X-Message-Number: 1386 From: Subject: CRYONICS What boards can do Date: Wed, 2 Dec 92 21:27:59 PST In Message #1385, Charles Platt writes re my list of concerns: [deleted] >Most of the questions that Keith raises can only be resolved by action >by the Alcor board of directors, it seems to me. I look forward to >seeing the issues discussed in future meetings. I don't know if anyone else sees this, but I think Charles has a fundamental misunderstanding of how boards of directors work. In the first place, we are only nine fairly ordinary people who are often deeply divided over the limited range of things boards can actually do. This is *not* an unusual situation for non-profit organizations. Second, boards (as boards) almost never do anything well beyond their functions of hiring/firing top management and setting policy. (We spent an entire day recently micromanaging next year's budget, and the December Cryonics noted that the budget is still up in the air.) To get an idea of what we do, go look at the meeting report in the December issue of Cryonics. We authorized a course for some legal action. We said Carlos could move some money. We canceled a moot agreement with Cryovita. We took some reports on work staffers have been doing, extended the term of the Ombudsman, passed a resolution to try to raise money for an audit, took some more reports, adopted a patent policy, authorized a raffle, asked the CEO to prepare a business plan (subsequent events have made this moot--you can hardly expect Carlos to write the plan for Steve's administration) etc, etc. Now, don't get me wrong, the fiddly decision things have to be done. But let's go over my list of concerns. Perhaps Charles or someone has ideas as to how a board can help get some of these things done. I am *certainly* open to suggestions. 1) [The animal use/zoning problem.] The CEO along with a lawyer and a lobbyist can go in and see if there is any chance of revising the conditions of the permit. Until this is done, we don't even have an idea of how hard the problem is. No progress here till Steve can do it. (Or finds someone in the area who wants to take a crack at it and authorizes them to do it.) The board is a little awkward for this task. We didn't even provide direction to the CEO when this was reported last meeting. 2) [Earthquake/dewar bracing.] Again, the CEO or someone on the staff has to hire engineers (or better find some civil or mechanical ones among the members) and get them to take a look at the problem. Then it takes contractors or a membership work party to drill holes in the floor and weld steel. Board members would be welcome. It would be interesting to report who showed up. The LN2 supply problem is one I worked out years ago after discussions with Hugh and Carlos. I opened an account with a supplier in northern California so we could purchase LN2 to truck down to Riverside if we need it. 3) [(physical) Patient protection.] Engineering again, plus budget difficulties like most of these problems. 4) [LN2 losses.] More engineering, cryogenic engineering at that. Anyone know where we could borrow or rent a load cell and readout set? Needs to go to about 700 pounds. 5) [stalled cooldown labor reduction.] At this point, it mostly needs programming and debugging. Not a thing well done by committee, even if anyone on the board were interested. Far as I remember, this project has never even been mentioned at a board meeting--though the labor/cost reduction is significant, several person days per patient. 6) [Moving.] The board established a location search committee in August. I believe they have met once. As far as I know there have been no recommendations reported to date. The board member who knows real estate best (Dave Pizer) might be able to find a place if they told him which cities are acceptable. Raising funds is going to be interesting. The political turmoil plus the fact that some local groups are diverting donations to local projects may make it rough to raise enough money. I don't "look forward to seeing the issues discussed in future meetings." I would a lot rather see them *solved*. But that is letting my engineering bias show. Keith Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=1386