The following text are the minutes from the SMCT Board Meeting on February 13, 2016. Click the link below for a downloadable PDF version.
SMCT Board Meeting Minutes 13 February 2016 (public)
SMCT Board Meeting Minutes – February 2015
February 13th, 2015, 10:00am Benjamin Eddy Building, Foster, RI
Members present (voting members in bold): Dennis Chretien, Shane Inman, Eric Dubois, Liz Dubois, Leslie Carter, Nikki Boss, Chris Brostrup-Jensen, Kaila Rubin, Carol Mauro
Meeting Begins – 10:12am
Executive Director
-Youth Protection Guidelines
-Form needs duplicate pages for SMCT and signatory
-There should be a way to keep track of who has/hasn’t signed the form
-Content-wise, form is comprehensive
Motion to adopt Youth Protection Guidelines form as is – Seconded/Passed
-Production guidelines
-Should be production-by-production basis, signed off by board member each time
-“without exception” clause of attendance requirement to be slightly altered to allow small amount of leeway so long as production team is notified well in advance
-Bridge Builder should be explicitly mentioned in portions regarding conflict resolution
-Wording of document should be tightened
-“Social Media” should be moved farther down, “Youth Protection” moved up
-Playground poses liability problem, children must be watched at all times
-Andy pointed out that ultimate responsibility should rest with the parents, not Swamp Meadow
-Paine School playground is completely off-limits due to lack of visibility
-Form will be edited and resubmitted
-Next policy meeting will revolve around coordinating database
-Must be improved to allow easier sorting of people interested in different roles
-No updates on Paine School negotiations, last word indicated they were willing to reduce charge for Tom Sawyer to 5% and waive charge for Halloween event
Productions
M*A*S*H
-Andy was hoping to give at least a few people heart attacks, but was vetoed by the board
-“Loud noises” disclaimer will be added to poster or pre-show announcement
-Andy wants to offer discount for active or retired service members
-Discount would be equal to student and senior discount
-Problem may arise in determining who is legitimatey eligible
Motion to adopt service member discount for M*A*S*H – Seconded/Passed
-May encourage people to attend show in uniform, though definite incentives will not be offered
-Contract for M*A*S*H is AWOL, Chris will track it down
-Seussical
-Emily Carter is currently occupied with other productions, but has laid the framework for Seussical and will be ready to move forward soon
-Bob Hollis is being considered for Bridge Builder
-USO Show
-Will it have a Bridge Builder?
-This will need to be discussed with Artie Robillard, the director
-Next season
-Chris still needs to speak to the people behind potential shows before a final decision can be made
-It would be ideal to have the season decided in time to be promoted alongside promotion of M*A*S*H
-At next creative meeting, unplugged, dinner theatre, etc. will also be considered
Motion to approve selection proposed by creative team in advance – Seconded/Passed
-Creative Studio
-Disclaimers regarding language, violence, etc will be added to descriptions of Creative Studio videos as needed
-Standards for acceptability and quality must be set for potential future projects
-Andy suggests Creative Director should oversee Creative Studio productions
-Filming of most recent CAST video was never completed
-Training is still needed
-Future projects should have one definite person in charge to guide production
-Discussion of how to move projects from editing stage to uploading stage can wait until M*A*S*H is completed
Events
-Date must be chosen for Foster Follies
-Schedule is already behind where it has been in previous years
-Nikki will assume responsibility for making necessary preparations
-Possibility of auction in combination with Follies will be pursued
Public Relations
-New website is up and running, is mobile-compatible
-Mention of “swampmeadow@aol.com” address on website needs to be annihilated
-Email has been moved to new host
-New host has maximum of five free mailing lists, extras cost a monthly fee
-Approval is required for every message sent, regardless of past approval
Fundraising
-Meryn has submitted proposal for community-building grant to allow construction of small outdoor performance space
-Likely to be approved
-New library director wants to work together on plans
-Only a possibility if additional money is obtained
Tech
-Upgrading Q-lab would cost extra
-Still necessary
Motion to upgrade Q-lab – Seconded/Passed
Meeting adjourned – 12:08pm