This sounded like a false dichotomy, but before I make any assumptions, which class am I in? I don’t think I bully anyone…
I thought we were trying to “BUY” a building not rent one. I’ve heard that the new building would cost more in rent, our memberships would go up and we would have “LIMITED ACCESS” to the place. One of the reasons I joined makeict was the 24 hour access. I keep odd hours and I work 2nd Shift so most nights I don’t come in till 10pm and I’ve stayed until I saw the crack of dawn. Limited access does not work for me at all. Not to mention that area is filled with meth heads and crack ho’s. I would not feel safe getting out of my truck during the day let alone ride my bike there. I for one will NOT pay more money to go to a drug infested area with limited access which eliminates the hours I use the space. I will NOT renew my membership if that is what goes down. I may be just one member and no one may care about my measly $25 a month in the grand scheme of things but I recognize a sinking ship when I see one. There are other locations and buildings out there that would suit our purpose so much better. With the right space we could make Makeict the “Go To Place” for all creative endeavors. I’m also upset over the guy who used to teach welding is gone, he was a nice guy with a lot of knowledge. Question: If you have multiple board members and multiple key members who are starting to quit in small waves what kind of message do you think that sends out to the rest of us. I’m upset because people I like and made friends with are leaving and others are very upset and are talking about leaving very soon. . WTF Maynard!!!
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It’s way too early to start with this. Obviously, a lack of access would be a deal-breaker. As for buying vs leasing, the goal is to have a nice space that has nice space at the least cost for what we get. Owning is an option, but not the only option. Let’s wait and see what’s presented to the members on the 16th before we make up our minds. If the members don’t like the deal, they say so and we go on. If they do, then we pursue it. Anything else is just premature speculation.
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It would be helpful if folks could be specific about any alternative locations they feel would be much better than the one being discussed.
The possibility of less than 24 hour access was mentioned, but it’s a small possibility that we are working to resolve.
The current details of this proposal should be forthcoming from the board within a few days. It might be prudent to wait for those details before prematurely passing judgement on this opportunity.
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First off I said “IF” the place charges more with Limited Access that could not accommodate my hours that I would NOT be renewing my membership. No reason why I would if I can’t use it when I want to and that’s a Fact Jack. That is NOT speculation that is Stone Cold Facts on what I will do “IF” that happens. Further more I KNOW that area. it’s just around the corner from the Open Door Homeless Shelter. The entire area is Riddled with some of the WORSE people on the planet. I can not even count the times I’ve been approached while in my car where people ran up asking for money. Some have become belligerent and mean because I said no. I’ve had my car broken into in that area. I KNOW the area so there are NO assumptions on what can happen in that area…as in a POLICE REPORT of my car windows busted out so someone could rifle through my ash tray for change. That is an On Going Problem in that area’ small smash and grabs.
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I know everyone is passionate. Sticking to facts is a good strategy. If you would not vote for a dues increase under any circumstances, that’s okay, that’s why you’ll get a vote.
In the member survey we asked everyone what the board should focus on. “finding a new building” ranked highest. Out of 80 people who took the survey, only 5 told us not to find a new building.
This is one building we are looking at. It is not the only one.
Please trust that I have MakeICT’s best interest at heart, and I am only one vote, just like you all. I am not going to sign us up for something that the membership doesn’t want. I can’t even do that, I don’t have the authority.
I will say I really like this area. When I drive up St. Francis from Douglas I love seeing all the new shops and restaurants along that street. When Bite Me BBQ moved in it was probably not seen as a beautiful area but people coming in and making something great is how a block improves. Old Town used to be not so nice, some of you remember! I think we’re really getting in on the beginning of some incredible growth.
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Michelle,
First of all, I’m not attacking you or belittling you or anyone, nor is that my desire, so I hope that you don’t feel that I have. I have no quarrel with anyone coming to their own conclusions, given the facts. In the real world, honest people have honest differences.
There is far too much missing information to make an informed decision on anything at this point. I was at the proposed property last night. At midnight. It was quiet, and there were no homeless folk, no prostitutes or drug addicts. There’s a brand new apartment complex across the street. There is at least one other brand new business set to open in what is basically the same block, and it is not going to attract anyone who doesn’t have any money. There will be at least 3 upscale, going concerns in this exact spot when they are done. I did, however, see several unsavory characters walk by with their eyes on me, but I’m afraid that was in front of our current location when I got back.
I totally support your right to speak up. If you think it is not the place for us, you have as much right as anyone to say that. But MakeICT would be a lot more fun and a lot less stress if we all take it down a notch, especially on this issue. Nobody is going to be writing checks anytime soon for anything, and if it ever happens, it will be after there has been plenty of time for everyone to see all of the information, and time to debate that information, and time to vote.
My understanding is that the information will be freely given to all members as soon as possible. I’d also expect that there will be a full presentation about the opportunity at the member meeting. All I am asking is for us to wait for the actual information to be distributed. There is plenty of time for debate then.
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With all respects David, it is not too early to start this.
As to my understanding this proposal will be brought to the membership to vote on September 16th 2018 that date is less than a month away and does not give much time for necessary research and review of information.
I feel asking people to wait before speculation, bringing the negative aspects to light or shooting the idea down can lead to the vote being presented to the members as " ITS TWICE AS MUCH SPACE " or " ONLY A SMALL DUE INCREASE" while allowing little time for the down sides to be presented to the membership at large effecting the results of the vote.
Because I care about the future of Makeict. I visited the location both last night and this morning.
I feel it needs to be said I would never go to this building I am a 6 ft 4’ 250 pound man and I felt extremely unsafe.
If this location is chosen I will not remain a member at Makeict.
This decision is based on the following facts.
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Last night around 6:15 pm there where no less than 8 transients leaned up against or sleeping on the proposed location.
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There was no less than 30 transients within 1 city block of the location.
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Speaking with a local business I was informed they have a break attempt at least once a month and the worker I spoke with comes in to work early to make sure " NO homeless broke into the lot or are in a building "
4.A man was slowly walking right behind the location with his pants completely at his ankles , holding his genitalia in his right hand while waving his left in the air singing a song. ( this was this morning in broad daylight 11 am.
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While in the area this morning I was panhandled for money not once but twice.
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Speaking to a local police officer at a nearby Quick trip about the area his words to me “Horrible area its nothing but bad news”
If you doubt any of these things I invite you to visit the area and see for yourself but I highly suggest you do not get out of your car and you make sure to lock your doors
This is not the area Makeict needs to be in.
We need to look at other options or stay put until we have a better option.
One I suggest looking into is the old school currently for lease at the corner of Maple and Meridian.
I understand the hurry to get us a larger space, I know we are tripping over each other currently however we simply must use all the time available to make an informed decision about this location and any future locations.
I will use any resources I can regardless of time, owners involved or how nicely worded the voting ballet can be made to seam like this is a good move to assist the membership at large to know not only about the issues with the building itself but also the area and assured dangers presented to our membership if we move to that location.
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If this new Location is approved and we DO have full time access will Makeict Provide us all with outsiide security? Will there be someone on the Out Side of the property 24/7 to protect the people who come in and out of the maker space. Will there be security patroling the outside protecting our vehicles from property damage due to break ins from people looking for items they can sell for drugs. A lot of women are part of Makeict how will Makeict ensure our safety and our kids safety? I’m no push over as far as women go but being a victim of a violent crime leaves a lasting impression. It happens so quick you have no time to react, most people let alone women are prepared for that level of violence. There’s nothing but pain and fear. FYI, It happens when you don’t expect it. Simply put…I do NOT like the area at all, but if I can be assured that our personal safety and our vehicles safety will be met then I can deal with the area. I can deal with a small price increase to help with the higher cost of rental space but, the LIMITED ACCESS is a 100% deal breaker.for me. I’m not paying for something I can’t use.
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Would you be interested in meeting with some like minded folks from time to time that are trying to find a good home for MakeICT? It sounds like you have some good input.
I expect several town meetings to evolve from this. Everyone can get their say.
We should not jump to any conclusions at this point.
The board will totally care about security because I am on the board and I totally care about my security and yours. (To be fair, where we are now has both drug addicts and beggars… sigh… sometimes I am jumpy going out to the car… and I always park close and in a lighted area.) I did check the graphical police reports and it does not appear to be any worse (or better) than where we are at currently.
Any time you are concerned, ask one of the guys to walk you to your car. I am sure they would totally do that we got some pretty good people here at the makerspace. If you feel like it would be beneficial to pay for a security guard, you would want to bring a proposal to the board with some numbers on how much it would cost. I would probably ask one of the guys before I would pay for a security guard… but that is just how one person feels and I represent the people of the space with my votes.
No matter where MakeICT is, it is always a good idea to have someone escort you to your vehicle if you have the slightest concern for your safety. When I was the Security Lead, I considered that an integral part of the job for myself and for all of the Security folks. I’m sure that Ken feels the same way now as Security Lead. And I am certain that if Security isn’t around, ANY member will be happy to take a moment to provide an escort…that’s the kind of awesome group we have.
Maybe we should start by addressing our core competencies, and the vacuum of leadership, before we magnify it with a building and a arduous move.
Yes ladina, we do have crime problems (inside our own lobby too), However, we are presently in the Design District with Douglass Frontage
Also taking on another landlord is just kicking the can down the road. At some point in the future the rent will go up or things will change and we will have to move…again.
Let’s start by solving the problem once and for all and get things done in a proper order horse in front of cart.
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Good idea. Bring an option to the board that we can afford. I would love to be able to have an option like that! 
Shouldn’t the board do the research instead of putting it on a member to magically solve the problem.
It’s wonderful that you brought that up, Thiis is exactly why you’re experiencing the burnout in the area leads there being worked to death and the board doesn’t back their choices… as a matter fact they silence their speech and push them out the door. People are punished for doing a good job and stepping up.
You need to reward the Chiefs instead of the malcontents Indians
One choice or a binary choice is only an illusion of choice.
Maybe you should consider a study and a survey of the entire organization instead of one choice you put up as a pass-fail to the membership.
That’s an illusion of choice and that’s not real choice. It still doesn’t solve your systemic leadership problem.
With all due respect, Michelle is telling you issues…to which…wait and see whats behind the curtain ia not acceptable.
Kim, had been given advice by real estate experts you should ask her about the woes of buying a building that could eat the organization or signing a lease that could split the membership.
I think Kim has done a wonderful job, in trying to create cohesiveness and involvement. This building issue is divisive currently as it stands in light of your vacuum of leadership.
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By the way, how are you calculating and arriving at a number of what we can afford as an organization? Does that actually account for some sort of attrition when dues are raised? Attrition stemming from a relocation? Where are those numbers? Which board member has those to presemt and explain our membership?
Everybody is the makerspace! Every single one of us can come up with ideas! I will totally take any of them! We are totally going to need everyone’s cooperation to make any move a go!
I have totally been doing research on what we need for a space and what opportunities exist in Wichita. I have probably analyzed it to death Come by and see my excel spreadsheets if you like.
Myself, I would prefer a bought space… but as a board member, I need to look at the needs of all the people in the space and not just my own. And I have to make a decisions that are fiscally responsible for the space.
It will take some time for a capital campaign to grow the funds for buying a space and I think between the parking, limited space in the ceramics lab, the problems scheduling the classroom and extra expense to grow the electrical (we are close to the limit of equipment in the space because of that) we need to move fairly soon.
In any case, it would not be responsible for me to prevent the membership from voting up or down an opportunity brought forward by one of the members. To be clear, the vote will be voting up or down whether to pursue the idea or not.
This opportunity does have some pros and some cons. I expect us to have some town hall meetings outlining both the pros and cons in the situation. There will be no perfect space. All of the spaces will have pros and cons.
At this point, I do not have enough data to tell you if the pros out weigh the cons or not. The deal on the table is still quite fluid( and the devil is always in the details). I do feel that it is worth looking at and that is what we are proposing.
I am super happy to see us moving forward. I plan to examine the details of situation and make my vote just like any other member of the space. I hope you and each of the members takes the time to evaluate the offer and make the decision that is right for you!
I agree with most of that. What of the leadership problem unaddressed?
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We are the makerspace. The reason I became a board member was the board was having 3 hour meetings every board meeting and I felt that would totally burn out our wonderful volunteers.
Every single person who works here is a volunteer who is trying to do his or her best for the space. I really believe that. Now don’t get me wrong, there are times that I totally cannot comprehend why some people would do the things they do… but when you look closely, it is always that they are doing what they think is right for the space.
The leads and board members really do not have a clique. I am amused whenever you say that because what I see is everyone wanting to do right for the space, but no one agreeing on what is right… so not exactly together in a clique. (Now I will say that often folks who have a technical nature are not much for talking and often people interpret that as standoffish… but it is really just them not being that comfortable talking to people.)
What I would like to see out of leadership (and, frankly, everyone at the space) is that
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We forgive people for not having exactly the same opinions we do
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We try to see the other guys side of the issue remembering he/she is always thinking about what is best for the space (in their opinion)
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We be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem
I say if you want leadership to be better, volunteer to lead something small and do a stellar job. Nothing works better than that. Lead by example.
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