American Association of Petroleum Geologists
Minutes
House of Delegates Meeting
April 1, 2007 • Long Beach, California
1. Call to Order and Introductions
The 37th Annual Meeting of the House of Delegates was called to order on April 1, 2007 at 8:00 a.m. by the Chair of the House of Delegates, Larry L. Jones. Chairman Jones introduced the officers of the House of Delegates, Martin D. Hewitt, Chairman-Elect and Jeannie F. Mallick, Secretary/Editor. He also recognized the House Parliamentarian, Mary Bahde.
Chairman Jones recognized the chairs and members of the eight HoD committees; Constitution and Bylaws Chair, David Hawk; Resolutions Chair, Peter Lloyd (Paul Britt and John Kaldi will represent Lloyd in his absence); Rules and Procedures Committee Chair, George Bole; Newsletter Committee Chair, Jeannie Mallick; Honors and Awards Chair, Mark Rainer; Nominations and Election Chair Ed Dolly; Credentials Committee Chair, Patrick Gooding; and Minutes Approval Committee Chair, Jeannie Mallick.
Chairman Jones recognized all AAPG past presidents in attendance. He thanked the Past Presidents for their continuing service to AAPG. Jones recognized the Past Chairmen of the House, the Honorary Members of the House and the AAPG Executive Committee.
Chairman Jones introduced the AAPG Candidates for Office for President-Elect: Neil Hurley and Scott Tinker; Regions Vice President: John Hogg and John Kaldi; Sections Vice President: John Armentrout and John Curtis; Secretary: Ted Beaumont and Terence O’Hare and Editor: Gretchen Gillis and Barry Katz.
Chairman Jones also recognized the AAPG staff in attendance.
2. 2007 Annual Meeting Report
Dalton F. Lockman, General Chairman for the Long Beach annual meeting, was introduced and provided a report on the 2007 Long Beach Convention. He reported the pre-registration total was 4,696 with a projection of 5,000 total attendance. Lockman stated that the Imperial Barrel Award Competition is a phenomenal student-related program with eight world-wide universities competing for cash prizes in problem-solving exploration. Statistics include:
- 1,200 abstracts submitted
- 458 oral papers with 8 concurrent sessions
- 526 poster sessions -- 44 student posters
- 9 forums/special sessions
- 22 field trips, 12 pre and 9 post with 555 pre-registered participants
- 9 short courses
- 212 exhibitors with 100% of budgeted space sold
- Sponsorship totals $760,000 with 64 sponsors and 22 are first-time sponsors
3. AAPG President’s Report
AAPG President Lee T. Billingsley stated it was a pleasure working with the Executive Committee, committees and the AAPG staff. He provided highlights of the Executive Committee’s efforts which include:
Advance the Science
- Committee structure – reorganization of the Committee Structure into groups with a committee manager for each group.
- E&P Notes – added associate editors that will serve as scouts for future articles.
- Corporate Advisory Board (CAB) – revised the charge and procedures for the Corporate Advisory Committee. The Board will act as an advisor on various issues requested by the EC.
- Imperial Barrel Award Competition.
Continued Professional Development
- Distinguished Instructor – initial tours of Latin America and Europe.
- New emphasis on Continuing Education – new courses that are full.
Public Awareness and Understanding
- Position Paper Policy – posted procedures for new and existing papers on Web site.
- Global Climate Change Position Paper – appointed broad-based, ad hoc committee to recommend a “Fact Sheet” to replace the existing position paper.
- GEO-DC – mobilized Action Alerts on topics important to members and appointed a committee that provides requested background information to Congressional committee.
Membership and Membership Services
- Membership Applications are all digital, including submission of sponsorship forms.
- Corporate Group Membership Program – began offering membership through companies. Full dues are paid by corporation for each members who qualify as Active or Associate.
- Graduated Dues – the Executive Committee reviewed recommendations by an ad hoc committee and recommended a structure to the HoD’s C&BL Committee and recommended passage of a proposed bylaw amendment.
Financial Strength
- There is a five-year draft of a business plan.
- The budget is on track.
- Banking review and change for efficiency.
Global Presence
- The Perth International Exhibition and Conference was a success.
- The London office is open with full and part-time staff persons.
- Excellent AAPG London meeting.
- Endorsement and support of geoscience meetings around the world.
Challenges Ahead
- Proactively expand technical database to include various forms of digital publication.
- Improve using web-based communication between members and from AAPG to members.
- Providing bridge between industry and academia.
- Expanding products and services internationally, including additional offices.
- Increasing active membership in a competitive global market.
4. AAPG Executive Director’s Report
Rick Fritz, AAPG Executive Director, presented six goal areas for the strategic plan. He reiterated the importance of posters and papers and encouraged the importance of turning in talks and/or posters so they can be added to Search and Discovery. He stated that AAPG will continue to strive to improve the Bulletin.
Fritz emphasized the Explorer is AAPG’s main contact with professionals and an important part of professional development. He reported on the new education committee that is working to bring in new educational courses. AAPG now have fall and winter education conferences that are well attended and may be scheduled internationally.
The GEO-DC program is progressing well and expanding public awareness. The public outreach committee is exploring a web-based system to assist with their outreach efforts. The AAPG Foundation has joined AGI and is assisting with funding for a four-part educational series on the earth that will air this summer.
He stated that student sponsorship is provided by Chevron.
Fritz reviewed the AAPG Comprehensive Business Plan.
5. Report of the Chairman of the House of Delegates
Chairman Jones stated that all committees performed in an exemplary manner; all reports were provided on time; and they all performed far and beyond what was expected.
Chairman Jones reviewed the procedures for house committee reports and legislation. He said the debates will be limited to two speeches, two minutes each by the members on each motion. No speaker may speak a second time until all of those who wish to speak are provided an opportunity. Pros and cons/for and against will alternate. He said the speakers are to identify themselves and state the section or region they are representing. There will be a time limit of 30 minutes for each motion, which can be extended by the chair if necessary.
Clint Moore asked for four minutes to give his speech. Chairman Jones asked permission of the delegates, who approved.
6. Credentials Committee
Patrick Gooding, Chair of the Credentials Committee, acknowledged the members of his committee – George Bole, Sandi Barber, David Farmer and Robert E. Webster. Gooding reported that 163 delegates had been cleared by the Credentials Committee. In addition, fourteen people who did not submit documentation on time, or who did not have any documentation from their society, requested to be seated. (Exhibit “A”)
Motion: Patrick Gooding moved and it was seconded, to seat as delegates William M. Ambrose, Austin Geological Society; Valary Schulz, Dallas Geological Society; Chris Presmyk, Ft. Worth Geological Society; Irene Skrzypek, Houston Geological Society; Ronald Wallace, Houston Geological Society; Edward Picou, New Orleans Geological Society; Jay Henthorne, Jr., Northern Ohio Geological Society; Lee Billingsley, South Texas Geological Society; Peter Boult, Asian Pacific; Chuck Caughey, Asian Pacific; Tobias Payenberg, Asian Pacific; Robert Mummery, Canada; Kevin Gibson, Canada; Nassir Alnaji, Middle East. Motion Carried.
Gooding reported there are 227 delegates elected to the House and the total required for a quorum is 114. He reported that 174 delegates were present and seated in the House for a quorum.
7. Approval of the Agenda
Motion: Jones moved and it was seconded; to approve the agenda for the 2007 meeting of the House of Delegates. (Exhibit “B”). Motion carried.
8. Approval of the Minutes
Motion: Shoup moved and it was seconded; to approve the minutes of the House of Delegates meeting held on April 9, 2006, in Houston Texas with two amendments. The first amendment, item #2, change 2005 to 2006; the second amendment, item #13, eastern and western was transposed and should be switched. Motion carried.
9. Report of the Honors and Awards Committee
Mark Rainer, Chair of the Honors and Awards Committee, recognized the committee members and reviewed his written report (Exhibit “C”). The committee reviewed the number of delegates who qualify for the awards, in particular the House Long Service Award. The committee proposed to strike the rule that states “only a person who has served as a Delegate within the previous five (5) years may receive an award.” In addition, the committee proposed “Certificates of Service” to be presented to delegates in recognition of 9 years and 15 years of service.
Rainer announced the following House award recipients for the year 2007:
Honorary Member of the House Award
(Presented at the AAPG Opening Ceremony)Ed Dolly, Rocky Mountain Section – Denver
Distinguished Member of the House Award
(Presented at the AAPG Opening Ceremony)Carroll Kinney, Mid-Continent Section – Edmond
Bob Cowdery, Mid-Continent Section – WichitaHouse Long Service Award
(Presented at the HoD Meeting)David Hawk, Rocky Mountain Section – Boise (20 years)
James Ragsdale, Gulf Coast Section – Houston (20 years)
Patrick Gordon, Gulf Coast Section – Houston (19 years)
William Howell, Gulf Coast Section- Houston (21 years)
10. Report from the Constitution and Bylaws Committee
George Bole, Chair of the Rules and Procedures Committee, introduced the committee members. He reviewed the seven proposed changes to the Rules and Procedures as outlined in Exhibit “D” which are as follows:
- Article 1.B., MEMBERSHIP AND OFFICERS Bring the Rules and Procedures into compliance with the AAPG Bylaws, Article IV, Section 3 which sets the Delegate term as beginning July 1, following election.
- Article I.C., MEMBERSHIP AND OFFICERS HoD Officer candidates sign the same election campaign policy as AAPG officer candidates.
- Article II.A.2., MEETINGS A change in wording that provides the HoD Chair the option of calling a meeting as opposed to mandating that one be called.
- Article III.A.1., Standing Committees Incorporates the AAPG Bylaws definition of a qualified Delegate into the HoD Bylaws.
- Article III.A.1.a., Standing Committees Expands the report of the Nominations and Elections Committee to the HoD Chair to include the names of all nominees previously received, and makes a grammatical correction.
- Article III.A.1.g. – Honors and Awards Committee Deletes wording no longer relevant, correctly states the name of the “House Recognition of Service” award, and adds the “Certificates of Service.”
- Article III.A.1.g. Makes certain long-standing, but not current, HoD members eligible for awards.
Motion: It was moved and seconded; to accept all the proposed changes to the Rules and Procedures as outlined in Exhibit “D”. Motion Carried.
11. Report of Rules and Procedures Committee
David Hawk, Chairman of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, recognized the members of his committee. Hawk stated that notice of the proposed amendments have been forwarded to all delegates and published in accordance with the Bylaws. Hawk’s committee report is appended to these minutes as Exhibit “E”.
Proposed changes to the Constitution and Bylaws were provided to the delegates as a handout Exhibit “F”.
2007 Proposed Amendments to Bylaws
[strike outs – deletions; underlining – additions]
A proposed amendment to Article V, Section 7, of the AAPG Bylaws adding International Regions to those among which the Advisory Council is to review relationships.
ARTICLE V. ADVISORY COUNCIL
SECTION 7. Additional Duties
The Advisory Council shall be charged with reviewing relationships among the Association, Sections, Regions, and Divisions, and other organizations in order to recommend adjustments which will benefit the Association and its members.
The Advisory Council shall engage in such other special projects and shall perform such duties as the Executive Committee may, from time to time, direct.
Motion: It was moved and seconded to approve and amend Article V, Section 7, by adding International Regions to those among which the Advisory Council is to review relationships. Motion Carried.
A proposed amendment to Article VI, Section 1, of the AAPG Bylaws deleting certain language relating to dates which are no longer relevant and no longer required in the Bylaws.
ARTICLE VI. UNITED STATES SECTIONS, INTERNATIONAL REGIONS AND TECHNICAL DIVISIONS
SECTION 1. United States Sections and International Regions
This Association shall establish United States Sections within the United States and International Regions outside the United States on a geographical basis to include Association members as individuals or as groups of federated affiliated geological societies, for the purpose of sponsoring technical meetings and publications and otherwise furthering the objectives of the Association within such Sections or Regions.
United States Sections shall be the:
(a) Eastern Section;
(b) Mid-Continent Section;
(c) Southwestern Section;
(d) Gulf Coast Section;
(e) Rocky Mountain Section; and
(f) Pacific Section;
as constituted on January 1, 1999.
International Regions shall be the:
(a) Canadian Region;
(b) Mexican, Central American, and South American Region;
(c) European Region;
(d) African Region;
(e) Asian/Pacific Region; and
(f) Middle Eastern Region.
The Executive Committee shall prior to August 1, 1999, assign countries to each International Region and shall designate an interim president of each International Region who shall coordinate the initial election of officers, Delegates to the House of Delegates, and a member or members of the Advisory Council (if the Region qualifies for such member or members).
Subsequent to August 1, 1999, the The composition of each Section and Region may be revised, individual Sections and Regions may be dissolved, and additional Sections and Regions may be established upon application of interested individuals and upon the recommendation of the Executive Committee by vote at the annual meeting of the House of Delegates. The internal affairs of such Sections and Regions shall be administered by each Section and Region consistent with the purposes and policies of this Association.
Each Section and Region shall be entitled to elect, subject to the provisions of Article V, Section 8, subparagraph (d), of these Bylaws, from among Association members in such Section or Region, a Councilor or Councilors to serve for three (3)-year terms as elected members of the Advisory Council. Each United States Section and International Region with less than seven hundred and fifty (750) Association members shall be entitled to elect an Observer as provided in Article V, Section 8, subparagraph (d), of these Bylaws. Each such Councilor and Observer shall be elected by ballot, submitted to all Association members of the respective Section or Region, from among not less than two candidates nominated by the Section or Region governing body or by submission of a petition of nomination signed by not less than fifty (50) members of such Section or Region and delivered to the Section or Region president at least 30 days prior to start of said election. Vacancies in Councilor or Observer positions shall be filled by election to be held within 120 days of said vacancy.
Motion: It was moved and seconded; to approve and delete certain language relating to dates which are no longer relevant and no longer required in the Bylaws, Article VI, Section 1. Motion Carried.
A proposed amendment to Article II, Section 14 (to be renumbered as Section 15 effective July 1, 2007), of the AAPG Bylaws by adding a subsection (c) to Section 14 to provide for restrictions on the candidacy of certain AAPG members for certain AAPG offices.
ARTICLE II. OFFICERS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AND ASSOCIATION POSITIONS
SECTION 14. Limitations on Nominations and Honors and Awards
(c) Members serving as any of the officers described in Section 1 of Article II of these Bylaws, as the Chairman of the House of Delegates, or on the Advisory Council shall not be eligible to be a candidate for any of the offices described in Section 1, Article II, of these Bylaws in any election during such service or in the Association’s fiscal year immediately following the end of such service.
Motion: It was moved and seconded to accept the recommendation to add a subsection (c) to Article II, Section 14, to provide for restrictions on the candidacy of certain AAPG members for certain AAPG offices. The amendment will be renumbered as Section 15 effective July 1, 2007. Motion Carried.
A proposed amendment to Article XIII, Section 3, of the AAPG Bylaws adding a new subsection (e), relettering current subsections (e) and (f), and amending current subsection (e) in order to provide for a graduated dues structure for Active Members and Associates and to provide that the annual change in dues for Active Members and Associates may not exceed twenty percent (20%).
ARTICLE XIII. DUES
Section 3, Dues Schedule and Billing
(e) There shall be three levels of annual dues for Active Members and Associates which shall be based on gross annual personal income in United States dollars. The levels are: Level 1 – Annual income greater than $50,000; Level 2 – Annual income greater than $25,000 but not more than $50,000; and Level 3 – Annual income of $25,000 or less. Level 2 dues shall be one-half of Level 1 dues; Level 3 dues shall be one-fourth of Level 1 dues; provided, however, that in no event shall annual dues based on any level of annual income be less than $20.00. An Active Member or an Associate whose annual income is in Level 2 or Level 3 may, at his or her option, pay dues which correspond with any higher level of annual income. The Executive Committee may provide for access to the Bulletin and the Explorer by different means for persons paying different levels of dues.
(ef) Except as required to initiate the various dues levels as set out in subsection (e) above, That that the annual change in dues for Active Members and Associates cannot exceed twenty percent (20%), and that this annual change is noncumulative; and
(fg) That a penalty to be established annually by the Executive Committee will be levied for each quarter year of delinquency beginning on July 1.
Motion: Don Clarke moved and it was seconded; to amend the proposed amendment of Article XIII, Section 3 (e) by adding “the graduated dues structure shall automatically terminate July 1, 2012 and revert to the dues structure that was in effect July 1, 2007.” A standing vote was taken on the amendment to the amendment. Motion Failed.
Jeannie Fisher Mallick, a delegate, citing the need to assess AAPG member opinion of the graduated dues proposal, requested permission from the Chair to present PowerPoint slides with results of a recent survey taken from 180 AAPG members on whether or not they supported the graduated dues proposal. Chairman Jones asked for a verbal and standing vote of the delegates for approval and it was denied.
Motion: It was moved and seconded that voting be done by secret ballot. A standing vote was taken. Motion Failed.
Motion: Chairman Hawk moved that the House of Delegates approve the original amendment to Article XIII, Section 3 (e), Dues Schedule and Billing; the amendment was adopted after a standing vote was conducted. Motion Carried.
12. Report of Nomination and Election Committee
Ed Dolly, Chair, recognized the members of his committee. The following slate of candidates was introduced to the House and each candidate provided a statement.
- Chairman-Elect:
Sandi Barber, Gulf Coast Section
George Bole, Gulf Coast Section - Secretary/Editor:
Dave Farmer, Southwest Section
Bob Webster, Southwest Section
Chairman Jones asked for additional nominations from the floor and none were made. Ballots were distributed for voting.
13. Resolutions Committee
In the absence of Peter Lloyd, Chair, John Kaldi recognized the members of the committee. Lloyd reviewed the eligible delegate participation by international regions for the years 2000 through 2006: Africa 43%; Asia Pacific 62%; Canada (65%); Europe 42%; Latin America 31%; and Middle East 62%. Overall in 2006, international participation was 58% compared to 40% before the birth of the international regions. The participation of the U.S. sections is consistently above 80%; however in the last three years there have been eleven affiliates that have failed to send delegates.
Paul Britt reported that formal application for Affiliated Society status has been submitted by the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA), Johannesburg and Qatar Geological Society (Q.G.S.), Doha.
Formal application for Associated Society status has been submitted by the American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists (AASP), Arlington, Texas.
Representatives for the Geological Society of South Africa and Qatar Geological Society provided presentations about their respective society’s membership, activities and objectives. A representative for the American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists was not present. Legal counsel has determined that their purposes and bylaws are consistent with the AAPG bylaws.
Motion: Paul Britt moved to approve the applications for Affiliated Society Status of the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA), Johannesburg and Qatar Geological Society (Q.G.S.), Doha; and for Associated Society Status of the American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists (AASP), Arlington, Texas. Motion Carried.
14. Newsletter Committee
Jeannie Mallick, Newsletter Committee Chair, recognized the members of her committee and provided the purpose of the committee and accomplishments. Exhibit “G”
15. Other Reports
Delegates heard reports from the AAPG Treasurer, AAPG Editor, Chairman of the Foundation and the DEG, EMD and DPA Presidents. Werner Janoschek provided a report for the International Year of Planet Earth.
16. New Business
Chairman Jones asked if there was any new business and none was reported.
17. Results of House Officer Elections
Ed Dolly, Chair of the Nomination and Election Committee, announced the results of the election for the 2007-08 House Officers as follows: Chair-Elect, George R. Bole and Secretary/Editor, Robert E. Webster.
18. Special Presentations
Plaques were presented to Jeannie Mallick, Secretary/Editor and Larry Jones, HoD Chairman.
Chairman Jones presented incoming chair of the HoD Marty Hewitt with the House gavel and tie.
19. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chairman Jones adjourned the meeting at 12:20 p.m.
____________________________________
Jeannie F. Mallick, Secretary/Editor