Next meeting at Giant’s Ridge (tentative) May 21 at 6:30 p.m.

MSPS Arrowhead Chapter Meeting Minutes

March 19, 2008

Members present: Fletcher Koos, Paul Voge, Duane Kyrola, Paul Tocarczyk, Craig LaTulip, Anthony Lueck, Ken Staupe, Nick Stewart, David Szyszkoski, LaVerne Leuelling, Chris Larsen, Rick Tofte, Rod Gunderson, Ron Krueger, Maureen Hayes

Guests present: Peggy Billings, Gary Doup

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. at Blackwood’s Restaurant in Two Harbors.

Treasurer’s Report and May Minutes

The minutes of the January 31, 2008 meeting were reviewed. Motion to approve by Ken Staupe, seconded by Paul Voge. Approved.

The treasurer’s report was reviewed. Motion to approve by Rick Tofte, seconded by Rod Gunderson. Approved

Old Business

The Cook and Ely VRS stations are up and running, Embarrass may start as soon as next week. Chris and Rod discussed the use of GLONASS and the measurement accuracies which have been reported in recent testing.

Fletch, Rod and Duane reported on Trig Star. 8 schools have been contacted, the test date is set for April 26 at Lake Superior College. We discussed extending the prizes given by the Chapter to students from Superior, WI (if they should win) and agreed it would be a good idea, as it might stimulate enrollment in the survey tech program at LSC. The survey tech program there is under threat of being discontinued due to lack of enrollment.

Fletch moved that students from Superior should be eligible for Trig Star prizes awarded by the Arrowhead Chapter. Second by Rick Tofte. Approved.

Fletcher introduced Peggy Billings and Gary Doup, students from the LSC survey tech program. Both are graduating this spring, and available for summer work. Gary will be continuing in the survey program at St. Cloud State this fall. The closing of the LSC survey tech program due to declining enrollment was discussed. Surveyors are encouraged to support continuation of the program, by a letter to the college or other means.

New Business

Ken brought information on a job opening for a Land Specialist at the Superior National Forest. It’s a professional level position, not specifically for a surveyor but Ken thought a surveyor would be an asset in the job.

Paul said that the April 3rd Spring Workshop will include lots of information on access issues which are particularly pertinent in our work in NE Minnesota. He asked for feedback on the seminars at the annual convention.

A general discussion of the Wednesday seminar ensued, including what we do when there’s a conflict within the section breakdown i.e. two center of section monuments, and other conflicts between title and occupation, etc.

The idea of holding a joint meeting with the Northwest Chapter of the Wisconsin land surveyors came up. Nick will contact them, probably about our September meeting. Recommendations on study materials for the WI specific survey exam were discussed.

The next meeting will be held May 21st at Giant’s Ridge in Biwabik, (if the restaurant will be open and available.)

Maureen Hayes moved to adjourn, seconded by Rick Tofte. Approved.

Page 1 of 2