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CFAS Monthly Board Meeting Minutes

CFAS Monthly Board Meeting Minutes

February 23, 2005


Attendees:

Derek Demeter

Tom Chitty

David Furrow

Frank Gutowski

Tony Urzi

Francisco Gonzales

Walt Hamler

Larry Lurie

Ray Jones

Alan Hoffberg


Guests:

Frank Sperl


  1. Call to Order
    President Walt Hamler called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m., and made welcoming remarks.


  1. Secretary's Report

The February meeting minutes were approved.


  1. Treasurer's Report

    1. The treasurer's report by Alan Hoffberg was accepted.

    2. Alan verified there are sufficient funds on hand to meet the annual budget which included the purchase of the solar telescope. Ray Jones requested Alan to proceed with the purchase.


  1. Agenda Items

    1. Astrofest 2006

      1. All is on track as planned.

    2. Electricity needs at our dark sites.

      1. Walt Hamler polled the Yahoo group and found that there were not that many members that need CFAS to provide power during our observing sessions. It was decided that CFAS members would be responsible for providing their own batteries/power at our dark sites.

      2. Tom Chitty made a motion to purchase 3 power units, consisting of the battery, carrying case, and chargers to supply the CFAS owned scopes at club events. (The 12” Meade, The TEC, and 8” Celestron Telstar). Francisco (?) seconded and the board approved.

    3. Ray made a motion to sell the trailer because it was no longer needed. ??? seconded and it was approved. It was suggested to advertise the trailer to club members first.

    4. Ray made a motion to approve a grant of $500 to the SCC planetarium as provided for in the budget (as a formality). David Furrow seconded and the motion was approved. The grant will be given to the planetarium at the March 8th meeting.


  1. Committee Reports

    1. Membership -

      1. 97 current members including 10 new members approved by the board:

James Leiter

Christopher Straut

Scott Sturgeon

Larry Puhl

Ernst Matheus

Millie Irizarry

Dennis Rahaman

Rick Castellucci & family

Robert Gibson

William Manning


    1. Programs

      1. Dr. Britt will present a topic on meteorites in April.

      2. Ray intends to invite a NASA speaker in June.

      3. Derek Demeter will present the new planetarium show at SCC in July.


    1. DSAC/Library

      1. Derek will make a DSAC presentation during the March meeting.


    1. Publicity

      1. Tony has updated the CFAS brochure. Walt suggested that he add a few pictures of members to it.


    1. Orlando Science Center

      1. OSC has hired a professional storyteller to develop and present various types of stories at OSC. OSC is looking for volunteers to help present, or tell, the stories.


    1. Board Members at Large

      1. No members have contacted BMALs this month.


    1. Observing

      1. Request from Odyssey Middle School for a viewing on April 4th at 7pm.


    1. Education and Outreach

      1. Ocala Site

        1. Walt discussed the good turn out for viewing despite the cloudy skies. As predicted by the sky clock, the skies cleared and the potential of the site became clear to all. Ray will request an extension of our permit for the remainder of the year, and get approval for the use of portable toilet or R/V at the site. The portable toilet and cabana tent have been received. Dave Furrow agreed to be the first custodian of this equipment.


      1. Harmony Site

        1. No discussion.


      1. SCC Star Range

        1. No discussion.


    1. Robinson

      1. Ray reported on his meeting with Dr. Britt, the Robinson Director. UCF will not repair the Tinsley. The physics department has submitted a proposal to remove the Tinsley and replace with a research grade 20 inch Ritchie Chriton telescope on an advanced mount. The proposal includes research grade cameras and filters, complete automation of the observatory, and fixes all local lighting problems. Dr. Britt has asked for CFAS help in removing the telescope. Paul Gardner will be put in charge of the project. The budget for the project is $150,000. Dr. Britt expects to have a decision within the next week. The board agreed to support the project. In addition an UCF foundation fund for Robinson will be established in order to collect additional revenues for the Robinson upgrade. Dr. Britt stated that CFAS will get time on this telescope and that CFAS members would be able to help on research projects.


    1. Astrolog Editor

      1. The next deadline is Friday March 10th.


    1. Scientific Committee

      1. Inactive


    1. NASA Night Sky Network

      1. There will be a teleconference on March 28th about the Star Dust mission.


    1. Webmaster

      1. Absent. No report.


  1. Old Business

    1. No old business was discussed.


  1. New Business

    1. No new business was brought forward.


  1. Motion to Adjourn

    1. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20pm.


/s/ Paul Kronenwetter – CFAS Secretary

Notes taken by David Furrow