Urban Unrest

27 March 2006 | Pacifica | Ernesto Aguilar

Sunday’s closing session of the Pacifica National Board gathering was marred by apparent food poisoning the night before that sent many members out early. Despite this, the PNB met and had many substantive dialogues. Here are my notes on this event.CFO Report: Comment that Pacifica seems solid this year, but could face issues next year. Question and answer: questions about budget feedback deadline, Pacifica trust, ADA compliance, Spanish-language news funding.

New business: PNB’s next meetings are New York City, starting June 2; Berkeley in starting September 15. Houston meeting, though not voted on, will be in January.

Motion to amend bylaws to add at-large members and that at-large be nominated by PNB is approved. Motion by Shafto to make positions non-voting. Public comment: speaker says move is appalling. Exchange between Freeland and Adelson. Public seemed critical of the motion, which is apparently aimed at fulfilling CPB minority representation requirements. A KPFA delegate noted that it might be more appropriate for a member of KPFT’s all-Anglo delegation to step down, and publicly suggested Freeland.

New motions: Hefley brings forth motion that delegate suspensions may not be made by LSBs; that no apologies are to be demanded; that PNB affirms free speech in the context of decorum; that board members have a disciplinary process; and that Paul’s suspension be rescinded. Heffley, White, Freeland speak in support; Davis, Berg, Lederer (who mentions governance committee upheld suspension and such was approved by PNB) speaks against. Lederer motions to divide motion, but fails. Motion to close debate fails. LaForrest motions to refer to governance. Debate on motion, and it is approved for referral. Weinmann motion to refer to governance a standard for manager reports, which passes. Freeland brings a motion to admonish chair and secretary for not giving him minutes. Lederer moves to strike admonishment, which passes. Freeland motion fails.

Discussion on intellectual property: See second post.

Public comment: Wide variety of dialogue, including addition of at-large members; suggestion to add to bylaws a fundraising piece to board members’ responsibilities; gag rule; possible lawsuits; sale of programming; people of color representation on the boards; station health.

KPFK Report: Discussion about rebuilding station, from outreach to programming. Many positive remarks.

New Business: Motion to re-add language that was reconsidering language passed yesterday on program policy, and pass section 12 with original language. It should be noted that the PNB was missing several members at the time. Freeland motion, “Passage of the sections of the draft this weekend constitutes satisfaction with the need for policy and for the ED to proceed with hiring of coordinator. And the PNB shall approve program coordinator job description before it is posted” passes.

Freeland offers KPFT code of conduct delinquency resolution: that PNB directs ED to investigate Duane about code of conduct delinquency. Robinson seconds. Lederer motions to send to governance, and it passes. Heffley puts motion to rescind anti-racism committee. Robinson gives notice of volunteer discipline for findings of abuse. Freeland motion to admonish KPFT LSB for not finishing business and instructs it to clear meeting agenda at next meeting; fails for lack of second. Freeland motion to admonish LSB for not doing GM/PD reviews is referred to governance. Motion to adjourn.

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