[Board] Stolen computer

Thu Aug 3 16:17:28 PDT 2017

Frankly it was unclear to me whether the vote need to go forward. It seems to me to be the consensus that, while unfortunate, it wasn't an OSGeo issue. And also a precedent we didn't want to set. I guess I was under the impression that the vote was being withdrawn. Sorry if I misunderstood. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 3, 2017, at 6:04 PM, Massimiliano Cannata <massimiliano.cannata at supsi.ch> wrote:
> 
> Before doubting of people commitment and responsibility, I would ask myself if any reason (eg. August, vacation, traveling) block them from voting.. or anyone know something more to share?
> Not taking a decision is simpler with abstaining ;-)
> 
> Dear board non voting members, please could you give your the reason? 
> 
> Best
> Maxi
> 
> Il 03 ago 2017 10:51 PM, "Cameron Shorter" <cameron.shorter at gmail.com> ha scritto:
>> OSGeo Board members,
>> I acknowledge that this was a difficult vote, but please don't use this as a reason not to vote.
>> 
>> When you are volunteering to be a board member, the one thing one thing you are being asked to do is have an opinion and vote. Please take this responsibility seriously, and be prepared to vote on all motions, not just the easy and obvious motions.
>> 
>> Warm regards, Cameron
>> 
>>> On 4/8/17 2:10 am, Jody Garnett wrote:
>>> This motion did not pass - sadly it did not pass because the board members disagreed; it did not pass because not enough board members responded to the motion. 
>>> 
>>> https://www.loomio.org/p/TA0rPawq/offer-financial-assistence-to-nick-and-niroshan-to-cover-insurance-costs-of-stolen-laptops-
>>> 
>>> This is a non-result that does not set a precedent for future boards.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> --
>>> Jody Garnett
>>> 
>>>> On 27 July 2017 at 06:05, Jody Garnett <jody.garnett at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> Cameron and Michael your words of caution are very much taken to heart.
>>>> 
>>>> Maria has started a motion here and I am copying my words to email for wider discussion:
>>>> I am in favour of us helping assist in this case, but I understand their is a series of groups, including the local organizing committee who would like to help out. I would be the most comfortable with the local organizing committee (or even the rented venue assisting.)
>>>> 
>>>> We have been cautioned about "setting a precedent" last time the board acted in                       a generous fashion outside of our mission statement (since we are responsible for our actions to our membership which elected us). In this case the people effected individuals are both productive members of our volunteering in an official capacity with our organization: one as a summer of code student, and the second as a member of the marketing committee. I believe our membership will understand why we are making this choice.
>>>> 
>>>> While it may be sad in the future if trouble befalls an attendees at one of our events we do not wish to set a precedent or expectation for future events to follow. We are taking action both out of compassion (this sucks) and these individuals our volunteers in our organization we do not want our membership to loose the benefits of their productivity (this sucks for osgeo). This is in a similar spirit to the liability insurance we hold for our board members and officers.
>>>> And on the specifics:
>>>> 
>>>> From the email thread it sounds like both computers are covered by insurance, but                       not the full costs. There are two ways to understand this email:
>>>> 
>>>> For a $2500 computer, perhaps it was only insured for $2000 (often this is fine as computers get older).
>>>> Or perhaps it is a "deductible" - for example for a $2000 computer there may be a $500 deductible needing to be paid. So while the insurance covers everything, you are required to pay $500 to access the insurance.
>>>> I would be comfortable making a proposal making up to $2000 available to the treasurer to assist with paying any insurance costs incurred while replacing the stolen laptops. Subject to "prompt reimbursement" on receipt (if paid for already) or invoice (if there is an email/bill that can be sent to the treasurer to show the amount needed).
>>>> 
>>>> This is the kind of discussion is difficult because we all have the "it could of been me" response, and general annoyance this incident would reflect poorly on our community (even though it is not our fault). It also paints board members into a bit of a corner; because we do not wish to appear mean / heartless / insensitive (cameron's all things to all people).
>>>> 
>>>> --
>>>> Jody Garnett
>>>> 
>>>>> On 27 July 2017 at 04:16, Michael Terner <mgt at appgeo.com> wrote:
>>>>> + Conference Dev
>>>>> 
>>>>> Two very small points from the Boston perspective as these kinds of things are on our mind, and we are seeking lessons learned to improve our event:
>>>>> Insurance can be expensive. We have an insurance policy that does not cover things like lost/stolen items for attendees, but does cover eventualities like needing to cancel the event due to catastrophe. The cost of a policy covering lost/stolen events - at least for an event the size of Boston - would have been significantly higher than the cost of replacing 2 laptops (and there is additional administrative time in setting it up).
>>>>> This incident also illustrates the need to have appropriate physical security. We will be mindful to not leave our registration desk without someone there; and to discourage people from leaving items in places where there are not people actively watching. We also have access to a couple of locked rooms where things can be stored and will encourage their use to the extent possible.
>>>>> We too regret the hassle, inconvenience and loss that Nick and Niroshan experienced. As with all negative things, hopefully there is a silver lining and this community can improve processes to reduce the risks of loss at conferences...
>>>>> 
>>>>> MT
>>>>> 
>>>>>> On Thu, Jul 27, 2017 at 4:46 AM, Cameron Shorter <cameron.shorter at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>> I'll let others comment on this particular thread. It is very sad to hear of people having a computer stolen and noble to hear of people helping those in need.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> But on a general level, I suggest that OSGeo should be careful not to become                                 all things to all people. We should focus on what we are best at. There are insurance companies designed to manage loss of items. For future incidents of this type, lets make use of them rather than designing our own.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Cheers, Cameron (not a current board member, so my vote doesn't count)
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> On 27/7/17 12:21 am, Jeff McKenna wrote:
>>>>>>> Thank you Luca for bringing this to everyone's attention.  Indeed this was a very unfortunate incident.  I am a strong +1 to help Niroshan and Nick in any costs not covered by insurance.
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> The day before this happened I also left my bag for a few hours behind the registration desk; this could have happened to anyone.
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> This kind of thing has been at the back of my mind for a while now; how lucky we have been for accidents at FOSS4G events.  We travel to areas all around the world, and anything can happen. Luckily Niroshan or Nick were not hurt or injured.
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> It might be a good time to review the event insurance for our FOSS4G events, and how it relates to unfortunate accidents like this.  (and how we would handle the cases if the attendee had no personal insurance, which would have been my case - for example, maybe the OSGeo Board should set aside a small block of funding in each yearly budget for this)
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> But my gut feeling is that was a small warning, as our FOSS4G event grows in popularity, we must take care, to take care of our attendees.
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> I am very sorry for such a hassle to Niroshan and Nick, to their studies and their work.  I hope we can agree to make sure that they have to pay nothing out of their own pockets to replace lost equipment; and also agree to take this as a small lesson and review our own event policies.
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> -jeff
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> -- 
>>>>>> Cameron Shorter
>>>>>> M +61 419 142 254
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> Board mailing list
>>>>>> Board at lists.osgeo.org
>>>>>> https://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/board
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> -- 
>>>>> Michael Terner
>>>>> Executive Vice President
>>>>> 617-447-2468 Direct | 617-447-2400 Main
>>>>> Applied Geographics, Inc.
>>>>> 24 School Street, Suite 500
>>>>> Boston, MA 02108
>>>>> www.AppGeo.com
>>>>> 
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>>>> 
>>> 
>> 
>> -- 
>> Cameron Shorter
>> M +61 419 142 254
>> 
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