PRESENT: Executive Committee: Lonnie Sears, Ed Cowherd, Jim Anderson, Robert Armstrong and Roger Purcell.  Excused: Tren Baker.

Directors: Dan Collins, Cathy Costarides, Dean Olson, and Gary Witherington.  Excused: Craig Brewer, Stacy Carroll, John McCleskey, Bobby Shupe, Trent Turk, and Dale Yawn. 

Chapter Representatives: John Roeser, Daniel Mahan, Kayle Cowherd, Phillip Roberts, Jimmy Green, Robert Brooks, and Joey Brock. By Proxy: Wright Powers for Bert Barrett, Jr., Wayne Colburn for Mitch Lowery, and Joe Evans for Vonny Blanton. Excused:  Lane Bishop and Gary Nevill. Absent: Dwight Kilby, Tommie Donaldson, and Alfred Bellew. 

Staff: Ginger Walker and Steve Neff.

 

With 15 voting member’s present and 3 proxies, President Lonnie Sears called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.  

 

Eleven first time attendees were recognized.

 

The minutes of the previous meeting (Nov. 14, 2009) were approved with 2 corrections. The Treasurer’s report (attached) was approved as presented and rebate checks were distributed to chapters who submitted 4 or more meeting minutes for 2009.   

 

National Representative’s Report: Robert Armstrong reported ALTA standards have been “cleaned up” and revisions are almost ready to go to the attorneys. He will be attending the next Area 4 meeting in February and the NSPS Conference April 23-26^th in Phoenix, Arizona.

 

STANDING COMMITTEES:

Annual Meeting – Wright Powers reported on behalf of Gary Nevill. The Education and Annual Meeting Committees will meet this week to discuss the Summer Conference July 15-17, 2010 at Amelia Island Plantation. 

Education – Several members have inquired about a Minimum Technical Standards class at the July 2010 Conference; Wright Powers reported his plans include offering the class. Wright is also working on the 2010 Joint Geospatial Conference scheduled for October 2010 at the University of Georgia Conference Center. He and Ginger Walker are members of the Planning Committee and will have details posted on the website as they become available.

Interprofessional Cooperation – John Roeser reported he continues to meet with the Georgia Engineers Association regarding Privatizing the Admin functions of the State Board of Registration. Josh Lewis, Legislative Committee Chairman, has also attended recent meetings and will have details in his report.

Council of Past Presidents – Roger Purcell asked attendees who are interested in serving on the SAMSOG Board of Directors to contact him. He is beginning to assemble candidates for 2010 – 2012 Directors.

Legislative – Josh Lewis, III and Steve Neff reported on legislation effecting the surveying and mapping profession. (1) Privatization of the BOR Administrative functions. BOR members Mark Chastain and Elmo Richardson have approved the legislation. Ben Harbin is the bills author. After he approves the bill, it will be emailed to SAMSOG members. Although the cost is not confirmed, estimates indicate RLS license fees will double to $100 bi-annually. (2) House Bill 72 (see attached) combines proposed legislation by Roger Lane to abolish the County Surveyor position with a Notification Bill requiring surveyors to notify adjoining property tax payers prior to surveying any property over 5 acres, agricultural, or not zoned. The bill was faxed to Josh Friday afternoon by Lane Bishop so Josh and Steve had not had time to study it. Lengthy discussion ensued. Dean Olson motioned “SAMSOG not support the notification bill or abolishing the CountySurveyor position in its current form”. The motion passed unanimously. (3) Steve reported the Legislators are focusing on budget, water, and transportation during the 2010 session. Although Georgia’s population has increased more than 600,000, budget figures are comparable to those in 2005. David Rawlson is the new House Speaker and is a close friend and business associate of Lane Bishop (Legislative Committee member). (4) Josh is meeting with key Senate Leaders regarding requiring surveys on property transfers. Realtor, Attorney, and Banking Association leaders have been contacted relative to the fact “the public is not being cared for”. The membership will be updated as more details are finalized. Please monitor your email and check the website for legislative updates. 

Membership & Chapter Development – 14 members were presented and unanimously approved (report attached). The Membership Drive will conclude in July at the Annual Meeting and Summer Conference. Gary Witherington nominated Johnny C. Gaskins for “Life Membership” in the Society. The motion was unanimously approved. Ginger will talk to the Secretary to notification and proclamation procedures.

Public Relations – David Shirley reported on behalf of the Foothills Chapter who volunteered to oversee the PR Committee. The “Surveyor” video tape has been copied to a DVD. David gave a copy to Ginger who will have copies produced and made available to all chapters. The committee plans a media campaign to highlight National Land Surveyors Week March 21-27, 2010

Monument Protection and Restoration – No report.

State Board of Registration – Hardwick Butler reported the BOR interprets “clock” starts for RLS Certification when the LSIT is earned. A SAMSOG member has been told he must wait more 4 years before sitting for the RLS exam. As previously reported, the language is not definitive and does not state specifically number of years.   The SAMSOG member has hired an attorney to challenge the ruling and will keep us posted. 

Survey Standards and State Manual – Ed Cowherd encouraged all members to read the manual. The revising of the ALTA Standards will most likely coincide with the next printing of the GA State Manual. Ed asked anyone with comments, additions, or deletions to contact him. Lonnie asked Hardwick Butler to take a copy of the manual to Mark Chastain and James Butler at the next BOR meeting.

 

Newsletter – On behalf of Editor Tren Baker, Ginger Walker asked for pictures (WITH CAPTIONS), articles, stories, etc. be sent to Tren for inclusion in Georgia Land Surveyor.  

Constitution and Bylaws – No report.

Plat & Mapping Contest – Award presentations were made last night at the banquet. State winners were entered in the NSPS contest however after consistently asking for information; no report is available from National. Cathy will report as soon as she is notified.

Scholarship – Reports attached. 

GPS Standards – No report.

Education Foundation – No report.

Website Management – No report.

Certified Survey Technician – Josh Stice was proctoring a CST test during the board meeting. 20 candidates were sitting for the exam

Trig Star – Jim Anderson asked for sponsors;  participating schools must have a surveyor sponsor. Packets are available and scores are due in May, please contact Jim for details. SAMSOG pays the NSPS registration and awards cash prizes for the teacher and student 1^st and 2^nd place winners. 1^st place awards are presented at the Annual Meeting and Summer Conference in July.

GIS – Working on Education classes for the Joint Geospatial Conference in October and a state standard for digital submissions.

P.E.E.R. – No report.

Chapter Reports – No report from Appalachia, Central, or Golden Isles. Atlanta Chapter – John Roeser reported they meet quarterly, last meeting in December. Augusta Chapter – Tate Horton reported their next meeting will be in March. Coastal Chapter – Wright Powers reported the City Savannah Flood Plain Manager asked area surveyors, CRC in Brunswick, SAMSOG Coastal and Golden Chapters for help gathering info. In return, those who opt to help will have access to the completed maps. Etowah Chapter – Wayne Colburn had no report. Foothills Chapter – David Shirley reported they meet the 1^st Tuesday of each odd month. Next meeting will be March 2^nd and the chapter will pay for attendee meals. Gwinnett Chapter – Dan Mahan announced their last meeting was held with the Atlanta Chapter. Next meeting will be 2/9/10. Northwest Chapter – Joe Evans reported a need for younger members and asked the guidance. Lonnie Sears asked Tom Hurley to provide info relative to speakers, programs, etc. Mr. Evans also mentioned the Tennessee BOR gives less credit to on-line courses. Lonnie asked Hardwick to mention this at the next Georgia BOR meeting in the hopes of a similar policy. Piedmont Chapter – Kayle Cowherd reported they meeting the third Thursday at Ryan’s in Athens. The EPD presented at the last meeting.  South Central – Phillip Roberts reported they meet the first Thursday of each even month. They recently had a meeting with their county regarding cross fences on Boundary Surveys. Southern Crescent Chapter – Jimmy Green reported they meet the 2^nd Tuesday of each odd month except January and July. The chapter purchased 50 SAMPAC Raffle tickets and won last night! The shot gun will be given away at their next meeting. The chapter is also collecting money for the Red Cross Hattian Relief Fund. SPSU Student Chapter – Robert Brooks reported they hosted the first Texan Hold’em Poker Tournament Thursday evening. Everyone involved had a great time and asked them to do it again. Wiregrass – Joey Brock reported they meet the 2^nd Tuesday of each odd month. They are working with Tom Hurley, Membership Chairman, about speakers and topics for their meetings.

 

OLD BUSINESS: None.

 

NEW BUSINESS: 

 

Tim Morman, Financial Planner/Consultant, of Mutual of Omaha gave a power point presentation and asked for SAMSOG’s endorsement of his products/services. Lonnie Sears asked him for a written request and a products/services synopsis before the BOD could vote.

 

President Lonnie Sears adjourned the meeting at 11:40 a.m.

 

 

Respectfully submitted by Ginger Walker

Approved by Trenholm Baker, Secretary/Treasurer