Mechanics Minutes Jan 2005

Bike Kitchen Meeting Minutes Thursday January 6th, 2005

1. Incorporation update
2. Crucible
3. YMCA
4. More BIKES!
5. WOrk NIte
6. Computer
7. Lock-Up Project Area
8. Classes update
9. Staff Communication

Bike Kitchen Meeting

Thursday January 6th, 2005 8:30pm

At the Residence of Jesse Bausbaum

In attendance: Danger Gabe, Saftey Gabe, Wu Li, Josh Adler, Brian, Catherine Hartzell, Adrian, Michelle, Justin, Spider, Jesse Bausbaum

1. Incorporation update Discussion Notes: The stage we are at now in incorporation, is the stage of writing bylaws. Josh has recieved the CDROM and will write a draft of the Bylaws with spider and bring it to the next meeting for review.
2. Crucible Discussion Notes: A possible relationship with The Crucible and The Bike Kitchen is being examined, wherein the BKitchen will share tools in exchange for access to welding equipment/expertise. Cat expressed concern about lending tools, as the Kitchen itself has no solid tool inventory system, and the possiblity of losing more tools is not desired. Jesse concured with Cat, and suggested perhaps we could send out voulunteers or mechanics. Spider offered to write up a proposal with Carla and Michelle outlining the how such a relationship could work.
3. YMCA  Discussion Notes: The YMCA has a bike program and wants to scale up their operations. It might be beneficial to the Bike Kitchen to provide some tools/stands to facilitate this  upscaling. Though because of the lack of a tool inventory system, it was suggested that are only able to lend bike stands to them for their Bike fixing up event. In the event that we design and implement a bike "tool Box", further discussion of lending tools can/will be undertaken. Brian offered to make a flyer for BK mechanics/volunteers so they know about the event and can attend. It was also suggested that E.A.B.-ers could earn hours by helping out at the event.
4. More BIKES! Discussion Notes: More bike donations are desired for the shop. Michel said there were some bikes in oakland which he will be picking up on thursday. Josh said that Pedal Rev had a donation pile, mostly mt. bikes, but that we had to take all or nothing. Cat expressed not wanting any new mt. bikes. Danger Gabe said we need small bikes, something in between kids bikes and adult bikes. It was mentioned that perhaps we could swap mt. bike stuff for road bike stuff with Cycles of Change. It was agreed that we would accept the Pedal Rev. donation and go through it, sorting out the shifters and break levers, which we need. It was also mentioned that often times bike shops don't patch tubes, and that we could get decent tubes to patch from shops, and also perhaps parts they don't want or need. Police bikes were said to be janky by Josh, but others expressed there is probably a variety. Brian has a BART connection and will look into that for bikes, and Jesse said he has an AMTRAK connection which he will look into.
5. WOrk NIte... Discussion Notes: It was agreed that we need to have a work night at least every other month, although there is always work that needs to be done. Adrian proposed having a work night every other third thursday. He will develop some sort of proposal for a regular shop work night. In addition, Jesse proposed we have a regular meeting night and proposed the 1st thursday of every month.
6. Computer Discussion Notes: Brian is coordinating getting a laptop donated for use by the Bike Kitchen in exchange for a single speed mt. bike. The computer could be used as an accounting tool, using GNU Cash as the program. It could also be used for a membership database, and other such things. It was proposed that it run on lynux, an open source software thing.
7. Lock-Up Project Area Discussion Notes: Tom wants to lock up the works-in-progress area upstairs to prevent theft. The wall will consist fo a file cabinet, some chain link fence, locks and the sort. Theoretically it will be theft proof. Cat had a concern that wheels wouldn't be accessible if the area was locked up. So the wheels either need to be moved, or more practically, a good supply of wheels of all ranges should be kept in the cage for people to look at first. Jesse will get another lock and key for the upstairs area.
8. Classes update Discussion Notes: The subcomittee on classes will meet on tuesday to discuss and delegate tasks. More people are needed to volunteer to run classes or help facilitate. The classes will be held regular hours on thursdays hopefully beginning in February. A proposal will be drafted by Jesse and Gabe and will be posted around.
9. Staff Communication Discussion Notes: The bike kitchen staff will communicate through the yahoo groups account.