Meeting Minutes - March 12, 2003
Southern Arizona Section of The International Darksky Association (SA-IDA)

Meeting called to order at 1735 by V-Pres John.  Members present were John, Robert, Barbara, Darrel, Pat,
and Joe.  Numbers below correspond to Agenda items.  Numbers not listed were not discussed.

1. Minutes from February were not read but no changes were requested, approved as written.

2. Treasure's report was skipped as treasurer could not attend.

3. Old Business - Reminder, the IDA Annual General Meeting is to be held in Tucson on March 20-23, 2003.
Please check IDA's web site for more information and registration.  Some events may be free.

4. Review of our by-laws and election of officers - postpone to next meeting.

5. Science Fair (SARSEF).  Three to four judges are needed from SA-IDA as we will be doing our own
judging, Tuesday March 18th.  Meet at Tucson Convention Center at 7 am for kick-off breakfast.  Lunch
will also be provided.  Prizes will be awarded to projects on light pollution related subjects only. Joe and
John volunteered to judge, Byron and Josie may also be able to help.  Starizona has donated a $100 gift
certificate, Stellar Vision a $20 gift certificate, Skyworks a 10x50 binoculars and book on night sky viewing,
and Vega-Bray one night of viewing. SA-IDA allotted $175 dollars for cash prizes as well ($100 first, $50
second, and $25 third place awards).  The judging process is to go down all the isles looking for dark sky
projects and then to reconvene and review these projects in detail to decide on which awards to be given to
various projects.

6. Border Patrol Lights.  On June 14th,  the U.S. Border Patrol activated twenty light towers for a couple of
miles along the border in the small border entry port of Naco. These powerful lights could be seen for miles,
creating extreme light trespass, glare and skyglow.  After action by Doug Snyder and several other people in
the area, by November 19th, the B.P. has shielded and redirected the lights.  John to visit the area this
weekend  to see if this warrants an excellence in lighting award.  John commented the Border Patrol is
intrigued by the possibility of the award.   If an award is presented it may be given at two different locations,
at the border site where the lights are located and possibly in Tucson at the B.P. offices.

7. Sale of Illegal Outdoor Lights.  Lowe's was visited several more times as they continue to sell many 
unshielded outdoor lights.  Each meeting that John scheduled with the manager of the store was non
productive as the managed did not show up.  John left them with a copy of the outdoor lighting codes.  A
possible third attempt for a meeting may be scheduled.  They carry the Cooper lighting line for outdoor
lights.  Cooper is introducing a new line of fully shielded outdoor lights which may be what is needed to be
able to displace the unshielded ones from Lowe's shelves.

9. Light Pollution Meter (LPM)  - Avery was not able to attend the meeting.  He plans to have his proto-type
and a poster display available at the annual IDA meeting mentioned in item 3. above.

10. Lighting Complaints. No new complaint forms turned in.

11. Star Party at Kartchner Caverns State Park - Pat Heimann from Chart Markers and More, host of the May
1-4, 2003 Kartchner Caverns State Park south of Benson, Arizona handed out brochures and described the
events for the star party.  Attendance is limited by the State to 250 people.  Many will be in campers and
Rvs.  Will have three astronomy shops with displays and would like SA-IDA to set up a display as well for
Friday afternoon and evening and Saturday (possibly 11 to 6pm).  Joe to set up display and man the table for
Friday but can't Saturday.  IDA may also be present.  State to allow two people per vendor to enter without
paying a fee.  More details on Chart Markers web site, http//:chartmarker.tripod.com.

12. Joint Meeting.  A meeting in conjunction with the Audubon Society is tentatively scheduled for Monday,
September 8th, 7 pm, Duval Auditorium at U of A Medical School.  SA-IDA will do the preprogram portion
of their meeting which lasts for about 30 minutes. This will focus on the importance of shield lights using
the step ladder and naked/shielded  light bulb demonstration.  The main part of the program will be a talk by
their Audubon program chairman, Tom DeMoss, topic to be nocturnal birds. We will need to contact Tom in
early August to set things up.  The Audubon club does not meet during the summer.

14. Other Events - SA-IDA to have display table and hand out brochures and discuss Dark Skies at the
following events:
*  April 26th (Sat.) - Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, TAAA star party (John to coordinate?).
*  April ?  - University of Arizona Earth Day on the Mall
*  May 2nd (Fri.) - Kartchner Star Party (Joe to set up display)
*  May 3rd (Sat.) - Kartchner Star Party (? To coordinate, Joe can't make it)
*  May 3rd (Sat.) - Ironwood Festival, 2003, 3pm to 8pm, Mason Audubon Center, 8751 N. Thornydale Road
*  October 18th (Sat) - Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, TAAA star party (John to coordinate)
*  September 6th and 13th (Saturdays) -  Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, Special table in patio area (inside to
the right) for SA-IDA 


Meeting adjourned 1900 hours.

Respectfully submitted,
Joe Frannea