20, 2025

  • Motion to accept prior meeting minutes Dan
  • Second: Ismary
  • Vote is unanimous, the motion carries.

Directors Report

P and L

Balance Sheet

  • As Spring begins, activity at the studio is increasing. Two key content partnerships are highlighted this month:
    • A local wrestling promotion is now hosting events in the studio’s theater, with the first event drawing a packed house.
    • The studio is expanding its collaboration with Cultural Agora through the Borricoridor project, which connects Puerto Rican performers with the diaspora. Comedian Marian Palbon’s upcoming show is nearly sold out.
    • Looking ahead, event production will ramp up in April, with a busy schedule in May and June.
  • Capital Projects:
    • A proposal from Keiter Builders outlines three projects:
      • Installing blinds in the office and conference room.
      • Installing door articulators on front and vestibule doors.
      • Demolishing and replacing the building cornice.
    • The proposal lacks a contingency plan, and an itemized budget has been requested. $63,000 is available for the work, and additional funding sources are being explored.
  • Repairs & Maintenance:
    • MJ Moran restored a damaged system after three days of work. Labor costs will be significant, and an insurance claim may be filed if expenses exceed the deductible.
    • Keiter Builders is consulting on a long-term solution.
    • An exterminator has been contacted for short-term pest control.
  • Policy Update:
    • The Mayor’s office has proposed a PILOT policy requiring nonprofits to pay 25% of their property’s assessed value (~$6,000 annually for the studio).
    • The policy goes before the City Council on March 18th, and discussion is encouraged to anticipate political challenges.
  • Financial Requests:
    • Replace the studio’s damaged video monitor (cost up to $1,000).
    • Use municipal project funds to offset the 2025 PILOT payment and continue payments from the account as long as funds allow.
      • Motion to replace the studio’s damaged video monitor (cost up to $1,000)
        • Motion: Gloria
        • Second: Ismary
        • Vote is unanimous, the motion carries.
      • Motion to use municipal project funds to offset the 2025 PILOT payment,
        • Motion: Dan
        • Second: Gloria
        • Vote is unanimous, the motion carries.
    • Motion to access a line of credit up to 80,000 from banks
      • Motion: Dan
      • Second: Carey
      • Vote is unanimous, the motion carries.
  • New bookkeeper onboarded.

Old Business

  • Review 2025 committee assignments
  • Marketing/Development Committee:
    • Marketing update
    • Ticketing – recouping funds
    • Membership update
    • Newsletter and linking our news and events to it
    • Presence of Board at events in our space
    • Grants and other fundraising
    • Sponsorship
    • Update board page
  • Facility & Technology Committee:
    • Check-in on sign repair
    • Replacing BoxCast for video hosting
    • Building Insurance
    • Egress from the studio during shows, people on ramp, etc.
    • Cornice repair and other improvements
  • Personnel Committee
    • Current staff check-in
    • Managing the event space
  • Diversity:
    • Establishment of youth advisory committee
    • Diversity statement update
    • Latest anti-racism consultant actions
  • Finance Committee:
    • Update re: MOU with the city
    • Budget update
  • Editorial Committee:
    • Editorial requests

New business

  • none

Task review and due dates

  • Editorial committee update
  • Scott to talk to ACLU
  • Scott to make a document with everything in one place

Motion to Adjourn

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

Adjourn 7:59 PM

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