CFAS Monthly Board Meeting Minutes
CFAS Monthly Board Meeting Minutes
October 20th, 2004
Board members present:
Ray Jones
Frank Sperl
Frank Gutowski
Paul Kronenwetter
David Furrow
Laurence Lurie
Tom Chitty
Walt Hamler
Pat Weeks
Guests Present: None
Old Business:
None
New Business:
CFAS Chairpersons: Ray Jones nominated the currently assigned Committee Chairpersons to remain for the upcoming year. The board voted to approve the nominations. The publicity committee chairman position remains unfilled.
TEC Peripherals: Motion was made and approved to give the Treasurer authority to investigate and negotiate the best price available for a G11 mount to purchase for the TEC. Board also discussed the need to purchase an AC power cord. The voltage instability of the CFAS generator was discussed, and a recommendation was made to buy a couple of computer uninterrupted power supplies (UPS) in order to solve this problem. This decision was deferred to the 2005 budget.
Star Range: The President mentioned that the Star Range was in good shape and a volunteer was needed to take ownership of the key for access and make arrangements for viewing with the range master. The matter of potential Astrofest locations was discussed with the amenities at the Star Range still considered to be the best available for camping and other activities that take place at this time.
Sale of 6” Newtonian Criterion scope: Frank Gutowski requested an opportunity to purchase an old Criterion scope that was donated to the society. After a thorough inspection the scope is in need of significant repair to make it operational. It was also pointed out that the scope is a duplicate of one already in the CFAS inventory and is not needed. The board voted to sell the scope at a fair market value to allow Frank to spend his time and personal resources to refurbish it. In addition Frank agreed to give a presentation to the membership on how he refurbished the telescope.
October Lunar Eclipse: Three venues will be highlighting the eclipse OSC, Robinson and SCC. Volunteers were requested to man each site and assist with telescopes and crowd control.
Secretary:
Ray Jones pointed out a few modifications to the September board meetings. Frank Gutowski made a motion to accept the minutes and Frank Sperl seconded. The board unanimously approved.
Treasurer:
In Alan Hoffberg’s absence Ray reminded the board that the budgets would be voted on at the next meeting. Frank Sperl made a move to accept the Treasurers Report and Dave Furrow seconded.
Membership:
The board approved membership status for new members Robert Weiss and Anthony Wilkins.
Programs:
The board discussed potential programs and “constellation of the month” was suggested again. Pat Weeks volunteered to present a short talk on a fall constellation for the November general meeting.
Publicity:
Still looking for a publicity chairperson.
Orlando Science Center:
The board thanked Larry Lurie for his assistance in having OSC host the club while the building the planetarium is attached to is refurbished.
BMAL:
No report
Nite Sky:
Paul informed the board about two new kits coming out regarding spectroscopy. Also the network will be looking for a black hole volunteer to work with programs and feedback in that area.
Observing:
Walt Hamler mentioned that loaner scopes have all found homes to stay at when they are not loaned out.
The Islamic observance of Ramadan was discussed as some of the followers contacted Walt to request information on viewing the new moon which marks that beginning of the holiday period.
The annual Robinson Observatory clean-up was set for the 30th of October at 08:30. Ray Jones mentioned that Pizza would be provided for lunch.
Education/Outreach:
No report
DSAC:
No report
Science Committee:
No report
Astrolog Committee: Editor Tom Chitty requested that members provide more input. Also he requested submissions to the Astrolog to be done by 12/10/2004 due to time constraints imposed by the holidays.
Librarian:
No report
A motion to adjourn was made at 20:44. It was seconded and the meeting was adjourned.