Aug '96 Minutes

NATIONAL SPELEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, INC.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING

August 5 and 9, 1996

The 173rd regular meeting of the NSS Board of Governors was held on Monday, August 5, 1996, in the auditorium of Salida High School, Salida, Colorado. These minutes, when accompanied by corrections accepted by the Board, constitute the official record of the meeting.

The meeting was called to order by President David Luckins at 9:15 a.m. Lee Stevens was present as Recording Secretary.

1. Roll Call

OFFICERS:

David E. Luckins, President

Fred L. Wefer, Executive Vice-President

John M. Wilson, Administrative Vice-President

Paul J. Stevens, Secretary-Treasurer

DIRECTORS:

Bob Addis

Dave Belski

Bill Bussey

Linda Devine

Maureen Handler

Louise Hose

Ray Keeler

Bob Liebman

William Mixon

G. Thomas Rea

Ed Sira

Tom Strong

PROXIES:

Evelyn Bradshaw for Bill Bussey

for Items #14-25

2. Introduction of Distinguished Visitors

President Luckins welcomed everyone and noted that cavers from Italy, Germany, Switzerland, China and the Czech Republic were also attending the convention. President Luckins introduced the NSS Convention Chairman, Skip Withrow, who wished everyone an enjoyable convention. Patricia Brooks, representing the city of Salida, Georgia Grantham, Salida Assistant Superintendent of Schools, and Anita Northwood, representing the Salida Chamber of Commerce welcomed all cavers and wished everyone a pleasant stay in Salida.

3. Minutes - Approval

Hearing no objections, President Luckins declared the minutes of the March 16, 1996 Board of Governors meeting approved as published.

4. Officer's Reports

A. President's Report - David Luckins - Attachment A

B. Executive Vice-President's Report - Fred Wefer - Attachment B

Fred reported that he has written job descriptions for the office of Executive Vice-President and other EVP committee chairmen (Attachment B-1) which will be added to Section 9, Policies and Procedures, of the NSS Board of Governors Manual.

C. Administrative Vice-President's Report - John Wilson - Attachment C

D. Secretary-Treasurer's Report - Paul Stevens - Attachment D

Paul reported that he has received a quote for bonding the NSS Office staff. A bond in the amount of $20,000.00 with a $1,000.00 deductible will cost $197.00 a year.

5. Other Reports

E. Nominating Committee

Chairman Ted Kayes reported the results of the recent Directors election. Bob Liebman, Tom Rea, Louise Hose and Dave Belski were elected to three-year terms and Bill Bussey was elected for one year to fill the vacancy created by Bill Yett's resignation.(See Attachment E for the complete report)

F. 1996 NSS Host Committee

Oral report by Chairman Skip Withrow.

G. 1997 NSS Convention

Oral report by 1997 Convention co-chairmen Pam Saberton.

H. 1998 NSS Convention

Oral report by AVP John Wilson.

I. National Speleological Foundation - Janet Thorne - Attachment F

6. Mail Ballot Confirmation

Luckins moved that the result of the mail ballot, selecting Dr. David Bunnell as editor of the NSS NEWS, is confirmed. Keeler seconded.

VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED

7. Proposal for Joint Karst Publication by NSS and American Geological Institute

Luckins moved that the proposal for a joint karst publication by the NSS and American Geological Institute (Attachment A- 1 to the President's Report ) is approved. Dr. George Veni is appointed co-editor of the publication.

Hose seconded.

Hose moved to postpone consideration to the Friday, August 9, 1996, agenda.

Mixon seconded.

VOTE to postpone: Unanimously in favor POSTPONED

(See Item #41 of the August 9 agenda)

8. Appreciation of Service by Glenda Dawson

Wefer moved that the NSS Board of Governors expresses its thanks to Glenda Dawson for her work as Editor of the NSS News and the years of service she has contributed to furthering the goals of the Society. Wilson seconded.

VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED

9. Appreciation of Service by Scott Fee

Wefer moved that the NSS Board of Governors expresses its thanks to Scott Fee for his work as Editor of the NSS Members Manual and the years of service he has contributed to furthering the goals of the Society. Sira seconded.

VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED

10. Appreciation of Service by Pat Kambesis

Wefer moved that the NSS Board of Governors expresses its thanks to Pat Kambesis for her work as Chairman of the Speleo Digest Committee and the years of service she has contributed to furthering the goals of the Society.

Bussey seconded.

VOTE:

In favor: Rest

Opposed: None

Absent: Handler PASSED

11. Appreciation of Service by Steve Knutson

Wefer moved that the NSS Board of Governors expresses its thanks to Steve Knutson for his work as Editor of American Caving Accidents and the years of service he has contributed to furthering the goals of the Society.

Addis seconded.

VOTE:

In favor: Rest

Opposed: None

Absent: Handler PASSED

12. Contemporary Cave Use Study Committee

Luckins moved Ronnie Burns of Salem, Indiana, is appointed Chairman of the Contemporary Cave Use Study Committee. Wilson seconded.

VOTE:

In favor: Rest

Opposed: None

Absent: Handler PASSED

13. Cave Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission, Chairman

Luckins moved that Chris Hacker of Somerset, Kentucky, is appointed Chairman of the Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission. Wilson seconded.

VOTE:

In favor: Rest

Opposed: None

Absent: Handler PASSED

Bill Bussey left the meeting at this point. He appointed Evelyn Bradshaw as his proxy.

14. Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission, Member

Luckins moved that Chris Hacker of Somerset, Kentucky, is appointed for a one-year term as commissioner of the Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission, his commission to expire in 1997. Sira seconded.

VOTE:

Unanimously in favor PASSED

(Also see Item #42)

15. Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission, Member

Luckins moved that John M. Wilson of Richmond, Virginia, is appointed for a three-year term as commissioner of the Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission, his commission to expire in 1999. Rea seconded.

Wefer moved to postpone consideration to the Friday, August 9, 1996 agenda.

Wilson seconded.

VOTE to postpone:

Unanimously in favor POSTPONED

(Also see Item #42)

16. Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission, Member

Luckins moved that George Huppert of La Crosse, Wisconsin, is appointed for a three-year term as commissioner of the Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission, his commission to expire in 1999. Wilson seconded.

VOTE:

Unanimously in favor PASSED

17. Junior Speleological Society Committee

Luckins moved that Duane A. Vore of Centerville, Ohio, is appointed Chairman of the Junior Speleological Society Committee. Hose seconded.

VOTE:

Unanimously in favor PASSED

18. Bylaws Committee

Luckins moved that William Mixon of Austin, Texas, is appointed Chairman of the NSS Bylaws Committee. Addis seconded.

VOTE:

In favor: Rest

Opposed: None

Abstaining: Mixon PASSED

19. Suspend the Agenda

Addis moved to suspend the agenda and consider motions from the Friday, August 9th, agenda at this time. Keeler seconded.

VOTE:

In favor: Rest

Opposed: Handler PASSED

Recess

President Luckins declared a short recess at 11:30 a.m.

Reconvene

The meeting was reconvened by President Luckins at 11:40 a.m.

20. NSS/NSF Liaison

Luckins moved that Act 17-433 is amended as follows

The position of NSS/NSF Liaison is ~~created~~ a committee chair in the Secretary-Treasurer's Department ~~of the President for the purpose of reporting NSS BOG actions to the NSF and reporting NSF actions to the BOG as appropriate.~~ for the purpose of facilitating communication between the two organizations.

Liebman seconded.

Mixon moved to amend, deleting "created" and inserting "a committee chair." Wilson seconded.

VOTE to amend:

In favor: Rest

Opposed: None

Abstained: Hose PASSED

VOTE on the motion as amended:

Unanimously in favor PASSED

21. NSF Contract

Stevens moved that the Contract between the NSS and the NSF (Appendix C to the BOG Manual) is amended by substituting "Secretary-Treasurer" for "President". Sira seconded.

Addis moved to amend, inserting the word "Secretary." Belski seconded.

Accepted by unanimous consent.

VOTE on the motion as amended:

Unanimously in favor PASSED

22. NSF Acts Deleted

Stevens moved that Acts 17-123, 17-133, 17-314, and 17-354, are deleted. Addis seconded.

VOTE:

Unanimously in favor PASSED

23. International Fund Transfer

Stevens moved that the NSF is instructed to transfer the net income, $966.98, from the NSS International Support Fund held by the NSF to the NSS. Belski seconded.

VOTE:

Unanimously in favor PASSED

24. Smith Property Restricted Fund

Stevens moved that all remaining funds in the NSS Smith Property Restricted Fund (White House Fund) are transferred to the NSS Headquarters Fund held by the NSF and the Smith Property Restricted Fund is terminated.

Wilson seconded.

VOTE:

Unanimously in favor PASSED

25. Bonding

Stevens moved that the following is substituted for Act 15-020:

"The Secretary-Treasurer is responsible for bonding Society employees and members who have access to significant Society funds on a regular basis. The Secretary-Treasurer will consider the associated risks and the cost of bonds then report his recommendations to the BOG."

Act 15-543 is deleted. Liebman seconded.

VOTE:

Unanimously in favor PASSED

Bill Bussey returned to the meeting at this point.

26. Bank Reconciliation

Stevens moved that Act 15-509 is amended to state:

"The Secretary-Treasurer shall arrange for the reconciliation of each Society bank account by someone who does not have signature authority for the account. The Secretary-Treasurer shall arrange to have bank account statements sent to the person doing the reconciliation independently from the persons with signature authority. The Secretary-Treasurer shall also arrange to have a copy of each statement sent to those with direct responsibility for managing the account."

Wilson seconded.

VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED

27. Committee Bank Accounts

Stevens moved that Act 15-019 is amended as follows:

Individual committee chairmen may open bank accounts to conduct Society business only with the permission of the Executive Committee. The Secretary-Treasurer and the committee chairman will have signature authority on such accounts. The NSS federal ID number will be used on the account. ~~The mailing address for bank statements will be the NSS in care of the Secretary Treasurer. The Secretary-Treasurer will forward copies of the bank statement to the committee chairman.~~ Checks themselves may be imprinted any way the committee desires.

Wilson seconded.

VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED

28. NSS Money Market Account

Stevens moved that the Secretary-Treasurer is authorized to establish a NSS money market ~~account~~ fund for the purpose of managing excess cash funds on a short term basis. Wilson seconded.

A. By unanimous consent, the word "account" was deleted and "fund" was inserted.

B. Addis moved to table the motion. Belski seconded.

VOTE to table:

In favor: Addis, Hose, Liebman, Belski

Opposed: Rest

Abstaining: Handler FAILED

C. Addis moved to postpone the motion to the Friday, August 9, 1996 agenda.

Belski seconded.

VOTE to postpone:

In favor: Handler, Hose, Addis, Belski, Keeler

Opposed: Rest FAILED

VOTE on the amended motion:

In favor: Rest

Opposed: Hose, Addis, Belski, Liebman PASSED

29. Motion to Adjourn

Mixon moved that the meeting be adjourned. Rea seconded.

VOTE to adjourn:

In favor: Sira, Handler, Addis, Rea, Mixon

Opposed: Rest FAILED

30. Dues Conversion

Stevens moved that Act 28-241 is amended as follows:

Dues payments are not returnable or proratable, except to adjust Family Member dues to the renewal date of the parent member, or to convert pre-paid dues for future years so as to allocate them to life membership or sustaining life membership dues. Wilson seconded.

VOTE:

In favor: Rest

Opposed: Mixon PASSED

31. Members Manual Publication

Wefer moved that ACT 84-324 is modified so the last sentence reads,

"The Manual shall be published annually in approximately June of each year." Also add the following sentence: "Funds for the publication of the Manual shall be budgeted in the fiscal year corresponding to the intended June publication date." Wilson seconded.

Mixon moved to amend, striking the last sentence. Liebman seconded.

VOTE to amend:

In favor: Mixon

Opposed: Rest FAILED

VOTE on the motion:

Unanimously in favor PASSED

32. Effective Date of Dues Increases

Liebman moved that a dues increase shall not become effective until NSS publications containing the revised dues structure have been readied for distribution. Hose seconded.

VOTE:

In favor: Bussey, Sira, Liebman

Opposed: Rest

Abstained: Wefer FAILED

Recess

At 11:59 a.m., President Luckins declared the meeting in recess until 9:00 a.m. Friday, August 9, 1996.

Reconvene

The continuation of the 173rd regular meeting of the NSS Board of Governors was held on Friday, August 9, 1996, at Salida High School in Salida, Colorado. These minutes, when accompanied by corrections accepted by the Board, constitute the official record of the meeting.

The meeting was called to order by President David Luckins at 8:58 a.m.

Lee Stevens was present as Recording Secretary.

33. Roll Call

OFFICERS:

David E. Luckins, President

Fred L. Wefer, Executive Vice-President

John M. Wilson, Administrative Vice-President

G. Thomas Rea, Operations Vice-President

Paul J. Stevens, Secretary-Treasurer

DIRECTORS:

Bob Addis

Nancy Holler Aulenbach (seated as noted after Item #35)

Dave Belski

Bill Bussey

Linda Devine

Maureen Handler

Louise Hose

Ray Keeler

Bob Liebman

William Mixon

Ed Sira

Tom Strong

34. Report of the Closed Session of the Directorate

Bill Mixon reported that he had been elected Chairman of the Directorate, and that Fred L. Wefer was elected Executive Vice-President, John M. Wilson was elected Administrative Vice-President, and G. Thomas Rea was elected Operations Vice-President

35. Election of New Director

President Luckins announced that it was necessary to hold an election to fill the vacancy on the Board created by Tom Rea's election as Operations Vice-President. The person elected will serve for one year until the next Director's election.

Those nominated to fill the vacancy were: Carol Tiderman, Jean DeVries, Nancy Holler Aulenbach, Vince Kappler, Andy Belski, Joe Levinson, and Gary Moss. All candidates answered questions from the Board and made brief platform statements. Nancy Holler Aulenbach was elected on the second secret ballot.

Luckins moved that Nancy Holler Aulenbach is elected Director until the next NSS election. Keeler seconded.

VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED

36. Report of the Closed Session of the Board of Governors

President Luckins reported that no formal motions were addressed in closed session.

37. Appointment Announcements

AVP John Wilson announced that he has made the following informal appointments of people to assist him in his duties:

Dave Jagnow, Chief, Conservation Division of the AVP Department.

Carol Tiderman, Chief, Convention Division of the AVP Department.

Doug Medville, Chief, Cave Management Division of the AVP Department.

Wayne Marshall, Chief, Education Division of the AVP Department.

38. Report of the ad hoc Committee on the Future of the NSS

Chairman Tom Pollock presented the committee's report. (See Attachment G)

39. Report of the Congress of Grottos

Chairman of the Congress, Bill Frantz, presented the report. (See Attachment H)

40. Motions Related to the Report of the Congress of Grottos

Wilson moves that the issue of archiving grotto newsletters, printed prior to 1970, is referred to the OVP with a report describing potential methods and their associated costs, due at the fall 1996 Board meeting. Liebman seconded.

VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED

41. Proposal for Joint Karst Publication by NSS and American Geological Institute (postponed from the August 5, 1996 agenda)

Hose seconded.

VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED

42. Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission, Member

What should have happened was consideration of the motion postponed from the August 5, 1996 agenda:

In effect Wilson then moved to substitute that the term of office for Chris Hacker is amended to be three years (was one year). Liebman seconded. Everyone in effect was in favor of the move to substitute and a vote was taken on the substituted motion.

VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED

(See Items #14 and 15)

By passing the substitute motion, the term of Chris Hacker was extended to three years; John Wilson was not appointed to the Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission.

43. Increase in NSS NEWS Budget (postponed from the August 5, 1996 agenda)

Wefer moved that the NSS News budget for FY 1996-97 is increased by the amount $1,350.00 to cover previously unbudgeted editor honorarium expenses.

Sira seconded.

VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED

44. Speleo Digest Committee, Chairman

Luckins moved that Scott Fee of Birmingham, Alabama, is appointed

Chairman of the Speleo Digest Committee. Belski seconded.

VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED

45. NSS Nominating Committee

Luckins moved that Ted Kayes of Richmond, Virginia, is confirmed as Chairman of the NSS Nominating Committee. Scott Fee (Alabama), Peri Frantz (California), Bill Mobley (New York), Dave Shurtz (Utah), and Carol Vesely (California) are confirmed as members of the NSS Nominating Committee.

Addis seconded.

VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED

46. American Caving Accidents Editor

Luckins moved that William Putnam of Lawrenceville, Georgia, is appointed Editor of the American Caving Accidents Committee. Keeler seconded.

VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED

47. National Cave Rescue Commission Regional Coordinators

Luckins moved that the following persons are confirmed as National Cave Rescue Commission Coordinators for a term of three years:

Bill Maher - Western Region Coordinator

John Green - South Central Region Coordinator

John Gookin - Rocky Mountain Region Coordinator

John Punches - Pacific Northwest Region Coordinator

John Evans - Northeastern Region Coordinator

Wilson seconded.

VOTE:

In favor: Rest

Opposed: None

Abstained: Holler PASSED

48. Convention Development Committee - Chairman

Luckins moved that Carol Tiderman, Fulton, Maryland, is appointed Chairman of the Convention Development Committee. Liebman seconded.

VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED

49. Convention Bids

Wilson moved that the Convention Development Committee should arrange to have at least one proposal to host an NSS convention presented to the Board of Governors at its summer meeting for the convention three years in the future.

If no acceptable proposal is presented at the summer meeting, the Administrative Vice President shall take action to insure that a convention proposal is presented at the next Board of Governors meeting and at each subsequent meeting until a proposal is accepted.

The Convention Development Committee may arrange to have a proposal to host an NSS convention presented to the Board of Governors at its summer meeting four years in the future, provided the Administrative Vice President determines that it is in the best interest of the Society to have an additional year to plan that convention.

Notification to the membership in the NSS News must be made prior to the acceptance of an early proposal. The Board of Governors shall not accept convention proposals more than four years in the future. Sira seconded.

Mixon moved to substitute:

Act 56-415 is deleted. The text of Act 56-547 is replaced by: "Offers to host NSS conventions will be considered at the convention BOG meeting three years earlier or at the first meeting thereafter at which an offer is presented." Belski seconded.

VOTE to substitute:

Unanimously in favor PASSED

VOTE on the substituted motion:

In favor: Rest

Opposed: Liebman PASSED

50. Convention Deficiencies

Wilson moved that all person(s) making convention proposals should clearly identify any known deficiency in their proposal from the standards established in these acts, the Convention Planning Guide, and significant traditions. The Chair of the Convention Development Committee will immediately report subsequent deficiencies to the Administrative Vice President. The Administrative Vice-President will inform the Board of Governors of any significant and uncorrected deficiencies. Bussey seconded.

Keeler moved to postpone consideration to the November 1996 Board meeting.

Belski seconded.

VOTE to postpone:

In favor: Rest

Opposed: Liebman, Bussey, Wilson, Stevens, Mixon POSTPONED

51. Violation of Laws

Wilson moves: Reinstatement of Act 10-294, with minor modifications:

Violation of cave protection laws or regulations ~~is conduct detrimental to the society,~~ is disregard of accepted conservation practice, and members convicted thereof are subject to expulsion under Bylaw XI.B. Bussey seconded.

Mixon moved to amend, deleting "is conduct detrimental to the Society," and inserting "is disregard of accepted conservation practice".

VOTE to amend:

Unanimously in favor PASSED

VOTE on the amended motion:

In favor: Keeler, Sira, Liebman, Bussey,

Wilson, Devine, Strong

Opposed: Handler, Rea, Wefer, Stevens,

Mixon, Belski, Hose, Addis

Abstained: Holler FAILED

52. NSS Brochure

Keeler moved the Operations Vice-President shall prepare a new NSS Brochure, with the current dues structure, and not distribute the current brochure. The FY 1996-97 Operations Vice-President's budget is increased by $8,000.00. Belski seconded.

VOTE:

In favor: Rest

Opposed: Sira

Abstaining: Rea, Wefer, Wilson PASSED

53. Appreciation of Service by John Baz-Dresch

Devine moved that the NSS Board of Governors expresses its thanks to John Baz-Dresch for his work as Chairman of the Graphic Arts Salon, Chairman of the Membership Committee, and for the years of service he has contributed to furthering the goals of the Society. Bussey seconded.

VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED

NEW BUSINESS

54. Spring 1997 Board of Governors Meeting

Luckins moved that the spring 1997 Board of Governors meeting will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on March 22, 1997. Handler seconded.

VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED

(This motion changes the location of the spring 1997 meeting approved in Item #26 of the spring 1996 Board minutes.)

55. Fall 1997 Board of Governors Meeting

Luckins moved that the fall 1997 Board of Governors meeting will be held in the Albany, New York area on a date to be determined at the fall 1996 Board of Governors meeting. Belski seconded.

VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED

56. Budget Increase - FY 1996-97

Luckins moved that the FY 1996-97 budget for the Secretary to the Board is increased by $500.00. Bussey seconded.

VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED

57. Commendation

Wilson moved that the Richmond Area Speleological Society be commended for its development, financial and other support of Project Underground which has led to the publication of a 120-page Natural Resource Education Guide.

Mixon seconded.

VOTE:

In favor: Rest

Opposed: None

Abstaining: Holler PASSED

58. Matching Funds for Eppersons Cave

Wilson moved that the NSS provide some matching funds to assist with the acquisition of a 3-acre property in the Puna District of the island of Hawaii, which contains a portion of Eppersons Cave. Liebman seconded.

Addis moved to refer to the Administrative Vice-President for a report at the fall 1996 Board meeting. Belski seconded.

VOTE on the motion to refer:

Unanimously in favor REFERRED

59. National Cave Conservancy

Wilson moved that the NSS actively investigate the feasibility of establishing a legal entity separate from the NSS - that is, a National Cave Conservancy, to acquire caves. Bussey seconded.

VOTE:

In favor: Liebman, Bussey, Wilson, Devine

Opposed: Rest FAILED

60. Cave Locations on G.N.I.S

Wilson moved that all wild cave ~~coordinates~~ locations are to be treated as sensitive information and will not be listed on any GNIS (or other) data base.

Liebman seconded.

Keeler moved to amend, deleting "coordinates" and inserting "locations."

Hose seconded.

Stevens moved to refer the motion to the Administrative Vice-President to consider during negotiations with the government agencies controlling the GNIS.

VOTE to refer:

In favor: Rest

Opposed: Keeler REFERRED

61. Bonding

Stevens moved that Camille Duke, Elizabeth Francis and David Irving be bonded. The FY 1996-97 NSS operating budget for bonding individuals who handle significant NSS funds is increased from $100.00 to $500.00.

Liebman seconded.

Mixon moved to amend, deleting the name of David Irving.

Hose seconded.

VOTE to amend:

In favor: Rea, Wilson, Mixon, Stevens

Opposed: Rest

Abstaining: Wefer FAILED

VOTE on the motion:

In favor: Rest

Opposed: None

Abstaining: Wilson PASSED

62. Operating Budget - Operations Vice-President

Rea moved that the Operations Vice-President be provided a $500.00

FY 1996-97 operating budget. Stevens seconded.

VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED

63. Gunung Buda Expedition

Wefer moved that John Lane's Gunung Buda expedition is granted NSS Expedition status.

No second - the motion died.

64. Fund Transfer for Publication Purposes

Stevens moved to provide the Secretary-Treasurer authority to temporarily use funds in the NSS Building Repair Fund and Office Equipment Fund to publish On Rope. Income from On Rope sales will be used to replenish the funds.

Sira seconded.

VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED

65. Board of Governors and Congress of Grottos Terminology

Rea moved that in order to give the organizations the respect they deserve and reduce confusion among outsiders the terms "Board of Governors" or "Board" and "Congress of Grottos" or "Congress" be encouraged and the terms "COG" and "BOG" be discouraged. Bussey seconded.

VOTE:

In favor: Sira, Liebman, Bussey, Wilson, Rea

Opposed: Rest

Abstaining: Addis, Wefer FAILED

66. Suspension of Agenda

Luckins moved to suspend the agenda for up to 45 minutes for informal discussion of topics of general interest. Devine seconded.

VOTE to suspend the agenda:

In favor: Rest

Opposed: None

Absent: Hose PASSED

The topics discussed were as follows:

1. It was suggested that the NSS create a general Endowment Fund.

2. John Lane explained the objectives of his Gunung Buda expedition and requested it be designated an NSS expedition.

3. The NSS publication, American Caving Accidents , was discussed. Bill Frantz expressed his regret over the interruption in the publication schedule. EVP Wefer stated that he hoped to be able to catch up on back issues by publishing a double issue covering 1994 and 1995 in the spring of 1997, and a second double issue covering 1996 and 1997 in the spring of 1998.

4. Tom Pollock wished to thank Margie Nelson, Rochelle Devereaux, Glenda Dawson and Jean DeVires for their participation as panel members in the forum on the future of the NSS.

5. Tom Rea asked that NSS members refrain from using the terms "COG" and "BOG" and encouraged the use of "Board of Governors" or "Board" and "Congress of Grottos" or "Congress" in order to give those organizations the respect that they deserve.

6.Bob Liebman thanked everyone in the audience for attending the Board meetings. He also suggested that the acoustics of future meeting rooms be considered when host grottos are making Board arrangements.

President Luckins declared the discussion period closed at 12:30 p.m.

67. NSS Endowment Fund

Stevens moved that the NSS establish a general NSS Endowment Fund. The Secretary-Treasurer shall propose a specific implementation at the fall 1996 Board of Governors meeting. Sira seconded.

VOTE:

In favor: Rest

Opposed: None

Absent: Hose PASSED

68. Appreciation

Liebman moved that the NSS expresses its appreciation to the 1996 NSS Convention Committee and to the grottos of Colorado for our excellent meeting arrangements and an outstanding convention. Wilson seconded.

VOTE:

In favor: Rest

Opposed: None

Absent: Hose PASSED

69. Adjourn

President Luckins declared the meeting adjourned at 12:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lee Stevens

Recording Secretary