The meeting was called to order by at Claudia McEwen 6:00pm. Present were Paul Buckley, Sylvia Rickett, Loretta Geotis, Gail Burnett, Pat Robenolt, Alicia Merel, Tom O'Neil, Mike Edwards, Lauren Spinelli, Paula Pettorini, Rita Irwin, Suzanne Terpos, Kay March-Adorno, Kathryn Rummery, Arnie Steinmetz and Fred Hundhammer. Riet Steinmetz was also present. C.J. Geotis, Nancee Rainaud, Marianne Benvenuti were absent excused.
Approval of the Agenda: Motion to approve, seconded and passed.
Minutes: Motion to approve, seconded and passed.
Loretta, read a letter sent from the Tavernier Cinema operator, offering MCT a venue in which to perform. They are willing to transform one of their auditoriums into a playhouse. He would also provide a room to serve as a greenroom. He has the space and is anxious to put something together if at all possible. He is offering a share in advertising, and splitting 55-45 of proceeds. He would also like to come to the board to make a presentation. Claudia mentioned the email responses we have already had on this, and opened to additional comments. Lauren mentioned that while expansion is always welcome, there would be the concern of spreading ourselves too thin. Arnie asked how large the auditorium room was - 80 to 100 seats. He pointed out that business is probably bad for Tavernier Cinema, prompting the offer, and that putting on routine productions would be really challenging for us- but that case by case opportunities (especially readings) might be a possibility. Alicia mentioned that based on our discussions at the retreat, we are really thinly spread already! Claudia mentioned that there already is an organized group in the upper Keys, Keys Players, and that possibly they would be interested. Rita mentioned that there is a group looking for a building, and a building looking for a group - and they (Keys Players) are already in the upper Keys. Paula mentioned that the need seems to be more theirs than ours. Gail mentioned costs - copyrights, gas and time. Tom made a motion that we refuse the kind offer and provide contacts between Tavernier Cinema and Keys Players. The motion passed.
Regarding the FKCC proposal, Loretta passed out the syllabus presented by FKCC. Claudia asked that we all read it and email relevant comments and whether it should be included in the next board meeting.
Staff Reports
1. BOX OFFICE REPORT
a) Body count for June is 360.
b) All productions are on-line and ready for purchase in the box office.
2. CINEMA
a) Nothing new.
OTHER STUFF
I am currently preparing the letters and mailing list for advertisers for the 2008-2009 season playbill. I will have assignments for the advertising committee upon my return from Illinois. Will schedule a meeting at that time.
I have information from Orion Bank who paid us a personal visit in hopes of getting some business from us. The packet is in my possession if the finance committee or board members wishes to review it.
Under New Business, I will be discussing a proposal with the owner of the Tavernier Towne Cinemas.
Advertising has begun for Queen of Bingo. I have scheduled radio time with the Morning Mix for the week of the opening. Posters are available for distribution. Tickets are beginning to sell!
I have begun work on the season brochure so will need final logos etc. at your earliest convenience.
Clean-up projects to continue throughout the summer. Paul will cover under building committee report.
Thank you all for your attendance at the board retreat. I thought it was very helpful and hope that we will follow through with the topics that were discussed.
We have scheduled a new square-dance class, yee-haw! on Tuesdays at 5:30 beginning July 22. The purpose of this class is to rehearse dance for OWO. I will coordinate to avoid any conflicts with future board meetings regarding noise, etc.
I have received a notice of public hearing regarding the proposed new Walgreen's location in the building where Gary's used to be. It is Monday, July 21 at 5:30 with the Planning Commission at the Fire Station and Tuesday, August 12 at 5:30 at the City Council Meeting – Government Center.
I have also received the Notice of Hearing for Adoption of Wastewater Collection and Treatment Facilities Assessment. I will have copies available if anyone wants to look it over. It does include estimated costs. CJ can elaborate on details and answer questions. If we pre-pay the cost is close to $11500 just for hookup (we believe this is just for our percentage). Disassembling the existing plant will be some more. We received a bill for emptying the sludge for about $500 – Loretta double checked with the company on this cost, since it seemed high, and they confirmed it was our third of the payment.
I will be visiting my Dad and family in Illinois from July 16 through July 23, returning to the office on Thursday, July 24. I apologize for not being here for press night; however, Riet will be in charge of greeting the press. They have been contacted and reminded and I will also email them from Illinois as a reminder. I can be reached as always, if necessary, and CJ will be in town. (305-797-1704)
(I couldn't find seven consecutive evenings without a commitment.)
PLEASE remember to turn off all lights and especially air conditioners, etc. Our electric bill is $1300 to $1400 per month. It only takes 10 minutes to cool down a room. AC has been left on about 3 times overnight this week!!!! There is no reason to leave it on all night. By the way the electric bill was more than the mortgage payment! Fred asked that Loretta remind the directors and other people in charge of the various activities that they need to take on the responsibility of shutting things down. Lauren suggested the president write a memo to all directors and so on. A programmable thermostat, after some discussion, seemed not to be such a good idea. Claudia will delegate the writing of the memo. Claudia asked the building committee to research a timer option for the AC.
Reminder: *Directors/Producers - Don't forget to include the GM and VP of Production in your rehearsal schedules, cast information, meetings, use of rooms etc. Please check with me to make sure we are not duplicating scheduled time slots. And, please be considerate of those who are rehearsing and in meetings, regarding noise and interruptions. Thank you.
Committee Reports: New committee assignments were sent out by email.
(There were few reports since the assignments came out recently and committees have hardly had time to meet. Additionally, board members involved in Queen of Bingo had left for rehearsal).
Executive:
Claudia urged committee chairs to enlarge their committees from the general membership.
VP Production:
Alicia reported that Queen of Bingo is coming along.
Finance:
Lauren reported that the playhouse had almost a 20% increase in revenue over the last year, but the cinema is about 3% down.
Playreading:
No report
Program:
No report
Historical:
No report
Stage Committee:
Tom reported that light bulb prices increased by a dollar a bulb.
Building:
Paul reported that the emergency lights are tested and in working order. The work party dates were rescheduled for August 9th and 10th - we are too busy in July. The necessary roof work will soon be underway (this is covered by the warranty). Paul asked Arnie for assistance with the pick up truck to pick up some of the things MCT has obtained from the UPS store.
Nominating:
No report
Membership:
Time to renew - Do it now! Quarterly General Membership meeting dates: September 3 December 3
Entertainment:
Pat reported that the next event will be the buffet for the fundraiser.
Cinema:
No report
Human Resources:
No report
Props/Costumes:
Riet will be chairing this committee.
Other:
Kathryn would appreciate help with organizing the music binders - she gets stuck with this project after the Christmas concert and reorganizing them takes quite a long time.
Old Business:
Board retreat re-cap: Loretta brought up the question of board meeting/rehearsal conflicts, and Fred mentioned how at the retreat, the majority seemed to be OK with people leaving in the middle of the meeting when they needed to go to rehearsals. Lauren mentioned that this seems to be an ongoing topic of conversation, and while it seems to work for now, if anyone has any workable ideas to address the issue, to please make sure to bring them up. Lauren asked how we will be following up on the retreat and Claudia asked that all committee chairs read the notes carefully, pull out things that apply to your own committee, look for areas to be followed up on, and bring ideas back to the board. Arnie brought up concerns regarding the cinema's ongoing issues; we will need to give the new committee the opportunity to get together over the next month. Fire/security system update: The new security company did not give us a good enough quote or a break in the price. Loretta went back to Keys Security and requested a more detailed quote. She obtained about $1000 for replacing the board, $90 per hour labor, $170 per hour with help. Labor estimate is 3 hours. The cost seems to be between $1500 and $1600. The issue of permits does not arise as we had previously thought. Paul will get Sally (owner) from Keys Security to come in person to MCT to review the proposal and explain the cost. The building committee will follow up on this matter. Update on "Henry Flagler" performance: Loretta read some reviews of where he has performed and they were positive. She will also watch the DVD it seems like fun! If this works out, the performance could be held in February, following the usual contract for rental, fees and ticket split.
