The Python Software Foundation
Minutes of Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors
March 12th, 2002.
Board meeting in session at: 18:07 GMT
Present:
Guido van Rossum (presiding)
David Ascher
Jeremy Hylton
Marc-Andre Lemburg
Martin von Loewis
Tim Peters
Thomas Wouters (minutes)
No board members were absent. A quorum was present.
Agenda:
- Meeting minutes of February 12th 2002
- Progress reports:
- 501(c)(3) application
- Tax filing
- Foreign charity status
- Contribution forms
- Public Support Committee
- Treasurer
- Press release page
- Next member meeting
- Sponsor member payment deadline
- PSF Member applications received
1) Last minutes
Marc-Andre notes the minutes to ASF meetings carry timestamps in
them. Jeremy points out a few comments and omissions he feels are
out of place in official meeting minutes. The comments are taken
into advisement for the next minutes, and Guido will adjust the
last minutes to suit and post them for approval to the mailing
list.
Several points of order were raised, on the procedure to accept the
minutes and on the procedure to propose, second and vote on
motions.
2) Progress reports
- 501(c)(3) application
Guido and Tim started the process of filling out Form 1023, which
should be submitted by 20 May 2002, and at least be submitted to a
legal review before that. A lot of work remains to be done, but
Guido is optimistic about the review. Tim notes they will need
Jeremy's help in answering some of the questions.
- Tax filing
The PSF has yet to file its US taxes over 2001. Guido has an
outstanding query at his own accountant, but hasn't heard back
yet. David notes Kevin Jacobs offered his [company's] services,
and that Kevin does a lot of accounting, including for non-profit
companies. Jeremy and Guido will contact Kevin or otherwise find
an accountant to handle the taxes.
- International charity status
Thomas notes Dutch tax laws seem to recognize only Dutch
institutions as (possible) charities for reasons of tax
deduction. Marc-Andre reports a similar case for German tax laws,
and notes the FSF is working on setting up offices in each EU
country for that purpose. It is generally agreed this is beyond
the PSF's reach at this moment.
- Contribution forms
Marc-Andre notes he has had no feedback regarding the contribution
forms, so far. The deadline for the forms is Friday March 15th,
after which they are subjected to the legal review. Martin notes
the deadline is not listed on the PSF website; Marc-Andre will
update the webpage.
Marc-Andre raises the question of the lawfirm to use for the
revew. Jeremy indicates the plan was to use Zope Corporation's
lawyer. The board agrees there is no conflict of interest in this
particular case, but it is noted the choice of lawyer may be
raised at later times, for other issues.
- Public Support Committee
The Public Support Committee has been formed, but no members
assigned yet. Marc-Andre is unclear on how to proceed; the exact
regulations regarding committees, and how to determine howmany and
which members to include. The board gives Marc-Andre free reign
within reasonable bounds and suggests to consult the board by mail
if there are any questions.
- Treasurer
Jeremy, as Treasurer, reports an expected income of $17000 in
sponsor fees this year, provided all current and prospective
sponsors pay up. A few payments and the Bank of America checking
account are being waiting on paperwork.
3) Press release page
Marc-Andre suggests to split up the press release page so it is
clear which belong to the PSF itself and which are outside
sources. The board agrees, and Marc-Andre will update the site.
4) Next member meeting
Due to time constraints, it is decided to move this item to the next
meeting or the mailing list. Guido also notes this should probably
be handled in a small subcommittee.
5) Sponsor member payment deadline
David brings up payment deadlines: do we have them ? He suggests
getting sponsor members to actually pay their dues might be easier
if a fixed deadline and set consequences were established and
clear. Jeremy points out the Bylaws are specific in the matter of
consequences: a sponsor member who has not paid his like a member
in all respects except he cannot vote. Removal of company link,
logo and name from the PSF website are also suggested.
Guido moves to set a deadline of 30 days for US companies, 60 days
for other, starting at date of invoice. Thomas seconds the motion,
and the motion carries with two abstentions which later turn out to
be 'nay's. Jeremy objects to the cavalier way motions are
handled. Due to network problems he has trouble figuring out what
is going on. Tim did not recognize the motion as such. The
objections are noted. A discussion on clear IRC voting mechanisms
is postponed to the mailing list.
6) PSF Member appliations
Requests to fill out PSF Member applications were sent out to all
PSF members nominated for acceptance at the last PSF Member
meeting. Martin and Guido have the impression the response rate is
low, though no exact numbers are available. Jeremy will update the
Wiki record with applications he received. Tim notes the PSF is not
very interesting to members yet. This is expected to improve once
the groundwork and paperwork is underway, and the PSF can focus on
fulfilling its mission statement.
Martin moves to adjourn. Tim seconds the motion. The motion carries
with one abstention.
Board meeting adjourned at: 19:15 GMT
Resolutions:
Debtors are granted a 30 (60 for non-US debtors) grace period
after date of invoice, after which measures are taken in
accordance with the Bylaws.
Action items:
- Marc-Andre will update the website to note the deadline for the
contribution forms.
- Marc-Andre will restructure the Press Release webpage.
- Jeremy will contact Kevin Jacobs regarding accounting.
- Jeremy will update the Member applications Wiki with applications he
received.
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