Mechanics Minutes Dec 2004

Bike Kitchen Meeting Minutes December 7th, 2004

1. Articles of incorporation
2. Classes
3. Protocol for Mechanics
4. Customer Service
5. Bubbles

Bike Kitchen Meeting December 7th, 2004

Residence of Catherine Hartzell (Address)

In attendance: Danger Gabe, Saftey Gabe, Wu Li, Josh Adler, Brian, Catherine Hartzell, Adrian, Fred, Justin

1. Articles of incorporation Discussion Notes: Josh gave a brief background of the reasons for incorporation and an update of the current status of where we are in the process. A mission statement was drafted and read to the group, with  general approval by the group. The next step in the incorporation process is getting an address that can be used for the bike kitchen. Josh mentioned the lawyer had mentioned their office address might possibly be used. Also, it was suggested that we may be able to use CELL SPACE's address and get a box there. Josh was going to look the possibility of CELL SPACE.
2. Classes Discussion Notes: Safety Gabe presented an outline for the 7-8 week course he is spearheading. The classes are hopefully going to begin in January and be run during regular kitchen hours, probably thursday. Each week will be a different class taught by a different mechanic. Cat suggested haveing sample bikes for people to work on, which would also allow folks to work on a variety of bikes. Questions arose such as class size limits, advertising, fee, member favoring.
3. Protocol for Mechanics Discussion Notes: How does one become a BK Mechanic? Obviously you must have some knowledge of bicycle repair. At the bike Church, says Josh, there was a core of people who ran it and at a less committed rung volunteers and mechanics, who helped a lot, but didn't necesarily make policy decisions. After discussing heatedly, it was agreed that after six hours of committed-helping-people-fix -their-bikes, a potential mechanic could/would be invited to a meeting. At which point they could decide their commitment level. Cat said she would make a call-out to mechanics via a  flyer. Mechanics would have access to parts from the blue chest, the use of which is at the mechanics discretion, but is understood that those parts are generally not used for bikes to be sold at the mechanics profit.
4. Customer Service Discussion Notes: A clearer way of recognizing who is a BK Mechanic was discussed and it was suggested that safety vests with mechanic written on it become the mechanic uniform. Having a designated greeter person would also help customer service, and may coincide with the cage monkey position, suggested Cat. The greeter could also diagnose bikes and get them started. A sign in sheet and welcome sheet were also suggested to help customers recieve help, and it would also help mechanics to see who needs what kind of help. Josh will write up the start here sheet and cat will write up the greeting sheet. Good parts go into the blue treasure chest. Gauging the price of parts was discussed, and basically decided that everything but wheels should be about the same price regardless of brand. Other suggestions to improve customer satisfaction: Clearly marked work stations; mini kits for work stations; t.v. v.c.r. carts for tools; complaints/suggestions box.
5. Bubbles Discussion Notes: Bubbles is a difficult yet appreciated part of the Bike Kitchen. As such, is he a mechanic? He can sure fix bikes. But he can't be there once the kitchen closes. Does he want to be an official mechanic, does he need to be?  He takes parts, but also donates parts. He uses the space but also helps customers. Does anything need to change? There is no need to be condascending.