UCGIS 1998 Annual Assembly
MINUTES
UCGIS COUNCIL MEETING, Saturday, June 27, 1998 (1:30-6PM)
Olympia Park Hotel, Park City, Utah
The Council meeting was brought to order by President David Mark at 1:45 pm
1) Revision of and Items for Agenda - none
2) Minutes of Council Meeting, June 1997
Motion: Craig proposed, and Elmes seconded that the minutes of the last Council meeting be approved as appeared on the home page. Passed (unanimously).
Strategic Plan (1:50-2:55pm) (Buttenfield):
3) Procedure for the Council, Role as a guideline, Approve strategic plan - VOTE
Discussion: Buttenfield reviewed the strategic plan, highlighting changes made to the Action Items. Each Action Item was discussed and modified if warranted. The Action Items were discussed organized by Objectives and later by Responsible Party. For a list of these Action Items see (Strategic Plan –
on the Web Site at www.ucgis.org).
Motion: Egenhofer moved and Pontius seconded that we adopt the Strategic Plan including all the amendments and statements modified in this discussion. Motion carried (unanimously).
David Mark moved that we all thank the hard work of the Strategic Planning Committee and a hardy round of applause was given to Buttenfield, Hamerlinck, Dobson and Palmerlee.
Research Committee (2:55-4:25pm) (McMaster):
4) Council Finalize Research Priorities
Presented additions and major priorities that have emerged in the 10 Research Priority Topics. A discussion took place after each topic was presented.
Spatial Data Acquisition and Integration - (Jensen presented)
Distributed Computing - (McMaster presented, Goodchild commented)
Motion: Egenhofer moved and Pontius seconded that we change the name of this research priority from "Distributed Computing" to "Distributed and Mobile Computing". Motion carried (4 opposed).
Cognition of geographic information - (Montello presented)
Extensions to Geographic Representation - (McMaster presented)
Motion: Usery moved and Kemp seconded that we change the name of this research priority from "Extensions to Geographic Representation " to " Geographic Representation". Motion carried (2 abstained).
GIS and Society - (McMaster presented)
Sheppard stated that although their were two papers, they were not in conflict. He also acknowledged Taupier will author a second paper directed at Policy and Decision Making.
Scale - (McMaster presented, Lam commented)
Lam stated a name change was discussed.
Spatial Analysis in a GIS Environment - (McMaster presented, Getis commented)
Getis stated that the original paper did stand.
Motion: Usery moved and Marble seconded that we change the name of this research priority from " Spatial Analysis in a GIS Environment " to " Spatial Analysis and Modeling in a GIS Environment ". Motion carried (39 for, 21 opposed).
The Future of the Spatial Information Infrastructure - (McMaster presented, Onsrud commented)
Uncertainty in Spatial Data and GIS-Based Analyses - (McMaster attempted to present, Chrisman quickly moved to the podium)
Motion: Pontius moved and Zhu seconded that we change the name of this research priority from "Uncertainty in Spatial Data and GIS-Based Analyses " to "Uncertainty". Motion failed (25 for, 28 opposed).
Interoperability of Geographic Information - (Ferreira presented)
Summary discussion:
McMaster discussed the Time Table and Future Plans. The most important issue was posting the White Papers on the web. July 1998 we will have a UCGIS presentation at ESRI, in August 1998 we will have a Summary Paper in CaGIS or IJGIS, and in October 1998 we will have a presentation at GIS/LIS as well as a meeting on the final plans for the Minneapolis meeting.
How do we proceed? Goodchild suggests that we need to use these research priorities to respond to funding initiatives such as "Digital Earth". Egenhofer agrees with Goodchild and Dobson further states we need to prepare this by the Congressional breakfast in January.
BREAK (4:25-4:40pm)
5) 1999 Summer Assembly Program theme and responsibilities (McMaster)
Three days on the agenda: 1) Educational Priorities, 2) GIS Applications, and 3) GIS and Society.
Discussion: An interest in changing the forum of the meetings to promote more open discussion. An interest in hearing what is happening at member institutions. An interest in deepening the level of interaction. An interest in experimenting with different ideas, suggesting a theme for the meetings such as the University of Minnesota. It was stated that the reason we are having applications in Minnesota is to reflect on how our research and education priorities intersect with applications.
6) Executive Report (Mark)
Many new members, congressional breakfasts going well. Want to encourage bids to host the year 2000 meeting.
7) Financial Report (Palmerlee for Abler)
The AAG donates staff time and facilities for UCGIS. This contribution is growing. Our balance is $118,000. but it is misleading as it is not the steady state of income. It has come from new members fees and an FGDC contract.
UCGIS Congressional Events:
8) 1998 Congressional Breakfast - report
(Onsrud)
Lessons learned:
Members of congress respond to constituents.
- invitations from home universities, personal contact
- stories of GIS use in the state for social good
- state business support of GI Science a big plus
"If it is funded, what story can I tell back home?"
Social and economic issues critical in advocating science funding
Rapid and persistent response team critical, DC presence
How far did we get?:
2 US senators spoke
7 members of congress
Developed markup language for increased funding for NSF for GI Science
US senator wrote a formal request to the appropriate committee chair requesting $20 million
Fell short of getting the language into the legislation
Discussion: We need to improve communication of the results of these breakfasts to the membership.
9) 1999 Congressional event: Congressional "message" and agency program(Onsrud)
Initiative 1: Basic Research in Support of Critical National Needs
- continue to add funds to NSF or add language on GI Science
Initiative 2: Mission Focused Research in Support of Critical Industry and Government Needs
- add $15 million to an agency budget for GI research centers program.
Strategy: Turn the meeting in Washington into a three day event where UCGIS is briefed by agencies, attend a congressional breakfast or have a late afternoon reception, meet with individual congress members and possibly meet with other Washington based organizations.
Motion: Dobson moved and Wright seconded that we not have a congressional breakfast until we have a coherent program to present which is defined as a document which:
Motion carried ( 8 opposed).
Motion: Kemp moved and Goodchild seconded that we continue our Washington efforts and the Board consider all possible activities, given the constraints of the previous motion. Motion carried (unanimous).
10) Operating Procedure Working Group Recommendations - (Rugg )
Reported on activities to generate funds - workshops, proposal review, project oversight, IPA facilitation
11a) Due Increase - Discussion (Mark) and VOTE
Reported that the Board recommended not to recommend a dues increase at this time.
11b) Action of Interagency Budget Initiative (Mark)
Reported on what it was and suggested that we support this as we learn more about it, assuming we agree with this initiative as evolves.
12) Response to the FGDC Research Buy from (NSDI & Digital Earth)
Reported on FGDC identified money for UCGIS members to include research for FGDC and workshops. Board will take action on this tomorrow and form an ad hoc research management committee.
Discussion: Under our current UCGIS bylaws, amendments may be made as follows:
ARTICLE X AMENDMENTS
The Bylaws or the Articles of Incorporation may be amended in whole or in part by a two-thirds majority vote of the Council except as otherwise specified for special circumstances in these Bylaws. Amendments may be proposed by any delegate either to the Board of Directors or to the assembled Council. The Board shall circulate the proposed amendment to all delegates at least thirty days prior to vote. In addition, all amendments must be discussed at a Council meeting prior to a vote by the delegates.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT #1 - A CHANGE TO THE LISTED RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
POLICY AND LEGISLATION COMMITTEE
Discussion: When we originally drafted the responsibilities of the UCGIS Policy and Legislative Committee we purposely did not mention lobbying of Congress and other bodies because we were not certain that we could. Now we know we can.
Motion: Onsrud moved and Wright seconded that we add the sentence shown in quotes below so that the entire description of the responsibilities of the Policy and Legislative Committee would now read as follows:
(1) Policy and Legislation Committee
This committee identifies, acquires, analyzes, and reports to UCGIS member universities any geographic information science related policies or legislation being adopted or considered by local, state, federal, or
international law bodies that might be relevant to the goals set forth in Article III or otherwise affect the research and teaching programs related to geographic information science. "The committee shall propose and develop legislation if needed in support of the goals of Article III, propose and draft responses to legislation that may be adverse to the goals set forth in Article III, and develop approaches for communicating with legislators, agency personnel, and other policy makers."
Motion carried (unanimous).
PROPOSED AMENDMENT #2 - A CHANGE IN THE DESIGNATED INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE TO BE ELECTED AS PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT OF UCGIS
Discussion: There are numerous reasons why some very qualified faculty and researchers at UCGIS institutions are not serving as delegates. Some of these individuals might be appropriate to serve in a leadership position in UCGIS. The proposed amendment below applies to eligibility for the positions of president and vice president as well as for the position of Board member.
Motion: Onsrud moved and Egenhofer seconded that we that we add the phrase "and alternates" to the bylaws as shown in quotes in the following two paragraphs:
Article IV subsection (2) Delegates
Each member institution shall designate two delegates to sit on the UCGIS Council (hereafter, Council) and one or more alternates to serve in the absence of the delegates. Each of the two delegates "and any alternate" representing the institution is eligible to hold offices of UCGIS...
Article VI subsection (4) Selection of the Board Members (Directors)
Election of Directors is conducted in accordance with the following: 1. A nominating committee (as specified in VI(6)12 below) shall designate four nominees chosen from among the delegates "and alternates" for each annual election of two Board members and shall designate two nominees chosen from among the delegates "and alternates" for each annual election of the Vice-President (President-Elect). ....
Motion carried (unanimous).
PROPOSED AMENDMENT #3 - SPECIFICATION OF WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PLANNING THE PROGRAM FOR THE SUMMER COUNCIL MEETING
Discussion: The bylaws currently state that the President-Elect serves as the chair of the Program Committee for the next annual Council meeting. Since the Council meets twice per year the language is currently unclear. In addition, the Annual Assembly occurs approximately six months after the President-Elect is known and this is too short a time frame for planning the program for the summer meeting. We propose that the UCGIS Board should appoint a Summer Assembly Program Chair at least a full year in advance of each summer meeting.
Motion: Onsrud moved and Goodchild seconded that we drop the phrase shown in brackets in the following paragraph:
Article IV subsection (2) President and President-Elect .... The President-Elect shall serve as President whenever the President is unable to so serve (and also serves as the Chair of the Program Committee
for the next annual Council meeting.).
Motion carried (unanimous).
Motion: Onsrud moved and Egenhofer seconded that we add the phrase shown in quotes in the following paragraph:
Article VI subsection (6) Functions of the Board of Directors The Board of Directors shall have the following functions and such other functions as may be assigned to it by majority vote of the Council. ...(2) To appoint the chair and vice-chair of standing committees "and to appoint a program chair for each meeting of the Council."
Motion carried (unanimous).
PROPOSED AMENDMENT #4 - A CHANGE TO THE METHOD BY WHICH DELEGATES AND
ALTERNATES TO UCGIS MAY BE CHANGED OR ADDED BY A UNIVERSITY OR ORGANIZATION
Discussion: We have had many changes in delegates and alternates from universities since the inception of our organization. Making changes through University president offices has been cumbersome. After initial appointment, we would like to see a more steamlined process for making delegate and alternate changes.
Motion: Onsrud moved and Egenhofer seconded that we add the language shown in quotes and drop the language shown in double parentheses (( )) below:
Article IV subsection (2) Delegates
Delegates "and alternates" will be appointed "initially" by the Chief Administrator of the member university (or current President, if the organization is other than a University). "After initial appointment, delegates may be replaced and alternates may be added or dropped through consultation with or vote by those faculty identified in the University's UCGIS portfolio as being involved in geographic information science research or education. This consultation or vote may be by electronic means or otherwise. In the event of a dispute, the Chief Administrator or president has the option of making appointments by override or confirmation of any vote(s) taken." (( Alternates will be appointed as needed by the same individual.)) Whenever new appointments or changes in appointment terms are made, they shall be forwarded by the "lead delegate," Chief Administrator or president to the Executive Director of UCGIS.
Motion carried (unanimous).
PROPOSED NEW OPERATING PROCEDURE - A CHANGE TO ESTABLISH TWO SUBCATEGORIES OF AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP
Discussion: To date, recruitment of UCGIS Affiliate Members has focused on businesses and corporations that meet our requirements for affiliate status. U.S., multi-national, and foreign private sector corporations all may apply and qualify for affiliate status with UCGIS. Our new operating procedure would allow foreign non-profit organizations such as foreign consortia (e.g. AGILE ), universities, and research labs to join as affiliate members.
The language from our bylaws regarding affiliates is as follows:
(4) Affiliates
Affiliates may be organizations that do not qualify for membership that are actively involved in education, research, or service related to geographic information science. They may be associated with the UCGIS as affiliates upon approval by the Council with the concurrence of a majority of delegate votes. Affiliate status is non-voting. Each affiliate shall designate one representative who will serve as a liaison with the UCGIS. Dues and other conditions of affiliation will be specified by the Council with the concurrence of two-thirds of delegate votes.
Motion: Onsrud moved and Craig seconded that the following phrase be incorporated into the operating procedures of UCGIS. "The two classes of affiliate membership are Corporate Affiliate and Foreign Affiliate."
NOTE: We have been advised by a Washington consultant to wait until after our legislative efforts are well along or successful before changing our bylaws to incorporate different classes of affiliate membership. That is, there appears to be nothing wrong with admitting foreign affiliates but it might cause confusion with members of Congress as to why we are proposing to admit a class of foreign affiliates at the same time we are advocating increases in funding for geographic information science. Since a bylaw change is not required to admit foreign affiliate members we may simply do so through a change in our operating procedures and this does not seem to raise the same red flag.
Motion: Buttenfield moved and Ferreira seconded that we table the motion on the floor that deals with the Foreign Affiliate Members. Motion carried (5 opposed).
Motion tabled.
There were none.
Reported on the Action Items that resulted from the Wednesday GeoScience Education Session.
The second UCGIS Virtual Seminar is on track, for information contact Dawn Wright.
Foreign Affiliate Members - VOTE
This item was discussed by the membership committee and they reported here. The motion was tabled earlier but the issue was discussed.
Member participation on Committees (Palmerlee)
No comment was made.
14) Process for developing a 1998-1999 Annual Plan(Mark)
Will be done by the board.
15) Meeting and Objectives for Ft. Worth (Palmerlee)
Palmerlee drew our attention to page 19 of the Annual Assembly agenda.
16) Other business
None
Motion: Osleeb moved and Lam seconded that we adjourn the meeting. Motion carried (unanimous)…Meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m.