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

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