Reduction in number of Directors

As Dave Sutherland mentioned at the last board meeting, it is time the
board considered reducing it's size so that decision making becomes more
streamlined and productive.  Many management studies of group decision
making have concluded that larger groups are less effective at reaching
decisions and establishing a clear direction for action than smaller
groups.  At this important cross roads for the FreeNet it is vital that
directions be clear and activities streamlined for the few staff we have
remaining.

I did a brief study of other FreeNets in Canada, and in general found
their board sizes ranged from 8 members to 13, with most falling
around 11.  In general, boards should be composed of an odd number of board
members to avoid tie votes. 

Therefore, my motion is as follows:
That the National Capital FreeNet reduce the size of its board of
directors from 15 members to 11 members.


If there is agreement on this number of members, I would propose that this
reduced size be accomplished as follows:

 - have one person whose term ends in 1999 step down in 1997 instead
 - have three board positions filled in the 1997 AGM, all with 3 year terms

This will result in the following board composition following the 97 AGM:
 - 4 members with terms expiring in 1998
 - 4 members with terms expiring in 1999
 - 3 members with terms expiring in 2000

I hope this could be on our December board meeting agenda.  If there is
insufficient time, we can discuss this in January.

Thank you,

Jean Wilmot