SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER OF URISA BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, September 4, 2002 - 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
City of Burbank
Recorded by Lorenda Lee
In attendance:
Ingrid Bruce
Mike Calandra
Tony De La Sota
Michael Heimer
Lorenda Lee
Lisa Lubeley
Laszlo Mariahazy
Kim Mathis
Larry Vredenburgh
Meeting rescheduled from August 21. Ingrid, outgoing President, turns reins over to Kim at the end of this meeting.
New Central California Chapter of URISA proposed
Kern proposes to separate from the SOCAL Chapter to form a new Chapter. In an earlier attempt, National URISA declined Kern’s petition to form their own Chapter due to too few National members in the Kern Section. SOCAL Chapter will work with Kern to obtain enough National memberships for Chapter formation (10 National memberships required).
A new Chapter will affect the way the SOCAL Chapter and BAAMA do business, especially as it pertains to the CalGIS Conference. The Central Chapter would be expected to participate in funding seed money for CalGIS. Kern stated they have money. Kern will also need to produce a census statement showing number of members and GIS users in proposed service area that could sustain a Chapter.
Boundaries for proposed Central Chapter discussed and delineated. Counties include: Kern, San Luis Obispo, Kings, Tulare, Fresno, Inyo, Madero, Merced, Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Mono. Tony will check with BAAMA about their boundaries to make sure there is no overlap.
Ingrid will contact Wendy Francis at National to find out rules to from a chapter. Ingrid will also notify BAAMA of plans because future CalGIS conference profits would be divided into three parts. Conference locations would change as well. Bruce Joffe, BAAMA and National Board member, recently sent supportive comments regarding SOCAL’s plans for reorganization and Kern’s proposal for new Chapter to all National board members including Wendy, Marketing Manager, and Bill Gentes.
Kern Action Items:
The Chapter should be represented in other political and educational groups and events, such as the GIS Regional Council and California Geographic Information Association (CGIA) by board members. CGIA is the political watch arm, with focus on lawmakers. GBET conference is coming up and conflicts with National conference.
Chapter liaisons should be appointed to attend other group functions. It is also important that Lee Ann Garcia, CalGIS Conference Coordinator, and National URISA stay informed of Chapter news.
Kim suggested a Southern California newsletter and Web site as a tool for keeping members and colleagues informed. Ingrid stated that it is best to wait until after the Chapter/Kern business is resolved.
ITEM 3: TREASURER REPORT
We have money in the account. CalGIS seed money has been paid out.
ITEM 4: FEDERAL TAX STATUS NEWS
Complete. Form 990 in map. Mike to take care of it.
ITEM 5: NATIONAL CONFERENCE NEWS/ISSUES
Conference to be held in Chicago, October 27-30, 2002.
Kim, Laszlo, Dan, to attend annual Chapter meeting. It is important for Central Chapter formation that someone from Kern attends the conference. SOCAL will split conference costs with Kern for one member.
Several attendees suggested that while meeting with National board, ask them to reduce cost of National membership and show that SOCAL is willing to bring in new National members as a result.
Tony inquired about how to get National to have more of a presence in Chapter affairs.
All primary board members should be National members: President, VP, Treasurer and Secretary.
ITEM 6: NEW BUSINESS, NEXT MEETING DATE
· 2003 CalGIS Conference
Proposed Chapter board summit: After State conference boards (BAAMA & SOCAL) stay ½ day (or longer) to discuss conference problems, accomplishments and feedback. The boards could also discuss what they want to accomplish at future conferences.
Include National Chapter Relations Committee (CRC) leader (Bruce Joffe). This meeting can be critical to the success of future conferences. BAAMA already had meeting for 2004 CalGIS Conference, but no SOCAL board member was present.
A suggested location for the 2004 Conference is Bakersfield (also San Jose). Bakersfield City owns Convention Center. Bob Amos may be chair. Michael has contact information for most of the counties.
· GITA Fall Conference – October 4, 2002 Includes California, Nevada. Cost is $29 (one day), Irvine Spectrum.
Chapter Assignments:
Michael:
1) Information on Central Valley number of users.
2) Information on Rob’s previous attempt at Chapter status.
Laszlo:
1) Membership numbers from Intergraph and other GIS Groups
2) Contact and assist Orange County Section set up an educational workshop. Ask Eric if he still wants to do one.
Tony:
1) Print BAAMA boundary map from Web site.
2) Put together list of organizations that SOCAL can have a presence in (e.g. CGIA).
3) Get list of questions to Kim to take to National Conference so we can see what National can do for us.
4) Help LA put together an educational session. Send out a notice to those who were most active, seeking support, and get assistance with marketing.
Lisa:
1) Create list critical board arms (e.g, Webmaster, membership chair)
Ingrid:
1) Talk to Wendy about rules to form a new Chapter
2) Email notice to BAAMA
Kim:
1) Email BAAMA with notice of today’s proceedings, attach map with Central Chapter proposed boundary. Ask for 1) BAAMA boundaries 2) a list of related groups they are affiliated with. Cc board on response.
2) Ask Bob Parrott who is doing GIS political watch now (used to be him).
Board:
1) Come up with survey questions for CalGIS attendees, and assemble responses at post conference summit.
NEXT MEETING: DECEMBER 11, 2002 AT OCTA.
NEW PRESIDENT, KIM MATHIS, ADJOURNED MEETING.