CFAS Monthly Board Meeting Minutes

The minutes from the December 2004 board meeting were discussed. Ray mentioned a couple of minor changes. Tom moved to accept and Larry seconded. Minutes were unanimously approved.

Treasurer’s report was discussed briefly. Alan is in Australia and Walt recommended approval of the treasurer’s report and Dave seconded. The report was unanimously approved.

Agenda Items:

Astrofest

Ray outlined the responsibilities of the board and committee members for the upcoming Astrofest. The initial number of persons interested in attending is 65.

Ray and Dave both volunteered to show up early at the site to prep. Programs will include an Astrophotography class and BMAL’s will be responsible for arranging the bar-b-que lunch.

Discussions followed regarding pricing options for members to cover the costs of renting sanitary services for the two nights as well as garbage pickup.

The following pricing guide was recommended:

Adult members: $5.00

Children: $3.00

Patrons: Free

Dave volunteered to work with registration and sign in and Ray provided examples of parking passes and registration sheets with CFAS logos.

A brief discussion also outlined the best set up for tents, campers and scope set up. The information will be disseminated to the members at the next general CFAS meeting.

SCC Planetarium Status

The planetarium is still unavailable at this time and will remain so for possibly another few months.

Scholarship and Grants

Frank provided a concise two-page operating procedure for providing Mini-grants. The board reviewed the work and recommended that Frank head up the committee as Chairperson with Walt and Ray assisting in candidate selection when the time comes. Larry moved to accept and Walt seconded – the board unanimously approved.

Harmony Dark Sky

Ray informed the board that Robert Vogel would be coordinating the Harmony Dark Sky even that will take place on April 19.

Members are encouraged to bring scopes and assist.

G-11 Mount

The G-11 mount has been delayed again but Ray informed the board that it should be arriving before Astrofest.

Observing Night Cancellation System

The members discussed methods to get the word out to members when there was a cancellation of one of the regular observing sessions. It was agreed that the Yahoo site and the web site were the best methods of information available to members regarding cancellations.

Honorary Members:

Ray requested input from the board as to who should be considered for honorary membership. The board voted on Alan due his ongoing dedication to CFAS financial well-being and Robert Peterson. Larry moved to accept and Walt seconded the recommendations. The board unanimously approved.

Sally Ride Festival

Dave Furrow will be coordinating CFAS’s involvement in the Sally Ride festival this year on January 29. CFAS members are encouraged to attend.

Membership:

The following new members were recommended:

Erin Hayes

Marjorie Wright

Kerry Jackson

Joe Howell

Tim Lwin

Barry Mahfood

Anthony Williams

Andy Williams

Programs:

Dave mentioned that he has a program lined up for next month with Dr. Duncan Britt regarding the topic of black holes. Dr. Laura Woodney has also volunteered to return to give a talk this spring.

Publicity:

Tony requested input on the possibility of having CFAS bumper stickers made up and mentioned plans to contact the Orlando Sentinel regarding publicity for upcoming events.

Orlando Science Center:

Larry discussed Astronomy Day on April 16^th and asked CFAS members to get involved and participate in planning sessions. Scopes will need manning both day and night and OSC would like to present several NASA Nite-Sky presentations throughout the day.

Larry also requested that the board consider the idea of raffling a CFAS one-year membership. Walt made a motion to accept and Dave seconded. The request was unanimously approved.

BMAL:

No membership issues to report

Nite Sky:

No report

Observing:

Walt discussed the fact that the use of the SCC Star Range may no longer be an option due to the aggressive schedule of firearm training at all hours.

Observing dates will be updated on the CFAS website.

Education/Outreach:

Walt mentioned that the annual moon party at Princeton Elementary was scheduled for April 2, 2005. He is looking for volunteers to man scopes

DSAC:

A request for a new DSAC chairperson was reiterated as Laurent has several other responsibilities and is tied up.

Science Committee:

No report

Astrolog Committee:

Ray reminded the board that articles needed to be submitted in a timely manner. Tom requested that articles be provided no later than March 10, 2005 for the next issue.

Librarian:

The library will not be available until after the SCC Planetarium is reopened. All the books are boxed up at this time.

Ray requested input on whether CFAS should discourage non-members from continued monthly attendance at meetings if they make it clear that they do not plan to sign up as a member. The board discussed options for membership and left the item open for further discussion.

A motion to adjourn was made at 20:37. It was seconded and the meeting was adjourned.