Larry started off by mentioning we need a new sign for the Public Nite fee.
Ron Pearson, read the draft minutes of the May EB meeting. Approved as read.

DU Report-
Dave Trott, reported:

New signage has been put up in Chamberlin; DU Physics and Astronomy Dept. U. of Denver’s Historic Chamberlin Observatory. New name being promoted for restoration. Basement door has been fixed after vandalism.

There was lengthy discussion by Dave, regarding relationship of DU P&A and DAS. Dave wanted it to be known that the sudden change re Driscoll reservations came from ‘higher-up’ at DU and does not want to leave an image of ‘hostility’ of DU to DAS. To clear the air re this and other recent discussions and concerns, Dave related ‘his’ take on the situation, he can’t speak officially for Dr. Stencel or DU; DU is looking to do restoration of Chamberlin, so they need pristine relationships with all involved with the Observatory, including DAS, DMNS and Neighborhood Association. Dave related how he has had a long history with DAS and restoration and DU. Dave’s appointment is an ‘act of friendship’, effort to reach out to DAS and Driscoll’s cutoff was unfortunate, not a signal of cutting relationship. The mission of DU is to educate students, do research, and there is no budget for public outreach. The telescope proposal made sense in the ‘do research & education mission.’

The future looks like DU Facilities have budget to work on the Observatory, windows, electrical, but Dave does not know where it’s going. Stated goal is to keep opening and functioning. DAS is the tool to do that, but it might be operated under a different aegis. There is a possibility of more DMNS collaboration. At meeting with Larry present, it was mentioned training DMNS to operate the telescope. It was noted by eboard members that finding out these things in a ‘big surprise’ is what hurts the relationship the most.

Treasurer’s Report:
Chuck Carlson reported that his balance sheet program had under-reported the balance, which is now over $10K. He had received notice for the insurance due. The rate will be going up to $654 per yr. from $548 per yr. Chuck presented a name-tag to new Eboard member, Sandy Shaw.

Secretary: no report

VP Carla Swartz: not present, no report.

President Larry Brooks report:

New Public Night reservation system is up and operating well. Rates vary on minutes, but should be about $60 per month. The reservation price has been raised to cover the expense. There is a 24 hr. human that answers the phone. Driscoll is giving out the new phone number to those that call the old. Public Night is booked through June.

New blue cards have been printed. Inventory was recently completed and found eyepieces and binocs that were thought missing. Taking some small stuff off the inventory list.

DSC: Steve Solon reported on June 1, they staked out 6x6 pads. July will excavate and run electrical lines. May stake out the astro-photo pads then. There was some delay in requesting permits. Member Glen Frank is doing the engineers report and then can get the permits.

ListServe: no report

Public Events: Larry reported that a new gate on Observatory Park driveway access put up by Park Dept. Susan Fry, says it was due to Rugby players driving on the grass. DAS also needs to keep cars off the grass. The gate will have a combination lock, which DU Security will have. We will try and get it also. Raffle for Meade ETX starts in July.

Astronomy Day: no report, waiting for Patti to return from S. America.

Old Business:

Antique Telescope Society meeting. DAS can be here to keep Chamberlin open for meeting.

New Business:

Combination lock for Ed Kline Dark Site - Larry has been telling members that called the combination. He is concerned about new people who have never been out about using the electrical and warming hut. Discussion of situation - Sandy noted she had let in 2 people that were locked out. Suggested - putting a notice in newsletter about the lock on the gate and on website so people know ahead of time- use a different combination for gate so any member can get in. The procedure will be to give out combination to gate to any member, but to change the combination on the hut and powerpole and to be given out only after a member has been shown how to use it.

DAS payment on DS lease is past due. Henry mentioned they are having a tough time due to drought. A motion was made to add extra amount on the lease payment this year of $200, because we forgot to pay on time and for additional electrical useage. Motion passed. Treasurer will send immediately.

Larry brought up a recent email on the list about parking campers next to pads at the DS. There was discussion about parking campers and vans next to pads. Some reported it getting crowded at times. People need to show courtesy about not blocking others view or being blocked in. Some discussion about non-members using the site; it was reported one person said he’d been going to the site for 2 years and said he will now join. Larry will post sign up about members use only and guests. Will route to eboard on eboard email list.

Jack Eastman reported he represented DAS at the Western Amateur Astronomers at RTMC. Nothing of consequence at the meeting.

Reminder the Picnic is in July, get with Carla on details.

Astronomy Day is Oct. 12.

Meeting adjourned, 10pm

Minutes Approved w/ minor corrections; July 12, 2002 Eboard meeting
Ron Pearson, Secretary DAS