[Sjaa-board] May 7 2009 - SJAA Board Meeting Minutes

[Greg Claytor]

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May 7 2009 - SJAA Board Meeting Minutes

- Greg Claytor

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Members present
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Robert Armstrong - Treasurer

Greg Claytor - Secretary

Lee Hoglan

Rich Neuschaefer - President

Rod Norden

Gordon Reade - absent

Kevin Roberts - absent

Mark Wagner

 

Robert Armstrong, Greg Claytor, Lee Hoglan, Rich Neuschaefer, Rod Norden and Mark Wagner were present.  Gordon Reade, Kevin Roberts were absent.  No notice was received prior to absences.

 

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Meeting Called to Order - Rich Neuschaefer

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Meeting called to order at or about 6:30pm

 

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March Meeting Minutes

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Rich made a motion to approve the February board meeting minutes.  Motion seconded by Mark and approved by unanimous vote.  There were no abstentions or oppositions.

 

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Treasurer's report - Robert Armstrong

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Robert submitted and presented account summaries to the board.  Detail can be views at SJAA.net on the Board mailing list archives.

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General Meeting Programs - Dave Smith 

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Dave submits his reports via email.   Detail can be views at SJAA.net on the Board mailing list archives.

 

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Beginner's Astronomy Class - Mark Wagner

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Mark mentioned the class was reasonably attended with more participants than last time.  His class focused on deep sky objects in Leo and Virgo.

 

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Observatory Fund- Robert Armstrong

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Robert again stated we need to run an ad in the San Jose Mercury News newspaper to publicly invite donors to contact us with any objections should the SJAA decide to re-divert the observatory funds into alternate club programs.  He went on to reiterate that the SJAA still has no plan whatsoever to acquire any land or build an observatory now or in the future.  Robert asked that the secretary write the ad and research any legal content requirements for such an ad.

 

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School Star Party Program - Gordon Reade

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Gordon was absent, but School Star Party information is available at SJAA.net.  The current schedule of events can be viewed here: http://sjaa.net/school/current.htm#free

 

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Membership - Mark Wagner

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Mark mentioned that membership remains stable with no substantial changes.  Detail can be views at SJAA.net on the Board mailing list archives.

 

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Loaner Program - Lee Hoglan

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Lee mentioned the loaner program continues to run well, that there are only five scopes left in inventory.  He agreed to provide a more detailed written report in the future. 

 

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Coverage for Upcoming Events

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Coverage for upcoming activities was discussed.  Coverage was assigned and no activities were left without coverage.

 

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Auction (What happened at the '09 auction)

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Rich stated that no one from Orion, including himself, earned a commission for items sold at the.  Robert suggested we send a Thank you letter to Orion.  He also suggested we start earlier next year, that we contact more vendors and asked them to donate items or sell items on consignment.  This led to a discussion about ways to increase the clubs income next year.  Finally it was pointed out that the board needs to sit down for some serious brain storming about projects and acquisitions in support of the SJAA membership and the community.  Mark suggested we might gather at his home.   

 

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Hogue/ PRN

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No Activity.

 

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By-Law Changes - Robert Armstrong

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No Activity.

 

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AANC - Mark Wagner

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Mark mentioned the AANC may be willing to donate a grant to the SJAA to cover the cost of insuring CALSTAR '09 if the SJAA might be willing to step in as the insurer for the event.

 

After some discussion, Mark made a motion that If the AANC grants monies to the SJAA to cover the cost of the insurance rider, then SJAA will agree to participate as a co-sponsor of CALSTAR '09.  in addition Left Coast Observers, as organizer of the event, must also agree that SJAA will be given one seat on the organizing committee.  Rich Seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.  There were no abstentions or oppositions.

 

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Ephemeris as electronic by default - Mark Wagner

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Mark motioned to deliver the Ephemeris electronically by default and charge extra if club members would like to have it delivered via USPS.  After initial discussion the motion was tabled pending further information and discussion.

 

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New Beginner Class Format

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The idea of a seasonal outdoor constellation talk once a quarter was raised.  While there was no motion or vote it was agreed that a class following this format will now be given outdoors, with a seasoned observer and a green laser pointer.

 

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Meeting Adjourned - Rich 

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Rich motioned to adjourn the meeting at or about 7:55.  Mark Seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.  There were no abstentions or oppositions.
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