Board Meeting Notes - 2/23/26

Quick recap

The SMMUG board meeting focused on technical and administrative updates, including discussions about Zoom renewal, two-factor authentication, and website hosting. The group reviewed their treasury status, which exceeded $3,000, and discussed door prize donations including cables, a cable modem, and a lavaliere microphone. The board explored potential membership growth initiatives, including a possible partnership with a senior center for technology classes. They also addressed upcoming topics for future meetings, including a focus on password managers and smart home technology. The conversation ended with plans for Mark and Jim to assist Skip with upgrading his home Wi-Fi system.

Summary

Internet Speeds and Membership Updates

The meeting began with a discussion about internet speeds and technologies, where Ralph and others shared their experiences with different internet plans and speeds. Skip mentioned using AI for some graphic designs and agreed to share the front-page graphic for Ralph to use on a blast. Mike threethreequestions or modifications.

Financial Updates and Tech Discussions

The board discussed financial updates, noting an increase in treasury funds to over $3,000 due to membership growth to 23 members. They addressed the renewal of Zoom at $160 annually, with general agreement to continue using Zoom for now despite rising costs, while exploring Teams as a potential alternative in the future. The group also discussed two-factor authentication challenges, particularly with PayPal and 1Password, and agreed to schedule a dedicated meeting in April to discuss authentication methods, including passkeys and authenticator apps, though Skip and Mark will receive immediate assistance with their authentication issues.

2FA and Smart Home Planning

The group discussed rescheduling topics for upcoming meetings, deciding to move up the discussion on two-factor authentication (2FA) and password managers to March, with Mark offering to help. They also agreed to explore options for recording future general meetings. For May, they planned to cover WiFi systems and smart home technology, with SMMUG proposing to tie together current WiFi systems and smart home improvements for enhancing quality of life.

Meeting Topics and Door Prizes

The group discussed upcoming meeting topics and door prizes. They decided to cover password managers in April, with Mark volunteering to lead part of the presentation. For May, they confirmed a meeting on the 11th. The group also discussed the need to follow up on hosting and accessing the Sitely product, with Ralph and Skip working to resolve access issues. Sharon brought door prizes including Anker USB-C cables, a cable modem, and a lavaliere microphone, with Mark donating the latter. The group agreed to use gift cards as door prizes in the future.

April Newsletter and Meeting Plans

The group discussed the upcoming April newsletter, with Linnea confirming a deadline of March 30th and members agreeing to provide content by March 1st or 2nd. They also addressed the need for door prizes, with Skip authorizing purchase for items up to $100 without prior approval, and discussed exploring alternative options to Zoom for future meetings. Skip mentioned visiting a senior center and dropping off Ralph's business cards, suggesting potential opportunities for membership growth through Macintosh computer demos and possible “live” meeting from the Senior Center.

Senior Center Partnership Exploration

The group discussed exploring a partnership with a senior center, where Skip will investigate the possibility of holding classes or meetings there, potentially offering a SIG class for free. They also considered Wikipedia page creation, but decided against it due to the $500 cost. Jim will look into transferring the NameCheap domain to the corporate name, which will cost approximately $120 annually. The next meeting is scheduled for March 23rd, with Sharon and Linnea noting their unavailability.