Embedded Files
The meeting was called to order at 8:03 p.m on October 1, 2019 at the Chatham-Summit Friends Meetinghouse, 158 Southern Blvd, Chatham, NJ, with Paul Fisher leading Bill Staines’ song “Bridges.” Jay will lead next month’s song.
The August minutes were accepted as amended with Allan’s correction for the long-form minutes regarding the use of FP money. September minutes were accepted with the correction that Chris Riemer was marked present when he was not, and George’s correction that “E&O” insurance (errors & omissions) should read “D&O” insurance (directors’ and officers’).
ROLL CALL
Present: Trustees: Elizabeth Lachowicz, Lois DeRitter, Bob McNally, Dave Heistand, Ken Brody, Allan Kugel, Evelyn McNally, Todd Dennison; Officers: Paul Fisher, Jay Wilensky, Chris Riemer, Jean Scully; Committees: Lindsey Meyer, Mitch Radler, Mark Schaffer, Elizabeth Lachowicz, Sandie Reilly, Jay Wilensky, Gary Pratt, Mike Agranoff, Jean Scully, George Otto, John Mahon, Pam Robinson, Leigh Walker Absent: Christine DeLeon Guests: Loretta Brooks, Steve Humphreys.
MOTIONS MADE
The board agreed that The Folk Project would not renew our Workers Comp policy when it expires in December.
The board agreed to hold its annual meeting at The Chimney Rock Inn, with the usual $15 contribution from attendees (and the remainder subsidized by the Project).
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Chris will have a report at the end of the week due to end-of-month tasks still being in process. The nominating committee will be working on finding a new treasurer; Chris will continue to do the bookkeeping job if necessary, but not forever. The nominating committee is working on finding board-level position only, not the subordinate staff positions.
OLD BUSINESS
Reconsideration of Worker’s Comp
Despite a straw poll being taken in September as to whether the WC insurance should be dropped passed 15 yea, 3 nay, a motion was made to delay the final decision to this month to allow more discussion and for absent members to weigh in.
George noted that his vote had changed in favor of dropping WC insurance due to our obtaining D&O insurance, which will protect board members from being sued individually. Chris expressed that members should consider reading the D&O policy for themselves. John Mahon noted he was very familiar with WC insurance through his job, and although lost wages may be modest, medical costs can be gigantic and are potentially limitless. Jay passed around a prepared statement expressing his viewpoint that we should not take the risk of dropping the insurance, because even a meritless lawsuit must be defended against, and there is a still a risk, although a minute one. Mark noted that we are caretakers of FP’s money, and the premium represents 20% of our yearly profit. We are protected from many lawsuits as an all-volunteer organization. Elizabeth also feels it is a waste of money, and if we were ever to be sued, they’d go over after our general liability insurance, where the money is, and they cannot sue under both.
Bob also has changed his mind and now would vote to drop the insurance. Gary felt it was important that we respect that fact that we all have different risk thresholds, and no one should feel pressured to vote one way or the other. Jean expressed that she was on the fence regarding the issue; it’s a significant amount of money, yet there have been two incidents that she knew of where people were physically hurt at FP shows. Leigh noted that WC insurance was put in place to protect workers who had no other recourse, and although the risk is low, it’s not zero. Chris mentioned that we are sitting on a large amount of cash, and spending $1,600 on WCI is not going to keep us from doing anything else. After extended discussion, Mike A made a motion to not renew our worker’s comp insurance at the end of the current policy on December 2010, 2019. The motion carried with dissenting votes from Gary, Lois, Chris, Jay and Pam.
NEW BUSINESS
Folk Project Funds Explanation
Mark gave a preview of next month’s presentation, on how to optimize the use of our funds to take advantage of the recent renaissance and our increased income in order to continue to grow our funds, but also use them to create new and better experiences for our audiences in our various venues.
Audience Etiquette
Jay spoke quite fervently about his feelings that the reputation of the Troubadour, and the experience of our performers and audience members, are tarnished by heckling from the audience. He noted that one the rare occasions when a performer encourages this, it’s quite obvious; otherwise, people calling out things to the performer in an attempt to be witty does nothing other than unleash a storm of copycats that interrupt the show and throw the performer off their game.
In his words, it makes us look bush league and diminishes us as a venue. Comments need not be negative in order to be disruptive and unwelcome. As board members, we have an obligation to set a good example. A lively discussion ensued, with many members agreeing with Jay, and others vehemently disagreeing that we should have an overall policy because the repartee (when it works) is part of the Troubadour experience, and many performers want or invite the banter. Bob M noted that we have an obligation to not “break the frame” and destroy the magic mood set by a performer if they don’t like it.Pam suggested that performers should be queried ahead of time as to whether banter from the audience will bother them, and then address the issue the night of the show. Lois noted that although she really has loved the banter, it can easily get out of hand as we don’t know who is in the audience that might take it to extremes. Per Mark, that can be solved by having the default be to not allow it unless it is specifically invited from the stage, and frequent offenders should be spoken to. Mitch strongly agreed with Jay, and noted that this simply doesn’t happen in other venues, and that it is disruptive and should be stopped.Jean, as a frequent MC, also asserted that she hated having things yelled at her from the audience when she’s simply trying to get through her notes. As chairman, Mike flatly refused to implement an overall no-heckling policy, although he would consider putting an advisory in the performers’ rider.
A side issue regarding children running around the concert hall, and one occasion, running up and down on the stage during an Open Stage performance, has to be addressed to prevent it happening anymore.
New Publicity Chair
Paul took over these duties after the previous chair’s resignation, and would like to find a replacement. The person need not be an expert in publicity, but basic knowledge of social media, good computer skills and good time management skills are definitely needed. Board members were asked to help in the recruiting effort for both publicity and treasurer.
Website Design
Any member interested in beta testing or contributing ideas to the design of the website is invited to e-mail webmaster@folkproject.org (John Lamb) to arrange to preview the website at his home and give feedback.
Annual Meeting
George made a motion that FP subsidize the food at December’s board meeting, to be held at the Chimney Rock Inn, so that members will pay $15 for dinner and their own bar tab and FP will pick up the rest of the catered meal and the room size. The motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
E-COMMUNICATIONS
Mark reported on an issue where a member who had asked to be removed from our Getaway e-mail list complained about getting twice-yearly mailings regarding Getaway that are sent to the general membership list, which he still wants to be on. Mark is consulting with Constant Contact to see what can be done. Bob M offered to help Mark with this offline.
Jay needs a host for November due to a cancellation, and is considering moving the date because it conflicts with NERFA.
Chris noted that member Joe Guzzo has taken over the YouTube channel that Chris set up a few years ago, called FOLK PROJECT VIDEO, which has been dormant. Joe created a trailer for the channel and is seeking content, so please subscribe to the channel and watch for further announcements.
OPEN STAGE
November 8 is the special fundraiser with LifeCenterStage to raise awareness and funds to fight the opioid epidemic. Mitch expressed his hope that board members will attend and participate. November 22 is a “Best of OpenStage” four-band show that should be great.
September was not that great a month, due to some mysteriously low audiences. For example, the incredible Patrick Ball show drew 66 paid members, after his last appearance in 2014 drew 163. Great local bluesman Toby Walker booked for January 3, 2020
As of the meeting, there were three empty beds. Not as many day passes available as in years past. Concerts under the aegis of Getaway are Tom Paxton (sold out) and Livingston Taylor (tickets available). Donations in memory of late member Steve Wexler are over $2,000, and Mike Mark is exploring various options with his family as to the best use of the money.
Gary suffered a computer crash, which John Lamb helped him recover from (to Gary’s eternal gratitude), and now he can do all his membership work on an iPad, which provides automatic backup to the cloud.
Four shows this month, no tapings in September.
Pam is seeking volunteers for the Holiday Show, including someone to help her get the dinner together for the performers and staff. Uke Fest would have lost money without the contributions from the silent auction and some generous donations, and Pam expressed her gratitude for that; however, over the last seven years, it’s in the black by several thousand dollars. Pam will be stepping down as Special Concerts chair, retaining control of the Uke Fest.
TROUBADOUR STAFFING
Staffing is ramped up for Tom Paxton, which will be done with a staff of only five to maximize profits
SOUND REINFORCEMENT
John reported that preparations are in full swing for Tom Paxton and Getaway. Mike had a conversation with the AV guru of MUF, John Lamb and a representative of Zoom, which we are considering to replace Concert Window. Audio quality is still a question; they have previously been doing VOIP rather than music. Mike will also have to look into royalty issues, which were previously handled by Concert Window. Pam suggested waiting until after NERFA to see if any new alternatives arise there.
Paul reported that Evelyn Maurer has submitted several FP members who have passed away for inclusion in the newsletter, either in GOTO (the current format) or an “In Memoriam” section.
ADJOURMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m. Next month’s meeting is NOVEMBER 12 (SECOND TUESDAY) at 8 p.m in the Chatham Summit Friends Meetinghouse, 158 Southern Boulevard, Chatham.
Page updated
Report abuse