Seattle Astronomical Society - Board Meeting 19 May 2003

Contents

Action Items

Minutes

Approval of Minutes

Moving Cromwell Star Party to Paramount

Report on Astronomy Days

Mike Langley gave an overview of the PSC and Cromwell gathering. The SAS had some scopes set up for solar viewing on the platforms over the water at PSC. Later, there were 2-3 guests at the Schroeder's, and 3-4 people at the star party later at Cromwell.

Stephen Van Rompaey talked about the UW and Greenlake showing. There was lower-than-average turnout from the public at the UW, which we think was due to competition from the PSC. There also we had solar scopes on the grass, and managed to look at the moon later in the afternoon. There was a good turnout at Greenlake, both for amateur astronomers and the general public.

On the whole, a successful Astronomy Days, but we all agreed that it would be better if the UW and PSC didn't have events on the same days.

Treasurer's Report

Action Item: Jim will get the club directory data to Pam Stucky.

Our insurance company is running a standard audit, to verify that the club is both covered and coverable.

Secretary's Report

Action Item: Thomas will gather accumulate club volunteer hours for accurate reporting.

Thomas is on vacation from 6-22 June, and so will miss the club meeting on the 18th of June.

Newsletter Notes

Some members asked about the publication schedule. In general, we will try to publish after the board meeting.

Brian Allen's Resignation

Stephen wanted to announce these positions to the club, to see if other members wanted to step forward and get involved as an officer.

In the meantime, Stephen will manage the VP of Programs position. Mike Langley volunteered for the Banquet Chair position if no one in the club stepped forward. Jim Peterson will likely handle book orders for now.

Lt. Colonel Michael Anderson Fund

Although the UW was hoping we would make a sizable donation, we don't really have that much money, and like to conserve our resources for directly promoting amateur astronomy.

Action Item: put a mention of the fund in our newsletter, so that interested club members can contribute if they like.

Discussion of In-City Site

• SAS club members could help with the maintenance of the telescope at the site.
• SAS could store some telescopes in secure storage at the site.
• The site is an excellent location for youth outreach programs.
• Good access for board meetings and star parties.
• SAS would need to supply 1-2 people for 2 meetings a month at the site.
• Occasionally, additional SAS members might be necessary to help supplement the existing site staff for open nights.

Jim Peterson brought up the question of how formal the relationship should be. It was agreed that an informal working relationship was the best thing for now.

The next steps are to determine if the SAS membership would like to move forward, and if so to see if we can assemble a core of dedicated people to drive the partnership. Action Item: Stephen will hold a Town Hall meeting to determine the level of club interest.

Action Item: Put a notice regarding the Town Hall Meeting in the newsletter.

South Seattle Star Party Site

8:30 - Meeting Ends