The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m. with President-elect  Philip Perazio and President William Johnson presiding.  A quorum was present. See attached attendance sheet.

Minutes from the previous Board Meeting were accepted as distributed on a motion by Mark McConaughy, seconded by Ken Burkett.

Treasurer Paul L. Cowin presented a written and verbal report and projected budget for 2001.  After a discussion of the publications status and available funding.  A motion was made by Paul Cowin to return the 2000 advance from the Elmer Erb Fund for Archaeology Month expenses in the amount of $3348, seconded by Joe Baker. PASSED
The proposed budget was accepted on motion from Mark McConaughy, seconded by Amanda Valko and passed by the membership with the following amendments:

• A motion to use the brokerage fee from collecting ESAF dues into the general fund to pay the Society?s ESAF membership.
• A motion by Mark McConaughy to earmark the annual profits from back issue sales for the Endowed Publications Fund, seconded by Dave Kohler. PASSED

Elmer Erb Permanent Fund chairperson Robert LaBar presented a written and verbal report on the status of the Fund.  It is healthy and profitable at this time.  Fund appeal brochures are available for any chapter wishing to include them in mailings and promotions.  Memorial gifts will be report to the Secretary for inclusion in the SPA Newsletter.

Committee reports are deferred until the Annual Meeting.

OLD BUSINESS

Finance/Grant Status Verna Cowin reported that the SPA has sent a grant proposal to the PHMC for a statewide organizational grant which helps to fund annual operational costs for nonprofit organizations.  There was a discussion about the definition and documentation of a ?state-wide organization?.  President-elect Philip Perazio will contact Ira Smith at the PHMC for a clarification of our status.  No notification has been received on the status of the SPA grant to fund the Safe Habor Petroglyph Salvage by Paul Nevin. 

Archaeology Month 2000-2001 Joe Baker reported that the 2001 poster whose theme is the City Island Site is ready and available for mailing.  Philip Perazio is working of the calendar.  Materials should be sent to him as soon as possible.  This is an early start for October.  Any chapter wishing to arrange a quantity of posters for events, should contact the BHP to arrange pick-up.

Revision of the Constitution-Progress Report Verna Cowin has compiled the comments and suggestions from her committee.  She review several areas of change to reach a consensus of the board.  The completed revision will be presented to the membership for vote at the 2002 Annual Meeting.

Nominations Mark McConaughy announced the slate of officers up for election at the May 5 Annual Meeting. Ballot Attached.

Carnegie Appeal/Allegheny Chapter #1 Amanda Valko has prepared a letter to the board of the Carnegie Natural History Museum to request a Local Native American History Exhibit.  This unique local history exhibit and study facility would be useful for promoting the Pittsburgh area and for research purposes. Chapter 1 is asking for SPA chapter support.

NEW BUSINESS

Schulykill Valley Chapter #21 president, Dr. Catherine Spohn presented the board with a request by the chapter for a change of chapter designation.  To honor the years of dedication and service by John Shrader, the chapter wished to be named, the John Shrader Chapter #21 of the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology.  A motion for this change was entered by Kurt Carr, seconded by Mark McConaughy.  PASSED

Chapter Forum on Membership Mary Alice Graetzer sent a written request to the board to consider having a chapter forum to discuss the declining number of memberships of the chapters of the SPA.  It was suggested that the summer (July or August) board meeting be dedicated to the topic.  A central meeting place would be Penn State. An announcement will follow.  Chapters are asked to begin to study strategies for increasing membership.

Editor Joe Baker explained an unusual occurrence and the delay of the spring Pennsylvania Archaeologist.  One author has passed away leaving the article in need of revision and authorization.  To remedy the situation, manuscripts from another edition will be substituted until the necessary editing protocol can be met.  The agenda of the new editor will be briefly postponed to accommodate the necessary changes.  The encouragement of student and avocational publishing will be a priority. 

Discussion for the Good of the Society:

Brian Fritz has announced the Quemahoning website featuring the western Pennsylvania Chapter contacts and Information.  The sites seems to be spurring an interest in Archaeology in Pennsylvania.  A variety of inquiries have come from the site.  It is hoped in the future that local chapters will be able to maintain and expand their own sites.
 

There being no further business.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

       Respectfully submitted,

       Judy M. Duritsa
       Secretary, SPA
 

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