2023 Annual Election Info

The following is the full text of each proposal submitted to the 2023 Annual Election, under the heading "General Membership Poll: Organizational Goals"

Proposals were presented to the membership in a randomly assigned order. Due to a limitation in the OpaVote interface, proposal titles had to be shortened to 50 characters or less.

Proposal A: Create interior partition for dust/noise control

Link to Discord thread for this proposal

Original Title: Create interior partition wall(s) for dust/noise control.

Text of proposal, as submitted:

EMS should explore the idea of creating an internal partition (size and layout to be determined), to separate dirty, dusty, and noisy workspaces from cleaner spaces. This would create a 'first impression' room for 3D printers, electronics, small-form CNC, lasers, comfy chairs, arts-and-crafts, and computers/classroom/social space adjacent to the front door and windows.

Some examples might include (shown in green):

image supplied with proposal, hosted at imgur.com

image supplied with proposal, hosted at imgur.com

Newly created spaces could provide additional/better shelving for member storage, pride-of-place display of member creations, etc. Additional 'shop-side' walls could help stabilize lumber storage, provide additional space for shelving, tool storage, etc. The current electronics room could be repurposed to member storage, expanded Pick-a-part space, tool and supply storage, or a variety of other uses. The specifics of these decisions are not part of this proposal.

Impact on existing space: certain partition designs might limit the amount of space available for woodworking, or make airflow issues more critical to address for metalworking/painting. The Large CNC would remain on the 'shop-side'.

Considerations: May require involvement of landlord/actual contractors.

Proposal B: Refurbish LaserPro Mercury "Laser Shark" cutter

Link to Discord discussion thread for this proposal

Original Title: Refurbish the LaserPro Mercury "Laser Shark" cutter/engraver.

Text of proposal, as submitted:

This laser cutter/engraver is the 'best on the block' of the lasers we currently have at the shop, but it needs a new laser tube, and a full setup for cooling and computer operation. This likely will have some expense attached to it, but it's larger work area and such will provide a more usable tool than any two or three K40s could provide.

Note: $275 has already been received for this project. More will be needed.

Proposal C: Remove member storage benefit, Add additional fee

Link to Discord discussion thread for this proposal

Original Title: Eliminate membership benefit: Member Storage. Future member storage would be charged an additional monthly fee.

Text of proposal, as submitted:

get rid of all the storage bins/boxes along edge of interior "parking" OR mandate a legible label on each one together with monthly payment, say, $5-10. Part of the goal is to stop using shop as a dumping ground for home garage surplus. Storage for ACTIVE EMS projects is fine.

Proposal D: Purchase and install a new security camera system

Link to Discord discussion thread for this proposal

Original Title: Purchase and install a new security camera system.

Text of proposal, as submitted:

Buy and install some form of video camera(s) that work, ie, their shots are clear enough to identify persons, and their shots can be synchronized/aligned with FOB key entrances/uses. At CostCo they range ~$200-400 for a 4-5 cam setup, but the sucess is in details such as: (DVR,NVR,battery/not,comm method, storage, etc etc). I'd be willing to chip in $1-200 if the project were done with written SMART goals (rem the T stands for "time bound").

Proposal E: Shop projects ovr $200 or 20hr req SMART statement

Link to Discord discussion thread for this proposal

Original Title: Require all shop projects costing more than $200 or needing more than 20 hours of work to include a SMART goal statement.

Text of proposal, as submitted:

I propose that EMS have a "smart" goal statement for all shop projects costing more than $200 and/or needing more than 20 person-hrs of work. SMART goal definition attached.

A SMART goal is a carefully planned, clear and trackable objective. It stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-based.

S = Specific Be as clear and specific as possible with what you want to achieve. For example, instead of saying “I want to be in leadership” you might say, “I want to earn a position managing a development team for a startup tech company.” The more narrow your goal, the more you’ll understand the steps necessary to achieve it.

M = Measurable What evidence will prove you’ve met your goal? Setting milestones along the way will give you the opportunity to re-evaluate and course-correct as needed. When you achieve your milestones, remember to reward yourself in small but meaningful ways.

A = Achievable Have you set an achievable goal? Setting goals you can reasonably accomplish within a certain timeframe will help keep you motivated and focused. Before you begin working toward a goal, decide whether it’s something you can achieve now or whether there are additional preliminary steps you should take to be better prepared.

R = Relevant When setting goals for yourself, consider whether or not they are relevant. Each of your goals should align with your values and larger, long-term goals. If a goal doesn’t contribute toward your broader objectives, you might rethink it.

T = Time-based What is your goal time-frame? An end-date can help provide motivation and help you prioritize. If you haven’t achieved your goal in that timeframe, take time to consider why. Your timeframe might have been unrealistic, you might have run into unexpected roadblocks or your goal might have been unachievable.

Proposal F: Purchase new set of cordless, handheld power tools

Link to Discord discussion thread for this proposal

Original Title: Purchase a new set of cordless, handheld power tools.

Text of proposal, as submitted:

A set of matching, battery powered 'best when cordless' power tools, chargers, and batteries to include:

2 drills/drivers 3 batteries 2 chargers

The tools above either to be purchased as a combo kit or brought together from new items sold separately. (all tools should use same batteries, chargers). Using a brand we already have tools for is a plus.

Nice to have additions

"System compatible" circular and saber/jigsaws are in more of a 'nice to have' category as these tools can be useful to have as cordless, but a cord isn't usually a major impediment for their use.

Tools not needed

Additional tools like "system compatible" flashlights, desk fans, saws-alls (horizontal reciprocating saws), portable soldering stations, hedge trimmers, angle grinders, and so on, are not really considered necessary given the work that happens in the shop. Most heavy work is better done with a corded tool anyways. Same with bench tools that have no need to be cordless.

Brand recommendations would be Ryobi (since we have a couple compatible tools already) or depending on budget, higher end offerings through Harbor Freight might be advisable. Compatibility and ease of replacement for long road consumables (batteries, chargers) should be considered.

With coupons, deals, holiday sales, and so-on, we might be able to wrangle a fair amount out of a moderate budget.

Proposal G: Purchase new set of manual hand-tools

Link to Discord discussion thread for this proposal

Original Title: Purchase a new set of manual hand-tools.

Text of proposal, as submitted:

Screwdrivers, ratchets, a full suite of sockets and wrenches in both Metric and Imperial, yes, including the little ones that are needed for 3D printers and such. Maybe a few "Vise grip" locking pliers in various sizes, and a couple sets of drill bits suitable for wood, and metal. Suggest doubling up on the screwdrivers, with two of each size/type.

Branding is not supremely important on these tools (in my opinion) A wrench of the right size is more important than a wrench of the right brand. But ratings should probably be reviewed before purchase, particularly for Phillips head screwdrivers. Those +'s can wear out!