Board Meeting Minutes Summary: October 2024

City Engagements and Partnerships

* **City of Richardson Grant:** No progress on the grant from the City of Richardson. The organization is hoping for it to happen in October.
* **City Council Outreach:** The president and Chris met with four of seven city council members at a P.M. Pines event to introduce themselves and express interest in doing more with the city. Follow-up is planned for later in the fall.
* **IQS Sublet:** IQS has sublet an area at a reduced rate for cellular service. This means the makerspace will not be pursuing that location for strategic long-term partnership due to the locked-in arrangement.
* **Future Partnerships:** The organization needs to continue looking for partnerships that offer more electrical voltages and larger access points (like a roll-up door) for bigger equipment, as they are currently limited by standard doors.

Financials

* **Membership:** Currently, there are 129 members, with 5 new members in the last 15 days. The goal is to reach 150 members by the end of the year.
* **Annual Membership:** The organization needs to decide whether to continue offering annual memberships at a discount (currently $200, which is effectively a 5-month discount). The current president believes it leads to a cash flow crunch due to members "pre-paying" but not consistently attending. The board may need to reconsider this.
* **Financial Stability:** The current financial balance is $19,252.

Facilities and Equipment

* **Laser (Trogdor):** The laser is now running a new 32-bit brain and "gerbil howl" (firmware), making rastering much faster. An automated Z-probe is also in place, eliminating manual focusing.
* **Exhaust:** The exhaust issue for the laser is resolved.
* **3D Printers:** All 3D printers are up and running well.
* **X-Tool:** The X-Tool is functioning well.
* **ShopBot:** The ShopBot needs to be moved, and its electrical needs are being assessed. It requires 440V, and a converter costing $3,000-$5,000 might be needed. The president prefers to avoid purchasing it if possible. The goal is to find a place that already has 440V if a new space is needed.

Area Host Structure and Roles

* **General:** The concept of "area hosts" is vital for the makerspace.
* **Nicole:** Nicole is confirmed as the Stitch Lab (Fiber Lab) area host.
* **Jen:** Jen will take the leatherworking area.
* **Robert:** Robert is the upline for the laser room and will also oversee Mr. D and 3D printing. His role involves providing vision for the space, encouraging area hosts, recruiting new hosts, and being the area's voice to the board for needs.
* **New Recruitment:** The board attempted to recruit another Nicole as a vinyl area host.