TPI Board Meeting Minutes
December 2, 1997


Present:  Tom Christiansen, Sharon Hopkins, Larry Wall,
	    Randal Schwartz, Chip Salzenberg

Absent:  Jon Orwant (proxy to Larry Wall)


1) Corporate Identity and Status

Discussed:

*   Forming new TPI corporation in Florida: recommendation from Tom
    that we retain original coporation because of cost and process
    involved in forming a new one; no board action required.

*   Perl Store: comment by Larry that Nelson has asked to continue
    running perl store, including use of logo, tshirt sales,
    and ORA drop shipments; no board action required.
    
*   Debt claims by former Executive Director: suggestion by
    Randal that TPI board should request itemization of Nelson's
    out-of-pocket expenses; Randal agreed to personally guarantee
    $10,000 if Nelson moves firmly for financial reimbursement.

*   Tax return for 1997: Chip does not have necessary data;
    recommendation by Tom that TPI use Randal's tax attorney for
    TPI's returns.
    
>>>>    ACTION:  Randal to get all relevant records from former E.D.
	and use them to talk to accountant, also to give accountant
	contact info for June Salzenberg (Financial Manager) and
	Tom Christiansen (Treasurer).

*    Fiscal year: begin/end dates not known.

>>>>    ACTION:  Chip to determine fiscal year and contact tax
	attorney.
	
    
2) Membership Structure

    Current membership rates are exponential; rate does not
    reflect cost to TPI of membership but is "just for fun".
    Question by Tom: why have membership at all?  Comment by
    Randal that people like having someplace to write a check
    to, to support Perl.  General agreement that lifetime
    memberships are bad; the 24 existing life memberships will persist,
    but new life memberships should not be supported in future.
    
    MOTION:  by Chip Salzenberg, seconded by Randal Schwartz, to
    eliminate all eternal memberships.  (Existing 24 life
    memberships will be honored.)  CARRIED.
    
>>>>    ACTION:  Chip and June to determine actual membership
	cost.
	
    Chip reports we have an offer to host perl.org, track member list,
    and proivde credit card processing, which would get membership
    processing cost down and eliminate need to pay Alan.  General
    agreement from board that this would be a good thing.  No
    board action required.
    
    
3) Newsletter

    TPJ relationship: TPI members do all get a membership in TPJ.
    It would be desirable to be on the cover; quarterly column
    should suffice.
    
>>>>    ACTION:  Chip to talk to Jon regarding the TPI/TPJ
	relationship and status quo


4) Cooperation with Perl Entities

*   Perl Conference: report by Chip and Larry that Tim O. has
    requested referees for the next Perl Conference (Aug. '98).
    
>>>>    ACTION:  Tom to ascertain by end of week (12/6/97)
	whether there is or will be co-involvement between ORA
	and USENIX on the next Perl Conference.
	
>>>>    ACTION:  Chip to discuss with Tim during Thurs (12/4)
	conference call.
	
*   Perl Clinic:  Chip plans to promote the Perl Clinic as
    appropriate.  No board action required.
    
    
5) Corporate Sponsors

>>>>    ACTION:  Chip to discuss with Jon Orwant, who may have
	suggestions on how to acquire corporate sponsors.
	
	
6) Financial Manager's issues

*   Membership list: Sharon does not have a copy.

>>>>    ACTION:  June to request current list from Jon.
    
*   Proposals:  (1) that the Financial Manager will handle any
    deposits; (2) that the signature of the Executive Director
    be required for any disbursements; (3) that the Treasurer
    will receive detailed reports monthly for signature of
    approval; (4) that the entire board receives quarterly
    financial reports.  Verbal approval from Treasurer.
    
    
7) Internet Presence

    Account and password changes made.  Chip to work with his
    volunteer to improve TPI internet presence and web page.
    
    
8) Board Meeting issues

>>>>    ACTION:  Sharon to determine whether a bylaw change is
	needed to allow board meetings over IRC, and to verify
	that board meetings can be announced via email.
	
	
9) Compensation for Executive Director

   Chip wishes to wait until TPI has money, and until he has a
   better handle on TPI finances, before his pay is determined.
   Item postponed.
   
   MOTION:  by Randal Schwartz, seconded by Larry Wall, that Chip
   Salzenberg as Executive Director is authorized to expend up to
   $500/month, with a monthly report to the board of expenditures
   made.
   
   
10) Scheduling of Board Meetings

    Recommendation by Chip that board meetings be held as needed,
    quarterly at a minimum.  No board action required.
    
    
11) New Member

    Previous board resolution to invite Tim O'Reilly to join TPI
    board was approved.
    
>>>>    ACTION:  Chip to invite Tim to board during their
	conference call.
	
	
	
Meeting Adjourned.


Respectfully submitted,


Sharon Hopkins
TPI Board Secretary