American Association of Petroleum Geologists
Minutes
House of Delegates Meeting
10 April 2011 • Houston, Texas
1. Call to Order and Introductions
The 41st Annual Meeting of the House of Delegates was called to order on April 10, 2011 at 8:13 a.m. by David H. Hawk, Chair of the House of Delegates. The secretary/editor was present.
Chairman Hawk recognized the AAPG Past Presidents, Past Chairs of the House, Honorary Members of the House,
Chairman Hawk also recognized the HoD Past Chairs of the House and requested the non-delegates to move to the front row. Jeff Lund presented the HoD Past Chairs of the House with a ribbon.
Chairman Hawk introduced the officers of the House of Delegates: Jeffrey W. Lund, Chairman-Elect and Patrick J. Gooding, Secretary/Editor. Hawk also recognized the House Parliamentarian, Mary Bahde.
Chairman Hawk recognized the House chairs and their committees: Constitution and Bylaws Committee Chair, Peter M. Lloyd; Resolutions Committee Chair, Jeanne E. Harris; Rules and Procedures Committee Chair, Sandi Barber; Newsletter Committee/Minutes Approval Committee Chair, Patrick J. Gooding; Honors and Awards Committee Chair, Stephen P. Cumella; Nominations and Election Committee Chair, David Dolph; Credentials Committee Chair, R. Randy Ray; and the Ad Hoc Committee for Action Evaluation Chairs, George R. Bole, Ed W. Heath and Larry L. Jones.
Chairman Hawk recognized the AAPG Executive Committee: David G. Rensink, President; Paul Weimer, President-Elect; Marvin D. Brittenham, Sections Vice President; Alfredo E. Guzman, Regions Vice President; William S. Houston, Secretary; James S. McGhay, Treasurer; and Stephen E. Laubach, Editor.
Chairman Hawk introduced the Candidates for Office of President-Elect: Edward A. Beaumont and John C. Dolson; Regions Vice President: David C. Blanchard and Stuart D. Harker; and Secretary: Charles A. Caughey and Denise M. Cox, House of Delegates Officer Candidates for Chairman-Elect: Sigrunn Johnsen and Randy Ray and Secretary/Editor: David Cook and Jewel Wellborn
Chairman Hawk also recognized the AAPG staff, including retired AAPG employee, Donna Riggs.
Chairman Hawk asked for a moment of silence to remember deceased former delegates Harry Miller of Midland, Texas and Owen Hopkins, Corpus Christi, Texas.
2. Presentation of AAPG Officer Candidates for President-Elect
AAPG officer candidates for President-Elect Edward A. Beaumont and John C. Dolson addressed the House members.
3. Annual Meeting Report
Stephen Levine, Convention General Chairman, provided a report on the 2011 Houston Convention. He stated this year’s theme is “Making the Next Giant Leap in Geosciences.” He recognized the convention leadership who volunteered to make the meeting a success. Levine reported the following statistics: pre-registration: 6,800 attendees, sponsorship $668,500, 39 corporate sponsors and 210 exhibitors. Levine reported some organizing committee “firsts”: theme chairs were added to the technical leadership which will provide technical guidance for sessions and abstract selections; there will be an E-poster lounge with 150 electronic posters and narrated PowerPoint presentations; Monday and Tuesday “All-Day” Posters – presenters will be available during mid-AM and mid-PM breaks and the earth science teachers and mentors will meet privately with the astronauts. The convention highlights include 8 high quality forums, 400 oral presentations, 400 posters, 16 short courses and 7 field trips. Exhibit “A”
4. AAPG President’s Report
AAPG President David Rensink stated this fiscal year’s focus has been on membership services and the long-term viability of AAPG. Member Services include the Search and Discovery Digest, Datapages individual subscriptions, and a new Latin American Region Office in Bogota, Columbia. He stated he has asked the Advisory Council to update the Strategic Plan. Members of the Executive Committee are reviewing AAPG’s current programs. Rensink explained the process and characteristics potential candidates should possess for the new Executive Director for the Association/Foundation to replace Rick Fritz. Exhibit “B”
5. Executive Director’s Report
Rick Fritz, AAPG Executive Director, stated that AAPG’s goal and focus is science. He said membership is growing with 38,000 current members with the majority being Student and Associate members. He also said that active membership is declining. He discussed the age demographics and stated that it is positive that AAPG has a large number of new students and young professionals. AAPG is a global organization and AAPG needs to grow globally. Last year the budget was deficit $1.2 million, although he said this year it appears there will be a surplus. He also reviewed the new AAPG programs. He said the Foundation fundraising goal was $25 million and the goal has been reached. He said they later announced a “stretch goal” of $35 million and the goal will be reached. Shell gave a gift of $1.25 million; Jim Hartman, Retired Shell President, gave $600,000.
6. Credentials Committee
R. Randy Ray, Chair of the Credentials Committee, moved to seat the following delegates:
Motion: The motion to seat delegates was adopted as follows: William C. Cornell, El Paso Geological Society; William C. “Bill” Stephens, San Angelo Geological Society; Curtis Archie, Geological Society of Trinidad and Tobago; Doug Strickland, Oklahoma City Geological Society and Leonard Dionisio, Oklahoma City Geological Society. Motion Carried.
Motion: The motion to seat delegates was adopted as follows: Stephan Nordeng, North Dakota Geological Society; Tim Rynott, Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists; and Alain-Yves Huc, European Region. Motion Carried.
Chairman Ray reported there are 219 elected delegates to the House and the number of seated delegates total 208 representing 95% attendance of the official delegates. 110 was required for a quorum.
7. Other Reports
Delegates heard reports from the AAPG Treasurer, AAPG Editor, Chairman of the Foundation and the EMD, DEG and DPA Presidents. Exhibit “C”
8. Special Recognition
Chairman Hawk provided special recognition to Clint Moore and presented him with a plaque for his sage advice.
9. Report of the Chairman of the House of Delegates
Chairman David Hawk expressed his gratitude for the privilege to serve as Chairman of the House of Delegates and thanked the members of his committee, including the ad hoc committee and staff. He provided an overview of the HoD’s committee work and the goals for 2010-11. The goals include adding value to the Delegates’ Voice, transparency of effort, open discourse and debate, addressing delegate responsibility and an emphasis on membership growth. He stated it is the delegates’ job to promote membership in the Association. He said there has been considerable success in the goal of 100% affiliated society participation by utilizing the amendments to the bylaws last year. He reported on the success of the HoD Mid-Year Meeting in Boise, Idaho. He also reviewed the legislative issues that include gender neutral language changes, honors and awards clarification, membership application requirements and various methods for growing membership and evaluation of methods to involve the input of past chairs of the HoD.
10. Approval of Agenda
The agenda was approved by general consent. Exhibit “D”
11. Approval of the Minutes
Motion: The motion to accept the minutes for the House of Delegates meeting held on April 11, 2010 in New Orleans, LA was adopted. Motion Carried. Exhibit “E”
12. Honors and Awards Committee
Stephen Cumella, Chair of the Honors and Awards Committee, recognized the committee members and reviewed his written report. Exhibit “F”
Cumella announced the following House award recipients for the year 2011:
- Honorary Member of the House Award
- (Presented at the AAPG Opening/Awards Ceremony)
John Hogg, Canadian Region - Distinguished Member of the House Award
- (Presented at the AAPG Opening/Awards Ceremony)
Jim McGhay, Mid-Continent Section
Steve Sonnenberg, Rocky Mountain Section - House Long Service Award
- (Presented at the HoD Meeting)
Paul Hoffman, Gulf Coast Section
Carol Lucas, Gulf Coast Section
Robert Webster, Southwest Section - Recognition of Service Award
- (Presented at the HoD Meeting)
David Hawk, Rocky Mountain Section
Patrick Gooding, Eastern Section - Certificates of Service
- (Presented in recognition of 9 years and 15 years of service as a Delegate. The awards are issued annually to delegates reaching those milestones.)
13. Report of Rules and Procedures Committee
Sandi Barber, Chair of the Rules and Procedures Committee, introduced the committee members and presented the proposed changes to the Rules and Procedures. Exhibit “G”
(deleted language in strike-out and new language underlined)
1. Motion: Amend all references to “chairman”, “chairmen”, and “his” in the House of Delegates Rules and Procedures, whether or not capitalized and whether or not part of a hyphenated word, to “chair”, “chairs”, and “his or her”, respectively, and capitalized or not as prior to amendment. Motion Carried.
2. Motion: Amendment to Article I of the AAPG House of Delegates Rules and Procedures to add a new Section E. as follows:
E. Sixty (60) days prior to the HoD Annual Meeting the HoD Chair shall inquire of AAPG Headquarters as to whether any United States Affiliated Society has not notified AAPG Headquarters of the election of a delegate to a new three-year term following the expiration of the term of a delegate from that society. If a society has not so notified AAPG Headquarters, the HoD Chair will immediately notify the Section President for that society of the need to fill the delegate position, per Article IV, Section 3, of the AAPG Bylaws. Motion Carried.
3. Motion: Amendment to Article III, Section A, subsection 1, sub subsection g, numbered paragraph (7) as follows:
No current holder of or candidate for any AAPG office as described in Article II, Section 1, of the AAPG Bylaws, no current holder of or candidate for any HoD office as described in Article IV, Section 8, of the AAPG Bylaws, no immediate Past Chair of the HoD, no president or candidate for president of any AAPG Division, and no candidate for a position on the Advisory Council may be nominated for a HoD award, with the exception of the HoD Recognition of Service Award. Motion Carried.
4. Motion: Amendment to Article III of the AAPG House of Delegates Rules and Procedures to add a new Section D as follows:
D. Past House of Delegates Chairs as Committee Members
A past-chair of the House of Delegates may be appointed as a non-voting member of a Standing or Ad-Hoc Committee of the House of Delegates. Motion Carried.
Exhibit “H”
14. Constitution and Bylaws Committee
Peter Lloyd, Chairman of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, recognized the members of his committee. He stated the 2011 Proposed Amendments to the Bylaws were provided to the delegates as a handout Exhibit “H” and are as follows:
2011 Proposed Amendments to Bylaws
[strikeouts – deletions; underlining – additions]
A proposed amendment to the AAPG Bylaws to amend all references in the AAPG Bylaws to Chairman, Chairmen, Vice-Chairman, Vice Chairmen, Chairman-Elect, Co-Chairman, Co-Chairmen, and committeemen, whether or not capitalized and whether past or present, to Chair, Chairs, Vice Chair, Vice Chairs, Chair-Elect, Co-Chair, Co-Chairs, and committee members, respectively.
Motion: The motion was adopted for all current references in the AAPG Bylaws to Chairman, Chairmen, Vice-Chairman, Vice Chairmen, Chairman-Elect, Co-Chairman, Co-Chairmen, and committeemen, whether or not capitalized and whether past or present, are to be amended to Chair, Chairs, Vice Chair, Vice Chairs, Chair-Elect, Co-Chair, Co-Chairs, and committee members, respectively for gender neutrality. Motion Carried.
A proposed amendment to Article I, Section 6, and Article XIII, Section 3, of the AAPG Bylaws to provide for termination of Student membership twenty-four (24) months after termination of academic enrollment and reclassification of certain students as Associates twenty-four (24) months after termination of academic enrollment.
Article I. Membership, Section 6. Students
Any student majoring in geology or in a field of study related to or generally associated with geology at a college of acceptable academic standards may apply for Student membership. Student membership shall terminate upon twenty-four (24) months after termination of academic enrollment.
Article XIII. Dues, Section 3. Dues Scheduling and Billing
The annual dues of members shall be payable in advance of the fiscal year in accordance with a schedule to be established annually by the Executive Committee, provided that the dues shall not exceed the sums set forth below:
Active -- Up to $125
Emeritus -- Up to $62.50
Honorary -- None
Student -- Up to $10
Associate -- Up to $125
The above schedule shall be subject to the following provisos:
(a) That dues are not refundable;
(b) That members having previously obtained exemption under the former Life Member category shall not be required to pay dues;
(c) That students who join while undergraduates will be reclassified as Associates upon twenty-four (24) months after termination of academic enrollment or upon commencement of full-time professional employment or practice.
(d) 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.
(e) Except as required to initiate the various dues levels as set out in subsection (d) above, that the annual change in dues for Active Members and Associates cannot exceed twenty percent (20%), and that this annual change is noncumulative; and
(f) That a penalty to be established annually by the Executive Committee will be levied for each quarter year of delinquency beginning on July 1.
A statement shall be mailed to each Active Member, Emeritus Member, Honorary Member, Student, and Associate before July 1 of each year, stating the amount of annual dues.
Motion: The motion to amend Article I, Section 6, and Article XIII, Section 3, of the AAPG Bylaws to provide for termination of Student membership twenty-four (24) months after termination of academic enrollment and reclassification of certain students as Associates twenty-four (24) months after termination of academic enrollment as amended was adopted. Motion carried.
Motion: Amendment to the Amendment: The motion was adopted to remove previous distinction between “undergraduate and “graduate” students. (c) That sStudents who join as undergraduates will be reclassified as Associates twenty-four (24) months after termination of academic enrollment . . . . Motion carried.
A proposed amendment to Article II, Section 15, of the AAPG Bylaws to provide for individuals occupying certain AAPG positions to be ineligible for certain honors and awards and for nomination to certain Association positions.
Article II, Section 15. Limitations on Nomination and Honors and Awards
(a) Members serving as in any of the officers Association positions described in Article II, Section 14, of these Bylaws, as officers of the House of Delegates, or on the Advisory Council, and for one year after the completion of such service, shall not be eligible to be nominated for any of the offices described in Article II, Section 14, of these Bylaws or selected for an honor or award by the Executive Committee of this Association body on or in which they serve, except for the House of Delegates’ Recognition of Service Award.
(b) Candidates for the Association positions offices described in Article II, Section 14, of these Bylaws, for officers of the House of Delegates, for members of the AAPG Advisory Council representing United States Sections or International Regions, or for president of any Technical Division may not be nominated for any other position described in Article II, Section 14, while such a candidate and may not be selected to receive any honor or award by any of those bodies Association body, division, or committee during the period of their candidacy, unless the honor or award has been announced prior to the announcement of their candidacy.
(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: The motion to amend Article II, Section 15, of the AAPG Bylaws to provide for individuals occupying certain AAPG positions to be ineligible for certain honors and awards and for nomination to certain Association positions for one year after the completion of such service was adopted as amended. Motion carried.
Motion: Amendment to the Amendment: The motion was adopted to clarify Honors and Awards Eligibility as follows:
a) Members serving as in any of the officers Association positions described in Section 14, Article II, of these Bylaws, as officers of the House of Delegates, or on the Advisory Council shall not be eligible to be nominated for any of the offices described in Section 14, Article II of these Bylaws, or selected for an honor or award by the Executive Committee of the Association, body on or in which they serve, except for the House of Delegates’ Recognition of Service Award an honor or award that has been determined by an impartial convention judging process. This limitation continues for one year immediately following the end of such service.
b) Candidates for the Association positions offices described in Section 14, Article II of these Bylaws, for officers of the House of Delegates, for members of the AAPG Advisory Council representing United States Sections or International Regions, or for president of any Technical Division may not be nominated for any other Section 14, Article II position, while a candidate for a Section 14, Article II position., and may not be selected to receive any honor or award by any of those Association bodies body, division or committee, during the period of their candidacy, unless the honor or award has been announced prior to the announcement of their candidacy, or determined by an impartial convention judging process.
(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 carried.
Motion: Amendment to the Amendment: The motion was adopted to amend Article II, Section 15, Limitations on Nominations and Honors and Awards as follows: (a) Members serving as in any of the officers Association positions described in Article II, Section 14, of these Bylaws, as officers of the House of Delegates, or on the Advisory Council, and for one year after the completion of such service, shall not be eligible to be nominated for any of the offices described in Article II, Section 14 of these Bylaws. or Such members may be selected for an honor or award by the Executive Committee of this Association . body on or in which they serve , except for the House of Delegates’ Recognition of Service Award. after completion of such service. Motion failed.
A proposed amendment to (a) Article I, Sections 1 and 2, and Article XIII, Section 3, of the AAPG Bylaws and adding a new Section 6 to Article I of the AAPG Bylaws to provide for Certified Members to be a new classification of membership in AAPG, and renumbering current Sections 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of Article I to Sections 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, respectively, and (b) Article XIII. Section 3, to provide for dues for Certified Members.
Article I. Membership, Section 1. Membership
Membership in this Association shall consist of the following classifications:
Active Members
Emeritus Members
Honorary Members
Students Certified Members
Associates Students
f. Associates
***********************************************
Section 2. Definition of Term “Member”
Unless otherwise expressly provided in these Bylaws, the term “member” shall refer only to Active, Emeritus, and Honorary, and Certified Members. Only members may hold office, vote in Association affairs, sponsor membership applications, or refer to themselves as members of the Association.
***********************************************
New Section 6:
Article 1. Section 6. Certified Members
Certified Members shall be those Active Members of this Association that have received a certification from an AAPG Technical Division.
***********************************************
Renumber Sections 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of Article 1 to Sections 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, respectively.
***********************************************
Article XIII. Dues, Section 3. Dues Scheduling and Billing
The annual dues of members shall be payable in advance of the fiscal year in accordance with a schedule to be established annually by the Executive Committee, provided that the dues shall not exceed the sums set forth below:
Active -- Up to $125
Emeritus -- Up to $62.50
Honorary – None
Certified – Up to $125
Student -- Up to $10
Associate -- Up to $125
The above schedule shall be subject to the following provisos:
(a) That dues are not refundable;
(b) That members having previously obtained exemption under the former Life Member category shall not be required to pay dues;
(c) That students who join while undergraduates will be reclassified as Associates upon termination of academic enrollment or upon commencement of full-time professional employment or practice.
(d) There shall be three levels of annual dues for Active Members, Certified 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, Certified 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.
(e) Except as required to initiate the various dues levels as set out in subsection (d) above, that the annual change in dues for Active Members, Certified Members, and Associates cannot exceed twenty percent (20%), and that this annual change is noncumulative; and
(f) That a penalty to be established annually by the Executive Committee will be levied for each quarter year of delinquency beginning on July 1.
A statement shall be mailed to each Active Member, Emeritus Member, Honorary Member, Certified Member, Student, and Associate before July 1 of each year, stating the amount of annual dues.
Motion: It was moved to accept and amend (a) Article I, Sections 1 and 2, and Article XIII, Section 3, of the AAPG Bylaws and adding a new Section 6 to Article I of the AAPG Bylaws to provide for Certified Members to be a new classification of membership in AAPG, and renumbering current Sections 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of Article I to Sections 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, respectively, and (b) Article XIII. Section 3, to provide for dues for Certified Members. Motion failed.
Motion: Amendment to the Amendment: It was moved to accept and amend the hierarchy to Honorary, Certified, Emeritus, Active, Students and Associates. Motion failed.
15. Nomination and Election Committee
David Dolph, Chair of the Nomination and Election Committee recognized the members of the committee. The following slate of candidates was introduced to the House and each candidate was allowed three minutes for a statement.
- Chairman:
- Sigrunn Johnsen
Robert Randy Ray - Secretary/Editor:
- David Cook
Jewel Wellborn
There were no nominations from the floor. Exhibit “I”
16. Resolutions Committee
Jeanne Harris, Chairman of the Resolutions Committee recognized the members of the committee. She explained that the Resolutions Committee is responsible for outreach to the affiliated societies and the review of new societies that wish to affiliate with AAPG. The Committee is responsible for the disassociation of affiliated societies as per the new Rules and Procedures approved at last year’s HoD meeting in New Orleans. And, prior to the annual meeting, the Committee was contacting affiliated societies who have not provided AAPG with a list of their delegates who will attend the meeting. The Committee worked with Chair Hawk, who per the new Bylaws, contacted the Section Presidents to appoint a Delegate for those societies that did not have a delegate. Exhibit “J”
17. Newsletter/Minutes Approval Committee
Patrick Gooding, Newsletter Committee Chair, recognized the members of the committee and the staff and provided the purpose of the committee and accomplishments. Exhibit “K”
18. New Business
Chairman Hawk stated, on George Bole’s behalf, that he will include a few thoughts in the next Delegates’ Voice on methods to simplify the application process within the purview of the current Constitution and Bylaws Rules and Procedures.
19. Special Presentations
Recognition of Service plaques were presented to Chairman Hawk and Patrick Gooding, Secretary/Editor.
Chairman Hawk presented incoming chair of the HoD, Jeff Lund the official House necktie and gavel.
20. Results of House Officer Elections
Chairman Hawk announced the results of the election for the 2011-12 House officers declaring R. Randy Ray as elected Chair-Elect and David Cook as elected Secretary/Editor.
21. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chairman Hawk adjourned the meeting at 1:19 p.m.
s/s____________________________________
Patrick Gooding, Secretary/Editor