NCPR Executive Council Meeting Minutes 2/3/14

North Country Public Radio Executive Council Meeting

MINUTES — February 3, 2014

Conference call meeting attended by Rod Giltz, chair; Lee Keet, treasurer; Steve Hopkins, Cali Brooks, John Ernst, Tom Evelyn, Dale Kramer, Alan McLeod, Cathy Pircsuk, John Rosenthal, Mark Scarlett, Marion Roach Smith; and NCPR staff, Ellen Rocco and June Peoples.

Absent: Nancy Keet, Linda Cohen, Jan Langlois, Dick Munro

• Roll call and recognition of Lee Keet as new EC treasurer – Rod Giltz
• Report on station activities, with highlights of discussion below – Ellen
  • EC members will expect personal call from Sandy Demarest to arrange meetings and conversations in communities where we are hoping to expand underwriting potential and contacts.
  • NCPR continuing to explore possibility of expanding signal into Saratoga Springs, though there are still some frequency complications; also working on getting a transmitter into Elizabethtown.
  • NCPR working on re-focusing of some job descriptions to address changing goals for digital platforms; also, Jackie’s role as program director morphing into “content manager” so that she can oversee station content on all broadcast and digital platforms.
  • Marketing and outreach critical as station works to spread the word across the Adirondack North Country about activities, programs and content it produces.
• Report on station finances – June and Lee

Lee reviewed the financial reports, including our audited report for FY13. Some conversation about the growth of the quasi-endowment overseen by the Adirondack Foundation, which is now over $2 million and generated $87,000+ in interest revenue (based on a three-year averaging). Assuming the market remains strong, this interest revenue should continue to grow significantly. The Council voted to approve these reports. The station will email all EC members a copy of the auditor’s letter . (Attached to these meeting notes.)

• Guidelines for Executive Council activities – Steve Hopkins

Steve reminded us that there are expected duties for public radio station advisory boards. He will lead the effort to review those guidelines (attached to these notes), and report back to the entire EC on recommended advisory activities, based on guidelines and on activities other stations’ advisory boards are engaged in.

• Succession planning – Ellen, Tom, Rod

Ellen explained that Jackie, Sandy and Ellen are the most likely to retire in the next few years. Jackie’s role shaping new “content manager” position is part of the strategy to ready the station for a national search to replace her. Sandy may stay on as a part-time outreach/marketing person and be available to mentor our next underwriting director. Ellen will give at least one year’s notice so the University, station and EC can craft a successful search plan, which may include hiring the services of an outside search firm.

 

• SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS

Monday, May 5, 2014 – Canton, with lunch at noon for those attending in person, meeting at 1 pm

Wednesday, July 16, 2014 – Canton, with lunch at noon, meeting at 1 pm, followed by public ANNUAL MEETING at 3 pm

Monday, October 27, 2014 – Canton, conference call at 1 pm

Monday, February 9, 2015 – Canton, conference call at 1 pm

 

(Meeting notes prepared and submitted by Ellen Rocco.)