The meeting was called to order by Brenda Oppert, President. Also in attendance were George Potts, James Triplett, Dan Merriam, Larry Skelton, David Saunders, Calvin Cink, Stan Roth, Jim Aber and James Taylor.
The minutes of the last meeting were accepted. In a written report, Pieter Berendsen reported that membership stands at 235, which is up from the last meeting but still about 30 below last year. Due to changes at the Kansas Geological Survey, the society may have to start paying for mailing and other items.
In a submitted report, Jan Barton reported that this year's income has been $11,707.50 and expenditures have been $9,309.62. Since another issue of the Transactions will be published this fall as well as another newsletter, it is possible that the society will be in the red for the year. Jan also informed the board that she does not wish to seek another term as treasurer.
In a submitted report, Scott Kardel reported that 116 middle and high school students presented results of their research at the 63rd annual meeting of the Junior Academy of Science which was held on May 2. The best overall research project was presented by Leslie Smith of Shawnee Mission Northwest High School of Wichita. It is possible that the award winning papers may be published in the Transactions.
James Triplett reported on preparations being made for the 135th annual KAS meeting which will be held at Pittsburg State University on April 11 and 12. Local arrangements are being coordinated by Joe Arruda.
It was reported that BioOne is starting a new service in which individuals who are not part of a subscription service can pay to see the full text of articles. The KAS was asked to participate at no cost to the society. Brenda Oppert was directed to give our approval. In this agreement, 50% of all pay-per-view sales will be given to the KAS. The charge for viewing a single article was set at $5.
Dan Merriam reported that the next issue of the Transactions will be a memorial to Frank Cross. It will be a large issue and $1,500 has been raised to fund this issue. Dave Saunders reported that he is in the process of seeking new associate editors.
Larry Skelton gave a report on the upcoming KAS Bulletin.
Calvin Cink reported that he almost has a full slate of candidates for the upcoming election. Paul Adams submitted resignation from the Council. Stan Roth was appointed to fill a vacancy in the 2003 class of Council Members at Large.
Brenda Oppert reported that she has a contact person with the Missouri Academy of Science and they will be setting a date for the 2004 Annual Meeting. That meeting will be at Rockhurst College in Kansas City.
Calvin Cink reported that he has three people committed for the KAS Distinguished Lecture Series. It was decided that distinguished lecturers only need commit for a single year and that the academy should do something at the end of that year to recognize their service.
Stan Roth reported on plans for the September 21st fall field trip to the Chataqua Hills. Information on the field trip will be in the next KAS Bulletin. The next KAS council meeting will be held the night before the field trip.
Ways of strengthening the KAS and increasing membership were discussed. A past brochure was looked at and suggestions were made to improve it. Brenda Oppert agreed to rework the brochure for the next meeting.
Several committees which were active in the past need to be activated. George Potts will head up the membership committee. James Triplett will head the finance committee. It is hoped that Rex Buchanan will head up the public relations committee and that Scott Kardel will head up the education committee.
Brenda Oppert reported that Gaylen Neufeld of Emporia State University has agreed to be the KAS representative to the AAAS.
The Kansas Space Grant Consortium asked the KAS to become associated with them. There would be no expense to the society. The council voted to become a part of the consortium.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
James Taylor