Secretary Ron Pearson read the minutes of the March meeting. They were approved as read.

DU Report: Dave Trott reported that parking fees at Olin Hall are to be increased from $2.50 to $3.50. The Physics Dept. covers $100 to help offset the cost. There was discussion of the increase and options. Ron reminded board of previous decision that once parking passes are gone, we had decided that would be it and people would be on their own. Dave noted this was International Dark Sky Week and there was a press release from DU & DAS promoting Dark Sky Assc. here and open house on April 5. Dave is doing a powerpoint presentation on lighting.

Treas Chuck Carlson distributed monthly balance sheet.

List Serv- no problems reported.

Pub Nite update on 3/15 meeting - will charge full price regardless of weather. The LCD projector will be put on a 'wish-list' in the DAS newsletter. Ron Mickle is the the new PN Team Leader.

Observer - no report

Old Business:

Answering Service bill for Feb-March was $486.39 (!). Member Wayne Green is working on and on-line alternative. Hope to have it up and running and will review at next eboard meeting.

Dark Site Comm: working on permits. Discussion on pier with donation and scope for EGKDS.

New Business:

Dave Trott brought up suggestion from Dr. Stencel (in agenda) that for special open houses such as upcoming lunar eclipse the DAS charge $1 per person to look through Clark scope. With money to go towards the Clark set aside in separate fund. There was lengthy discussion of observatory-telescope restoration and use of funds for the Clark, status of historic funding options that are being worked on. Consensus of board was not to charge for viewing, but to make the 'donation' box more prominent, with more encouragement for voluntary donations. Consensus of board was to maintain existing Restoration Fund account and apply toward the observatory and the Clark as needed, as has been done in the past. There was no need to start a separate fund.

Discussion drifted into need for preventative maintenance of the Clark. The upcoming ATS meeting will be an excellent opportunity to 'pick the brains' of antique telescope experts. The following items were discussed in relation to maintenance:

Procedures and documentation of what repairs maintenance need to be done and what's been done. Discussion of need for 'proposals' for maintenance required to be submitted to Dr. Stencel. It was noted some of these have been submitted with no response or action in reply, apparently lost or ignored. Too formal, and bureaucratic. Proposal form put together by Carla was more for restoration.

Discussion headed toward need for DAS to form a Clark Maintenance committee. A maintenance schedule should be prepared by DAS and idea to form a committee was supported by Dave Trott. The idea was 'tabled' for further discussion at next or future eboard.

May total lunar eclipse; Steve Solon heading up program. Images transferred to powerpoint by Steve worked well. Copy of cd-rom available to those who want to use for own presentations.

Vice-President Rich Lane submitted a letter of resignation from his position to the Eboard. Resignation is due to a new job that will keep him out of the area and unable to serve. He offered his apologies to the Eboard. Board accepted his resignation and apology. The question of replaceement was discussed; volunteers of eboard or others present were asked for, none accepted. Board will ask for volunteers at next regular meeting and could approve by eboard vote at the meeting.

Discussion of DAS Website: Ron Mickle recommended putting articles by DAS members on the website. Ron would call Wayne Green and see if he can help Patti restore the "D-Files."

Ivan mentioned a paper by Tony Brown, DU student. Chuck Carlson will check thesis list. - didn't get what paper was about??

Meeting adjourned at 9:35 pm.