WPFW Regular LSB Meeting
October 11, 2017
Howard University
Department of Architecture
2366 Sixth Street,
NW
Washington, DC 20059
Robert Simms, Chair
Ellen Williams Carter Secretary
I. Call to order
At 6:30
Louis Wolf, Vice Chair began the meeting.
At 6:45 pm a quorum was established. Robert Simms, Chair called the meeting
to order at 6:45 pm.
II. Roll call
14 Members were present at roll call: Robert Simms, Maskeelah-Myrtle
Washington, Ellen Williams Carter (non- voting), Louis Wolf, Nick Arena (non-voting), Jim Brown, Julie Hewitt, Benito
Diaz, Cliff Smith, Martha Peterson, Ron Pinchback, Sabooh Hakim, Vickie McGill, Eric Ramey, Donald Williams, Tony
Leon
4 Members Late: Campbell Johnson, Nancy Sorden, Gloria Turner, Ron Pinchback
4 Excused absence: Christine
Cotter, Lona Alias, Meredith Cordisco, JW Nightwolf,
The GM Jerry Paris was present.
The IPD Katea Stitt was
absent.
Timekeeper: Louis Wolf
III. Approval of Agenda – agenda was amended and approved
IV. Approval of the
minutes – minutes were amended and approved
The September 13, 2017 regular meeting minutes were approved as
amended.
V. Management Reports
The General Manager, Jerry Paris stated:
He paid rent for the month of October
of $27, 000. Volunteers are needed to answer the pledge line phones. The recent transmitter failure was due to the
malfunction of the exhaust fan. On Sunday the transmitter problem was resolved. $175,000 is needed to purchase a new
transmitter in September of 2018. American University is providing it at a discount price of $175,000. This new
transmitter would be digital and HD. He stated that Central Service is paid up. He said that Ralph Nader would do
fundraising for the station as well as do a program. On November 9th the LSB will sponsor a Resistance Comedy Night to
raise funds.
Questions and Statements from the LSB:
Benito Diaz objects to Ralph Nader doing a program at
WPFW.
WPFW Local Station Board Resolution on Dick Gregory’s Birthday
Presented by Campbell Johnson
Whereas
WPFW’s Local Station Board is an advocate for progressive change in our community and throughout the United States,
Whereas today, October 12th would have been Dick Gregory’s 85th birthday, and
Whereas Dick Gregory devoted a
lifetime of sacrifice to uplifting the oppressed, advancing social justice issues and supporting advocacy among the
Black community for a huge range of health and wellness issues,
Therefore the Local Station Board, hereby resolves
that we urge our community and progressive communities throughout this country to be faithful to the legacy Dick Gregory
shared with our community through more than eight decades and many thoughtful analyses, and,
We further urge all of
our listeners and our community to study and learn from the life lessons that are contained in the rich legacy of Dick
Gregory.
Passed unanimously on October 11, 2017
The Interim Program Director Report:
She was
absent.
VI. Committee Reports
1. Finance Report by Treasurer - submitted a written report
Nick Arena stated the
following:
Nancy Sorden, Eileen Rosin and Nick Arena prepared the fiscal year 2018 budget report and presented to the
board. We are current in our payments for October. The rent payment amounts increase from October to March. In April it
will return to approximately $14, 958. LSB members will be calling WPFW donors for unfulfilled pledges/donations.
2. PNB Reports – submitted a written report
Benito Diaz stated that the PNB has considered options in light of
the Empire State Building Summary Judgement.
3. Program Committee – submitted a written report
The Programming
Committee is receiving useful input regarding the grid change proposal as PC members continue conversations with
individual LSB members and other listeners. Likewise, the PC continues to produce a monthly LSB Show. The last meeting
(on October 4) was conducted by phone due to the fund drive.
4. Outreach and Development
The Run/Walk was named
the Dick Gregory Walk for your health. Nancy Sorden said she donated the $32.99 for medals. The profit for the 5K was
approximately $1,110; however, they are waiting for some payments. Gloria Turner is working on the U Street Jam. This
year, they will feature music of Motown. Food will be catered and there will be a cash bar. On November 9, 2017 the WPFW
LSB will present a fundraiser “Resistance Comedy Tribute to Dick Gregory”. Ron Pinchback and Donald Williams are working
on the logistics. The tickets are $40.
5. MASC report
Nothing to report.
VII. Community Comment
John Tatum
passed out a condensed version of “How to Run Your Meeting” and Standing Rules again. Ron Tonstell wants to help with
relocating to a new building. Tony Norman stated that more revenue is needed or some cuts should be made. He also said
that management should make some a good faith efforts to balance the budget. Pete Tucker congratulated Martha Peterson
on the Dick Gregory Walk for your health. Joe Brown donated a picture of Dick Gregory to be displayed at WPFW. Barry
Jones wants to help WPFW.
VIII. Adjournment of the Regular Meeting
Motion to adjourn: There was no
objection.
Robb Simms adjourned the regular meeting at 9:00pm
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm
Minutes submitted
by: Ellen Williams Carter