CFAS Monthly Board Meeting Minutes
CFAS Monthly Board Meeting Minutes
December 17th, 2003
Board members present:
Ray Jones
Frank Sperl
Jean Bassick
Paul Kronenwetter
David Furrow
Alan Hoffberg
Laurence Lurie
Ray Jones called the November meeting to order at 7:21 PM at Dan’s Family restaurant.
Alan Hoffberg moved to accept the meeting minutes from the November Board meeting and the October, November, and December General meetings which was seconded by Ray Jones and accepted by the board.
The Board discussed the good turnout at the Holiday party.
The Board discussed the CFAS alcohol policy to determine if limited alcohol consumption at certain events or venues would be acceptable. Due to potential legal liabilities the matter was tabled until an acceptable policy could either be written or found in use by another organization.
Jean Bassick made a motion to have CFAS Astrofest on March 19th and 20th 2004 at the SCC Star Range and a group picnic in October at Harmony. Larry Lurie seconded the motion and the board approved it.
The board approved three honorary memberships for special contributions to CFAS.
Treasurer:
Alan Hoffberg brought up the idea to purchase a plaque to commemorate the people that donated to the purchase of the TEC 140 telescope. A motion to purchase the plaque was made by Frank Sperl, seconded by Paul Kronenwetter, and approved by the Board.
Alan also provided a printed copy of the year to date income statement to the board members.
Membership:
Jean Bassick presented ????? to be accepted as new members of the CFAS. The motion was seconded and approved by the board.
Programs:
Pat Weeks announced that Bob Reim would give a presentation on astrophotography at OSC in March. She also said that Dr. Campin’s would give a presentation on mirror coating at the February meeting.
Alan Hoffberg stated that he was talking with Bob Nelson on giving a program about the Tinsley telescope at UCF.
Publicity:
No report from the publicity committee.
Orlando Science Center:
Larry Lurie mentioned that CFAS had old OSC data on it’s website. Alan Hoffberg also mention a computer problem with the volunteer login system.
BMAL:
Paul Kronenwetter mentioned the idea to fund grants to UCF and the SCC Planetarium Foundation. David Furrow made a motion to fund a $500 scholarship grant to UCF and a $500 grant to the SCC planetarium. The recipient of the UCF scholarship would be determined by the UCF head or his designate and the grant to the SCC would be specifically directed to uses by the SCC Planetarium. Frank Sperl seconded the motion and it was accepted by the board. The BMAL’s would follow-up with information on how to guide funds to the Planetarium.
Paul stated that data from the CFAS annual survey was still being compiled and would be presented soon.
Observing:
Ray Jones stated that the condition of the ‘FIT’ telescope and the expense of refurbishing and moving it to a site at Harmony made it a poor choice as a recommended solution to the Harmony Institute’s desire for an on-site observatory. Alan Hoffberg made a motion to reaffirm the Observing committee’s objective of evaluating various choices and recommending a solution to the Harmony Institute for an observatory to be located at Harmony. Alan also added that any future agreement or contract with the Harmony Institute for the equipping or maintenance of an observatory should include very specific terms regarding CFAS’s use of the observatory. Paul Kronenwetter seconded the motion and the board approved.
Ray raised the question of moving viewing nights at Harmony from Friday nights to Saturday nights. It was decided that this was an Observing committees decision and did not need board approval.
Ray stated that he had been approached by the NASA Night Sky Coordinator about CFAS applying for membership in their network. The NASA Night Sky Network (NNSN) is an outreach program designed to bring the science and technology of NASA to the general public. Membership in NNSN would allow CFAS access to certain NASA materials that could also be used in our outreach programs. Alan Hoffberg made a motion to apply for membership in NNSN; it was seconded by Paul Kronenwetter, and approved by the board.
DSAC:
No report from DSAC.
Science Committee:
The science committee chair remains open.
Astrolog Committee:
The Astrolog committee chair remains open.
A motion to adjourn was made at 9pm, it was seconded, and the meeting adjourned