July E-Board meeting minutes read and approved with minor corrections.

University of Denver - Chamberlin Observatory

- Deputy Director Dave Trott read a statement concerning use of the observatory and Surrounding park grounds - emphasis given to curfew time and necessity for permit for use over curfew limit

- Discussed upcoming use of the 20" Clark for Mars and emphasized the need for additional personnel for crowds and proper number of operators and assistants during DAS use.

- Vice President Frank Mancini, Rich Loper, and Darrell Dodge passed the driver's test for the 20-inch Clark refractor

- Mention was made of a possible natural gas smell near the south door, which will be checked and reported on as soon as possible.

Treasurer's report

- Chuck Carlson reported he would be absent from the Open House next evening, as will Frank Mancini.

- Space Governance Society contacted the DAS seeking possible new subscribers.

- Royal Astronomical Society of Canada contacted the DAS concerning availability of its yearly calendars.

- Mentioned the increase in subscription rate for Sky & Telescope to $32.95 - some confusion as to when - Chuck contacted S&T - increase is effective immediately.

- Final AlphaPage invoice - $462.36. Discussion of a few minor glitches with the new online reservation system, but overall performance and satisfaction seems very good.

Secretary's report. - Unavailable - Secretary on excused absence.

Vice President s report

- Frank Mancini thanked the members who helped him with training for the 20-inch Clark's driver's test - Dave Trott good-naturedly reported passing him with a 'High 'D"."

-Discussed Jeffco's Windy Peak Outdoor Lab seeking DAS assistance and advice for a proposed $400.00 roll-off-roof observatory - group is part of the local Kiwanis Club.

- Discussed Canon special-purchase catalogue and its benefits to club members by way of available discounts - mentioned specifically NOT selling binoculars to prevent infringing on S&S Optika business - mentioned ways of ordering to minimize shipping charges.

- Mars Madness publicity - 'Critic-at-Large" Greg Moody (Channel 4) will come back on the 27th, as will other television crews.

New Business

- VP Frank Mancini donated a laser printer for the Chamberlin library - Carla expressed thanks and asked for further donations of used PCs or laptops.

- Todd Hitch discussed re-informing the membership of availability of the library to DAS members and clarifying the procedures for its use,

- Carla and Patti will meet with DMNS on the upcoming Monday (August 11) to discuss coordinated efforts for Colorado Astronomy Day - discussion of door prizes, raffle tickets, etc. Possible speakers include Drs. Robert Zubrin and John Bally, Doug Duncan and a presentation by Bryan White.

- Carla mentioned the yearly Halloween party for the neighborhood group at Chamberlin suggested that DU host and run the event and the DAS will offer assistance if requested.

- Discussion of gift for Wayne Green for his generous efforts in creating the new online Public Night reservation system - plaque and cash award or binoculars - member friends will covertly asses his needs and wants and report back to the Board

- Board member Joe Gafford reported he is building the initial DAS calendar for 2004 mentioned that July 2004 is open for a star party - discussed possible joint event with Western Colorado Astronomers on the western slope in Grand Junction, Colorado.

- David Shouldice mentioned his upcoming absences from Public Night and requested help in filling the slots.

-Bill Ormsby mentioned his upcoming pacemaker implant surgery, but was unsure of dates mentioned hospital stay and recuperation periods and requested help in filling his absences from Public Night when necessary.

Motion to adjourn accepted at 9:53 p.m.
Meeting minutes respectfully submitted,
Steve Solon, Acting Recorder

Ron Pearson, Secretary, DAS, Inc.Ron Pearson, Secretary DAS