MINUTES SA-IDA SEPTEMBER 11, 2002 MEETING

Meeting called to order at 5:35 PM by Joe Frannea (John Polacheck was out of town)

 Numbers below correspond to the Agenda numbers:
1. August minutes were read and approved by the members present.

2. Treasurers report was given by Byron the Treasurer, Balance in checking account is $1,026.54  , but
there are some outstanding expenses to be reimbursed including awards, brochure printing, and some
sa-ida.org web site expenses.

3. Old business
          Letter from SA-IDA to Home Depot about selling illegal outdoor lights, no response to SA-IDA but
     we have heard that they have been in contact with their outdoor lighting supplier to provide
     compliant lights.  It was suggested that Lowes be contacted regarding compliant outdoor lights so
     they have a heads up before their first store is opened on Oracle Road which is now under
     construction.  Scott to get their mailing address. Joe to draft a letter for SA-IDA.  IDA is also
     planning to send a letter.

4. Science Fair prizes for projects regarding good lighting and/or light pollution to include cash prizes
from SA-IDA and gift prizes from others such as Starizona, Byron to contact Skyworks.  Joe is
coordinating the prizes to be given with Jack Johnson the Southern Arizona Engineering and Science
Fair Director.  More information can be found on their web site www.sarsef.com. 

5. The Special Arizona Organizational License Plate application to the State was not approved because
the design deviated too much from their standard for Organizational plates.  If we change the design to
comply with the standards the plate will be almost un-noticeable as a Dark Sky license plate due to the
limited space for the club name at the bottom and one inch square logo space on the far left of a
standard Arizona plate.  Other options were discussed including bumper stickers, license plate frames, a
front plate using the original design, and seeking a State Representative or Senator to get a special
design plate approved by introducing a bill in next years legislative session (not sure what all is involved).

Those present favored the special design route getting a bill approved but this may take several years. 
Some of the other ideas to push for Dark Sky awareness should be progressed in addition to getting the
plate, namely the front plates and license plate holders/brackets.  Joe will check on prices for a few of
these options.  Scott mentioned that IDA would be interested in a front plate design if it were non Arizona
specific that could be sold world wide to all IDA members.

6. SA-IDA will participate in the Harvest Moon Celebration event, Sat. Sept. 21st, 7-9 PM.  Scott is
coordinating the Dark Sky table and plans to have John and possibly Byron bring their telescopes, Joe to
bring a GlareBuster retrofitted to operate on 12 volts DC as there is no electric power at the event.  This
will provide some light on the table for the brochures and also demonstrate a "Good" light fixture. Flyers
were handed out about the event, one will be posted on the sa-ida.org web site.

7. The process of how to handle bad outdoor lighting complaints was reviewed.  The form with
instructions is on the sa-ida.org web site.  No new complaint forms were received this past month.

8. Plans for the October meeting were briefly discussed but nothing was finalized.  There is still a lot of
interest in reviewing good and bad gas station lighting.  A  sunset time of 6:35 PM for this meeting was
too late to review outdoor lights.  Next month the sunset time will be 5:58 PM, and in November it will be
5:25 PM which will make it possible for a field trip to review lights.

9. Avery brought his latest Dark Sky Darkness Meter prototype instrument.  He made it smaller, now
about 14 inches long, changed the LED from green to yellow, improved the circuitry, and readout display. 
He has a few more minor circuit improvements but is basically ready to make the necessary drawings so
others can make their Darkness Meters .  Parts cost is about $45 to $50.  A motion was made Jim and
seconded by Byron for the SA-IDA Section to make about 4 or 5 Darkness Meters for evaluation and
testing.  Motion passed.  Testing plans/procedures will need to be developed.  Several people offered to
help build/assemble the 4 or 5 evaluation Darkness Meters.

10. No discussion on possible large public meeting in Tucson.

11. Not much news to report on Tucson and Pima County Outdoor Lighting legislation.  It appears that
the City of Tucson is essentially using Pima County codes as a guideline.  The new codes for Tucson
and Pima County are not up on the IDA web site because they have not been finalized/published.

12. A couple of possible sites were mentioned for "Excellence in Outdoor Lighting" awards.  They will be
investigated further.  The Texaco station on East side of Oracle Road at Grant has great canopy lights
but not so good parking lights.  Maybe they could be improved for a great overall station lighting award. 
The Pima County Community College campus recent renovation on West side of Stone Ave appears to
have good lighting but needs checked out at night.

13. Publicity about SA-IDA.  Byron mentioned that Skyworks is now including our blue "Good Lighting.."
brochure with their store hand out materials.  Also, TAAA is including the brochure with their new
membership materials.  Starizona has a hand full in their materials display stand.  Stellar Vision &
Astronomy on S. Alvernon needs to be contacted to see if they will hand our brochures as well.

14. No action on SA-IDA telephone tree.

15. SA-IDA web improvements are always welcome and all were encouraged to review the web site and
send comments to the webmaster email address:  webmaster@sa-ida.org.  Meeting agendas, minutes,
awards, and current projects are kept current on the web pages.

16. No word from GE about shields.  No info on Three Points area.  A concern was mentioned about the
new development at Eagle Ranch area just South of Saddlebrooke on Oracle Road.  About 700 new
homes being built and not sure what lighting standards are being followed.  Robert to check on this.

17. New Items
Scott had some tickets that non-profits can sell for $5 each (we keep all sales price) to a special
shopping night at Park Place Mall, Sunday, November 24th, 6-9 PM.  Refreshments, raffles, etc. to take
place.  More details at our next meeting, October 9th.

It was suggested by Robert that we publish a guide or brochure listing Good Lighting locations in and
around the Tucson area.  Someone thought Ed was given data about a year ago that could be updated.

18. Meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM to test the Sky Darkness Meter in the parking lot.

Respectfully submitted, Joe Frannea