February 2017

The February 7, 2017 meeting of the Folk Project Board was gavelled to order at 8:04 p.m. by President Steve Humphreys, at the Whitehouse Station home of Marie Trontell and Jay Wilensky.

Present: Steve Humphreys, Jay Wilensky, Mike Agranoff, Lois DeRitter, Olga Alvarez, Elizabeth Lachowicz, Ken Brody, Allan Kugel, Evelyn McNally (officers and trustees); Mark Schaffer, Sandie Reilly, Pam Robinson, Lindsey Meyer, Christine DeLeon, Joanne Cronin, George Otto, Paul Fisher, Mike Del Vecchio, Lori Falco, committee chairs.

Absent: Barrett Wilson, Kathi Caccavale, Bob McNally, Peter Glenn, Leigh Walker, Pat Brangs.

Guests: Linda Sierenberg, Eddie Roffman.

The meeting began with a minute of silence in memory of FP members Carl Croce and Tim Seitz, who passed away within the past month.

THIS MONTH’S MOTIONS

The Board, by acclamation, granted authority to the Event Hosting chair to offer a one-year FP membership to non-members who host an Evening of Music.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

Secretary

The minutes of the January 2017 meeting were accepted. New-ish Secretary Jay Wilensky noted that that would not have been possible without the heroic efforts of past secretary Lindsey Meyer.

Treasurer Written Report

Mike Agranoff clarified that a $400 miscellaneous expense in the January profit and loss statement submitted is the subsidy granted to Sandie Reilly to attend the Folk Alliance International conference, and a $200 expense under “dues and subscriptions” is for membership in the Morris County Board of Tourism.

President

Steve Humphreys updated the Board on his Legal Housekeeping project. Steve reported that he attended a Webinar given by the Pro Bono Partnership, and through it, has begun to consult with corporate attorney Kent Hansen, who is familiar with the Project from our past inquiry about Workers’ Comp insurance. KH provided a list of aspects in which the Project’s rules and procedures are not in compliance with the Non-Profit Corporations Act and should be updated.

Because of the importance of Legal Housekeeping, Steve has placed his ideas for long-range planning and visual aids for meetings on the back burner.

Steve will formulate a job description for the Board liaison to the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship. Elizabeth L. offered her assistance.

Steve presidentially noted that a number of Board members rely on their voices for income and, to general agreement, suggested that Board members not attend meetings if they are ill.

OLD BUSINESS

Ad Hoc Committee on Legal Housekeeping

Chair Elizabeth Lachowicz added to the President’s report that she and fellow Projectiles Chris Riemer and Tom Taylor attended the Pro bono Partnership Webinar.

Elizabeth reported that the Project is in general compliance with regulations governing non-profit corporations, and no changes to our documents or procedures are urgently needed; however, revisions will be required to comply with regulations that have changed since the Project’s inception. Issues that have been identified by counsel include that the terms of Board members must be two years, and that Board members must be clearly distinguished from Trustees.

Elizabeth further reported that the ad hoc committee will retain (at no charge) counsel Kent Hansen to review the project’s governing documents, identify compliance issues, and make recommendations.

Ad Hoc Committee on Leadership Succession

Steve reported that the committee will defer its report until pro bono counsel gives his opinion. Mike A. suggested that the ad hoc committees on legal compliance and leadership succession be merged; no action was taken.

Ad Hoc Committee on Intentions and Resources

Chair Bob McNally was absent.

Insurance Quote

Lori Falco, who in November generously volunteered to obtain recommendations and a quote for insurance for the Project, gave a detailed report. Lori has contacted SteelBridge Insurance, a broker that concentrates on non-profit presenters. SteelBridge is affiliated with the Folk Alliance International and serves as the broker for the Philadelphia Folk Festival. SteelBridge provided a yearly quote for general liability insurance of $2,366, and for Directors and Officers insurance of $698; Lori and other Board members consider D&O, which we do not currently carry, important. The SteelBridge agent believes that our current Worker’s Comp carrier is acceptable, while questioning whether we need to carry Worker’s Comp.

Pam Robinson mentioned that New Jersey insurance regulations are unusual. Lori replied that the SteelBridge agent is familiar with them, although he serves clients nationwide.

Mike Del Vecchio suggested that we obtain insurance covering volunteers, and should consider Errors and Omissions coverage.

Lori noted that our current general liability carrier, K&K, charges $2,923 yearly, substantially more than the SteelBridge quote. However, cancelling K&K during the current year would entail a substantial penalty.

Lori concluded that we should consider whether we should switch general liability carriers next year, and whether we want to obtain D&O insurance. Allan Kugel noted that funds for purchasing D&O are available from savings. Steve H. noted that insurance requirements should be discussed with pro bono counsel. Elizabeth L. suggested that we hold off, and try to bundle the entire package next year.

Lori will continue to investigate, and by consensus, the matter was tabled. All present thanked Lori for her hard work.

Morris Arts Grant Written Report

Steve H., with the assistance of Barb Moo, apprised the Board of the general conditions of the $2000 grant to the Project by Morris Arts.

Generally, the grant cannot be used for capital improvements or equipment, hospitality, or individual artists, but is available for most purposes, including supporting concert series.

Steve noted that Morris Arts wants its logo to appear on Project Materials. Pam R. stated that the logo appears on all materials that she issues. George Otto added that it would not be difficult to add the logo to the Newsletter.

The grant must be spent within a year, and Steve recommended that we find a champion to guide its use.

Electronic Communications

Chair Lori Falco noted that the Morris Arts logo can also be put on the Project’s Web home page.

NEW BUSINESS

Jay Wilensky spoke, to general agreement, of the need for Board members to treat each other kindly and respectfully, particularly in e-mails. Steve H. noted that e-mails are inherently ambiguous and that in-person discussions are frequently preferable. Christine DeLeon noted that e-mails exist permanently and travel virally. Pam R. asked that the point be reinforced by contacting all Board members -- by e-mail.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Archives Written Report

Chair Lindsey Meyer reported that the Committee began operation on January 1, with the purpose of collecting and preserving physical items of interest to the Project and its family members and the community. Lindsey noted that buried treasures exist, and can be archived as they emerge.

The Committee will start by educating Project members, possibly with an article in the newsletter, and by deciding what types of materials should be archived. It may also survey members, via Constant Contact, as to items that people have and would be willing to donate. Materials of interest would include posters, newsletters, recordings, and awards. Lindsey will begin to accept donations after surveys are competed.

Lindsey hopes to find a location in Morris County for the archive, and noted that a few possible institutions exist. She stressed that the Committee is learning as it goes.

Getaway Written Report

Chair Mark Schaffer noted that planning for the Spring Getaway is fine, and that the lineup has been completed with the signing of the Heather Pierson Trio.

Mark reports that he is still negotiating for the Fall Getaway, but that it could be spectacular and historic. Mark is looking for a new Storekeeper, and is considering allowing Spring attendees to sign up for the Fall Getaway on-site.

George Otto noted that the calibre of Getaway is indicated by recent performer SONIA disappear fear’s receipt of The Folk Alliance’s Spirit of Folk award.

Minstrel Staffing Written Report

Chair Peter Glenn was absent.

Minstrel Booking Written Report

Chair Mike Agranoff added that Silk City will be performing without the addition of Tony Trishka (as had been reported last month as a possibility) during its April 7 Minstrel performance. Also, unfortunately, Orrin Starr has cancelled his March 3 performance for medical reasons, but opening act Hughes and Gleaves is excellent and has been upgraded to the feature, and Blue Jersey has been booked to open.

Mike noted that MUF’s system of individual hearing aids is now available for Minstrel’s use, and that the same system can power our lobby speaker.

Mike enthusiastically reported that Minstrel may soon begin using Concert Window, a for-profit service by which Minstrel concerts can be Webcast live (although not archived). CW takes 30% of the sign-in fee, and the remainder can be split between the performers and the venue. Users would pay a fee, which Mike suggests be $2, and can also tip the performers. Also, viewers can participate in on-screen discussions; Lindsey noted how enjoyable they are.

Mike notes that comparable venues, such as Godfrey Daniels and Caffé Lena, already use CW, and have not seen a drop in attendance. He also noted that a recent Webcasted concert in which he played generated an additional $94 for the performers.

Mike reported that most of the necessary equipment for CW is already in place. Although some additional labor would be required, the camera would not have to be tended during the performance.

Mike suggested that 30-40 shows per year, and perhaps Getaway, could be webcast. He cautioned, however, that Webcasting from Getaway would require obtaining hardware that is currently included in the MUF system (and not portable), and that he does not know whether a sufficiently fast Internet connection would be available at Getaway.

Sandie Reilly noted that written permission from everyone who goes on camera is necessary. Lindsey M. cautioned that webcasting member shows might inhibit some member performers from participating.

Mike is looking for a champion to help get the CW project moving.

Swingin’ Tern Written Report

Chair Leigh Walker was absent.

Publicity Written Report

Chair Paul Fisher reported that long-time Project member Jim King is in the hospital; get-well wishes were expressed by all.

Paul praised Jean Scully’s report concerning the use of Twitter, noting that the report contains many ideas for spreading the word concerning the Project, particularly to performers.

Paul still needs volunteers to send publicity materials to the Project’s usual outlets, because it is a time-consuming job.

Community Service

Chair Pat Brangs was absent.

Event Hosting Written Report

Chair Christine DeLeon requested, and received by motion (above), authority to expand our circle of volunteers by offering membership to non-member hosts.

Newsletter

Chair George Otto reported no new developments.

Membership Written Report

Chair Joanne Cronin rested on her report.

Horses Sing None Of It Written Report

Rep. Ken Brody and chair Sandie Reilly rested on Ralph Litwin’s report.

Special Concerts Written Report

Chair Pam Robinson noted that general plans are proceeding. She is working on a concert for September 15 which will be exciting if the pieces fall into place.

Also, Pam is seeking homes with seating for 30-50, for presenting house concerts.

Pam and Bob Safranek are preparing to leave for their Project-subsidized attendance at the Folk Alliance International conference in Kansas City.

Sound Reinforcement Written Report

Chair Mike Del Vecchio added that after renovations to the MUF meeting room, the sound is is now “brighter,” and loud music is louder. Mike reported that our sound is better than that of 90% of comparable venues.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 9:59 – under the wire.

The next meeting will be held on March 7, 2017, at 8:00 p.m., at the Rockaway home of Mark and Robin Schaffer.

Submitted in the spirit of the Project,

Jay Wilensky, secretary.