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July 30, 2002
Roll Call: Council Members and Proxies Present
Chuck Allen, President
Minutes: The motion to approve the 2001 minutes and dispense with reading was made by Jackie Beucher and seconded by Ryan Hannahoe. The motion passed. By-Laws and Election Results: Chuck Allen announced the results of the By-Laws vote: All four changes were approved.
Article 1, Section 1, paragraph g Article 1, Section 2, paragraph g
Young Astronomers will have the following additional privileges: Vote: 447 to accept 49 to not accept
Article II, Section 1. Officers The officers of the League shall be the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Executive Secretary. All officers must be 21 years of age. The officers shall be members of the Council. The Council, described in Article III, may appoint such assistants as are deemed necessary by their offices for their proper operation. These assistants shall serve such terms, and be removed from their positions when deemed necessary, as the Council decides. If payment to the Executive Secretary for services rendered is deemed to be appropriate by the Council such payment will be fixed by standing resolution Vote: 447 to accept 49 to not accept There was some discussion on the wording of this amendment. It was moved by Orv Brettman and seconded by Patrick Carr that the intent of the change was obvious and that the wording be changed to reflect said intent. Motion passed. (The words "at least" will be added to the second sentence).
Article VII, Section 1 Vote: 447 to accept 49 to not accept Results of Officer Elections: Bob Gent was elected League President, and his term of office begins on September1, 2002. The Executive Council noted that this was the League's first election with two candidates for some time. They thanked both Terry Mann and Carroll Iorg for their service to the League. Terry Mann won the election for Vice-President.
President: Chuck Allen first summarized the Executive Committee teleconference held in February, which included:
The Executive Committee approved a Region Assistance request for GLRAL. Chuck Allen thanked everyone for their aid and assistance over his 4 years as President. He stated that he would be there to assist Bob, if needed. Vice President: Bob Gent thanked Carroll Iorg for his outstanding service over the past year with League awards. Since Bob lives in Italy, the awards would not have been run so well without Carroll's help. Bob also reported on the growth and changes in the League over the past year. He reported that our response from the new Membership-at-Large program was not as enthusiastic as we had hoped. Due to insufficient applicants for the past two years, the Horkheimer Imaging Award has been discontinued. He stated that the National Young Astronomer Award and the Horkheimer Youth Service Award are doing fine, but it would be best if all League members helped promote these awards and find more applicants. 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 League. The balance in League checking as of June 30, 2002 is $36,663.34. The balance in the League Money Market Account as of June is $55,439.41. Executive Secretary: Jackie Beucher reported that since receiving the database in mid-December that she has been able to make significant improvements. The database is now in Microsoft Access and that fact has made it more flexible and much easier to work with. She is working with the clubs to make updates to their rosters a much easier process for both them and the League. She also reported that she has been able to significantly cut cost associated with this office. She is using e-mail for routine contact with the clubs and with the ability to use the bulk mailing permit the mailing cost have drop dramatically. Webmaster: The League webmaster is proceeding with upgrades to the site. After some discussion on the pros and cons of discussion forums, Tim Hunter made a motion seconded by Joanne Hailey that the Astronomical League not sponsor or host any discussion groups. The motion passed unanimously. Note: After the council meeting, a new webmaster, Mathew Ganis, was appointed by the Executive Committee (EC). The EC congratulated our past webmaster, David Knighton, for his outstanding service to the League. League Sales: Marion M. Bachtell reported that sales have been good. They are lower than last year but the reason was the events of last fall. She reported that a few new items have been added and that several reprints have or soon will be done. The Universe Sampler is still our best seller. Reflector: Vic and Jen Winter reported that over the past year a number of changes have occurred, most of these were internal operating changes and went unnoticed by the members. They also reported that the Reflector came in over $6000 under budget. It was noted by Council that this was in it's collective memory a first. The mailing house is now handling the international mailings of the Reflector at an $800 dollar a year savings. They reported that soon there would be a need to replace the out dated computer. They also requested that the council consider moving the publication dates for the Reflector. After some discussion a motion was made by Carroll Iorg and seconded by Tim Hunter, that we authorize the rescheduling of the publication dates forward one month beginning December 2002 (March, June, September, December). The motion passed. The council asked Vic and Jen to investigate the possibility of starting an online Reflector with e-mail notices to members. ISS-AT: Orv Brettman reported on the overall progress over the Past Year of the ISS-AT committee. Terry Mann, Richard Berry, Rocky Avery each reported in more detail on the different parts of the project. Terry Mann gave an update on the operations stating that the remote scope has been operating since March and has produced 1,676 images. These images are available on the ISS-AT website. She also reported that a committee visit to Hubble Institute yielded offers of help from them. Possibilities included rewriting software so it could be used by ISS-AT scope, ideas and suggestion on publication of images, and help with some of the statistics of this type of endeavor. Richard Berry updated the Council on progress with Grants. NASA grants being the prime focus. Orv stated that for the grant we need to present a well-tested and comprehensive plan. Rocky Avery reported on the database development, the new website and the liaison through Vanderbilt University. Orv Brettman next reported that the equipment (with the exception of the CCD camera) is all paid for through donations, League funds or small grants. Orv also gave a brief explanation of budget requests. During further discussion about the ISS-AT project it was moved by Orville Brettman and seconded by Terry Mann that the Council resolve that the Astronomical League is not associated with and is not affiliated with the Global Student Telescope Network, Inc. and that no implication or suggestion of association or affiliation with the Global Student Telescope Network, Inc. be presented. Upon the request of Tim Hunter, a secret ballot was taken. The motion passed. 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. Publications Committee: Sue Wheatley reports having a quite year. Mostly fielding copyright questions and printing associated questions.
Book Service: Paul Castle reports that the past year has been an active one with a total of 86 books requested and sent. Paul also tendered his resignation, effective in one year. After some discussion on the matter it was moved by Jackie Beucher and seconded by Carroll Iorg that the Book Service be pulled into the national office. The motion passed. Note: During ALCON, Marilyn Unruh volunteered to serve as the Book Service Committee Chair, replacing Paul Castle. International DarkSky Association: Bob Gent asked for the council to encourage all astronomy clubs to have a Dark Sky Officer. It was moved by Orv Brettman and seconded by Patrick Carr that the Executive Secretary insert a statement recommending this in any future communications with the clubs. The motion passed. Also, all League members were encouraged to contact state officials to have a "dark-sky" theme added to the new state coins being designed.
Youth Activities Committee: Ryan Hannahoe reported that the Youth Activities Committee has been busy. All but one chapter of the book "The Sky's the Limit" is now completed. The book is intended as a resource to bring youth into astronomy. The $6,000 requested for this book was approved during the budget approval. He also reported the Youth Activities Committee has been receiving increased press coverage, and he reported that one of the plans for the future is for the implementation of Junior Alcors. Trust Fund Report: Bert Stevens reported that the Trust Fund Balance is $ 75,170.03. The term of Jackie Beucher is up for election this year. Jackie agreed to run again. She was elected by unanimous vote of Council. The last two years trust fund interest were donated to the ISS-AT project. Â Future Conventions 2003 Nashville - This convention will be held in Nashville, Tennessee. Mike Benson reported that it would be held in the Embassy Suites Hotel. The theme for the convention will be "Astronomy in the next Decade," and the dates will be July 8 through July 12, 2003. 2004 - We have an inquiry to hold a joint convention with the AAVSO at Chabot Observatory in California. ALPO has agreed to participate in this convention, and dates have not yet been selected. 2005 - We have had a preliminary inquiry from a group in Pennsylvania Bob Gent suggested that the League begin hosting conventions itself. All present were in favor of this idea and a discussion followed as to the type of event this should be. A series of straw votes were taken to see just what type of convention seemed to have the most support. The majority favored having it in different locations each year but limiting it to two or three locations that would be on a rotating schedule. Most members present favored a vendor fair over a Star Party. As a result of the discussion, Patrick Carr moved that the League take over hosting conventions beginning with the 2004 convention. The motion was seconded by Ryan Hannahoe. The motion passed. After further discussion Tim Hunter moved that Executive Committee appoint a Convention Committee to organize and run the convention in 2004. The motion passed. Regions: Region inactivity and how to solve the problem was discussed. A motion was made by John Goss and seconded by Patrick Carr to appoint a committee to look into the possible restructuring of the Regions. The motion passed. The committee members are John Goss, MERAL, Jerry Sherlin, MARS, and Patrick Carr, MSRAL. National Office: Jackie Beucher reported that a location for the National office has been found and passed around photo's of the building and office space. Jackie had the leases with her to be signed. Possession date is September 1. Jackie also reported that she and other members of the ASKC have been able to obtain office furniture and office supplies for the office at no cost. League Dues Increase: Orv Brettman motioned that dues be increased to $6.00. The motioned was seconded by Terry Mann. After some debate the motion was amended to change the amount to $5.50. The motion was defeated (4 -yes 15 - No). Orv then motioned that the dues be increased to $5.00. The motion was seconded by Terry Mann. Motion was defeated (4 - yes 15 - No) Tim Hunter then made a motion that there be no dues increase this year. Motion was seconded by Patrick Carr. The motion passed (11- yes 7 - No)
21 Club: Orv Brettman moved that the 21 Club not be accepted. Seconded by Patrick Carr. The motion Passed. Comet Club: Orv Brettman moved that the Comet Club be approved. Seconded by Mike Benson. Motion Passed. Local Galaxy Groups and Clusters: This new observing proposal was approved with an initial budget of $500 for the first year. $2500 was approved for next year if the observing manual is ready for publication. Globular Clusters: This proposal was received late, and additional information is needed. Tim Hunter motioned that we defer it until next year. Seconded by Mike Benson. The motion passed Mike Benson then asked about interest in a Double Star 2 Club. The Council was in agreement that there would be. Mike stated he would work on a proposal for next year. Webmaster Award Proposal: Tim Hunter motioned that we approve the award with a $250 budget amount. Motion was seconded by Patrick Carr and Jim Fox. Motion Passed. Budget Approval: The budget was approved unanimously. There is more than a $15,000 projected deficit. The Council recognized that a budget problem will not be encountered this year because money budgeted for the national office for 2001-2002 was not spent, and there are sufficient funds in the treasury to cover all projected expenses. In future years, fundraising and dues increases will be reconsidered. Adjournment: League President, Chuck Allen, adjourned the meeting at approximately 7 pm. |