Vancouver Community Network Minutes of the 1999 Annual General Meeting November 2, 1999 President Penny Goldsmith called the AGM to order at 7:00. There were 60 people in attendance. 1. Agenda That the agenda be adopted, M/S/C. 2. Minutes M/S/C That the minutes of the 1998 Annual General Meeting be adopted. 3. Treasurer's Report Financial Statements were presented as approved by the Board of Directors. M/S/C That the Financial Statements be approved as presented. 4. President's Report The President presented and read her report, staff reports were presented and questions answered. 5. Volunteer Appreciation The President expressed the appreciation of the VCN for the large number of volunteers and the tremendous support they have given. Certificates of Appreciation were presented. 6. Member's Issues 6a. Online Voting Discussion of online voting. M/S/C That the VCN try an experiment in on-line voting. 6b. Other business Questions were raised from the floor concerning: phones, security and memberships. Electronic Public Space and Universal Access Resolution M/S/C That 1) The VCN call upon all levels of government to recognize the crucial importance of universal access to new information and communication technology, particularly the Internet. 2) The VCN calls on all levels of government to recognize that the creation of a non-profit public space on the Internet can only be accomplished by grass roots, non-profit organizations such as the Vancouver Community Network. 3) The VCN calls upon all levels of government, particularly the Federal level, to provide policy and sustainable funding to assure an ongoing vibrant public space on the Internet. World Trade Organization Resolution M/S/C That the Vancouver Community Network urge the Government of Canada to consult widely and in depth with the people of Canada before taking any further action on the GATS; and 2) That the government of Canada be advised that the Vancouver Community Network is opposed to the current GATS proposals and requests that further negotiations cease and desist immediately; 3) That the Vancouver Community Network urge the Prime Minister to have Canada file a permanent and explicit exemption in the GATS limiting its application to areas of Federal jurisdiction. 4) That the government of British Columbia convene the already approved Legislative Committee to hold public hearings on the impact of the WTO/GATS agenda on British Colombians. To date nothing has been scheduled on the impact on municipalities. At least one-half day should be scheduled and the Federal WTO/GATS negotiator be invited to give background information and answer questions. 5) That a copy of this motion be: (i) Circulated to MPs representing our area, requesting that they endorse the Vancouver Community Network's action and send their response as to whether or not they endorse the Boards actions; and (ii) Forwarded to City Council; and (iii) Forwarded to Telecommunities Canada; and (iv) Forwarded to Community Networks across Canada; and (v) Made available to the public. 7. Motion re: appointment of auditor M/S/C That the VCN have the Financial Statements audited. 8. Elections M/S/C To approve the Board slate. Steve Forrest, Lyle Gardiner, Penny Goldsmith (Past President), Michael Gurstein Ph.D., Suzanne Klinga, Sujay Nazareth, Sadia Ramirez, Jonn Olldym, Richard Smith, Richard Songhurst as Directors. Alison Curtis and Greg Sturk will co-operatively take the duties of President. M/S/C That the membership expresses its appreciation to Penny for the 3 years that she has been President. 9. Guest speaker: Doug Schuler, Seattle CommunityNet and Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility