Dec 2021 – Feb 2022 Spark Board Summary
Investigated / decided on new bank (MaPS Credit Union) re fees, services, and accessibility, starting in March. Standing agenda item to discuss in-person meetups and/or resuming hunt for physical facilities: First step is resuming physical Social meetups. Between Omicron and cold weather, stuck with virtual First Tuesday Social meetings for Jan/Feb/March. Considering physical meetup at April Social, and will put link to survey in meetup.com event entry for April Social re preferences for meetup location (Ratchet? Vagabond? Other?) Mike N. wants help testing batteries / matching in pairs for phone charging stations he is making for FREE FRIDGE organization. No objection to bringing up at Socials or on Slack, no official action needed. Solar Trailer – paid Mike N $300 for like-new power system parts he provided (3000w inverter, 12v solar charge controller, breakers). Possibly test deploy Trailer at live social in April if can park near semi-outdoor/tented area (eg, Vagabond with rollup door open). – Desired equipment: – EZ-UP style tent for rain cover (with/without walls). – Mount permanent pull-out awnings to side of trailer. – Folding table(s). – Power strips and extension cords. – List locations with proximity to restrooms. Redwood Crossing housing – as of Feb meeting – official acceptance of 2 computers for common room (via Lindsay Dent), DB will arrange pickup or dropoff in March. Their IT will add operating system. Also 2 computers to KMUZ community volunteer radio. Both will give pictures for our blog when they’re in service. As of Dec, sold 4 excess PCs on consignment through NORVAC (raised ~$40 each), and 2 monitors (raised ~$10 each). Other excess donated equipment to sell soon: old table saw w/o guard, and radial saw. Keepers: label makers, miter saw, and keep a couple of functional PCs in reserve for future Spark use. Change of Board meeting time starting in March, so it won’t overlap with Microportal meetings.