Status: Draft
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Meeting called to order at 1:21pm.
Agenda approved.
Statement from President Michael Hartman.
Michael spoke on how far the Cafe has come since its inception despite financial setbacks and challenges. Added on the importance and the reliance the Cafe has for its volunteers, and urged more participation. Thanked Joe Harris for leading the vendor search committee, noted the marketing and outreach initiatives, recognized volunteers’ efforts.
During discussion, a suggestion was made on a possible increase in the surcharge to as much as 8-10% (Charles Smith), Dorian cited a possible diminishing returns from such an increase. Comments included other voices for increasing the surcharge with the loss of Federal grants. The Board should consider raising the surcharge in next year’s budget.
New equipment for music program purchased by Scott Stark, including new mics and sound board.
Approved 2023 Annual Meeting minutes.
REPORTS
Treasurer (Dorian Winterfeld) – Successful run of fundraising and grants for the last six years, including memberships; Thanked our grant writers – Michael Hartman, Deb Daniels, Charles Smith and Abby Crowley. Noted contributions and support by longtime member Connie Davis, and the success of October’s Masquer-AID Ball, thanks to Katy Gaughan and Charlles Smith.
First quarter P&L: Assets, $24,689; Expenses, $22,807, for a profit of $1882. Total received in first quarter totaled $26,190 due to donations and grants. But, we need to come up with more sustainable model for drawing income.
In the bank: $59,795, with another $25,000 grant expected soon.
Debts: $165,804; Covid loan, $107,000+; Member loans, $52,000.
Dorian read statement from 23 years ago that stated the future of the Cafe rests with its members. Same is true today. Volunteers have been and always will be necessary.
Charles Smith volunteered to develop survey on the demos of who comes to the Cafe.
President (Michael Hartman) – Cited were the Board’s ongoing negotiations with a new vendor, the formation of a fundraising and grants committee, and that despite the pandemic of 2020 and its repercussions the Cafe is still operating.
Regarding finances, the 4% surcharge supporting the music program was cited, the successful Masquer-AID Ball, Music Society grant that helps pay the Music Coordinator’s salary, continued use of Fractured Atlas for donations, the extended agreement with the Co-op for an additional year to January 31, 2025,with certain provisions enacted, as in the rent paid by the Cafe, the 4% surcharge, and the search for a new vendor.
Audit (Abby Crowley) – Audit member Alan Parker has monitored daily sales, created the draft budget for the Board, assisted grant writers, established merchandise committee with all new merch coming (paid for by a generous donor), with all all new display case purchased.
Concerns: all grants have reporting requirements; not received Co-op first quarter P&L; FONDCA non-profit grants limit increased to $15,000; cited our membership as a goldmine, but what do they get for their dues?
Food & Beverage Vendor (Dan Gillotte) – Cited accomplishments of running Cafe operations despite industry-wide trend of cutting hours; profitability has gone up in the past five months; the search for a new vendor brings up concerns; encouraged members to let the Board know what you want; sales take a dip after 9pm; looking into the possibility of closing during certain hours to save on expenses; some $180,000 in losses since July 2022 takeover of operations, but have seen some $12,000 in profit this year. However, Co-op does not expect to recoup all their losses.
Dorian cited the sales increase, but noted that expenses, including payroll, have gone way up. Recognized the Cafe’s food service staff.
Michael cited Dan’s generosity in working with prospective vendors.
Election of Board Officers (Tom Jones) – Both board and audit committee members were voted in by acclamation as there were three running for three board seats and two running for two audit committee seats.
Board members for 2024 are: Jay Bellamy, John Campanile (Secretary), Brandon Cole, Lisa Milani, and Alan Parker (Treasurer). Audit members are Michael Hartman and Rex Wingerter.
Music Coordinator (Liz Springer) – Thanked all who helped with her transitioning into her job, especially Caitlin Gompf and Amethyst Dwyer; was able to fill in music schedule quickly post-Caitlin; from the $5000 grant for new equipment, some $1300 remains; noted efforts of festival organizers (Meg Haney of FONDCA, all who worked on the recent Green Man Festival, and Masquer-AID); cited Cafe’s nominations for WAMMIE and City Paper recognitions and that such recognition attracts more bands to the Cafe.
Growth opportunities include Eleanor Roosevelt HS recitals and bringing in a guitar teacher.
Upcoming events include Pride Month, Jazz Festival, Labor Day, among others. Hopes to establish a cultural festival to celebrate diversity.
How can members help? Volunteer for sound tech, support the bands especially those new to the Cafe, tip generously, and buy food and drinks.
FONDCA (Meg Haney) – A 501(c)3 non-profit supporting Cafe music and arts, both visual and spoken; new members are needed.
Meeting adjourned at 3:18pm.
John Campanile / NDC Secretary
Minutes revised, 6/5/2024
Election of Officers, 06/02/2024: (*Amended 10/01/2024)
President- John Campanile
Secretary- Brandon Cole
Treasurer- Alan Parker
*Stephanie Rizk – member
Lisa Milani- member
Audit Committee:
*Anthony Case
Michael Hartman
Rex Wingerter
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