Summary of Minutes of Official CFU Board Meeting held on 19th July 2021 by Virtual Conference

Present: Andrew Morris (Chairman), Jeff Banks, Adam Langan, Mike Vickers, Jim Green, Nick Phillipson, Chris Robertson, Matt Dickenson, Anthony Johnson, and Christine Robson.

Apologies: Paul Bodman, Alex Owen, and Kieron Shiel.

Before the meeting started Andrew Morris introduced Matt Dickenson to everyone as the new Treasurer (who was taking over the role from Chris Robertson). Matt had been co-opted on to the Board.

Anthony Johnson (Manager) had asked to attend the meeting so he could update the Board on where the club was. Bernard Morley had sent his apologies, as he was coaching. AJ wanted to thank the Board for allowing the team to attend Bangor University on a 5- day pre-season training camp. It had been very successful and helped the players gel together. Hospitality was excellent. Had an enquiry regarding Jon Worsnop and whether he could play with the club. This would depend on whether JW wished to play with the club again. AJ stated that he and BM had a good network with other clubs and could loan out players temporarily.

Minutes of Meeting held on 7th June 2021 – The Minutes of the meeting were accepted as a true record.

Review of Actions – Andrew Morris went through the plan of actions and updated the Board on all relevant issues.

Budget – Chris Robertson had circulated a paper on the budget and was aware that a schedule of potential spending bids was to be brought to the Board for the next meeting, which had not happened. Given level of uncertainty now, it was essential that everything is prioritised. Asked all portfolio holders to send in any expenditure asap.

Update on operational issues. – Jim Green was in discussions about what match days would look like. Issues surrounding cash at turnstiles. What was being done about a programme. Andrew Morris stated that there had been an issue with the club van, as it seemed to be needed in two places at the same time. Better communication between teams was needed.

Any other business – Andrew Morris stated that discussions regarding Directors Duties on match days would need to be confirmed. Adam Langan stated that the Boost the Budget had been going very well, but had stopped around the £90,000, but was sure the club could achieve the target of £100,000. Nick Phillipson mentioned about the car park and programmes. MBNA had asked questions about safety of their staff at the ground. The club needs to review its safety policy to make sure it covers everyone. Chris Robson stated that she had provisionally booked the Blues Bar for the AGM in November, to make sure the room was available, if it was decided to have a face-to-face meeting. Andrew stated he did not want any face-to-face meetings until after the AGM.

Date of next meeting – 16th August 2021.

 

Summary of Minutes of Official CFU Board Meeting held on 7^th June 2021 by Virtual Conference

The Board did not hold an official Board Meeting in May.

Present: Andrew Morris, Jeff Banks, Adam Langan, Mike Vickers, Jim Green, Nick Phillipson, Chris Robertson and Kieron Shiel.

Apologies: Paul Bodman and Alex Owen

Minutes of Meeting held on 12^th April 2021 were accepted as an accurate record.

Review of Actions – Andrew Morris went through the Actions that were still ongoing.  Chris Robertson had circulated the April accounts and would speak to Paul Bodman regarding setting up a commercial working group. Nick Phillipson would be liaising with Vinci regarding making good the car park area and was also waiting for a quote regarding a barrier for entry into the car park grounds   Kieron Shiel was evaluating allocation of George Delves tasks and duties amongst board members and volunteers.

Finance – Chris Robertson had circulated a paper (3^rd draft) based on a meeting held on 17th May.  The Academy’s budget had been altered and he had also removed George’s salary.  The players budget had been adjusted and included the pre-season trip to Bangor.  A deficit of £105,000 had been projected which the club is able to manage.  Chris had also circulated April’s Management Accounts, which the Board needed to read and send any comments to be discussed at the next IMG meeting.

Update on operational issues. – Jim Green stated that there was not much to report.  The day to day running of the club was going well.  It was emphasised that the gates must be closed every time someone enters or exits.  Kieron Shiel stated that volunteers were back at the club and seemed to have no issues.  Nick Phillipson reminded everyone that they need to sign in and out at reception.

Portfolios – Nick Phillipson stated that there were issues with regards to Health and Safety which will need to be sorted.  Floodlight quote was ongoing.  The Club now has a new cleaner who will work on a Monday and a Friday.  Kieron Shiel stated that 1^st team kits were ordered.  Had sold 92 “Away” shirts.  Retail is going very well.  There is a volunteers’ day booked for 4^th July 2021.  Jeff Banks had circulated a paper regarding Season Ticket sales.  If sales continue to go as well as they seem to be doing, the Club will be able to open to general members.  Membership cards need to be produced.  Club needs to recruit for a Match Day host and a social media person.  Mike Vickers stated that the Academy teams would be staying under the Club rather than moving the younger age groups to the Community Trust.  Academy Teams would be moving from 8 teams to 4 teams, needing only 8 coaches.  Adam Langan stated that “Boost the Budget” already had over £79,000 which was very impressive.  The volunteers had been brilliant at helping.  Jim Green stated that the mangers had spoken to several people who they were interested in signing.

AOB – Mike Vickers had sent a quote to the Board regarding gym apparatus.  He was struggling to get three quotes as stated in our standing orders.  He would try and find another two.  If this was not possible IMG would pass the quote and make sure there is a clear audit trail that attempts have been made to get three quotes.

Adam Langan suggested that the Club starts marketing itself digitally to encourage more people through the doors.  A suggestion of putting posters on social media was made which the Board thought was a good idea.

Andrew Morris stated that there had been four nominations for “Club Person of the Year”.  He would send the names out to the Board to put to the vote.

Chris Robson had informed the Board that it was the time of year for consideration of the vacancies on the Board.  It looked as though the Board would need 4 new members.  We also needed a new contact as an independent scrutineer.  Andrew Morris would send across a name and contact.

 

Summary of Minutes of Official CFU Board Meeting held on 12th April 2021 by Virtual Conference

Present: Andrew Morris, Jeff Banks, Paul Bodman, Adam Langan, Mike Vickers, Jim Green, Nick Phillipson, Chris Robertson and Kieron Shiel.

Apologies: Alex Owen

 

Minutes of Meeting held on 8th March 2021 were recorded as an accurate record.

 

Andrew Morris stated that all Clubs had received a letter regarding the resignation of Brian Barwick, which would take place after the current season. Had spoken to Mark Ives regarding the EGM which had been called regarding the dissatisfaction of the National League Board. Andrew was also going to send an email to the National League regarding what the outcome would be if Clubs were forced to play behind closed doors. Email to be sent 13th April 2021.

 

Review of Actions – Independent Review regarding Stuart Murphy was now finished and had been put on the website. The Club would be seeking out a new cleaner as the current contract had expired. The skip which had been moved to the front of the club was going back to its original spot (behind the Harry Mac Stand), due to rubbish being disposed in it which was not from the club.

 

Finance – Chris Robertson had circulated a paper regarding the club’s accounts for the previous three years, in order for the Board to see what money would be needed to run the 2021/22 season. The Board were hoping that the season would return to “normal” with full crowds and no disruption. Contingency plans needed to be drawn up in case the challenges of COVID were still ongoing. One of the most important decisions to consider when the new season started, what would the capacity be for having fans in the ground and would we still have to be abiding by COVID regulations. An added worry was that there would be no government support for the new season. Another concern was whether the club would have to deal with social distancing if fans were allowed back.

 

Andrew stated that an advert had been put out for a new Finance Director but had not received any response so far.

 

Portfolios – All Board members had sent in their portfolio reports. Mike Vickers wanted it noted that any money raised for the Academy this year, must go towards their next year’s budget.

 

Staff Pay and Fundraising – It was noted that the Board felt staff had suffered during the COVID pandemic and would look at the figures. Kieron Shiel said he would do this as it fell under his portfolio. It was also decided that the holiday policy should be revisited to make sure staff were taking the holiday they were entitled to.

 

AOB – Jeff Banks mentioned that he had a request from Kaizen to put a logo on the reverse of the Season Ticket card, in the top right-hand corner.

 

Andy mentioned to the Board that Andy Fearon had passed away and would be sending the Board’s condolences to the family.

Summary of CFU Board Meeting held on 8th March 2021 by virtual conference at 7.30pm.

Present:- Andrew Morris, Jeff Banks, Paul Bodman, Adam Langan, Mike Vickers, Jim Green, Alex Owen, Nick Phillipson, Chris Robertson and Kieron Shiel.

Apologies: Alex Owen

 

Minutes of Meeting held on 8th February 2021 were recorded as an accurate record.

 

Andy Morris confirmed that the season had been made null and void and needed ratification by the FA. No mention had been made of a new league being formed for those Clubs wishing to try and continue. Our Club would choose to not be involved in that.

 

The summary which had been done independently by Richard Birchett regarding Stuart Murphy was to be put out on the members only website on 11th March 2021.

 

All staff furloughed full time at 80%, including contracted players. All players staying at the Club would be furloughed until June.

 

Chris Robertson had circulated a paper to the Board regarding the Management accounts. For January. There is a big drop in payments. Expenditure is relatively high compared to income. Projections expect this to continue until furlough and null and void are fed into the numbers. Next year will be more of a challenge. Club is waiting for decision on the application for the grant/loan. As Chris will be leaving the Treasurer’s post at the end of March, he had put together a simple framework for the budget to the Board.

 

With regards to commercial events, Paul Bodman stated that the Young Drivers had booked for another six months. A company had confirmed dates for showing films in the car park. The car park potholes will be sorted out in April or May. This work will be done by Vinci at zero cost.

 

Nick Phillipson had started to undertake a general review of the facilities at the stadium. Will create a maintenance schedule to help with future budgeting plans, prioritising floodlights, heating and painting. The caterer Aaron was considering catering on non-matchdays. Health and Safety survey to be done in May.

 

Jim Green had a conversation with the managers regarding scouts. Would like to take on Neil Hart. With regards to the Talent ID Event, had received a possible 180 sign ups. Hopefully, this can be whittled down to about 40. With regards to the Community Trust, waiting to announce the funding to the public.

 

Adam Langan stated he was holding a zoom meeting on 11th March 2021. Has asked Calum from Academy to join the meeting.

 

Jeff Banks had asked Kaizen whether it was possible to have stadium seat by seat on the system ready for season 2022/23 as with current Covid restrictions this could mean a similar situation to seating for the 20/21 season until we know more about restrictions post June 21st. Will revisit pricing when we know the size of the league. Membership renewals were launched on 1st March 2021.

 

Kieron Shiel was getting a design for the membership cards priced. A mail shot would e going out to CFU members only for the “Away Kit” design. The Club had achieved nearly £70,000 with regards to orders over the last year.

 

Andy asked Kieron to convey the Board’s thanks to the volunteers who had helped him out during COVID for all their efforts.

 

Under “Any other business”, Mike Vickers had circulated to the Board a paper regarding the Academy Scholarship and budget for 2021/22. After discussion, Mike said he would come back to the Board with more information. Andy asked Mike to let Calum know that the Board appreciates all his hard work commitment to the Academy.