You are hereMinutes of the Astronomical League Council Meeting ALCON 2003 Nashville, TN
Minutes of the Astronomical League Council Meeting ALCON 2003 Nashville, TN
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July 8, 2003
Roll Call: Council Members and Proxies Present
Bob Gent, President; proxy for NERAL Chairman Council members or proxies present, according to Bylaws III.4, must be two-fifths (2/5ths) of the members of Executive Council to constitute a quorum and a quorum was present. Minutes: The motion to approve the 2002 minutes and dispense with reading was made by Jim Fox and seconded by Terry Mann. The motion passed unanimously.
President: Bob Gent reported that the Executive Committee had approved the distribution of Reports via E-mail. He noted that this was a very efficient and effective being that council members not able to attend for the first time were able to review reports that are normally handed out at council. Jim Fox asked that if a proxy is known that the Executive Secretary forward copies to the proxy as well.
Bob went on to summarize the past year, noting that at this point, he now resides back in the US. He emphasized the need for at least a part-time paid employee to run the office in Kansas City. It is now staffed on an intermittent basis with volunteers from the Kansas City Club. Bob mentioned that next years convention would be held at Chabot Observatory in California. Details are still in progress and there are still points that need to be nailed down. Bob asked that we consider making a vote of confidence statement to Dr. Robert Stencel, because of his work for and with the League. Tim Hunter moved that we thank Dr. Stencel for his outstanding efforts and generous support to the League and that we wish him well in all his current and future astronomical efforts. Richard Schmude seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Vice President: Terry Mann thanked everyone for their help and support in her first year as Vice President. She thanked Carroll Iorg for his fantastic help and handling of the Awards process. She explained about the outreach efforts that have been happening in connection with the ISS-AT project. She added that there had been several news publications (including Time Magazine) that contacted her about the League. She has given several interviews that lead to a number of prominent mentions in the press. She also reported a closer working relationship with several other astronomy organizations. We have partnered with the Planetary Society for Mars Watch 2003. Secretary: Marion Bachtell reported the past year had been relatively quite in the secretary's office. Treasurer: Joanne Hailey reported on the financial condition of the Astronomical League. The balance in the League checking account as of June 30, 2003 is $32,364.75. The balance in the League Money Market Account as of June 30, 2003 is $55,903.41.
The 2003-2004 projected budget will be discussed at a later time in this meeting. Webmaster: Bob reported that our webmaster is Matt Ganis. He has done a good job at updating and keeping up the website. League Sales: Marion M. Bachtell reported that sales have been slow, but that memberships have been on the increase. 301 MAL's and 8 Youth were processed through League Sales. Also this past April we started (as a favor to A.L.P.O.) to accept their memberships (via credit card) through League Sales. This has been an unqualified success. We have processed 60 in 3 months. Richard Schmude thanked Marion and the League for this service. There will be several books that will need to be republished. Also she showed the newest manual , The Sky Puppy Workbook!. Reflector: Jen Winter reported that because of the publishing month shift the League experienced a one-time savings of about $12,000. She also reported that the new computer along with the shift to slick paper, has greatly improved the quality of the Reflector. She stated that there still are a few challenges to production. One is getting submissions in on time. She also said that proofing is presenting problems because of the size of the files and that we are exploring other alternatives in accomplishing this. The entire council gave them a round of applause for the outstanding job they have done on the Reflector. ISS-AT: Bob Gent introduced Terry Mann as interim head of the committee. Terry then reported that after an unusually rainy spring in Tucson area, the telescope was finally back on line. She stated that in October the rent for the observatory at Winer was going to increase 3 fold. She has been actively pursuing other options for the alpha scope. She reported that it will likely move to Arizona Sky Village. They have the facilities and are willing to have us there with minimal cost. She also stated that they now have a solar station at Vanderbilt. In summing up she stated that thing are progressing well with the project. She also thanked Mac Gardner for the fundraising he did in conjunction with the Battle Point Astronomy Club. Astronomical Society of the Pacific Liaison: Mike Bennett reported on what the ASP has been doing in the past year. He stated that their main focus is doing research and outreach. With the prime focus of the latter being educators and the amateur astronomer. He reported on some of the survey results as to what the amateur is interested in when doing public outreach. As a result of these surveys they will develop "kits" that will aid the amateur in their public programs. Barry Beaman who is our ASP Laison reported that our relationship with ASP continues to grow as a result of our involvement with the NSF grant and JPL's Planet Quest. Publications Committee: Sue Wheatley reports having a quite year. Mostly fielding copyright questions and printing associated questions. She also handled the copyright process for the reprint of the Galaxy Groups and Clusters and for the New Sky Puppy manual. There was at this point a discussion on printing the Jupiter Handbook and League Sales offered to handle the printing costs. Richard stated that possibly by next year a Red Spot observing program would be ready to bring to council. Publicity Committee: Bob Gent stated a need for a press officer, so that media coverage could be more consistent. Currently the League has no press officer. Bob stated that we have a couple of possibilities. Jim Fox move to designate $500 as a line item in the budget for the Press Officer. Carroll Iorg seconded the motion. It was passed unanimously. Book Service: Marlyn's report stated that there were 27 members this past year that took advantage of the Book Service.
Observe Committee Reports: Bob stressed the necessity for all Observe Chairs to check with the Executive Secretary before issuing certificates and pins to validate membership. Nominating Committee: Jackie asked for volunteers to help her count the ballots. Terry Mann and Carroll Iorg volunteered. Region Reports: Council packets included written reports for most regions. Most seemed to be doing well. The MARS Region Chairman has resigned. Also they soon will be without a Region Representative as Jerry Sherlin is moving to the East Coast. Bob noted at this point that in Old Business we would be discussing the Region Structure committee report. This was a committee created last year, to come up with some ideas and suggestion on how to improve the relations with the regions. Education Committee: Mike Flick reported that the reprint of the Teacher manual is coming up soon. They have done a few updates to the manual in the process of getting ready for publication.
Cultural Enrichment Committee: John Wagoner reported on the efforts to bring astronmy to inner city kids. With the main purpose of showing them that they do have options. The Cultural Enrichment Committee is an out growth of the organization he founded. C.L.A.S.S. He stated that this program has been very successful with the teachers extremely appreciative of the help. He told a little bit about the structure of the program emphasizing that it is done on a level that these kids identify with.
Awards and Recognition: Youth Activities Committee: Ryan Hannahoe reported that the book Youth in Astronomy was not published this past year due to the fact that they had chapters missing from a couple of authors. Ryan presented a proposal for a $1000 scholarship, to be funded out of the YAC budget. There was some discussion regarding administrative details. Carroll Iorg volunteered to administer the process. It was decided that this would be specifically for High School seniors. Jim Fox moved that we approve the proposal and it was seconded by Tim Hunter. The motion passed unanimously. Trust Fund Report: The Trust Fund balance is now $76,258.26. The notes current interest rate is approximately 1.45%. Jim Fox's term as Trustee was up and he agreed to run again. He was unanimously re-elected. MAL Update: Bob reported that over the past year we have had several questions as to whether one's MAL membership would encompass the whole family. After some discussion it was concluded that yes it does include immediate family living in the same household. They would only receive one vote and one Reflector, but all members would be able to receive Observe awards. Marion Bachtell and Jackie Beucher reported that MAL membership has increased over last year. Approximately 301 this year compared to 196 last year. Historian: Frank Roldan had communicated that he is considering resigning as Historian. It was decided that in the event that this happens that we would pull all the historical items into the National Office. Future Conventions 2004 - After Council meeting at last years convention a favorable inquiry to hold a joint convention with the AAVSO at Chabot Observatory in California. ALPO has also agreed to participate in this convention, and dates have not yet been selected. 2005 - This will be the first convention that the League puts on, per last years vote at council. This will be in the Kansas City area.
Old Business
At this point Jackie Beucher stated that she had been contacted about Region boundaries. Specifically regarding were the western boundary of the Mid-States Region was in Nebraska. Jim Fox cleared up the confusion on this item. A discussion about Region boundaries followed. Marion Bachtell noted that it had always be policy that a club near a boundary could ask to be in the adjoining region. But noting that it had never been written down. Jim Fox moved that we add the following sentence to Standing Resolution #13 - Any club may petition the Executive Secretary to be assigned to a region adjoining the region within National Office: The office is operational and is staffed on an intermittent basis by volunteers. Bob Gent again stressed the need for a paid employee even if only part-time to begin with. Some options were discussed.
By-Laws -The council found the need to address certain changes right away. The following By-Law changes were discussed and approved To remove #5 from Article III, Section 2 of the By-Laws. This was moved by Tim Hunter and seconded by Jim Fox. The motion Passed Unanimously. To remove the last sentence of Article IV, Section 2, item B. This was moved by Tim Hunter and seconded by Jim Fox. The motion Passed Unanimously. By-Laws Review: The above proposed changes brought forth the fact that there is a need to completely review the By-Laws and Standing Resolutions. Some instances were sighted of things that need to be removed as they are outdated or contrary to items passed at past council meetings. Richard Schmude moved that a By-Laws review committee be appointed to review and recommend changes. This was seconded by Ryan Hannahoe. The motion passed unanimously. Bob Gent appointed the following to the committee. Jim Fox, Jackie Beucher, Mike Benson, Richard Schmude, Marion Bachtell, and Carroll Iorg.. League Dues Increase: Both Bob Gent and Terry Mann spent a few minutes relating the need for a dues increase. We have many programs that are working very well and of great benefit to the members, but to continue these benefits we need to be able to fund these benefits. Bob also stated that we have not had a significant dues increase in several years. A $1.50 dues increase was discussed (current dues are 3.50). After some discussions on this figure it was moved by Carroll Iorg that we increase dues to $5.00 and that at the time of the notification of the increase we undertake a survey of what clubs what from the League. And that we stress the benefits of the League and the reasons for the increase. The motion was seconded by Joanne Hailey. The motion Passed - 19 for - 4 against. At this point Jim Fox moved that Patron Dues be increased to $75.00. Robert McGowan seconded. The motion passed - 22 for - 1 against. Marion moved to amend Standing Resolution #9 to reflect the dues increase. Terry Mann seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Constellation Hunters - after a discussion on the merits of this club Tim Hunter moved that we approve this program with a $540.00 budget. The motion was seconded by Jen Winter. The motion passed 21 for to 2 against. Theoretical Observers: This program which would appeal to the arm chair astronomer was discussed. Tim Hunter suggested that the program be fleshed out more and then bring it back to Council. Jim Fox moved that we encourage the Rose City group to accomplish this. Richard Schmude seconded it. The motion passed. The Globular Clusters Club: this was discussed and while interesting the proposal did not include a budget request. It was tabled until that information could be provided. Seti program: The program at this point was not very detailed. While it was an interesting idea it was agreed that we needed more information to make a decision.
Honorary Membership nominations: The following persons were nominated and approved unanimously. Budget Approval: After a review of line items added and deleted or change, Jim Fox moved to approve the budget. Ryan Hannahoe seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Adjournment: Terry Mann moved to adjourn and it was seconded by Jim Fox League President, Robert L. Gent, adjourned the meeting at approximately 6.30 PM.
Marion M. Bachtell, Secretary |
