There was a request made at Huntsville Grotto's August meeting (held Wednesday night). No doubt this has generated discussion on the topic of the NSS Office facilities.
I tend to think that a new Office building and upgraded Library facilities with improved archival features would be really nice. We also need a building for the NSS Museum collection, as I read somewhere and don't remember where, that the collection currently takes up half of the Museum Committee Chair's garage, and he'd like to reclaim some of his space for himself (can't blame him for that ;D).
If we (the Society) have the funding or financial means to build new facilities or add on to/remodel our current facilities, that is certainly something that should be looked into.
Disclaimer - This does not imply that I think the NSS Office should be moved or is being moved from the Huntsville area. Here is some background on the topic if anyone is interested.
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From the Presidents Report for the July 2007 Summer Board Meeting:Office Master Plan ad hoc Committee:Craig Hindman, chairman, 410-792-0742, ctider@us.ibm.com
Progress: I sent out a request for ideas & information as to what space we now have, where to build, how large with all options open.
I asked several people to join the committee - Bob Hoke, Dave Luckins, John Scheltens, Jeanee Gurnee, Karen Kastening and the office staff. As yet I have not been able to reach Dick Blenz.
I've received back ideas & information from all additions to the committee, plus Lundquist & Frantz.
Plans: My time line to the committee should be able to have a plan formulated by Indiana.
* Phase 1 - Independent ideas and data on current space
* Phase 2 - meld the ideas together
* Phase 3 - Form the plan and sell it to the Board by Indiana
Problems: None
www.caves.org/nss-business/reports/jul07/pres.html#Office%20Software-------------------------------------------
Motions from the March 17, 2007 Board of Governors Meeting Minutes:(26) NSS Storage Building Jones moved: If zoning variance is obtained, the NSS will have the Smith House torn down, and will erect a larger, pre-fabricated Butler, or Butler-type building, for storage, including the Museum collection. The Operations Vice President will present plans to the board at the summer meeting for approval.
Seconded by Clark.
VOTE:In favor: Clark, Cole, Devine, Jones, Levinson, Kayes, Lewis, Moss, Robertson, Szukalski, Ormeroid, Taylor, Frantz, Smith
Opposed: None
Abstaining: Hose, Liebman
PASSED
(27) New NSS HeadquartersJones moved: The NSS will acquire property in the Huntsville, Alabama, area on which to construct, an office complex, including an office, publications and supplies storage, library, storage for archives, museum collection storage, museum exhibition, and bookstore. The NSS Operations Vice President is responsible for researching options and presenting appropriate property and general plans to the NSS Board for approval.
Seconded by Levinson.
Smith moved to substitute: The NSS President is directed to form an ad hoc committee to develop long term plans for the NSS office, library, and museum. <This committee is to report back to the Board at the fall 2007 meeting. > << An interim report will be due to the Board at the 2007 summer meeting. >>
Seconded by Liebman.
Ted Kayes moved to amend: Delete the last sentence and insert "An interim report will be due to the Board at the 2007 summer meeting."
Seconded by Jones.
VOTE to amend the substitute:
Unanimously in favor
PASSED
VOTE on the substituted motion:In favor: Cole, Devine, Levinson, Kayes, Lewis, Robertson, Smith, Szukalski, Liebman, Ormeroid, Frantz, Jones
Opposed: Hose, Clark, Moss
Abstaining: Taylor
PASSED
www.caves.org/nss-business/minutes/mar07bog.html