Report on Activities in the Month of April 2005

Financial results:
April has continued the previous trend of donations being better than
previous years but less than forecast.  In April, NCF members donated
$20,751 which was shy of the forecast $23,459.  Looking forward to May
shows a target of $20,600 with donations to May 15th being $11,000.

The expenses for the month of April were under budget with $21,000 vs a
budget of $23,191.  On a whole this has left the NCF with a cashflow for 
the month about as expected.  

Last month cash reserves were misstated at $23K, the correct number is
closer to $32K.  I am trying to get an accurate number for the cash 
balance prior to the NCF board meeting.  While $32K is better than what 
was reported last month, it is still lower than I would like as we enter 
the low revenue summer months.  

NCF members have suffered through a number of network problems due to
Carleton's network upgrades.  Carleton is working with HP
to solve these problems as quickly as possible.  We are attempting
to keep the membership as informed as possible.


The membership level is stable at approximately 8550 members.  Of those:
	- 4382 (+140) members have probably read mail in the last month.
	- 5169 (+ 86) members used a modem this month.

	- 7962 (+203) members have seen start page at least once.
	- 1254 (+ 32) members currently use SpamFilter.


To better support the office volunteers we are organizing a volunteer 
training day on the first Saturday in June.  This will be an opportunity 
to give a focused training session to all of the new volunteers, to 
introduce them to the tools of the trade, and to thank them for their efforts.

All of the technical systems are working well, though modem usage is
nearing capacity.  The modem sharing software is a valuable asset to NCF
in that it ensures fair use of this important resource.  The email and
office systems are also working effectively.   The design of the office
tools is helping the volunteers to offer the better help desk support.
As they are all browser-based it should allow us to extend the help desk
hours with volunteers working from home.

The Ottawa Public Library has completed its trials of its new computer
systems at three branches (Beaverbrook, Alta vista & Cumberland).  The
OPL has now rolled out the new system to about half of its branches and
expects to be finished within a few weeks.

The City is switching its internet supplier which will require some 
changes to how the NCF interfaces to their system.  A positive side
effect will be the elimination of a $250 monthly charge to the NCF
for router card rental.

The recent DSL survey was very successful with a good percentage of
NCF members contributing feedback.  We continue to look into how to
implement the DSL service for NCF members.

Looking forward to seeing you at the meeting.  Elaine has volunteered a
room at the Main branch of the OPL library.  

Cheers

John