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Time and Location:


April 28, 2021 at Virtual Meeting - 7:00pm

Call to Order


Meeting called to order at 7:06.

Call to Order
Attendance:

NamePositionBoard Year in TermRoll Call
Brad Hess (Brad Hess)
Board Member, Chairperson

3

Y
Brandon Bullis (Brandon Bullis)
Board Member2Y
Dave Painter (David Painter)
Board Member1Y
James Waldron (James Waldron)
Board Member3Y
Jonathan White (Jonathan White )
Board Member, Secretary1Y
Erin Werling (Erin Werling)
Board Member2Y
Michael James (Michael James)
Board Member2Y



Consent Agenda


Newly proposed agenda items appear in the consent agenda. Any member present at the meeting may pull an item out of the consent agenda for discussion, at which point it goes under "New Business". If nobody objects to the solutions presented by the consent agenda, everything in the consent agenda passes by consensus. Items that have more than one proposed solution should be moved to the "New Business" section.Any member may propose an item on the agenda. However, discussion of agenda items should be done via Slack. The cut-off time for addition to or revision of the consent agenda items is 48 hours prior to the meeting. Please note, agenda items (Consent, New, or Old) that request spending $250 or more must include a section on "Relevance to our tax exempt purpose".

CA1: FY20 Financials and 990 (John Dubelko )

Problem:  End of year financial statements and 990 need to be approved by the Board.  

Solution: Board review and approve both

Relevance to Tax Exempt Status: We must file a 990 by May 15th or request an exstentionextension.

Motion: Approve the following Financial statements and 990. 

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View file
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namef990so Makersmiths 2020.pdf
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Discussion:

CA2

:

Ceramics Startup Budget (Jason Hill)

Problem: The ceramics area needs startup supplies and equipment.

Solution: See attached spreadsheet of items that are need. The ceramics committee predicts over $12,000 in revenue over the year to cover these and more expenses. 

Relevance to Tax Exempt Status: None

Motion: Approve $1,400 for setup of the ceramic area and classes. Committee agrees to the class schedule attached.

Discussion:

CA3: Agenda Item (@proposer)

Problem:

Solution:

Relevance to Tax Exempt Status: 

Motion: 

Discussion:

Prior minutes

2021-03-31 Meeting of the Board of the Directors - Agenda/Minutes

Vote: 

Officer Reports:

Chairman: 

Secretary: 

Treasurer:

Financial Statement: 

Member Reports:

Committee Reports:

New Member Orientation Committee (Chairperson Jessee Maloney)

Website Committee (Chairperson Jessee Maloney)

Membership Committee (Chairperson Scott Newman 

Social Outreach Committee:  (Chairperson Jessee Maloney)

Leesburg Facility Committee (Chairperson Brad Hess)

Purcellville Facility Committee (Chairperson Tom Hill)

Scheduling Committee (Chairperson Diane DeMott Paint

Special Projects Committee (Chairperson Mike Werling)

Welding Committee (Chairperson Arthur 'Skip' Smith))

Newsletter Committee (Chairperson @Melissa Kowalski)

IT Committee Chairperson Michael James)

Video Committee (Chairperson Adam "Squirrl" McClintock)

Custom Frame Shop Committee (Chairperson user-17f4a)

Radio Club Committee (Chairperson Allon Stern )

Marketing Committee?

 John provided a spreadsheet to show the difference between this year and last year.  We didn't get as many equipment donations in 2020 as we did in 2019.  Trued up inventory at Purcellville in this cycle as well.  Some other woodshop equipment.  Donations were up in 2020, classes were down.  Overall, we had $135k gross profit in 2020, and it was $184 in 2019.  The expenses between each year were within $1,000 of each other.  Overall we ended the year with a net income of $13,600.  On the balance sheet, the thing we need to focus on is the Kickstart obligation with Purcellville, plus possibly one or two memberships that we need to burn down.   John can make the list of Obligations available to the Board.  Once the Board approves, the next step is that they got Mary and then Liberty Tax will submit them.  Liberty Tax charges $175 to file.

CA2: Ceramics Startup Budget (Jason Hill)

Problem: The ceramics area needs startup supplies and equipment.

Solution: See attached spreadsheet of items that are need. The ceramics committee predicts over $6,000 in revenue over the year to cover these and more expenses. 

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nameMSP Ceramics Budget Request.xlsx
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Relevance to Tax Exempt Status: None

Motion: Approve $1,400 for setup of the ceramic area and classes. Committee agrees to the class schedule attached.

Discussion: Jason attended some classes and has spoken to others about getting the ceramic area up and maintained.  Jason is proposing that we get some of the essential supplies so that the space is useful but so that we can get regular classes.  Additionally they want to get get monthly firings.  Putting shelves in the kilns would mean that 50 bowls could be fired at one time.  The first section is clays and glaze chemicals.  The clays chosen are as non-toxic as we can get.  Different clays require different handling and having a couple of kinds available makes it easier to control. The second section are colors - and this has a variety.  Dave asked about how important the sawdust kiln - Jason responded that during COVID, the sawdust kiln can be used outdoors and is useful as a social tool and a way for people to do a project and take it away that night.  The sawdust kiln can also deal with some of our sawdust and the slag can be used for other ceramics applications.  Dave asked about watching the kiln.  Jason said it is basically a modified pit firing.  There are no sparks that come out of it but that it does emit smoke.  You can monitor every few hours or someone needs to be watching it at all times.  Dave - have we checked with the fire department.  Jason responded that their site says that for arts and crafts uses, they can allow it.  Jason has reached out but not gotten an answer on it yet. John D will reach out to our fire department member to get information.  Jason - once it starts, there is nothing to do but monitor it.  Dave - given the fire department was hesitant to give us a permit for a bonfire, we would really need to look into this.  Michael commented that this is akin to a smoker and Jason confirmed that a smoker is a good way to think of it. 

Regarding classes, Jason looked for comparative classes in the area.  They range from $75 to $175 for a class.  Clay would cost $1-5 per class and <$1.00 for glaze.  Should be relatively easy to make the money back after a couple of months.  Jessee - average cost in the area is $48 per hour for ceramics classes.  That usually covers cost of clay, kiln, electricity etc.  The classes are usually about 2 hours at time and could cover six sessions.  Studio time is about the same $48 per hour.  No one allows you to bring in your own clay, so those costs include the clay.  Typical class time is 2 hours and studio time is 3 hours.  Jessee said that she could teach some classes.  Jason - would be great to have people to teaching.  Jessee - our teacher breaks classes up into 4 sections.  Every six weeks she gets one block of clay and only one type of clay is allowed in the studio.  Christa - taking classes at Round Hill Arts center.  They have a similar system, 4 types of clay and no clays brought in from outside.  One or two people in charge of the kiln who cycle projects in and out.  

Dave - is the ask $1,403?  Jason - yes, get a variety of colors and material, some special equipment.  Erin - how many people do we have teaching classes?  Jason - right now zero.  But I will start teaching classes.  John - for the revenue model we said 8 classes of 4.  Jason - and if we have a lot of classes we will have to stock up.  Dave - looks like a low investment to get this started.  Michael - what is the format of the classes?  Jason - depends on the class.  We can do classes where the clay has had its initial bake where people 'paint'.  Those are easy to do and that would be 2 hour classes.  Any others, I want to keep them to about 2 hours per session.  Hand building 2 hours, come back after it has dried, then another 2 hour class.  Jessee brought up that there is a lot of pre-work for the instructor that has to happen in order to teach a class.  Jason - that was why I got the pugger last year which will help make the prep a lot faster.  Christa - there are lots of people trying to get into classes that are full out west here.

Dave suggests that the committee gets together and provides a more complete plan of how often the space will be open, what classes will be offered, and who is committed to teaching prior to committing the funds.  Jason has some of the class prep work done already.  Jim W suggests that he would second this motion.

CA3: Establish Marketing Committee (Scott Newman )

Problem: Bylaw 3.8.4 and the Standing Rules dictate that Committees must have a minimum of 3 members and that Committees and Chairpersons are appointed by the Board of Directors. At the last Board meeting it was proposed that the Social Outreach Committee be merged with the Marketing Committee. It was later discovered that there is no established Marketing Committee.

Solution: Board approves creation of the Marketing Committee, merges the Social Outreach Committee into the Marketing Committee as a subcommittee, and appoints its Chair.

Relevance to Tax Exempt Status: None

Motion: The board establishes the Marketing Committee, with David Lang, Jim Waldron, Jessee Maloney, and Julien Tricheaux, Jonathan White, and Scott Newman as its members, and merges the Social Outreach Committee into the Marketing Committee as a subcommittee.

Discussion: No discussion


Unanimous in favor of approving the consent agenda.  

Officer Reports:


Chairman:

No Chairman's report

Secretary: 

No secretary report

Treasurer:

Financial Statement: 

Net income for February was positive.  Expenses were a little bit higher than usual because both Feb and March rent was taken out in March.  Most of the donations income was from the IT auction that Michael James ran.  YTD - net income is $5,460.  End of the month, bank balance was $79k.

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name2021-03-31 Financial Report.pptx
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Member Reports:


No member reports.  

Committee Reports:

New Member Orientation Committee (Chairperson Jessee Maloney)

Scott - Jessee has been doing a good job hosting the new member orientation meetings.  Second one in April was pretty full.  Jessee created a website report that has shown what she is working on, getting the gift card work on the website done.  

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nameNew Member Orientation Committee Notes_ April 2021.docx
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Website Committee (Chairperson Jessee Maloney)

Issue with people saying they will go and change things on the website that Jessee then has to go and and fix.

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nameWebsite, Design & Maintenance Committee Notes_ April 2021 (1).docx
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Membership Committee (Chairperson Scott Newman 

Scott went through the committee report.  

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nameBoard Membership Committee Report 2021428.pdf
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Social Outreach Committee:  (Chairperson Jessee Maloney)

Committee is being merged into the Marketing Committee.

Leesburg Facility Committee (Chairperson Brad Hess)

No committee report.

Purcellville Facility Committee (Chairperson Tom Hill)

No committee report

Scheduling Committee (Chairperson Diane DeMott Paint

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nameScheduling_Newsletter_Minutes-Apr22_2021.doc
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Special Projects Committee (Chairperson Mike Werling)

No special projects so no committee report.

Welding Committee (Chairperson Arthur 'Skip' Smith))

No committee report.

Newsletter Committee (Chairperson @Melissa Kowalski)

No committee report.

IT Committee Chairperson Michael James)

No committee report.

Video Committee (Chairperson Adam "Squirrl" McClintock)

Tour videos posted.

Custom Frame Shop Committee (Chairperson user-17f4a)

Shed moved which clears space for the air conditioning unit.  

Radio Club Committee (Chairperson Allon Stern )

No report.

Marketing Committee

Consent Agenda item established Marketing Committee officially.  Activity ongoing, Jim has been working on a marketing plan as well as Jonathan W so they will get together to share plans.  Jessee has some contacts at Loudoun Times Mirror.  

Old Business:


OB1: Press Release Contract (Michael James)

Problem:  Request for marketing funds to fund a set of press releases

Solution: We have been offered a contract for press release services from Graphics and Marketing (GAM). The contract is $385 for setup and $50 for each release. We have to do minimal work to provide them with information for the release. They will professionally write and create the release and submit it to a host of news outlets where they have contacts. I would like the board to approve funds for the startup and for the first 5 releases ($635). This will get us through about 6 months of releases at which time we can evaluate the effectiveness and decide whether to continue or not. As we are putting together quite a group to work on marketing, this will work in parallel and push the effort forward.

View file
namePress Release Agreement - MS (1).pdf
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Relevance to our tax exempt status: None

Proposed Motion:  Propose that we sign the contract and fund the initiative in the amount of $635.

Discussion: Michael covered what's in the proposal.  Jim asked about how we would track the responses.  If we put a unique link in the press release we can see how many people went to it.  Company will give us suggestions of things to do a press release on.  We give them data and they will write up the release.  We give them photos and information and they do the write up after we give them the salient points.  Other questions on how it will be tracked and how we will determine success.  Discussion of whether we need a more comprehensive marketing plan before we spend money on this.  Nation of Makers suggests doing press releases.  Discussion of topics for and frequency of press releases.  Makers creating businesses during the pandemic from their experience at the space.  

Vote: More information required.  Michael and Jonathan will work on a summary.

Follow up on 04-28-2021: This item will be moved to the marketing committee and brought back up should the committee determine that this should be done.    Remove from Old Business

OB3: Machine Access Controls (James Waldron)

Problem:  We are not currently able to gather machine operating hours or control machine access. Anyone can use any machine whether they have taken Red Tool training or not. This sometimes leads to machine damage and expensive repairs. Lack of usage information means that preventive maintenance is not related to actual machine time, may be overdue, or be performed too often.

Solution: Fit select machines with access controls. Device to allow only authorized users and to log usage information. There are both home grown and commercial options available. Home grown solutions are less expensive but initially have fewer features. Commercial options are more expensive but more fully featured. Integration with our existing systems and data stores are likely easier for home grown solutions, possibly harder for commercial solutions.

Relevance to our tax exempt status:  None

Proposed Motion:  Adopt Machine Controls for Select Machines. Establish a small Machine Control committee to; determine which machines need to be controlled, investigate the current commercial and home grown solutions and select 3, present those to the Board at the February meeting. The Board to select a solution at the February meeting.

Discussion: Jim says he probably has enough parts to build some working prototypes.  Dave - would like to see building a few of these and putting them in place and testing.  We almost had to buy a new tablesaw this week given the Delta organization being onsold multiple times.  This would have been $250 in parts that aren't available anymore.  Jim said it would be made available for Android and iPhone and you would use an app.  It would enable the machine for an hour at a time and sense current that would then extend the machine on time automatically.

Amended Proposed Motion: Establish a small Machine Control committee to test a machine control solution and present the results and proposed costs to the Board at the February meeting. 

Vote: Unanimous in favor.

Follow up on 02-24-2021: Delays due to snow storms but not ready to demo yet.

Follow up on 03-31-2021: Jim showed the prototypes.  Dave suggested we put it on table saw in Pville.  One could be repurposed to make a 3 phase version.  Nothing to vote on at this time.

Follow up on 04-28-2021: Dave suggests putting it one on table saw and one on the miter saw for testing purposes.  Jim will get prototype up and running in the next few weeks.  

New Business:


NB1: UV Printer Acquisition (John Dubelko)

Problem: Following the discussion and approval to purchase at the last board meeting, the financing contract was late getting to the board. Besides the contract there is a resolution by the financing company for the board to approve. 

SolutionHold an electronic vote by Sunday May 2nd on accepting the financing contract and resolution to allow the board time to review and ask questions.

Old Business:

OB1: Town of Purcellville Train Station Kiosk (@Stosh)

Problem: The Town of Purcellville wants to build a kiosk for the historic train station.

SolutionThrough my association with the Town of Purcellville Planning Commission, I was contacted by a member of the Town of Purcellville’s Train Station Advisory Board (TSAB). TSAB is interested in hiring the Makerspace to create a product. The City of  Manassas has a kiosk located at their historic train station and TSAB would like to have a similar one made to place at the Purcellville train station. Unfortunately, Manassas has no records on who created theirs or when, and does not have plans.

TSAB is offering Makersmiths the opportunity to build the kiosk. TSAB has funds to expend on this which they must execute by May 2021. I’ve made no commitment to TSAB aside from telling them I would take their proposal to the Makersmith’s Board. A few pictures are attached on the following page, and I have a half dozen more for reference should the Board decide to go forward with it. The kiosk is metal, not wood (and I cited Makersmiths having few metalworkers compared to our number of woodworkers as a reason we might not be able to take it on). TSAB is also open to a little artistic license or suggested improvements, such as adding a solar panel, battery and lights.  If we have the means and personnel, I suggest this would be a way to get local recognition (I’m sure the town would help with local media and probably would have a ribbon cutting) and give back to the community (while being reimbursed for the effort). Should Makersmiths not choose to do this as an organization, I’ll forward this to our members who are metalsmiths and see if they’d want to take it on a job.

Relevance to our tax exempt status: N/A

Motion: I propose that Makersmiths commit to working with the TSAB to build the kiosk at the historic train station.

Discussion: Stosh described the ask from the Town of Purcellville a little bit further.  Dave said that metal will be expensive, but that we don't necessarily have the right tools to make some of the parts.  Stosh said that the town is open to ideas.  Dave believes the metal and processing would be a few thousand dollars even before processing and manufacturing.  Stosh can find out what their budget is.  Christa asked about the impacts on non-profit status - Dave and John said there is no issue.  Would be interesting to use the project to get people interested in the project.  Could potentially get enough from the project to purchase another tool for the shop.  Dave will put a better estimate of costs together.  Lot of upside for both sides.

Vote: Postponed - Dave will provide Stosh with estimate that can be taken to Town for validation that they will spend the value required. Stosh will get feedback from the Town.

Follow up on 02-24-2021: Meeting amongst members last night.  Town has the funding to participate.  Project is divided such that people who want to learn metalworking can participate, and those that want to help with solar power and a device to play train sounds is available.  Anyone who wants to be involved and do sheet metal working and welding can go ahead. No need for further vote.

Follow up on 03-31-2021: Dave has ordered steel and it should be available soon. No need for the board to vote as no money being put forward.

OB2: Epson 9890 Plotter (Michael James )

Problem: Starting Ink Set for Epson Stylus Pro 9890 Plotter

Solution: Request for Funds

Relevance to our tax exempt status: None

Proposed Motion: I have a few quotes for third party refillable ink cartridges. I have been requesting donations of the cartridges from various suppliers. Some have offered additional discounts. See attached quotes. I move that we allocate funds in the amount of $750 to get the plotter going. Ink Owl sent an updated proforma quote, Need to check the differences.

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nameShopping Cart _ InkjetMall.pdf
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nameInk Owl Quote - Epson 9890.pdf
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Discussion: Dave asked if this was an upgrade from the one in PVille.  Michael said it should be better and that it has high quality inks even with non OEM.  They are going to ask the laser repair folks if it is something they would purchase from us.  For the $420, that printer should run for us 2-3 years.  That should last us quite a long time.  It will cost us more to turn it off and back on as we would have to continue cleaning the ink heads.  We can charge for the plotter use like we do in Pville.  Dave suggested we talk at the members meeting about how many people would use the printer.  Let's gather some more information - laser company buying it, getting corporate sponsorship, seeing how much members would pay for use.  

Vote: More information gathering required before voting as above.

Follow up on 02-24-2021: Still under discussion and analysis.  

Follow up on 03-31-2021: Going for three months, Michael and John have donated some ink.  Would be good if the board could approve some cleaning cartridges.  Also needs the cutting blade replaced.  Christa offered to donate and said there are some people she knows who will.  No vote needed on this.  New motion will be proposed at the next board meeting if needed for parts or to change the supply budget.

OB3: Machine Access Controls (James Waldron)

Problem:  We are not currently able to gather machine operating hours or control machine access. Anyone can use any machine whether they have taken Red Tool training or not. This sometimes leads to machine damage and expensive repairs. Lack of usage information means that preventive maintenance is not related to actual machine time, may be overdue, or be performed too often.

Solution: Fit select machines with access controls. Device to allow only authorized users and to log usage information. There are both home grown and commercial options available. Home grown solutions are less expensive but initially have fewer features. Commercial options are more expensive but more fully featured. Integration with our existing systems and data stores are likely easier for home grown solutions, possibly harder for commercial solutions.

Relevance to our tax exempt status:  None

Proposed Motion:  Adopt Machine Controls for Select Machines. Establish a small Machine Control committee to; determine which machines need to be controlled, investigate the current commercial and home grown solutions and select 3, present those to the Board at the February meeting. The Board to select a solution at the February meeting.

Discussion: Jim says he probably has enough parts to build some working prototypes.  Dave - would like to see building a few of these and putting them in place and testing.  We almost had to buy a new tablesaw this week given the Delta organization being onsold multiple times.  This would have been $250 in parts that aren't available anymore.  Jim said it would be made available for Android and iPhone and you would use an app.  It would enable the machine for an hour at a time and sense current that would then extend the machine on time automatically.

Amended Proposed Motion: Establish a small Machine Control committee to test a machine control solution and present the results and proposed costs to the Board at the February meeting. 

Vote: Unanimous in favor.

Follow up on 02-24-2021: Delays due to snow storms but not ready to demo yet.

Follow up on 03-31-2021: Jim showed the prototypes.  Dave suggested we put it on table saw in Pville.  One could be repurposed to make a 3 phase version.  Nothing to vote on at this time.

New Business:

NB1: Press Release Contract (Michael James)

Problem:  Request for marketing funds to fund a set of press releases

Solution: We have been offered a contract for press release services from Graphics and Marketing (GAM). The contract is $385 for setup and $50 for each release. We have to do minimal work to provide them with information for the release. They will professionally write and create the release and submit it to a host of news outlets where they have contacts. I would like the board to approve funds for the startup and for the first 5 releases ($635). This will get us through about 6 months of releases at which time we can evaluate the effectiveness and decide whether to continue or not. As we are putting together quite a group to work on marketing, this will work in parallel and push the effort forward.

View file
namePress Release Agreement - MS (1).pdf
height250
 

Relevance to our tax exempt status: None

Proposed Motion:  Propose that we sign the contract and fund the initiative in the amount of $635.

Discussion: Michael covered what's in the proposal.  Jim asked about how we would track the responses.  If we put a unique link in the press release we can see how many people went to it.  Company will give us suggestions of things to do a press release on.  We give them data and they will write up the release.  We give them photos and information and they do the write up after we give them the salient points.  Other questions on how it will be tracked and how we will determine success.  Discussion of whether we need a more comprehensive marketing plan before we spend money on this.  Nation of Makers suggests doing press releases.  Discussion of topics for and frequency of press releases.  Makers creating businesses during the pandemic from their experience at the space.  

Vote: More information required.  Michael and Jonathan will work on a summary.

NB2: IT Committee Request for funds (Michael James)

Problem:  Software and Systems around the spaces are in need of an update.

Solution: Tech Soup and other sources for software and computers. Corel Draw 2020 $125/license, 4 licenses. Adobe Creative Suite Annual Subscription $366/license, 1 license. 3 HP Micro Desktops Elite Desk Gen5 $600/ea. The IT Department has a Budget in Mar, May, and Aug of $1500, total. The IT Department also raised $1300.00 from the two auctions. This should cover the items we are requesting.

QtyDescriptionPriceExtension4Corel Draw 2020$125.00$500.001Adobe Creative Cloud Annual Subscription$366.00$366.003HP Elitedesk Gen 5 Micro PC (i5-9500, 128GB SSD, 8GBRAM)$600.00$1,800.001Misc Cables (HDMI, Multi Card Reader, USB Extension)$100.00$100.00Total$2,766.00

Relevance to our tax exempt status: None

Proposed Motion:  Propose that we fund the IT committee for the upgrades.

Discussion: Michael went over how the funds would be used.  Adobe comes with 2 licenses.  3D Printing computer would be replaced and two new machines would be added.  Two would be for general use.  Have budget of $1500 and raised $1300 from the auction.

Jim seconded the motion 

Vote: All voted in favor.

NB3: UV Printer Acquisition (John Dubelko)

Problem: Makersmiths has prospered over the last few years and needs to invest in new equipment to continue to grow. Several members are requesting that a UV printer be part of this recapitalization. A small group of members has done the research and believes that this machine's purchase is viable and will be used regularly and pay for itself in 5-6 years. Members have committed to developing the red tool training, running these classes, and maintaining this new equipment.  

SolutionProcure a Roland LEF2-200 with a rotary tool, vacuum table, and BOFA fume extractor

Relevance to our tax exempt status: None

Proposed Motion:  This is a two-part motion. If the first is accepted, then the second part is considered. 
Motion 1 : Procure a Roland LEF2-200 with a rotary tool, vacuum table, and BOFA fume extractor.
Motion 2: Pick which method of payment/financing to procure the equipment:
A)     Accepting the lowest bid and directly pay for the equipment out of the general fund.
B)     Pay for ½ the equipment out of the general fund and finance the remaining balance. Hold a special meeting of the board to convene before April 15, 2021, to approve the financing contract and final price.
C)      Finance the entire purchase.  Hold a special meeting of the board to convene before April 15, 2021, to approve the financing contract.  Have an electronic vote on accepting the contract and adopting the resolution by May 2nd.  If the vote is favorable the chairman of the board and president will execute the contract.  The board will also approve the payment schedule in the contact. Attached are the documents.

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nameDoc Package 75659 Emailed (1).pdf
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Discussion:

John: I am open to another solution. There is a time deadline in getting the domo unit and vacuum table.   Looked on various leasing companies and most if not all had bad BBB ratings.  Met with Bank of America and they didn't get anything back after two weeks.  The version from Geneva is a financing rather than lease, which saves us sales tax and property tax because we own the machine.  Interest rate was 6.95%.  There are some up front payments required as detailed in the document.  Regarding pre-paying, if we prepay then we are still on the hook for the interest that will have accrued up to the 30th payment.  Suggest we give Board Members the opportunity to review and do an electronic vote.  Proposal/invoice is expiring soon so its possible the deal we are getting will not be available.  If we can execute by Sunday then we have a good chance of getting what we need.  

Dave - what is the total amount we are looking for now?  John - $35,499 is the total for printer, initial inks, rotary tool, vacuum table and filter unit, all setup and training.

Dave - please can all Board members read the document, then we can do an online vote Sunday afternoon.  

Open Discussion


Dave asked - can all Board Members think about the $200 per month allowance for the Purcellville shop?  Lots of demand for metalworking, lots of nice machines, but not a lot of tools to use on the machines.  We will need to get some additional basic working tools to get some of the other metalworking tools up and running.  Look at possibility of increasing the monthly allowance.

Dave also asked - As we come off of COVID in the next few months, we may have a difficult time telling Associate Members who have had key access for the last few months that they can't have access any longer.  Possibly time to get serious about what a single membership level is.  Transition from COVID to normal is probably our best opportunity to do this.  Please think about ideas, options, suggestions etc.  Jessee said they have been telling Associate Members during the new member orientation that they should expect that the membership levels will change.  Brad had a suggestion about $75 per member and requesting that those  used to paying $100 donate $25 per month and that becomes a tax write off.  Jonathan - please bring ideas in writing and with figures, based on Scott's membership report.

Erin - we need to work on new Board Members for June.  Brandon and Michael will not be running again.  If you know someone who would be good on the Board, please talk to them and get them to submit an application.

John - What does Board feel about relaxing the number of people per room at Makersmiths?  Virginia goes to 100 people gatherings on May 15th.  Discussion about having different numbers of people per room depending on size.  John will put something together.  


Adjournment

Chairman adjourned 8:25

Discussion: Discussion of  how large the machine is and where it would go. Dave asked whether we want to put all of our funds into this machine or to do other projects.  Lots of discussion and questions on the project.  Comments and questions on how the machine tracks the usage so we can make sure that usage is paid for.

Motion 1: Michael seconds Motion 1.  Vote - 5 votes for, carries the motion

Motion 2: Board agrees to Option C

NB4: ABS Use by 3d printers (Scott Newman) Moved from Consent Agenda

Problem: Member has raised ventilation concerns related to 3D printing, specifically calling out ABS. Specifically: "ABS actually off-gasses toxic fumes.   Since 3D printing at MS-L has never been a high use activity, it really hasn't mattered too much.  Yes, there were the occasional comments or questions, it wasn't at top of mind danger compared to other more pressing issues.   But if the 3D printer room was going to be used with multiple printers going at same time and for substantial amount of time (say several hours in a row...), then ventilation should be on your and the Boards consideration."

Solution: In the short term, ban ABS from use inside Makersmiths facilities (per the excerpt from https://www.makerfleet.com/blog/3d-printer-fumes-and-osha-requirements sent to the Membership Chair). In the long term, ventilation in those spaces that warrant it (3D printing room, Cosplay area, others) should be addressed by a committee formed for this purpose, perhaps rolling this into the effort for building out the Cosplay area.

Relevance to Tax Exempt Status: None

Motion: Board hereby bans the use of ABS for 3D printing inside of unventilated Makersmiths facilities. Board hereby directs <Board Member X> to form a committee to assess ventilation needs within the facilities.

Discussion: Scott explained.  Member raised concerns about ABS fumes being put off by 3D printers. 

Michael - lots of different opinions on the subject online.  If you really read all of the articles they focus on people printing ABS at home where people are inside all day.  They focus on printing all day long.  Some articles say that PLA is more toxic but they are produced in a lower volume.  One consistent line is that resin printers smell, but that they don't put off toxic gasses.  The articles talk about the printing with multiple printers in small rooms all day.  ABS puts off styrene into the air that might irritate your nose or make you dizzy if you're right up there breathing it, but it takes a lot.  There seem to be many, many opinions out there. 

Lots of other items in Makersmiths items make dust and other fumes.  No issue with looking into effects of 3D printing fumes but we probably need to look further into it than we can in this meeting.  

Open Discussion

No Open Discussion

Adjournment

Chairman adjourned 9:27.