Minutes:2008-07-17
These are official minutes from a meeting of the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees. Please note that in the event of any differences in meaning or interpretation between the original English version of this content and a translation, the original English version takes precedence. |
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- Meeting: Board of Trustees
- Location: Alexandria, Egypt
- Quorum: Yes
- Also present for certain parts: Sue Gardner, Executive Director
- Start: 9:30 July 16th
- End: 12:00 July 17th
Approval of Minutes
Resolution for the record:
This resolution approving the minutes from the April 5-7, 2008 board meeting was approved by vote (6 supports, 2 missing).
It is hereby resolved that:
- the Board approves the Board Minutes from the April 5–7, 2008 Board meeting.
Approve: Kat, Jan-Bart, Florence, Michael.
Approval on-wiki:
- Jimbo Wales 15:10, 22 June 2008 (UTC)
- Domas 22:43, 22 June 2008 (UTC)
Missing:
- Frieda (not present at the April meeting)
- Stuart (not board member at April meeting)
Board Pledge of Commitment
- Needs commitment to our values
- Should describe fiduciary responsibilities needed
- Conflict of interest clauses have to refer to separate Conflict of Interest policy document
- Pledge of responsibilities has to be core of the document
- Signature is needed, to show approval
- Action item: Sue will brief Mike, Mike will prepare new draft for next face to face meeting
Board member activity: whip policy
- Meeting attendance is not the only board activity measure
- Need responsiveness to important issues
- Action item: Jan-Bart will prepare and send an update on 'board whip policy'
- Jan-Bart as vice-chair will 'hold the whip' and issue reminders for board activity
Privacy policy
- Privacy policy is a legal document
- More simple explanations and summaries can be provided by community
- Foundation-l has to be informed about new draft
- Board is comfortable with existing privacy policy draft
- Action Item: Michael will inform the community
Chapter communication
- A discussion on ways to improve inter-chapter and chapters to foundation communication was held, including business development topics.
Audit committee review by Stu
- Audit company (KPMG's San Francisco office) is motivated and willing to help
- Almost all of recommendations from financial consultant have been addressed
- Primary outstanding issue is Dexia account; policy in place as interim solution
- Audit company will review financial consultant report and response
- Michael is comfortable with setup of audit committee
- Stu is working to bring in additional expertise from Bay Area law firms
BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal)
- Needs community to build it
- Has to unite community and projects
- Has to be theoretically achievable
Sub-Chapters
- Kat will proceed with facilitation of process
- Sue and Delphine will come up with proposals for possible sub-national chapter model
3D objects
- There are interested software parties, willing to assist with 3D media developments
- Problem: Free formats missing
- Florence will involve Erik and connect with 3D software companies
Nomination Committee (NomCom) & appointment process
- Sarah will be facilitator for nomination committee
- Board would brief NomCom about needs and requirements
- NomCom would provide shortlist of candidates to the Board of Trustees
- NomCom members conduct interviews of candidates
- Community representatives get ultimate voting power (as appointees are not voting in the final process)
- Exploratory conversations will occur before considering for final selection
- Has to be selected before November
- At least two board of trustees members should conduct 1-on-1 conversations with candidates
- Composition of Nomination Committee:
- 2 community members
- 1 Advisory Board member
- 2 Board of Trustees members
- Announce search for community members on foundation-l
- Nomination Committee has to be briefed by Board by September 1st
- Trustees should indicate their willingness to serve additional year before September 1st
Chapters & appointment process
- Chapters want to hold internal elections
- Jan-Bart: election process would mimic existing community election, and would not use the major strength - ability to pick best people
- Appointed trustees should be supported by multiple chapters
- German chapter does not want any special position, and would have regular participation in the process
- Board of Trustees will approve every outcome of Chapters selection process
Election of Board Officers (July 17)
- Florence Devouard leaves Board of Trustees
- Ting Chen joins Board of Trustees
- Michael Snow is appointed Chair of Board of Trustees
- Jan-Bart de Vreede is re-appointed Vice-chair of Board of Trustees
- Domas Mituzas is reappointed as Executive Secretary of Board of Trustees