Georgia Speleological Society Meeting Minutes 26 April 2003
ANNUAL GSS MEETING MINUTES
26 APRIL 2003 AT FRICKS CAVE
The meeting started at approximately 10:30am
I. Chairman Tom Moltz welcomed everyone and wanted to thank E T Davis and the SCCI for allowing the meeting to be held here. Also, special thanks to the Executive Committee, Brian Williamson, Jerry Wallace, and Dan Barnick.
II. Treasurer Report by Brent Aulenbach (see attachment). Brent reviewed the cost as seen on the Fiscal Year 2002 Treasurer's Report. 2/3 revenue from membership, 1/3 bookstore sales, compact disc, t-shirts, and bulletins. Largest expense is Bulletin approximately $5.00 to print. Mailing cost of $93.00. The budget balance is $2,002.37.
III. Secretary Report by Holly Bunch requested everyone review the Meeting Minutes from 2002 for changes, additions, and subtractions. The minutes will be amended or approved after everyone has had a chance to review. Also, there are handouts on the GSS Constitution and GSS Business Meeting for their review. Dan Barnick made a motion that the minutes be approved the group voted yea thus the meeting minutes were approved.
IV. Electronic Files/Data by Carl Anderson who reported there are new maps on the CD. The total number of caves in Georgia is 565 a gain of 25. Last year we had a total of 540.
V. Ridgewalking Coordinator by Jerry Wallace had no report. However, he did recommend in the future a Cleanup Trip to Hooker Cave due to trash from flooding. He also reported this cave had some historical signatures. This might be done in conjunction with Chattanooga Grotto.
VI. Award Presentations by Scott Carmine who presented Allen Padgett with a Recognition Award for his 32 years of service to the DNR. Allen is retiring and has been stationed at Pigeon Mountain for the last 10 years. He has served as a liaison for cavers and the state during this time. He also, has served as liaison with the state and the Cave Rescue Squad.
Also, Recognition Award presented by Brent Aulenbach to Carl Anderson for his many years of service to the GSS in several capacities. He has pursued cavers to submit more Georgia caves, was instrumental in the Hurricane Cave survey, creating electronic files from paper files, Chairman and Treasurer of the GSS, creating map books and scanning maps for the GSS.
VII. Projects
A. Fricks Survey by Brent Aulenbach: they had a survey in 12/02 then were rained out on 2/03 then twice more in 3/03 and today the water level is too high for surveying. A few trips are needed to finish the southwestern passage, which is approximately a few hundred feet, clean up and stream passage. The project thus has included 45 different cavers. Thus far, we have mapped over 10,000 feet of cave. Brent still needs volunteers knowledgeable and not knowledgeable about surveying to finish so please let him know if you are interested. The trip reports are on the www.caves.org/survey/gss website for review. The map production should get underway this summer but again he needs help due to several cartographers to create a single map. Thanks to the SCCI for allowing us to survey the cave.
B. Survey Instruments by Dan Barnick this includes a full set of survey gear to be rented for surveying. The cost is $10 /mth for GSS members and will be located at Dan Barnick and Holly Bunch's home for rental. You can contact Dan via email danbarnick@mindspring.com. Form will be completed at time of rental (see attachment)
C. Donation of funds: Brent Aulenbach suggested $200 donation to Valhalla or Snail Shell maps to SCCI. Scott Carmine made a motion for $200 donation to the SCCI. Carl Anderson suggested the money be for the SCCI's discretionary usage. Carl Anderson made this motion for $200 with Brent Aulenbach seconding motion. The group voted yea thus the motion was carried.
D. T-Shirt Sales: Brent Aulenbach reported all shirts were sold as of today. Jerry Wallace has colorized the version previously sold with an example present. Tom Moltz offered is this something people are interested in the GSS pursuing. Jerry Wallace reviewed this would be expensive for colored t-shirt with the color design. Brent had two t-shirts blue and red to place the design on to show as examples of what might work should this be pursued. Allen Padgett made a motion that the cost of t-shirt production occurs if reasonable cost could be obtained. Nancy Holler-Aulenbach seconded this motion. The Executive Committee would make the final decision after the research on the shirt. The group voted yea thus the motion was carried. Jerry Wallace and Dan Barnick will work jointly on this project. The TAG Fall Cave-In would be goal for project completion.
E. DNR by Allen Padgett a brochure is planned for the display board near Pettijohns Cave on Pigeon Mountain. The tri-fold brochure is a safety and educational tool for cavers visiting the cave. A reproduction of the map at a scale of 2.5 x 2.5 inches will appear on the brochure if the GSS gives permission. Stephen Brewer expressed concern for enlargement potential of this map. Allen reported the map was a bit out of focus so this would create poor enhancement potential. Carl Anderson reported the GSS had printed business card sized maps in the past. Jerry Wallace also, expressed concern over this becoming part of the trash in and around Pettijohns. Allen reported this had not occurred in the past with other educational handouts or even the registration cards now located at the display board. Brent Aulenbach asked if the GSS had the copyrights? Carl Anderson responded Jeff Harris assigned this to the GSS. Tom called to vote the group voted yea thus the map would appear on the brochure.
F. Board of Governor's Ballot by Brent Aulenbach. Brent was asked by Jay Clark to speak for him. The Southeastern Cavers have had no one running for the board thus we have no representation on the Board at present. Two Cavers from the Southeast are on your Ballot Martha Hendrix and Jay Clark. The deadline is June 14 for reception of the ballot. Voting power is stronger if you only vote for a few persons versus the maximum number. A member asked how many usually turn in a ballot? Brent reported around 1200 votes could win a seat on the Board so please vote.
G. Family Membership by John Klayer who brought up the issue should we have them for the GSS. Tom Moltz asked if this was even constitutional for which Holly handed out copies to Executive Committee and group a copy of constitution. The Constitution V item #3 (see attachment) that states, "The Executive Committee shall have the power to add any additional membership qualifications it deems necessary." Thus, this would not be outside the constitution. Brent Aulenbach reported it would have to be without publications. Allen Padgett reminded the group this was discontinued in the past due to lack of money. Brent also, reminded the group that we donate copies of the GSS BULLETIN to conservation and other organizations for exchanges. Brian Williamson suggested it would be great to give issues for Conservation organizations who are fighting development in cave sensitive areas to have the GSS BULLETIN . Brent Aulenbach reported the cost of the bulletin is about $5.00. Carl Anderson suggested $5.00 for the Family Member without publications. John Klayer made the motion for Family Members $5.00 without receipt of publications. Stephen Brewer seconded the motion. The group voted yea and the motion was carried.
H. Cave Landowner Archives by Jerry Wallace he presented the attached form. A copy of this form will go to the archives and website. Jerry also, reported that Pigeon Mountain and Johnsons Crook areas have been completed but all other areas he needs assistance with at this time.
I. Website by Carl Anderson reported that the Cave Correction Form flows directly into the database for the GSS. He would like everyone to turn in GPS locations so they have a large number of locations to get a most accurate location for each cave so keep turning them in. Copies of this form are at the front.
J. NSS Library by Dan Barnick there is proposal before the Board of the NSS to move the Library from Huntsville, Alabama to a location out West. Brent reported this is the National Cave Research Foundations proposal with grants and money via the Government. Any books they receive they in turn will receive matching grants for their own library. Jerry Wallace raised opposition to the Government having cave information. Carl Anderson reviewed dissension of library and its contents have been ongoing for years. Kelly Norwood referred the group to photo tour of the library on NSS website www.nss.caves.org. Brent reviewed that the Research Foundation reported the disarray of the current library suggesting reason to move it but then Huntsville Grotto and Library refutes the disarray. The Huntsville Grotto has put forth their own alternative plan, which would loan extras to the National Cave Research Foundation Library. Huntsville Grotto has a website for your perusal of their proposal to keep the library there according to Brent Aulenbach. Holly Bunch asked where are cavers located across the US? Allen Padgett responded 2/3 are in the east with the rest scattered. Cavers should take an interest in this issue or visit the library.
IIX. Nominations
A. Treasurer- Brent Aulenbach has served for five years and will not continue in this capacity. Tom Moltz reviewed the duties of writing checks, depositing checks, keeping budget, attending caving meetings to sell memberships, and keeping the membership list. Scott Carmine nominated Allen Padgett with Ken Martin moving to close nominations. Tom Moltz seconded closing nominations. Allen Padgett is the new Treasurer by acclamation.
B. Secretary- Holly Bunch has served for three years. Tom Moltz reviewed this requires minute meeting notes and correspondence. Scott Carmine nominated Holly Bunch with Tom Moltz closing nominations. Holly Bunch is secretary via acclamation.
C. Vice Chairman- John Klayer who has served one year. Tom Moltz reported the vice chairman sets up the Business Meeting in the winter for the Executive Committee. Tom Moltz nominated John Klayer. Nominations closed thus John Klayer is vice chairman by acclamation.
D. Chairman- Tom Moltz served one year as chairman and will not continue in this capacity. Jerry Wallace nominated Kelly Norwood who declined, Brian Williamson nominated Jerry Wallace who declined, E T Davis nominated Brian Williamson who declined, Carl Anderson nominated Dan Barnick who declined, and John Klayer nominated Scott Carmine. Tom Moltz closed nominations. Scott Carmine is chairman by acclamation.
E. Tom Moltz will be the GSS BULLETIN editor.
IX. Fundraising for the NSS by Dave Hughes who reported approximately $20,000.00 of wireless Nokia electronics will be sold on the NSS website in the near future. 100% of the funds raised will be donated to the NSS.
X. Trips for Today- Mis Ing Pit with Tom Moltz and Ed Pratt with constrictions and small amount of cave at the bottom with limit of 10 for this trip. Next, Obadiah Brooks with a 37ft pit trip with cave near Trenton, Georgia, which they plan to survey.
The meeting adjourned by Tom Moltz at approximately Noon.
In attendance: Carl Anderson, Brent Aulenbach, Nancy Holler-Aulenbach, Dan Barnick, Sharon Brewer, Stephen Brewer, Daniel Briedis, Obadiah Brooks, Ken Brown, Jan Brown for Larry Brown, Holly Bunch, Kristen Carmine, Scott Carmine, William Dean Clemmer, Hubert Crowell, Mike Elble, Debra Guy, Lin Guy, Dave Hughes, Allen Johnson, Mary Ellen Johnson, John Klayer, Kathy Mackay, Ken Martin, Tom Moltz, Allen Padgett, Pamela Piccirillo, Ed Pratt, Kelly Norwood, David Smith, James Stephenson, Kenneth Waite, Jerry Wallace, Brian Williamson.
Submitted by Holly A. Bunch
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