Meeting 2023-01-25

Meetings are conducted according to MIBS_Rules.

Consensus Agenda

• Expanding our Space Policy to include a need to warn people in the space when using heavy equipment. The proposed policy is that before using heavy equipment (bandsaw, CNC, etc.), you must audibly warn the people in the space and then wait ten seconds for the people present to prepare adequately (i.e. put on headphones to block out noise) before using the equipment. This is not only a matter of courtesy but also a way of being mindful of sensory difficulties.

• Displaying and encouraging people in the space to wear social availability badges that non-verbally indicate whether the person is prepared or in the mood to socialize in the space. This is an accessibility aid for people in the space who may not be able to easily communicate their socializing preferences and allows for people who come to the space only to work - and not socialize - to continue working uninterrupted.
  • Is this simply an official endorsement of such things, or is there a concrete action associated with it such as making badges and a description of their use prominently available in the space? – Peter M

• Archive old Member pages, projects, material related to the old space, etc. The wiki at the moment is cluttered with old, outdated and difficult to navigate. NONE of the previously mentioned material will be deleted or removed, the history of HackManhattan will be preserved on the wiki still and we will make every effort to keep old pages intact. We will add new information regarding our new space, encourage new Members to make pages for themselves that we will proudly display, and update pages regarding equipment, available materials, and policies. This will encourage people to use the wiki more and will make it easier to use.

• Proposal to add to bylaws: "The membership affirms its understanding that the bylaws give each member of Hack Manhattan an equal voice in Hack Manhattan governance, irrespective of amount donated to the space, fundraised, guarantor status, or any other financial contribution." - Anna + Peter
  • Bylaws or not? If bylaws, need to figure out where to insert it. – Peter M

New Business

These are the issues from the consensus agenda that were pulled out for discussion.

Noise warning rule

Final text:

Before using heavy equipment (bandsaw, CNC, etc.), you must audibly warn the people in the space and then wait a meaningful amount of time for the people present to prepare adequately (i.e. put on headphones to block out noise) before using the equipment. This is not only a matter of courtesy but also a way of being mindful of sensory difficulties.

passed unanimously

enacted as Rule 12

Social availability badges

There will be clothespins and a sign next to the door with them.

no objections

Wiki cleanup

Meg and Nick made an outline of updates to do. Some people have been volunteered to work on some stuff because we think you're great, but if you're not interested please feel free to remove yourself. If you need wiki access, Jay and Peter M are admins, bug us if you have a pending request.

See further discussion and come help in the [Discord channel].

Equal governance bylaws change

Bylaws changes must have sufficient notice. Anna will give the board a specific proposal so notice can be given to the members and it can be voted on in February's meeting.

Sponsored Members Induction

Welcome to Brian G, Jon M, and John G!

Member Reports

Board Reports

President's Report

• No report.

Treasurer's Report

• Highest electricity bill so far $272.04
• Expected January monthly revenue from dues: $3500+
• Annual treasurer report will be completed within next 3 weeks
• Lost a handful of members in last month (layoff in tech sector, moving home)
• Almost cashflow positive, jay estimates negative $150/mo
• Jay will share con ed credentials with Robin so he can look at energy usage
• Waste collection went up because city raised allowed max rate, though only nets out to around $100 additional a year

Secretary's Report

• Email about election will go out in the next day or two. If you are an active member and you do not get the email please contact me (discord @pidge, email pidge@hackmanhattan.com) to update your address on file so we're all set for the election vote.
• After accidentally reading too much about the laws governing New York non-profits, it looks like we're not actually allowed to hold elections with an asynchronous vote. This year's election will therefore likely happen during the annual member meeting so please make sure to attend it either in person or on Zoom.
• Will be covered in email, but deadline for determining candidates and active members eligible to vote will be midnight before the meeting, so please sort your stuff by then.

Directors-at-Large's Report

• No report.

Member and Project Reports

Anna's lamp is cool

Record player is dead [as of time of minutes, Robin has fixed it!]

Thomas is finalizing website cleanup to use a static site generator.

Various people have tried to reach out to TOOOLnyc (locking picking people) but seems like they're still on hiatus

Meeting Meta

• Members in Attendance: Meg, Jay, Anna, Justine J, Robin, Thomas, Brian E, Paul M, Peter M | Shway, Nick G, Drew
• Called to order at 7:30 by Meg.
• The meeting was adjourned at 8:39pm by Meg.
• Minutes taken and submitted by Peter M.