TheLab.ms Wiki

This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong.
# Member Meeting Minutes Summary - July 2025

The meeting covered several key topics, including:

* **Meeting Time Adjustment**: Discussions are ongoing about potentially moving the meeting time back by 30 minutes to give volunteers more time, as the full hour isn't usually needed.

* **New Location Search**: The organization is actively looking for a new location and is open to ideas. A realtor has been persistent about a property on Presidential, but the organization is hesitant to commit to a six-month rent, preferring a month-to-month arrangement due to fund limitations.

* **Rockwall Makerspace**: There's a plan to meet with the president of the Rockwall Makerspace, which recently shut down, to learn about their long-term plans and explore potential opportunities.

* **New Equipment - Glowforge**: A Glowforge laser has been donated and is now operational, though the exhaust needs to be hooked up. This CO2 laser is similar to the existing blue and white laser, offering a powered pass-through and autofocus capabilities via a camera. It can serve as an alternative if the current "Trogor" laser needs to be taken offline. Members are encouraged to help with the exhaust setup.


* **Space Reorganization**:
    * The blue laser will be moved out, and the area will be set up with workstation tables for 3D printing and assembling projects.

    * The X-Tool will remain out until the new setup is complete, then potentially moved with the printer.

    * Knitting machines are working well, and there's an effort to get the North Texas Knitting Machine Group to meet at the Makerspace to teach members how to use the extra machines. These machines are easy to store vertically, which is a consideration for future moves.

    * The use of the "long arm" machine is being re-evaluated due to the significant space it occupies and the effort required for setup and teardown. Discussions include using its footprint for storage of tools and resources.

    * The current space is about 2503 square feet, with over 2000 square feet actively used. The ideal new location needs to be able to handle active work and ideally have a large wood shop, as smaller spaces often don't.

    * The importance of prioritizing tools and resources that offer the greatest benefit to the majority of members was stressed, with examples like the dye sublimation equipment and vinyl cutter, which are space-efficient and widely used.

    * The need for large, flat, clear tables for member projects was highlighted.


* **Storage and Tool Management**:
    * The idea of increasing vertical storage was suggested, including adding shelves for items like sewing machines and storing lumber on end to maximize space.

    * The current one-off shelving units are not ideal, and more robust metal shelving is needed for storage.

    * A focus on defining specific spaces for tools, even duplicates, was discussed to reduce footprint.

    * The idea of color-coding tools for specific areas (e.g., 3D printing tools) was brought up as a way to manage them.


* **Member Feedback and Engagement**:
    * The importance of understanding what members value and use was a major point. A survey or a system to track tool usage by members who physically come to the Makerspace was suggested, possibly using a badge system with a tablet for input.

    * Prioritizing the needs of active, paying members over general Discord community members was emphasized.

    * Utilizing Discord forums for specific feedback on woodworking or other areas was proposed.

* **Air Quality Monitoring**: Air quality sensors are in place to monitor the environment, and members can check hourly, daily, and weekly reports via a tablet.


* **Financials**: The bank still has funds, and insurance needs to be paid. An in-person payment is planned due to issues with DocuSign.

The meeting also touched on social time, noting that it's valued for community building but should have a connection to the Makerspace's core activities.