MINUTES
AIPG-Northeast Section Executive Committee Meeting
Wednesday May 15, 2002
Weehawkwn Public Library
Weehawken, New Jersey

I. Call to Order:
1315 hours Attendees: Dick Young, Dennis McGrath, Dan St. Germain, Kerry Hanlon, Arnold Schiffman, Curt Kraemer, John Gavras, Craig Werle, Bob Blauvelt, Len Rexrode, Dorothy Richter, Tom West, Tom Wohlford, Mike McEachern and Sheryl Neary.

II. Secretary's Report:
Minutes of the December 3, 2001 meeting were reviewed. Dan St. Germain presented a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Arnie Schiffman and approved with minor corrections. Minutes of the March 4, 2002 meeting were reviewed. Kerry Hanlon presented a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Dan St. Germain and approved with minor corrections.

III. Treasurer's Report:
The May 15, 2002 treasurer's report was reviewed and discussed. Arnie Schiffman presented a motion to transfer monies from the Section funds to the Angelo Tagliocozzo Memorial Geologic Scholarship Trust Fund (ATMGSTF). Dan St. Germain seconded the motion. The motions to transfer funds and accept the treasurer's report were approved.

IV. Correspondence:
Dennis McGrath provided a copy of an e-mail correspondence from the editor of The Professional Geologist (TPG) requesting AIPG members to submit an article, paper or guest column for publication in TPG.

V. Old Business:
Formation of NE Chapters - Mike McEachern and Sheryl Neary were in attendance representing the Long Island Geologists Association (LIGA). Mike and Sherry discussed how the LIGA could improve membership turnout at NE Section meetings and how LIGA could work with the Section as a chapter organization. Mike McEachern indicated that Bill Siok had e-mailed a copy of the Illinois/Indiana Section by-laws that contains provisions for the Illinois chapter. Mike also provided a summary of the LIGA organization indicating that it was a loosely knit group of geologists (mostly non-CPG), with some of the membership representing trade organizations (drillers) and teachers. The association is currently organized and run by Dr. Gil Hanson, who is considering stepping down from LIGA due to work demands. As a result, LIGA is looking at alternative organizational changes including becoming a chapter of the NE Section.

The main concern discussed during the meeting was the issue of chapter dues. According to Mike, an informal poll of the LIGA membership suggested that dues in excess of $50 annually would discourage membership enrollment. Of the $50 dollars currently collected by LIGA, approximately two-thirds of the membership dues are used to cover LIGA expenses. Mike felt that the additional burden of AIPG dues would not be well received by the LIGA members.

Dan St. Germain pointed out that the Illinois/Indiana chapters had both voting (AIPG - CPG or licensed geologists) and non-voting members. The LIGA members could consider becoming associate or student members of AIPG or non-voting members of the chapter. In response, Mike McEachern posed the question of how would either the NE Section or LIGA would benefit from the formation of a chapter. Len Rexrode responded by stating that having a delegate of the LIGA sit on the NE Section executive committee would help to focus the Section on issues concerning Long Island, New York members. Dan St. Germain pointed out that the biggest advantage of having LIGA become a NE Section Chapter would be that LIGA members would receive the support and backing of a national organization.

Due to time constraints, further discussion was tabled. Informal discussion continued during the evening meeting. No further action on the part of NE-AIPG is required until the LIGA membership further investigates potential organizational changes.

VI. 2004 National Meeting Update:
Contract with Gideon Putnam - The sample contract from the 2004 National meeting site was presented and reviewed. According to Dennis McGrath, Bill Siok has already reviewed the sample contract and feels that it could be executed as written. Dick Young pointed out that the Section needs to be careful before signing the contract since we are a volunteer-based group and that many Sections have lost money hosting the National meetings. Prior to executing the contract, the NE Section has agreed to review the hotel contracts from the last one or two National meetings and to confirm with Bob Stewart the level of commitment that has been made with the Gideon Putnam Hotel. National Meeting Treasury Account - Arnie Schiffman pointed out that the Section would need to establish a separate treasury account for the National meeting. The new treasury account would be established with a loan from AIPG-National.

VII. Newsletter/Directory of Members Update:
Dick Young provided an update on advertising subscriptions for the Newsletter. According to Dick, the Newsletter has 46.5 pages of advertisements and 83 advertisers. During 2002, eight former advertisers did not renew their advertising subscriptions, however, 14 new advertisers were gained. Dick hopes to continue to grow the advertising base and asked the Executive Committee members for their help in increasing the list of advertisers.

VIII. New Business:
Election for 2003/2004 ExCom Officers and Members: - Dennis indicated that several of the officers of the executive committee were up for re-election. According to the Section bylaws, the schedule for officer elections is as follows:
· Nominations need to be sent to the nomination committee by July 20th;
· Ballots for the officers need to be sent out in the Newsletter no later than August 20th; and
· Ballots are to be received from the members by the Fall Meeting.

IX. Adjournment:
The Executive Committee meeting was adjourned at 1515 hours.