September 2026 Board Notes

Date:

09/08/2026

Attendance:

Board Attended: Christina Kramer, Denon Schaefer, Echo O’Donnell, Jeannette Wallen, Lori Fischer-Fairbanks, Nick Nelson, and Josh Snead
Board Absent:
Observers: Alli Cassel, Kevin Ehrler, Makaila Kozitza and Jacob Warner

Notes:

Anime Twin Cities Board Meeting Minutes



September 8th, 2026
7:11 PM

Board Present – Christina Kramer, Denon Schaefer, Echo O’Donnell, Jeannette Wallen, Lori Fischer-Fairbanks, Nick Nelson, and Josh Snead

Board Absent –

Public – Alli Cassel, Kevin Ehrler, Makaila Kozitza and Jacob Warner

Agenda is available in the link in the description of the livestream, these meetings are counted for attendance for voting rights please comment your name in the chat and fill out the google form in order to gain voting rights.

We want to remind you at the end of the meeting we have an open session if there are any questions for the board please put it in the chat ahead of time so we can answer it when we get to it at the end.


Agenda

  • Recap off cycle board actions and votes
     
    • Statement Regarding Lawsuit
      • The parties to this lawsuit have reached an amicable resolution of their dispute. There is no finding or admission of liability by any party in this case. The parties disagree over both the events giving rise to the 2024 matters involving Troy MacDonald and Kristen Melanz, and the Board’s handling of those matters. All of the parties involved in this dispute acknowledge the other side’s perceived issues and concerns relating to those matters. The Board and Anime Twin Cities remain committed to following and enforcing ATC’s bylaws, policies, and procedures, and look forward to the continued success of Anime Twin Cities and Anime Detour.
         
      • As part of the parties’ resolution, Troy MacDonald is reinstated as a member of ATC effective as of August 20, 2026. Troy will not serve or seek to serve as a board member or officer of ATC, will not serve as staff at Anime Detour or any ATC event, and will not attend Anime Detour or any other ATC event through December 2030. Kristen Rose Loth Melanz will not serve on ATC staff for two years, but may appear at ATC event as an Anime Milwaukee or other convention liaison if a convention chooses to send her. Kristen Rose Loth Melanz’s May 28, 2024 board reprimand is voided.
         
  • Planned Discussions from scheduled visiting parties/ATC Partners
     
    • None

       

Coordinator Updates
 

  • Finance – Jeannette Wallen
     
    • Dollar amounts:
        • Business Checking: 270,535.55
        • Education Fund: 3,098.81
        • Business Market Rate Savings (Community Fund): 14,509.32

           
  • Anime Detour – J.C. Horvath (Absent)
     
    • They are working on budgets which are due next month.

       
  • Charities – Jacob Warner
     
    • The organization's donation to AUSM has been completed.
    • Additional information regarding an upcoming AUSM event will be provided through Special Events.
       
  • Communications – Makaila Kozitza
     
    • There are no updates to report.

       
  • Special Events – Alli Cassel
     
    • Upcoming-
       
    • The Uncanny Experience
      • Anime Twin Cities has been invited to send experienced staff to the upcoming event.
      • The event organizers have also invited Anime Twin Cities to assist with an event next year.
      • More information will be provided as planning progresses.
         
    • Anime Fargo
      • Scheduled for later in September.
      • The event is fully staffed.
         
    • Nebraskon
      • Scheduled for October.
      • The team is tentatively full, with a waitlist available for interested volunteers.
         
    • Twin Cities Con
      • Scheduled for November.
      • The team is currently full.
         
    • Nori-Kon
      • Scheduled for December.
      • Three volunteer positions remain available.
         
    • Normandale Japanese Garden 50th Anniversary
      • Anime Twin Cities was invited to participate in the celebration.
      • The organization has supported the Japanese Garden through charitable efforts for many years.
      • The event is fully staffed.
         
    • AUSM Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
      • Scheduled for October 3rd.
      • Two volunteer positions remain available.
         
    • ToshoCon
      • Scheduled for October 10th.
      • Three volunteer positions remain available.
      • St. Paul Public Library has requested assistance with demonstrations, workshops, panels, and interactive activities.
      • Members interested in participating should contact Special Events to be connected with the library.
         
    • FallCon
      • An application was submitted for a table at the event.
      • If accepted, two volunteer positions will be available.
      • The event is scheduled for October 10–11.
         
    • The organization has a busy schedule of outreach events through the end of the year, after which attention will shift toward Anime Detour planning.
       

15 Minute Break (If the preceding topics take little time, the board may vote to skip this)
Motion to Skip
Multiple Board Members Seconded
All in Favor (All of the present Board)
Motion Passes
 

Current Month Board Topics

 

  • October Meeting
    • The next month's primary board topic will be the budget which will cover budgets for the board, coordinators, and Anime Detour.

 

Open Session (up to 30 minutes)
 

  • Any members of the community can bring new business to discuss with the board
    • None

       

7:23 pm meeting closed


Please contact atcboard@animetwincities.org or atc_secretary@animetwincities.org if you would like to be added to the agenda for discussion items.