NATIONAL SPELEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. INC.
BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING
176th Regular Meeting
1997 NSS Annual Convention
Sullivan, MO
June 23 and 27, 1997
The 176th regular meeting of the NSS Board of Governors was held on Monday, June 23, 1997, at the Sullivan Volunteer Fire Station, in Sullivan, Missouri. These minutes, when accompanied by corrections accepted by the Board, will constitute the official record of the meeting.
The meeting was called to order by President David Luckins at 9:24 a.m. Lee Stevens was present as Recording Secretary.
1. Introductions
President Luckins introduced Don Coons and Ian Barren of the China/USA Caves Project. Don and Ian introduced the special guests of the convention, four Chinese geologists from the Guizhou Normal University in China. President Luckins welcomed them on behalf of the NSS. President Luckins then announced the results of the recent election. Nancy Aulenback, Bill Bussey, Gary Moss, and Ed Sira were elected to three year terms. Philip Moss was elected to complete a two year term.
2. 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 Aulenbach
Dave Belski
Bill Bussey
Linda Devine
Louise Hose
Ray Keeler
Bob Liebman
Gary Moss
Philip Moss
Ed Sira
Tom Strong
3. Approval of Minutes
Hearing no objections, President Luckins declared the minutes of the March 22, 1997 Board of Governors meeting approved as published.
4. Officer's Reports
A. President's
Report—David Luckins—Attachment A
Additions to the submitted written report are as follows:
1. President Luckins thanked John Wilson for his service to the NSS as Administrative Vice President. John retired from this position at the end of the Monday session of the Board meeting.
2. At the March 22, 1997 Board meeting, the NSS Endowment Fund was established to generate income and capital gains for approved projects and needs of the Society. An initial donation to the fund of $2,000.00 was received from the Richmond Area Speleological Society. President Luckins announced that the Richmond Area Speleological Society and Dick Blenz had issued a challenge grant to the NSS. During convention week, each donated a dollar to the NSS Endowment Fund for every dollar contributed to the fund, up to a total of $5,000.00. President Luckins expressed the Society's appreciation to RASS and Dick Blenz and encouraged everyone to donate.
B. Executive Vice President's Report—Fred Wefer—Attachment B
Additions to the submitted written report are as follows:
1. Publication of the next issue of American Caving Accidents will be delayed. The editor recently received a large number of new reports and wants to publish them in the next issue.
2. The mailing of the NSS Members Manual has been slightly delayed so that current information from the Directors election could be included. Members should receive them by late June or early July.
C. Administrative Vice President's Report—John Wilson—Attachment C
D. Operations Vice President's Report—Tom Rea—Attachment D
The addition to the submitted written report is that Dan Twilley will be given credit for his contributions to the second edition of On Rope.
E. Secretary-Treasurer's Report—Paul Stevens—Attachment E
David Irving, Chief Accounting Manager, presented the Final Report of the Operating Fund Revenue and Expenses for the fiscal year ending April 30, 1997. (Attachment E-1)
5. Other Reports
F. Report of the Nominating Committee—Ted Kayes—Attachment F
G. 1997 NSS Convention—John Wilson—Oral
In addition, Convention Co-Chairman Pam Saberton presented an oral report at the Friday session of the Board meeting.
H. 1998 NSS Convention—William Shrewsbury—Attachment G
1. 1999 Convention Report—John Wilson—Oral
J. 2000 NSS Convention Proposal—Kelly Deem—Attachment H
K. Board Arrangements Committee—Tom Pollock—Oral
6. Nominating Committee
Luckins Moved: Pursuant to Bylaw IV, A, 2a, Board of Governors-Officers-Directors; Ted Kayes is confirmed as chairman of the Nominating Committee and Peri Frantz, Scott Fee, Dave Shurtz, and Carol Vesely are confirmed as members of the Nominating Committee. Hose seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor
PASSED
7. Project Underground Representatives
Luckins Moved: David Jagnow, Joli Lee, and Barbara Moss are confirmed as NSS members of the Project Underground Board. Stevens seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor
PASSED
8. U.S. Exploration Committee Chairman
Luckins Moved: William C. Steele is appointed chairman of the U.S. Exploration Committee in the Department of the Executive Vice President. Liebman seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor
PASSED
9. Audio Visual Aids Committee
Luckins Moved: David Socky and Colin Gatland are appointed Co-Chairmen of the Audio Visual Aids Committee. Dave Socky will be responsible for the video portion of the library and Colin Gatland will be responsible for the slide shows. Liebman seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor
PASSED
Recess
At 11:33 a.m., President Luckins declared the meeting in recess until Friday, June 27, 1997.
Reconvene
The continuation of the 176th regular meeting of the NSS Board of Governors was held on Friday, June 27, 1997, at the Sullivan Volunteer Fire Station, in Sullivan, Missouri. These minutes, when accompanied by corrections accepted by the Board, will constitute the official record of the meeting.
The meeting was called to order by President David Luckins at 9:12 a.m. Lee Stevens was present as Recording Secretary.
10. Roll Call
OFFICERS:
David E. Luckins, President
Fred L. Wefer, Executive Vice President
Doug Medville, Administrative Vice President (seated as noted)
G. Thomas Rea, Operations Vice President
Paul J. Stevens, Secretary-Treasurer
DIRECTORS:
Bob Addis
Nancy Aulenbach
Dave Belski
Bill Bussey
Linda Devine
Louise Hose
Ray Keeler
Bob Liebman
Gary Moss
Philip Moss
Ed Sira
Tom Strong
PROXY: Barbara Moss for Doug Medville through Item #15
11. Report of the Closed Session of the Directorate
Dave Belski reported that he had been elected Chairman of the Directorate, and that Fred L. Wefer was re-elected Executive Vice President, Doug Medville was elected Administrative Vice President, and G. Thomas Rea was re-elected Operations Vice President.
12. Report of the Closed Session of the Board
President Luckins stated that no formal actions were taken by the Board in closed session.
13. Congress of Grottos Report
Carol Jackson, Chairman of the Congress of Grottos presented the Congress report (Attachment 1).
14. Planning for the Future of the NSS
Tom Pollock presented the NSS Planning Committee Report (Attachment J).
Suspend the Agenda
By unanimous consent, the order of the agenda was suspended to allow time for AVP Medville to arrive and address the motions he placed on the agenda. The AVP was delayed because he was presenting a paper in the U.S. Exploration session.
15. NSS Convention 2000
Medville Moved: The 2000 NSS Convention will be held in Daily, West Virginia, during the last week of June, 2000. Kelly Deem is appointed convention chairman. Keeler seconded.
*AVP Medville arrived at the meeting.
VOTE. Unanimously in favor
PASSED
The NSS 2000 Convention bid is Attachment H to these minutes.
16.Tytoona Cave
Medville Moved. The NSS agrees to acquire the Tytoona Cave property in Pennsylvania from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy for $3,000, subject to the terms of a Conservation Easement that the NSS will sell to Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. The $3.000.00 will come from the Cave Acquisition Fund, The Cave Management Plan will be subject to NSS Board approval. Liebman seconded.
Addis moved to amend, adding the sentence: "The $3,000.00 will come from the Cave Acquisition Fund." Keeler seconded.
The amendment was agreed to by unanimous consent.
Hose moved to amend, adding the sentence: "The Cave Management Plan will be subject to NSS Board approval." Stevens seconded.
The amendment was agreed to by unanimous consent.
VOTE on the motion as amended:
Unanimously in favor
PASSED
17. Cave Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission
Luckins Moved: Jay Jorden and Gale Beach are each appointed to three-year terms as commissioners of the Cave Vandalism Deterrence Reward Commission. Hose seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor
PASSED
18. Contemporary Cave Use Study Committee Budget
Medville Moved: The NSS operating budget is amended by adding $900.00 to the Contemporary Cave Use Study Committee. Keeler seconded.
After a short discussion, AVP Medville withdrew the motion.
19. AVP Division Chiefs
Medville Moved: The approval of the following Division Chiefs:
Mike Hood: Cave Management
Dave Jagnow: Conservation
Hazel Medville: Education
Carol Tiderman: NSS Conventions
Sira seconded.
Agreed to by unanimous consent.
20. Cave Conservancies Committee
Luckins Moved: John Wilson is appointed Chairman of the Cave Conservancies Committee. Medville seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor
PASSED
21. Report of the 1997 NSS Convention Committee
Pam Saberton, Convention Co-Chairman, reported that she felt the convention was proceeding well and hoped that everyone was having an enjoyable time.
22. NSS Convention Session Committee
Medville Moved: The NSS Convention Session Committee is a subcommittee of the NSS Convention Development Committee. Hose seconded.
Hose moved to postpone consideration to the fall 1997 Board meeting. Stevens seconded.
VOTE to postpone:
In favor Rest
Opposed: Sira, Bussey, Rea, Wefer
POSTPONED
23. NSS Convention Registration Software Committee
Medville Moved: The NSS Convention Registration Software Committee is a subcommittee of the NSS Convention Development Committee. P. Moss seconded.
Addis moved to postpone to the fall 1997 Board meeting. Belski seconded.
VOTE to postpone:
In favor: Addis, Liebman, Belski, Stevens, Bussey
Opposed: Sira, Keeler, Rea, Wefer, Medville, Devine, Strong, P. Moss
Abstaining: G. Moss, Hose Absent: Aulenbach
FAILED
Stevens moved to substitute: "Kathy Welling is appointed head of the NSS Convention Registration Software Committee." Medville seconded.
The motion to substitute was agreed to by unanimous consent.
The substitute motion was agreed to by unanimous consent.
President Luckins declared a short recess at 11:00 a.m. The meeting was reconvened at 11:10 a.m.
Suspend the Agenda
President Luckins moved to suspend the agenda to consider the motion on Lead Mining, Item #37, at this time. Agreed to by unanimous consent.
24. Lead Mining
Hose Moved: The NSS supports the adoption of Alternative H or I of the current USFS-BLM Environmental Assessment of the proposed Doe Run Company exploratory drilling on the Doniphan/Eleven Point Ranger District based on environmental concerns associated with lead mining, including the possibility of extreme detrimental impacts on the regional caves, spring supply systems, and biotic communities. Bussey seconded.
Alternative H
Withdraw the permit areas from any future mineral
exploration/development.
Alternative I
Withdraw the district from any future mineral
exploration/development.
Addis moved to amend, deleting "Alternative H" and inserting "Alternative I, which would withdraw the district from any future mineral exploration/development." P. Moss seconded.
VOTE to amend:
In favor Autenbach, Sira, P. Moss, Belski
Opposed: Rest
FAILED
VOTE on the motion: Unanimously in favor (See Attachment K for the Society's response)
PASSED
25. Cave Acquisition Fund
Medville Moved: Act 18-367 is
amended substituting the following for Paragraph B: "B. The
Cave Acquisition Fund shall be used for the purchase or lease of
caves or to obtain easements on cave properties. This fund shall
may also be used to pay transfer costs (e.g. lawyers fees,
title searches, land surveys, closing costs) for caves acquired
in any manner by the Society. The fund shalt may
also be used to make loans or grants to NSS Internal
Organizations, Conservancies, or Institutional Members
wishing to acquire cave properties. Money may be transferred from
this fund to the Cave Preserve Fund as deemed necessary by the
Executive Committee." Sira seconded.
Medville moved to amend, inserting "Conservancies," after "NSS Internal Organizations." Agreed to by unanimous consent.
Strong moved to amend, inserting "may" and deleting "shall" in the second and third sentences. Agreed to by unanimous consent.
VOTE on the amended motion: Unanimously in favor
PASSED
26. Cave Acquisition Criteria
Medville Moved: The Cave Acquisition Criteria Policy (Attachment C-1 of the AVP report of 6/23/97) is substituted for Appendix L in the Board of Governors Manual. P.Moss seconded.
VOTE:
In Favor: Rest
Opposed: None
Abstaining: G.Moss
PASSED
27. Ed Zawlocki Fund
Wefer Moved: All money currently in the Ed Zawlocki Fund is transferred to the Cave Research Foundation (C/O Paul Cannaley, Treasurer, 4253 Senour Rd, Indianapolis IN 46239-9403) to aid them in publishing the Guide to Speleological Literature. In the event the Guide to Speleological Literature is not published, the money shall be returned to the NSS and used for normal NSS operations. The Ed Zawlocki fund is hereby abolished. Any donations received to the Ed Zawlocki fund on or after this date (June 27, 1997) shall be used for normal NSS operations. Addis seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor
PASSED
28. Sample Budget
Rea Moved: Appendix B to the Acts (Sample Budget) is deleted.
Medville seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor
PASSED
29. Author Reprints
Hose Moved: Act 81-085 is amended to change the number 50 to 20. Liebman seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor
PASSED
30. Journal Shortform
Hose Moved: The word Bulletin, when used as an abbreviation of The Journal of Cave and Karst Studies, be changed to Journal throughout the Acts.
Liebman seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor
PASSED
31. NCRC Regional Coordinators
Luckins Moved: The following are appointed Regional Coordinators of the National Cave Rescue Commission:
Amanda Clark: Central Region
Henry Nicholson: Diving Officer*
John Appleby: Eastern Region*
John Punches: Pacific Northwest*
* Reappointments
Liebman seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor
PASSED
32. Junior Speleological Society
Medville Moved: The following is substituted for Act 56-572:
"The Junior Speleological Society Committee, in the
Department of the Administrative Vice President, is responsible
for the administration, content, and execution implementation
of NSS youth educational and recreational activities, including
youth activities at NSS conventions. The JSS Committee shall
coordinate with the Convention Development Committee to determine
the budgetary and facility support required from Convention
Committees for JSS Activities." Bussey seconded.
Aulenbach moved to amend. deleting "execution" and inserting "implementation."
Agreed to by unanimous consent.
VOTE.- Unanimously in favor
PASSED
33. Convention Surplus Fund
Bussey Moved: The Secretary-Treasurer shall investigate the feasibility of establishing a Convention Surplus Fund from the excess income of conventions for the purpose of supplementing potential convention deficits. The Secretary-Treasurer shall report on the results of his investigation at the November, 1997 Board of Governors meeting.
Hose seconded.
Addis moved to substitute Item #34, Convention Surplus Fund. P.Moss seconded.
VOTE on the motion to substitute:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Rea
PASSED
34. Convention Surplus Fund
Addis Moved: The NSS Convention Surplus Restricted Fund is established. The purpose of the NSS Convention Surplus Restricted Fund is to provide funds to cover NSS convention deficits. Convention surplus shall be allocated to this fund so as to reach and maintain a $15,000 balance. Any excess of that necessary to maintain a $15,000 balance will accrue to the General Fund.
VOTE on the substituted motion:
In favor: Addis, Sira, Bussey, Keeler, Liebman, Wefer, Medville. Strong, P.Moss, Devine
Opposed: G.Moss, Hose, Belski, Stevens, Rea
Abstaining: Aulenbach
PASSED
President Luckins declared a short recess at 12:15 p.m. The meeting was reconvened by President Luckins at 12.25 p.m.
35. Convention Budget
Addis Moved: NSS Convention Committees develop their convention budgets so as to break-even without a profit or loss. Keeler seconded.
VOTE. In favor: Addis, Bussey, Devine
Opposed: Rest
Abstaining: Aulenbach
FAILED
36. Senior Member Discounts (See Item #39)
Aulenbach Moved: A. Bylaw I.B. is amended to insert a new I.B. (12) as follows:
"(12) Senior Associate Members are at least 65 years of age. They have all the privileges of Regular Members."
Subsequent I.B. paragraphs are renumbered.
B. Act 28-389 is amended to establish Senior Associate dues at the same rate as Associate Members.
C. NSS Members, at least 65 years of age, may request the Senior Associate dues rate.
By unanimous consent, consideration of this motion was postponed until after Item #38.
37. Lead Mining (See Item #24)
Hose Moved: The NSS supports the adoption of Alternative H or I of the current USFS-BLM Environmental Assessment of the proposed Doe Run Company exploratory Drilling on the Doniphan/Eleven Point Ranger District based on environmental concerns associated with lead mining, including the possibility of extreme detrimental impacts on the regional caves, spring supply systems, and biotic communities.
38. Cave Fee Demonstration Projects
Keeler Moved: The NSS opposes the use of the federally managed undeveloped caves as the focus of fee demonstration projects. The NSS supports a more constructive alternative to cave entry fees, utilizing existing caver volunteers to assist in the management of caves resources as stated in our Memoranda of Understanding. Belski seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor
PASSED
39. Senior Member Discounts (See Item #36)
Aulenbach Moved:
A. Bylaw I.B. is amended to insert a new I.B. (12) as follows:
"(12) Senior Associate Members are at least 65 years of age. They have all the privileges of Regular Members."
Subsequent I.B. paragraphs are renumbered.
Addis seconded part A.
B. Act 28-389 is amended to establish Senior Associate dues at the same rate as Associate Members.
C. NSS Members, at least 65 years of age, may request the Senior Associate dues rate.
VOTE on section A:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Hose, P.Moss
Abstaining: Strong, Wefer
PASSED
Note: Passage of part A will effect a change in the Bylaws. In order for a Bylaw change to take place after the first reading, the proposed change, must pass unanimously. Since the motion did not, it will be placed on the fall 1997 Board meeting agenda for reconsideration. At that time, two-thirds of the Board must vote for it in order for the Bylaw change to take place.. Parts B and C can only be considered if part A is passed.
40. Memorial Plaques
Addis Moved: In order to preserve the memory of members past, the NSS office is instructed to provide plaques with inscribed metal plates noting a deceased member's name, NSS number, and perhaps years of birth and death. To be included a member must have been a member in good standing at the time of their death. The Memorial Plaques will be on permanent display in the NSS office and transported to NSS Convention. Each NSS Convention Committee will be urged to provide a respectable and reflective environment for the plaques, Aulenbach seconded.
VOTE. In favor: Addis, Sira, Bussey, Medville
Opposed: Rest
Abstaining: Liebman, Wefer
FAILED
President Luckins declared a short recess at 1:30 p.m. The meeting was reconvened by President Luckins at 1:35 p.m.
New Business
41. Howdy Party—1997 NSS Convention
Rea Moved: The NSS will offer to reimburse Onandoga Cave State Park, Missouri, for expenses incurred for the Howdy Party which was unfortunately relocated at the last minute. Hose seconded.
VOTE: In favor: Rest
Opposed: None
Abstained: Liebman
PASSED
42. Cave and Karst Acquisition Committee
Luckins Moved: Ray Keeler is appointed Chairman of the Cave and Karst Acquisition Committee. Medville seconded.
VOTE:
In favor: Sira, Bussey, Keeler, Rea, Medville, Stevens, Liebman
Opposed: Addis, Nancy, Wefer, G.Moss, Hose, Devine, P.Moss, Strong, Belski
FAILED
Note: This vote in no way reflects on the candidate's qualifications. The Board desired the position advertised in the NSS NEWS before selecting someone for the job.
43. Land Trust Alliance National Rally
Luckins Moved: Gary Bush is appointed to attend the Land Trust Alliance Rally in Savannah, Georgia, September 27-30, 1997. Addis seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor
PASSED
44. NSS Bylaw Change
Stevens Moved: The President shall request the NSS Bylaws Committee to recommend a change to the NSS Bylaws that would allow the Congress of Grottos to call for a referendum on an issue if the Congress passes the issue for two consecutive years and the Board of Governors does not favorably respond. The proposed Bylaw change should be included on the preliminary agenda for the fall 1997 Board of Governors meeting. Bussey seconded.
VOTE. In favor: Rest
Opposed: None
Abstaining: Addis, Wefer
PASSED
45. Suspension of the Agenda
Luckins Moved: In accordance with Act 04-472, the agenda is suspended for informal discussion among all present for not more than 60 minutes. Devine seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor
PASSED
President Luckins declared the session open at 1:50 p.m. The following topics were discussed:
1. Louise Hose discussed the logic for Student Associate requirements and felt that similar requirements should apply to the proposed "Senior Associate" category. At present, Student Associates may not hold office or vote in elections. She felt that if seniors are going to be given a reduced dues rate and called "Associate" members that these same two restrictions should apply. The Bylaw change proposed in Item #36 would allow "Senior Associates" all of the privileges of regular membership.
2. Whether or not there is a need to establish a fund to provide dues assistance to members on a limited income was also discussed.
3. Hazel Medville suggested the NSS provide "Convention Scholarships" to pay the fees for those unable to afford convention registration costs. President Luckins requested the AVP and the Chief of the Convention Division to investigate the feasibility of this proposal.
4. There was a suggestion that a President's "Discretionary Fund" be established that would provide limited financial assistance for worthy, cave related causes.
5. Ray Keeler asked for NSS assistance with information and ideas for local grottos to help them approach federal land managers to offer assistance in managing caves on federal lands.
6. The NSS Conservation Policy, which urges our members to take personal responsibility for practicing conservation, was discussed. Rob Stitt, Chairman of the NSS Conservation and Management Section stated that the section is looking at ways to improve the policy.
7. Ed Sira requested donations to help fund the publication of The Guide to Responsible Caving. A potential source for publication funds is the Save-the-Caves Fund. Everyone was encouraged to donate to the Save-the-Caves fund.
8. Philip Moss asked how the Illinois Speleological Survey could become affiliated with the NSS. The ISS could become an NSS Study Group, an Institutional Member, or an NSS Study Group.
President Luckins declared the session closed at 2:50 p.m.
46. Appreciation
Liebman Moved: The Board of Governors expresses its appreciation to 1997 NSS Convention Committee for an exciting convention. Agreed to by unanimous consent.
47. Adjourn
President Luckins declared the meeting adjourned at 2:52 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lee Stevens Recording Secretary
Appointments
John Appleby
899 Kulp Road
Perkiomenville, PA 18074-9607
Gale Beach
488 Oak Court
Menlo Park, CA 94025-2843
(415)324-2908
<raybeach@earthlink.net>
Amanda Clark
1132 Leicester Square
Evansville, IN 47710-3556
(812)424-9630
<amanda@dynasty.net>
Peri Frantz
16345 Englewood Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95032-4621
(408)356-8506
Scott Fee
2501 Gable Blvd
Birmingham, AL 35215-2862
(205)854-7487
<scottfee@usa.pipeline.com>
Colin Gatland
325 Dellsing Dr
Vandalia OH 45377-1344
(513) 890-0339
<aiO47@dayton.wright.edu>
Jay Jorden
11202 County Road 132
Celina, TX 75009-2527
(214)382-2458
<jjorden@texoma.net>
Ted Kayes
8031 Whittington Dr
Richmond, VA 23235
<tedkayes@richmond.infi.net>
Joli Lee
1405 Fourth St
Tularosa, NM 88352-8406
<jclee@wazoo.com>
Henry Nicholson
12650 NW 117th Ave
Chiefland, FL 32626-4523
(352)493-7674
John Punches
633 W Hazel St
Roseburg, OR 97470-2416
(541)957-5461
<punches@oes.orst.edu>
David K. Shurtz
87 S 400 E
Clearfield, UT 84015-1018
(801)773-3192
David Socky
6572 Woodbrook Dr SW
Roanoke VA 24018
(540) 989-7693
<socky-dr@salem.ge.com>
William C. Steele
4830 Winthop St
San Antonio, TX 78249-1706
(210) 697-8315
<Oksteele@aol.com>
Carol A. Vesely
817 Wildrose Ave
Monrovia, CA 91016-3033
(818)357-6927
Kathy Welling
1717 North Star Rd
Columbus, OH 43212-2157
<irish.bat@worldnet.att.net>