NATIONAL SPELEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, INC.
BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING
November 2, 1996
The 174th regular meeting of the NSS Board of Governors was held on Saturday, November 2, 1996, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the National Institutes of Health. 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
8:51 a.m. Lee Stevens was present as Recording Secretary.
President Luckins welcomed everyone to the meeting and
introduced Bill Lowell-Britt, Chairman of the Central Arizona
Grotto. Bill welcomed everyone to Phoenix and extended the
hospitality of the grotto to all. He introduced grotto member
Beth Dotson who presented President Luckins with a "Damn
It" doll for his use during the meeting if needed.
1. 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:
Nancy Holler Aulenbach
Dave Belski
Bill Bussey
Linda Devine
Maureen Handler
Louise Hose
Ray Keeler
Bob Liebman
William Mixon
Ed Sira
Tom Strong
PROXIES:
Joe Levinson for Bob Addis
2. Approval of Minutes
Hearing no objections, President Luckins declared the minutes of the August 5 and 9, 1996 Board of Governors meeting approved as published.
3. Officer's Reports
A. President's Report - David Luckins - Attachment A
Additions to the written report are Attachment A-1, the
Addendum to the President's Report, Attachment A-2, the 1996 NSS
Awards Committee Report, and Attachment A-3, the Executive
Committee Policy on Travel Reimbursement.
B. Executive Vice President's Report - Fred Wefer - Attachment B
C. Administrative Vice President's Report - John Wilson - Attachment C
Additions to the written report are as follows:
1. AVP Wilson stated that he had some reservations about funding the grant request received from Project Underground and proposed that the NSS Executive Committee discuss the grant request at the next EC meeting in January 1997. These reservations relate mainly to management reforms of Project Underground, recommended by Dave Jagnow, that have not yet been carried out.
2. AVP Wilson announced that access to all cave location data has been removed from the current versions of GNIS software. The issue of whether or not to include this data in the future is still under study by the Board of Geographic Names.
3. AVP Wilson has requested the NSS Cave Management Division develop a position statement on the NSS purchase and ownership of caves.
4. NSS Attorney, Joel Stevenson, has advised the NSS to hire a New York attorney to answer a petition for relief filed in a Schoharie County, New York, court by a neighbor of the Barton Hill Karst Preserve who is alleging NSS trespass on his property.
D. SecretaryTreasurer's Report - Paul Stevens - Attachment D
E. Operations Vice President's Report - Tom Rea - Attachment E
Additions to the written report are as follows:
1. OVP Rea reported that the new color NSS membership brochure is finished.
2. The Congress of Grottos requested that the NSS investigate the various methods of preserving the Society's library of old grotto newsletters published prior to 1970. The OVP asked the NSS Librarian to evaluate the condition of these publications. Librarian Jon Smith reported that they appear to be in good shape and do not require extra preservation measures at this time.
3. OVP Rea noted that the asphalt around the dumpster in the parking lot of the NSS Office is beginning to break down from heavy trash truck use. Future repairs will be made with concrete.
President Luckins declared a short recess at 10:55 a.m.
The meeting was reconvened at 11:05 a.m. by President Luckins.
4. Other Reports
A. 1996 NSS Convention - David Lester - Oral
B. 1997 NSS Convention - John Wilson - Oral
5. Convention Deficiencies (postponed from the August 9, 1996 Board meeting)
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 Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee shall 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. Stevens seconded.
VOTE:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Handler, Hose, Rea, Mixon, Belski PASSED
6. Fall 1997 Board of Governors Meeting
Luckins moved that the fall 1997 Board of Governors meeting be
held in the Albany, New York area on October 4, 1997 November
8, 1997. Bussey seconded.
A. By unanimous consent the date of October 4, 1997 was deleted.
B. Sira moved that the meeting be held on November 8, 1997.
No other dates were proposed.
VOTE to hold the meeting on November 8, 1997.
In favor: Rest
Opposed: None
Abstaining: Keeler PASSED
7. Meeting Notice
Luckins moved that Act 03-171 is deleted. Keeler seconded.
(This obsolete Act referred to the Minutes and Arrangements Committee, which no longer exists.)
VOTE:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: None
Abstaining: Levinson PASSED
8. Secretary to the Board
Luckins moved that Vincent Kappler of Washington, New Jersey, is appointed Secretary to the Board. Sira seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED
9. Fund Raising Committee Chairman
Luckins moved that Greg Glazner of Littleton, Colorado, is appointed Fund Raising Committee Chairman. Hose seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED
10. Members Manual Editor
Luckins moved that Lois Bergthold of Los Alamos, New Mexico, is appointed Editor of the NSS Members Manual. Belski seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED
11. Safety and Techniques Committee Chairman
Luckins moved that Bill Cuddington of Huntsville, Alabama, is appointed Safety and Techniques Committee Chairman. Liebman seconded.
VOTE
In favor: Rest
Opposed: None
Abstaining: Bussey PASSED
President Luckins declared a short break so that Dave Kesner and Mike Backe could present a slide program and their bid to hold the 1999 NSS Convention in Idaho.
12. 1999 NSS Convention
Wilson moved the 1999 NSS Convention will be held near Twin
Falls, Idaho, in late June or early July 1999 July
12-16, 1999. Dave Kesner of Boise, Idaho, is appointed
Convention Chairman and Mike Backe of Boise, Idaho, is appointed
Convention Co-Chairman.
Handler seconded.
By unanimous consent the accurate convention dates were substituted for the original text.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED
(The convention bid is Attachment F to these minutes.)
13. Volunteer Resource Committee
Wilson moved that Act 40-514 is amended to read:
The Volunteer Resource Committee is established in the Department of the
Administrative Vice President Operations
Vice President for the purpose of finding candidates
appropriately qualified to fill NSS positions. This committee is
responsible for developing a database of those who are interested
in volunteering for NSS positions and describing their
qualifications. A data gathering or update from may be included
in one of the annual mailings to the membership to solicit
volunteers with special interest or expertise. Hose seconded.
Mixon moved to substitute, Act 40-514 is deleted. Rea seconded.
VOTE to substitute:
Unanimously in favor PASSED
VOTE on the substituted motion:
Unanimously in favor PASSED
Scheduled Break for Lunch
President Luckins declared a recess for lunch and the closed meetings of the Directorate and the Board at 12:15 p.m.
14. Reconvene
The meeting was reconvened by President Luckins at 2:05 p.m.
15. Report of the Closed Session of the Directorate
Bill Mixon, Chairman of the Directorate, announced that Paul Stevens had been elected as NSS Secretary-Treasurer elect. The directors appointed Avis Van Swearingen Chairman of their Executive Search Committee and Evelyn Bradshaw, Bill Bussey, Jay Jorden, Dave Klinger, and Pam Saberton as the other members of the committee.
16. Report of the Closed Session of the Board of Governors
President Luckins reported that the Board voted to expel Jeffrey Power of Ellenburg, Washington, in accordance with Bylaw XI.B for conduct detrimental to the Society. Jeffrey Power is entitled to a private hearing before the Board if he so desires.
17. Cave Acquisition Policy (See 23)
Wilson moved that Act 26-335, Cave Acquisition Policy, is rescinded.
Hose seconded.
President Luckins suggested that this motion be postponed until subsequent motions relating to cave acquisition have been addressed. Agreed to by unanimous consent. Consideration of the motion was postponed until after 22.
18. NSS Caves
Preserves Committee
Wilson moved that the NSS Caves Preserves
Committee is established in the department of the Administrative
Vice President. This committee shall manage all caves and karst
lands owned by the NSS. All cave management committees
established to manage NSS-owned
and NSS-managed cave and karst properties and NSS Cave Preserves shall report to this committee. Caves owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the NSS may be designated Cave Preserves of the NSS by the Administrative Vice President.
All Society cave properties shall be managed in such a way as to minimize the Society's liability in case of accident. Specifically, all caves shall be managed in such ways as to qualify under state or local landowner liability exemption laws; to legally define unauthorized visitors as trespassers under local law; and to inform authorized visitors of the hazardous nature of the
cave by requiring them to sign a liability release. Bussey seconded.
Levinson moved to amend, changing the name of the committee to "NSS Cave Preserves Committee." Devine seconded.
VOTE to amend:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Mixon, Belski, Strong, Wilson
Abstaining: Wefer PASSED
VOTE on the amended motion:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Hose, Wefer, Mixon, Belski PASSED
19. NSS Cave and Karst Acquisition Committee
Wilson moved that the NSS Cave and Karst Acquisition Committee is established in the department of the Administrative Vice President. This committee shall develop criteria for determining if a cave or karst land is suitable for ownership by the NSS, an NSS internal organization, or another responsible cave-interested group. The committee shall also determine
whether cave acquisition assistance from the NSS to other qualified persons or groups interested in obtaining cave or karst lands is needed for those properties meeting the suitability criteria. Cave acquisition is defined as acquiring control of a cave or karst land by purchase, lease, easement, donation, or other contractual means. This committee shall study and make
recommendations to the Board on proposals to acquire or manage
new cave or karst properties and shall work with
encourage Conservancies and other cave-interested groups
to actively seek to identify caves suitable for acquisition.
Bussey seconded.
Sira moved to amend, deleting "work with" and inserting "encourage" in the last sentence.
Bussey seconded.
VOTE to amend:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Hose
Abstaining: Wefer PASSED
VOTE on the amended motion:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Mixon, Belski PASSED
20. Appendix L - Guidelines for the Acquisition of Cave
Properties by the National Speleological Society
Wilson moved that Appendix L is amended by replacing every occurrence of "Cave Ownership and Management Committee" with "Cave and Karst Acquisition Committee," delete the restatement of the two Board acts cited, and delete the first five words of next paragraph.
Bussey seconded.
VOTE:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: None
Absent: Liebman PASSED
21. Cave Conservancies Committee
Wilson moved that the Cave Conservancies Committee is
established in the department of the Administrative Vice
President to encourage all cave Conservancies and other persons
and groups responsibly managing cave(s) to affiliate with the
NSS.
This committee will be proactive in promoting the NSS to Conservancies and
other cave owners, as the major cave organization for
providing cave management information, expertise and assistance.
Cave managing organizations or persons may affiliate with the NSS
as a conservancy by agreeing with the purposes of the NSS and
applying in writing with the Cave Conservancies committee. The
designation "A Conservancy of the National Speleological
Society" may be used upon approval of the Cave Conservancy
Chairman and notification of and confirmation by of the
Administrative Vice President.
Keeler seconded.
Mixon moved to amend, deleting the last sentence. Hose
seconded.
VOTE to amend:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Wilson
Abstaining: Aulenbach, Wefer PASSED
VOTE on the amended motion:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Hose, Rea, Mixon, Belski PASSED
22. Appendix P - Definitions and Polices for Society Activities
Wilson moved that Appendix P is amended to replace Cave Ownership and
Management Committee with Cave Conservancies Committee. Sira
seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED
23. Cave Acquisition Policy (Original 17)
Wilson moved that Act 26-335, Cave Acquisition Policy, is rescinded.
Hose seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED
24. NSS Cave Preserves Committee Chairman
Luckins moved that Gary Bush of Jacksonville, Florida, is
appointed Chairman of the NSS Cave Preserves Committee. Rea
seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED
25. Cave and Karst Acquisitions Committee Chairman
Luckins moved that Doug Medville of Reston, Virginia, is
confirmed as Chairman of the Cave and Karst Acquisitions
Committee. Liebman seconded.
Strong moved to postpone consideration until the position is advertised in the NSS NEWS.
Belski seconded.
VOTE to postpone:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Handler, Liebman, Wilson, Stevens,
Mixon, Devine POSTPONED
26. Internal Organizations Policy
Luckins moved that Bylaws Article VII, Internal Organizations, is
amended by adding:
"F. A Special Interest Group is an internal organization made up of individuals who are fraternally involved in a study or interest not specifically related to speleology."
Keeler seconded.
A. Mixon moved to substitute:
The Internal Organizations Committee is instructed to
interpret strictly in the future the requirement in Bylaw VII.E
that the common interest of members of a Section be related to
speleology.
B. John Wilson raised a point of order
questioning the appropriateness of Mixon's motion as a
substitute. President Luckins ruled that the motion to substitute
was proper.
C. Stevens moved to amend the original
motion, deleting the term "Special Interest Group" and
replacing it with "Social Group." Levinson seconded.
VOTE to amend:
In favor: Levinson, Stevens, Wilson
Opposed: Rest
Abstaining: Liebman FAILED
D. Sira moved to amend the substitute motion, deleting "in the future." Liebman seconded.
After discussion, the motion was withdrawn by unanimous
consent.
VOTE on the motion to substitute:
In favor: Aulenbach, Hose, Levinson, Rea, Stevens,
Keeler, Strong, Belski, Mixon, Sira
Opposed: Bussey, Handler, Wefer, Wilson, Devine,
Liebman PASSED
E. Hose moved to refer to the Operations Vice
President for a report at the next Board meeting. Belski
seconded.
VOTE to refer:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Bussey, Levinson, Keeler REFERRED
27. Revised Budget
Stevens moved that the revised 1996-1997 NSS Operating Budget
(Attachment E-1) is approved. Wilson seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED
28. Salon Conservation Instructions
Strong moved that the Chairmen of the Photo Salon, the
Graphic Arts Salon,and the Cartographic Salon Committees are Salon
Coordinator is directed to consider conservation impacts of
material submitted to the respective salons. Slides, photographs,
videotapes, drawings, or other material submitted to the salons
shall be rejected if they display actions contrary to the
Conservation Policy of the National Speleological Society. These
actions may include, but are not necessarily limited to, walking
on formations, handling formations, improper use of scale objects
in photos, swimming in isolated pools, or improper handling or
display of cave life. Material illustrating any such action shall
not be considered for awards and shall not be put on public
display. Belski seconded.
A. Stevens moved to amend, deleting "Chairmen of the Photo Salon, the Graphic Arts Salon,and the Cartographic Salon Committees are" and inserting "Salon Coordinator is."
Agreed to by unanimous consent.
B. Hose moved to refer to the Administrative
Vice President for a report due at the spring 1997 Board meeting.
Handler seconded.
VOTE to refer:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Bussey, Keeler, Strong, Belski REFERRED
29. Publication Conservation Instructions
Strong moved that the Editors of the NSS News, the Journal of Cave and Karst
Studies, the Members' Manual, Speleo Digest, Special Publications, or any other publication of the National Speleological Society are directed to consider conservation impacts of material submitted for publication. Slides, photographs, drawings, or text submitted for publication shall be rejected if they display or describe actions contrary to the Conservation Policy of the NSS. These actions may include, but are not necessarily limited to, walking on formations, handling formations, inappropriate use or placement of scale objects in photos, swimming in isolated pools, or improper display or handling of cave life. Material illustrating or describing any such action shall not be considered for publication and shall be returned to the author with appropriate requests for revisions to be made for the manuscript to be reconsidered.
Liebman seconded.
Belski moved to refer to the Administrative Vice President for
a report due at the spring 1997 Board meeting. Handler seconded.
VOTE
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Bussey, Rea, Strong REFERRED
30. National Cave Management Symposium Restricted Fund
Stevens moved that the National Cave Management Symposium
restricted fund is a fund of the National Cave Management
Symposium Steering Committee and is used to support that
Committee and the activities of the NCMS Organizing Committees.
Use of the money in this fund is under the direction of the
Coordinator of the Steering Committee, as authorized by the
Steering Committee. Following preparation of the Society's Annual
Report, the NSS Treasurer will provide to the NSS/NCMS Liaison a
detailed report on activities related to this fund.
31. National Cave Rescue Commission Restricted Fund
Stevens moved that the purpose of the National Cave Rescue
Commission restricted fund is to support cave rescue training and
resource coordination. These funds may be spent by the NSS NCRC
National Coordinator subject to Administrative Vice President
approval.
32. Contemporary Cave Use Study Restricted Fund
Stevens moved that the purpose of the Contemporary Cave Use
Study restricted fund is to support the study of cave visitation.
These funds may be spent by the Chairman of the Contemporary Cave
Use Study committee with the approval of the Administrative Vice
President.
Stevens moved that 30, 31, and 32 be considered as a group. Mixon seconded.
Agreed to by unanimous consent.
VOTE on 30, 31, and 32:
Unanimously in favor PASSED
33. Budget Period
Stevens moved to amend Act 16-083 so as to read:
"Expenses are budgeted for one year only unless
specifically exempted. No department may carry over an unused
balance into the following year. Money budgeted for publication
of the NSS News, or the Bulletin
Journal of Cave and Karst Studies, American
Caving Accidents, NSS Members Manual
shall be encumbered until the publications are published."
Liebman seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED
34. NSS Endowment Fund
Stevens moved the establishment of an NSS Endowment Fund, an
NSS restricted fund whose purpose shall be as specified by the
Board of Governors. Rea seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED
35. Electronic Membership Application
Luckins moved that a facsimile of the NSS Membership Application shall appear
within the NSS Homepage. An applicant may apply for NSS
membership, using the facsimile, provided the applicant indicates
support for NSS goals and conservation policies The
NSS Cave Conservation Policy and supplies valid credit card
data. Rea seconded.
Mixon moved to amend, deleting "conservation
policies" and inserting "The NSS Cave Conservation
Policy." Agreed to by unanimous consent.
VOTE on the amended motion:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Strong PASSED
36. Operations Manager
Rea moved that Act 25-560 is revised to read:
The paid position of Office Manager Operations
Manager is in the Department of the Operations Vice
President. The Office Manager Operations
Manager reports to the Operations Vice President.
The Secretary to the Board is instructed to revise other acts as appropriate.
Stevens seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED
New Business
37. Fall 1998 Board of Governors Meeting
Luckins moved that the fall 1998 Board of Governors meeting
will be held in Pasadena, California, at a date to be determined
at the fall 1997 Board Meeting. Hose seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED
38. NSS Trust Funds Managed by the National Speleological Foundation
Stevens moved that Paragraph 3 of the contract between the NSF
and the NSS pertaining to NSS Trust Funds is amended as follows:
"3. The term income, as used in this contract, means all
investment-generated funds which are considered income in normal
business practice. Capital gains and similar returns are not to
be considered income, and they shall be invested unless other
disposition is requested in writing by the Secretary-Treasurer of
the Society based upon passage of a suitable resolution by a 2/3
favorable vote of the Board of Governors of the Society in
accordance with the terms of the Individual Fund. The term
net income, as used in this contract, is income less expenses
chargeable to the NSS Trust Funds (excluding commissions and
similar investment expenses, which shall be deducted from the
principal)."
39. NSS Trust Funds Managed by the National Speleological Foundation
Stevens moved that Paragraph 9 of the contract between the NSF
and the NSS pertaining to NSS Trust Funds is amended as follows:
"9. Each year within forty-five days after the end of the
Foundation's fiscal year and quarterly thereafter, the
Foundation shall report to the Secretary-Treasurer of the Society:
on the status of and changes in the NSS Trust Funds and
each Individual Fund. a) the current net worth of
each of the Individual Funds in the NSS Trust Funds, b) the
income, net income, and capital gains earned by each of the
Individual Funds since the prior report, and c) the portfolio
detail for each Individual Fund. The timing of such reports may
be adjusted by mutual consent of the treasurers of both
organizations. In addition, the Foundation shall immediately
notify the Secretary-Treasurer of the Society of any occurrence
which significantly affects the NSS Trust Funds or the
Foundation."
40. NSS Life Membership Trust Fund
Stevens moved that Paragraph 3 & 4 of Attachment A (Life
Membership Fund) to the contract between the NSF and the NSS
pertaining to NSS Trust Funds is amended as follows:
"3. Annually, the Foundation shall return to the Society all
net income from the Life Membership Fund up
an amount equal to 100% of the current regular membership
rate for each living life member, and shall notify the
Society President of any net income exceeding that amount.Such
excess net income shall be invested in the Life Membership Fund
unless other disposition is requested by passage of a suitable
resolution by a majority vote of the Board of Governors of the
Society before the end of their second meeting following such
notification. not to exceed 5.5% of the Funds total
value. Investment returns in excess of the above will normally be
reinvested, 1) to insure adequate growth to cover future dues
increases, and 2) to cover periods of lower investment returns
during market downturns. Any disposition of monies from this Fund
other than those described above, must be approved as per
paragraph 4 of this Attachment.
4. Upon passage of a suitable resolution by a 2/3 favorable
vote of the Board of Governors of the Society the Foundation
shall transfer to another of the Individual Funds any part of the
Life Membership Fund in excess of an amount necessary to fund the
membership payments specified in paragraph 3 of this attachment
plus additional funds reasonably sufficient to provide for
foreseeable future increases in membership payments due to
increased Society dues. The Foundation shall annually notify the
Society President Secretary-Treasurer of
their estimate of the amount of such excess funding
available."
41. NSS Headquarters Trust Fund
Stevens moved that Paragraph 3 of Attachment B (Headquarters
Fund) to the contract between the NSF and the NSS pertaining to
NSS Trust Funds is amended as follows:
"3. The Foundation will reinvest the net income and
capital gains from the Headquarters Fund in the Fund."
42. NSS Vandalism Deterrence Reward Trust Fund
Stevens moved that Paragraph 3 of Attachment H (Vandalism
Deterrence Reward Fund) follows:
"3. The principle of the Vandalism Deterrence Reward Fund
is intended to be used to pay said rewards and the administration
costs of the program. The Foundation will reinvest the net income
and capital gains from the Vandalism Deterrence Reward
Fund in the Fund."
43. NSS Merle and Bill Stephenson 50th Anniversary Trust Fund
Stevens moved that Paragraph 4 of Attachment L (Merle and Bill
Stephenson 50th Anniversary Fund) to the contract between the NSF
and the NSS pertaining to NSS Trust Funds is amended as follows:
"4. The principle of the Merle and Bill Stephenson 50th
Anniversary Fund will be invested to maximize its return until
2035. All net income will be invested in the Fund until
that date."
44. NSS Endowment Trust Fund
Stevens moved to approve the following attachment to the
contract between the NSF and the NSS pertaining to NSS Trust
Funds:
"Endowment Fund
1) This attachment to the contract between the Foundation and
the Society pertaining to the NSS Trust Funds (the contract)
describes the purposes and conditions of the Individual Fund
known as the Endowment Fund.
2) The purpose of the Endowment Fund is to generate income and
capital gains for any purpose the Society considers desirable.
3) The Society and others may periodically provide funds for
the Endowment Fund.
4) The Foundation shall invest funds in the Endowment Fund so
as to emphasize either growth of the capital investment, income,
or both in accordance with written notice from the Society's
Secretary-Treasurer. Unless otherwise directed by the Society's
Secretary-Treasurer the Foundation shall reinvest the net income
and capital gains from the Endowment Fund in the Endowment Fund.
5) Upon receipt of written notice from the Society's
Secretary-Treasurer the Foundation shall provide the Society the
requested portion of the Fund. net income and
capital gains resulting from investment of the Endowment Fund
principle.
6) The Foundation may make loans to the Society from the
Endowment Fund on passage of a resolution requesting such a loan
by a 2/3 favorable vote of the Board of Governors of the Society.
The granting of such loan, its amount, rate of interest, and
terms of repayment shall be at the discretion of the Foundation,
except that the total amount of such loans from the Endowment
Fund during one calendar year shall not exceed 20% of the
Endowment Fund, and the total of all such loan outstanding at one
time shall not exceed 50% of the Endowment Fund, with the loaned
funds considered part of the Fund.
7) Upon request from the Society's Secretary-Treasurer the Foundation shall report the principle and accumulated net income and capital gains in the Endowment Fund.
8) This attachment has been approved by the Board of Governors
of the Society on ____ and by the Board of Trustees of the
Foundation on a _____."
A. By unanimous consent, the Board agreed to
consider these motions together. Belski seconded.
B. Liebman moved to postpone consideration of
38 through 43 to the spring 1997 Board Meeting. Sira seconded.
VOTE to postpone 38 through 43:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Bussey, Rea, Wilson, Stevens, Keeler, Devine
Abstaining: Wefer POSTPONED
C. By unanimous consent, paragraph 5 of 44
was amended, deleting the phrase "net income and capital
gains resulting from investment of the Endowment Fund
principle." and inserting "Fund."
D. Mixon moved to postpone consideration of 44 to the spring 1997 Board meeting.
Strong seconded.
VOTE to postpone 44:
Unanimously in favor POSTPONED
45. NSS Science Fair Award
Mixon moved that Act 43-512, on the NSS Science Fair Award, is
deleted. Rea seconded.
Wilson moved to refer to the Executive Vice President for a
report at the spring 1997 Board meeting. Hose seconded.
VOTE to refer:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: None
Abstaining: Wefer REFERRED
46. National Cave Rescue Commission Incorporation
Stevens moved that the NCRC not be incorporated as a separate
organization from the NSS.
No second. The Chair ruled that the motion died.
Wilson appealed the ruling of the Chair on the grounds that
insufficient opportunity for seconds had been allowed.
VOTE to determine if the ruling of the Chair shall be sustained:
In favor: Handler
Opposed: Rest FAILED
The ruling of the Chair was not sustained and the motion was
read again. Keeler seconded.
Mixon moved to substitute: "The Secretary-Treasurer is requested to report at the March 1997 Board meeting on the implications and advisability of the NCRC being incorporated.
Strong seconded.
VOTE on the motion to substitute:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Keeler
Abstaining: Stevens, Aulenbach PASSED
VOTE on the substituted motion:
Unanimously in favor PASSED
47. 1997 Peru Expedition
Wefer moved that the 1997 Peru Expedition being led by Steve
Knutson of Corbett, Oregon, is granted NSS Expedition status.
Hose seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED
48. Rename "The White House"
Addis moved that the property on Cave Avenue, Huntsville,
Alabama, formally known as "The White House" be
renamed: 1)Torode Hall, 2)SpeleoAnnex, 3)Speleannex, 4)NSS ANNEX.
No second - the motion died.
49. Life Membership Fund
Keeler moved that the NSF transfer those funds from the NSF Life Membership Fund to fully fund the membership dues ($30.00) for all Life Members as of May 1996.
Bussey seconded.
VOTE:
In favor: Mixon, Keeler
Opposed: Rest FAILED
50. Policy for Internal Organizations
Stevens moved to amend Appendix D (Policy for Internal Organizations) by adding:
"10. A group of individuals who are fraternally involved
in a study or interest not specifically related to speleology may
be afforded visibility, but will not be recognized as an official
Society internal organization." Hose seconded.
Hose moved to refer to the Operation Vice President for a
report at the spring 1997 Board meeting. Stevens seconded.
VOTE to refer:
In favor: Rest
Opposed: Keeler, Bussey REFERRED
51. Suspension of the Agenda
Luckins moved that in accordance with Act 04-472, the agenda is suspended for
informal discussion among all present for 20 minutes. Bussey
seconded.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED
President Luckins declared the session open at 5:10 p.m. The following topics were discussed:
1. Nancy Aulenbach discussed Michael Ray Taylor's book Cave Passages. She noted that many cavers in her geographic area who had read the book were opposed to the sale of the book in the NSS bookstore. She requested a show of hands of those present who had read the book who thought the bookstore should carry the book. The response appeared evenly divided.
2. Paul Stevens presented a short explanation of the NSF Life Membership Fund and requested a show of hands on whether those present believed that the NSS should receive enough money from the fund this year to fully fund the present Life Membership dues. Most people present felt that they did not have enough information to make a decision on the issue.
3. Kathy Welling expressed concern that the NSS has shown
written and photographic material to the public that violates the
NSS Conservation Policy. She noted that slides were shown during
the U.S.A. Exploration session at the convention this year that
showed cavers using a backhoe to dig an entrance to a cave.
President Luckins declared the session closed at 5:25 p.m.
52. Cave Passages
Aulenbach moved that Cave Passages by Michael Ray
Taylor not be sold at the NSS Bookstore. Keeler seconded.
VOTE:
In favor: Aulenbach, Keeler, Strong, Devine
Opposed: Bussey, Levinson, Rea, Wefer, Wilson,
Mixon, Sira
Abstaining: Hose, Liebman, Handler, Belski, Stevens FAILED
53. Appreciation
Liebman moved that the Board of Governors expresses its appreciation to Central Arizona Grotto and the Arizona Region for their excellent meeting arrangements and warm hospitality.
Seconded by Devine.
VOTE: Unanimously in favor PASSED
President Luckins declared the meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lee Stevens
Recording Secretary
Addresses For Committee Appointees:
Mike Backe (NSS 18670RL) Avis Van Swearingen (NSS 21217 FR, FE)
HC 33 Box 3294 171 Buzzards Bottom PVD
Boise, ID 83706 Somerville, AL 35670
(208) 376-5006 (205) 498-2420
<mabacke@aol.com>
Lois Bergthold (NSS 39232)
PO Box 95
Los Alamos, NM 87544
(505) 455-2565 (phone/fax)
<lois@rt66.com>
Gary Bush (NSS 17697 RE, FE)
2630 Stonegate Dr.
Jacksonville, FL 32223-0702
(904) 268-7638
<gbush@jaxnet.com>
Bill Cuddington (NSS 2177 RL, OS, FE )
3412 Hutchens Ave. SE
Huntsville, AL, 35801
(205) 536-2177
Greg Glazner (NSS 31856 RE)
7689 W. Frost
Littleton, CO 80123
(303) 978-0696
<ad574@freenet.uchsc.com>
Vincent Kappler (NSS 7274 RL)
417 Edgemeyer Ter.
Washington, NJ, 07882
(908) 689-3323
<vkappler@nac.net>
David Kesner (NSS 28258 RE, FE)
12567 W. Demeyer St.
Boise, ID 83713
(208) 939-0979
<drdave@micron.net>
Douglas Medville (NSS 7073 RL, OS, CM, FE, LB)
11762 Indian Ridge Road,
Reston, VA 22091
(703) 860-0134
<medville@patroit.net>
E-Mail Addresses for Board Members
Dave Luckins <Dluckins@caves.com>
Tom Rea <Trea@tdsnet.com>
John Wilson <mswilson@gems.vcu.edu>
Paul Stevens <PLStevens@aol.com>
Ed Sira <AEDSira@aol.com>
Dave Belski <belski@caverns.com>
Louise Hose <hosel@micro.wcmo.edu>
Thomas Strong <trstrong@zipcon.net>
Ray Keeler <rkeeler@space.honeywell.com>
Bill Bussey <billbus@acpub.duke.edu>
Nancy Holler Aulenbach <btaulenb@usgs.gov>
Fred L. Wefer <fwefer@mitre.org>