Minutes of the Kentucky Speleological Society Meeting

January, 20, 2013

 

The meeting was called to order at 2:02 PM.

 

Secretary's Report:

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved on a motion by Steve Gentry, Jim Currens second.

 

Treasurer's Report:

Steve reported for Kim a current balance or $4541.07.  We have 23 life members and 41 members total, as well as 5 organizational members.  Dues on 3 of the organizational members expire this year.

Report was approved on a motion by Currens, Jim Greer second.

 

Committee Reports:

Data Access Committee:

The need for getting a database up and running was discussed.  This was tabled till later in the meeting in order to have a potential vendor for a database design join via Skype to discuss options for database design.

It was brought up that our fees for services may be too high.  Since we have just established a fee structure, it was decided to wait for a while before discussing this topic.

Data Administration Committee:

Howard was unable to attend but had forwarded some updated info on the effort to get our locations into the database.  It was reported that 71% of the counties we complete.  It was again reiterated the need for a functional database to be able to use the data.

 

Old Business:

We looked at several updated designs for a new KSS logo that Rob Coomer had designed for us.  Most agreed on #6 (state outline w/helmet, orange letters, name below state).  After some discussion, a motion was made by Gentry to approve this logo with some minor changes (completing the state outline).  Lee seconded.  Vote passed 6 yeas, 1 abstain.

Dr. Eva Weng from Ball State University joined us via Skype for a discussion on options for a database.  They could create a database for us with various levels of user access using MYSQL for the database architecture.  This would take a couple of months and we would need a server (approximate cost $3000) and a system administrator for it.  They would need for us to provide them a set of data requirements for each field (such a data type, field length, etc.).  We would also need to provide testers to test the database prior to release.

After the call with Dr. Weng, it was decided to set up a work session to discuss and create the database design and requirements.  Lee will get with Howard to work with him to set up a date based on his availability.

It was reported that we had not yet gotten a response from Tab's mom or Barbara Graham on obtaining Tab's data for the KSS.  Currens will continue to follow up on this.

 

New Business:

A motion by Gentry was made to sponsor a booth again this year at Karst-O-Rama.  Currens seconded.  Motion passed.

Nominations for next year's officers were closed.  As there were no offices with multipled candidates, Currens motioned to reinstate the current slate of officers by acclamation.  Greer seconded.  Motion passed.  Officers for 2013-2014 are as follows:

Lee Florea - President

Howard Kalnitz - Vice-President

Jim Greer - Secretary

Kim Gentry - Treasurer

Steve Gentry - At Large Director

Amber Yuellig - At Large Director

The next meeting will be held on Sunday, April 21 at the KGS in Lexington, KY beginning at 1:00 PM.  There will be a Caving on Paper session prior to the meeting.  That session will be from 10 AM until 12:00 PM.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 3:50 PM on a motion by Currens, second by Richard Gilliam.