WRFI Board Meeting Minutes 9-9-25
WRFI Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Tuesday September 9, 2025
In attendance:
Talaya Centeno
Amie Herman
Mike Cook
Peter Bakija
Joe Romano
Corinne Shanahan
John Young
Ben Coakley
Current membership:
Talaya Centeno
Amie Herman
Mike Cook
Robin Elliott
Peter Bakija
Joe Romano
Corinne Shanahan
John Young
Joseph Haefeli
Ben Coakley
Agenda Items:
6:03: Call to Order.
Reminder; Strategic Planning.
Sessions Sept 28 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and October 12 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
6:15: Meet and Greet with potential board member Stephen St. Francis Decky.
Stephen has extensive experience in media arts, teaching, and community engagement, including directing the Small Works program at the Luma Arts Festival. He expressed a desire to contribute more locally and bridge community connections. The board emphasized the importance of technical skills, particularly in audio and video, and Stephen demonstrated willingness to learn and contribute. The board also highlighted their hands-on approach and the need for proactive, dynamic members to support the station's mission and sustainability efforts.
6:45: Meet and Greet with potential board member Niki Ray-Israelsohn.
Nikki shared their background in nonprofit management, community engagement, and music education. They highlighted their experience with Bike Walk Tompkins and involvement with WRFI through community outreach. The board discussed the importance of clear board-staff boundaries and effective fundraising strategies. They also emphasized the role of community radio in providing diverse cultural and news content. Nikki shared about their experience with Rails to Trails Conservancy.
Committee Reports.
Development
Discussion: looking into grants specifically for youth outreach and education, and collaborating with organizations like ICSD or LACS.
Possible partnerships with organizations like Cornell Prison Education Program and local businesses.
Tech Updates
Technical updates included operating at reduced power, fixing a doorbell, and exploring new transmission sites in Watkins Glen.
- Progress on the Hungerford Hill project and potential cooperation with WVBR.
- Exploring new transmission sites for WINO in Watkins Glen.
ED Report.
Grant request to the Rotary Club and community support for a project.
Updates on the fund drive, upcoming meetings, and the importance of community support.
Sign-ups for the fun drive are going well and mentions a meeting for new staff to fill remaining slots.
New campaign for incoming students / newcomers to town: branding used for the outreach: "Listen Like a Local."
Upcoming event: Mark Faris calling a square dance at Stone Ben Farm in October, which will be a fundraiser for the station.
Consent Agenda.
The board voted to admit Steven and Nikki onto the board of directors, with a quorum present.
Approval of board meeting minutes tabled until next meeting.
Board meeting adjourned at 7:58 pm.