May 16, 1974 Missouri State Land Survey Authority Meeting Minutes

STATE LAND SURVEY AUTHORITY

Minutes of Meeting

May 16, 1974

     The meeting of the State Land Survey Authority was held in Jefferson City at the Highway Patrol Academy building, May 16, 1974. Chairman Daniel Kennedy called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m., with Messrs. James Anderson, Richard Barr, Willard Eckhardt, Wallace Howe, and Robert Myers present.

     The minutes of the April 4, 1974 meeting were approved as presented.

     The Financial Summary for the month of April was reviewed.

     Mr. Myers reported that he and Dr. Howe had attended a meeting April 25, 1974 in Jefferson City with Mr. Al Kemp, Robert Haake, and James Wilson concerning reorganization. At this time very little information is available. Messrs. Wilson, Haake and Kemp have been collecting and assembling information from agencies being transferred by Type I transfers to prepare a recommended reorganizational plan. This plan is to be presented to Governor Bond on May 16. As no funds were appropriated for personnel of the Office of the Director of the Department of Natural Resources, personnel will be shifted from existing state agencies. No open positions may be filled for the remainder of the Fiscal Year.

     Mr. Myers distributed copies of a draft entitled, "Horizontal Control Survey Specifications or Standards" for review and comment.

     A Control Design Diagram for the Liberty project was reviewed. The control design and specifications were prepared for a special situation and will not be published for use by other surveyors at this time. However it will be used for current contracts.

     Mr. Myers reported that the Capital Improvement bids had been opened on April 11, 1974. The low bid submitted was $42,755. This was considerably over the $38,400 appropriated for this project. This necessitates the plans to be reworked and the project rebid. Mr. Myers stated that adequate alternate bids had not been prepared for the first bidding. He expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the Capital Improvement project so far.

     The 1975 Capital Improvement appropriation has been approved for $8500. This includes replacement of the heating system, driveway repair, and a chain link fence. No funds were allowed for a records vault.

     Mr. Myers reported that at the present time five UMR students have been employed to index microfilm until the end of FY 74. No Personal Service funds are anticipated for part time personnel in FY 75.

     Mr. Myers reported that $700 unencumbered funds remain in the Equipment Purchase & Repair account. Also release of the 3% reserve, or $2100, could be requested. Mr. Myers suggested that the 3% reserve be used to assist the Director of the Department of Natural Resources to furnish needed offices. Dean Eckhardt made a motion that these funds be used in the Department of Natural Resources, seconded by Richard Barr. Motion carried.

     Mr. Myers stated that remaining funds in Operations will be used for additional microfilm, tires, and other necessary supplies. If the 3% reserve is released it will be used on a St. Louis control search project.

     Mr. Myers reported that the cost of the Liberty project was less than the original estimate. This will enable the scope of the project to be expanded to use the budgeted funds.

     Mr. Myers stated that the City of Springfield has $10,000 available to expand the control network to the southern part of the city. This will necessitate the use of tall towers. These towers are available from National Geodetic Survey at $500 per tower minimum. Mr. Myers believes 6 or 7 towers will be needed. Funds will need to be encumbered in the near future.

     Mr. Myers reported that the Iron County project is moving along very well. A contract was made with Mr. Ronald Murphy for monumentation of corners. Norman Brown is working on the project.

     Mr. Myers reported that the Carter County project is progressing well and some good corners are being found. No SLSA funds were used to match the Federal funds in this project except for personnel time and expenses. Mr. Myers indicated that on future projects the SLSA would need to be reimbursed at least for travel expense.

     Mr. Myers stated that many requests for restoration work has been received. Several requests have been received from the St. Louis area. Mr. Myers is working on some preliminary drawings for a possible project in this Fiscal year, if funds are available.

     Mr. Barr reported that UMSL is setting up a survey "cram" course through UMR. It was the opinion of the Authority that Norman Brown could assist with these sessions if all activity is on his own time, including travel.

     At 2:30, Mr. Myers and Authority Members met with Mr. James Wilson, Director of the Department of Natural Resources, and Mr. Al Kemp at the Jefferson Bldg. Mr. Wilson reviewed reorganization to date, and stated that changes would be made; however these changes are indefinite at this date.

     Mr. Kennedy emphasized that the User Fee collected for use by the State Land Survey Authority should be continued to be used to carry out the functions of the Authority. Dean Eckhardt recommended that a professional advisory board be continued.

     The next meeting of the SLSA is tentatively planned for June 5 and 6, 1974.

     Meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m.


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transcribed by Steven E. Weible

April 4, 1974 Missouri State Land Survey Authority Meeting Minutes

STATE LAND SURVEY AUTHORITY

Minutes of Meeting

April 4, 1974

     The meeting of the State Land Survey Authority was called to order at the State Land Survey Building by Chairman Daniel Kennedy at 9:00 a.m., April 4, 1974. Others present were Messrs. Richard Barr, Willard Eckhardt, Larry Fellows and Robert Myers. Mr. James Anderson joined the group at 10:30.

     The minutes of the meeting of March 7 were reviewed. Corrections were made as follows:

     Page 2, line 2 - word "State" changed to "Natural Resource"

     Page 2, line 11 - word "partisan" changed to "partisanship"

     Page 4, line 13, words "section corners" changed to "sections"

Minutes approved as corrected.

     The financial summary for the month of March was noted.

     The following expenditures for the fourth quarter were presented for approval:

          Personal Services - $33,833.57

     Expenditure approved.

          Equipment Purchase & Repair - $1,741.00

     Motion made by Dean Eckhardt, seconded by Richard Barr, that any necessary expenditures in Equipment Purchase & Repair could be made by the State Land Surveyor without further approval by the Authority. Motion carried.

          Operations - $27,914.50

     Mr. Myers suggested two programs to be considered for funding during the remainder of FY 74: 1) Extension of the pilot project in Iron County to monument corners, and 2) a control search co-op program in St. Louis County.

     Motion made by Dean Eckhardt, seconded by Richard Barr, that Mr. Myers be given authority to expend remaining Operations funds without further approval, with consideration given to a control search program in the St. Louis area. Motion carried.

     Mr. Myers stated that he was looking into the possibility of expending money from either the Equipment Purchase & Repair or Operations appropriation for repair of the driveway and parking lot at the SLSA building. Repairs could be made for approximately $1,000. The Division of Design and Construction will explore the feasibility of this repair work and notify Mr. Myers. Ample funds are available for this work.

     Mr. Myers reported that Mr. Joe Cassidy and Mr. James Schulen from the Division of Design and Construction; Mr. Hodge, architect; Mr. Heagler, engineer; and prospective bidders on the Capital Improvement project had met at the SLSA building on April 3. He stated that work specifications were very nebulous and bidders lacked interest in the project. Bids will be let April 11.

     Mr. Myers reported that at the 1975 Capital Improvement hearing he expressed the opinion that the SLSA was unhappy with the elimination of the records vault, but stressed the point that it be included in the 5-year Capital Improvement plan. The Capital Improvement appropriation includes completion of roof repair, replacement of heating system and repair of driveway.

     Mr. Myers stated that to date the 1975 appropriation for the regular budgets had all been lumped together and included in the appropriation for the Department of Natural Resources and the total budget cut by $260,000. This has not yet been passed by the Senate.

     Mr. Myers reported that Mrs. Rose Stough has resigned and Mrs. Dorothy Thompson hired to fill the clerk typist position.

     Mr. Myers stated that the Public Service Commission investigator had requested space in the SLSA building. It was agreed that action would be deferred until the Director of Natural Resources Department has been named.

     Mr. Myers requested authority to change the title of Arthur Jacobs from Chief, Administrative Services, to Surveyor. It was the opinion of the Authority that the title of Surveyor was more appropriate for the duties now being performed by Mr. Jacobs, and it was agreed that the change in title should be made.

     The Agency Plan and Recommendations prepared by Mr. Myers at the request of Mr. Al Kemp were reviewed. Several changes in content were recommended. A copy of this Plan and Recommendations will be forwarded to Mr. Kemp when the approved changes have been made.

     Adjourned for lunch.

     Mr. Myers reported on the status of the following projects:

     Microfilming - counties in the area of Truman Reservoir are being given high priority. Mr. McDermott presented a completed index of records to the Phelps County recorder on March 29th, and will present a completed index to the Montgomery County recorder on April 5.

     Corner Restoration - Carter County contract has been approved. Mr. Brown is working in Iron County on corner restoration project. The U.S. Forest Service has found a number of corners and coordinate values are being established. Mr. Wethington is working on the Liberty project monumenting main stations.

     Mr. Myers stated that the city of Springfield had contacted him concerning a possible control extension project. He will look into the possibility of this project in the near future. Mr. Myers will also look into a possible vertical control project in St. Louis.

     The next meeting date is tentatively May 16, 1974.

     Meeting adjourned.


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transcribed by Steven E. Weible

March 7, 1974 Missouri State Land Survey Authority Meeting Minutes

STATE LAND SURVEY AUTHORITY

Minutes of Meeting

March 7, 1974

     The meeting of the State Land Survey Authority was called to order at 9:00 a.m., March 7, 1974, by Daniel Kennedy, Chairman. Others present were James Anderson, Richard Barr, Willard Eckhardt, Wallace Howe and Robert Myers. Larry Fellows joined the group at 9:30 a.m.

     Minutes of the February 7, 1974, meeting were reviewed. It was agreed that the first sentence, paragraph one, page three, should be corrected to read as follows: Each employee must make satisfactory progress or the State Land Surveyor may terminate the employee's participation in the course. Minutes of the meeting were approved as corrected.

     The financial summary for February 1974 was reviewed.

     Preparation of a tentative Memo of Understanding to be presented to the Director of the Department of Natural Resources was discussed. The Reorganization Bill was discussed as to its possible effect on future SLSA operations.

     Mr. Myers reported on the following items:

          1) A bid on a 4-wheel drive vehicle has been accepted but delivery

             is not expected before 90 days.

          2) Outline of budgeted expenditures for the remainder of FY 74.

          3) Employment of part time personnel.

          4) Employment of clerk typist to fill recent vacancy.

     Mr. Louren Wood, Assistant Attorney General, and Mr. Al Kemp, SLSA reorganization analyst, joined the group at 9:50 a.m. Mr. Kemp reviewed sections of the Reorganization Bill as it applied to the State Land Survey Authority. Mr. Kemp stated he will be collecting and organizing data from agencies being transferred to the newly organized Department of Natural Resources. This information will be used by the Director in final reorganization of Natural Resource agencies.

     The possibility of the SLSA retaining an advisory Board was discussed.

     Dean Eckhardt expressed the following concerns in relation to the reorganization of the SLSA:

     1) That the User Fee is continued to be appropriated for support of SLSA objectives in a professional manner.

     2) Advisory regulations - advantages of support of professional surveyors, engineers, and lawyer in promoting these objectives.

     3) The lack of a buffer to protect the State Land Surveyor from political partisanship.

     Authority members requested that Mr. Kemp arrange a meeting of the Authority and the Director of the Department of Natural Resources before departmental plans have been finalized. Mr. Kemp indicated he would comply with this request.

     Dean Eckhardt suggested a change in Paragraph 3 of Model Transfer Agreement, Type I, to permit existing contracts to be modified during the 90-day freeze period.

     Mr. Kemp advised that Dr. Howe and Mr. Myers should cooperate to substantiate and justify a departmental plan that would be satisfactory to the State Geologist and the State Land Survey Authority. Any input of information from Authority members would be helpful. Mr. Kemp agreed that after the Director has been appointed, a memo of understanding, supplemented by a meeting of Authority members with the Director, would be advantageous.

     Mr. Myers stated that there was a possibility the SLSA would have occasion to enter into a contract with the Corps of Engineers before reorganization is finalized. Mr. Kemp and Mr. Wood advised that Mr. Myers should act on any contracts according to policy approved by the present Authority, and transfer all contracts to the Director of the Department of Natural Resources as transacted.

     Mr. Kemp requested that the SLSA pass a resolution permitting Mr. Myers to cooperate with him in preparing a plan for the Type I transfer.

     Adjourned for lunch.

     The meeting resumed at 1:00 p.m. with all Authority members and Mr. Myers present.

     The following resolutions were formulated by members of the Authority:

     Resolution I: Authorize Mr. Robert Myers to act in behalf or [sic] the State Land Survey Authority to cooperate with Mr. Al Kemp in implementing and preparing a recommended transfer agreement of this agency to the Department of Natural Resources. This transfer agreement will be signed by members of the Authority at time of transfer.

     Motion made by Dean Eckhardt, seconded by James Anderson that the above resolution be adopted. Motion carried.

     Resolution II: Request and authorize Robert Myers to prepare an agency plan and submit it to Mr. Kemp for consideration by the Director of Department of Natural Resources for inclusion in the departmental plan. Also, that the agency plan should include the recommendation that a State Land Survey Authority advisory board be provided.

     Motion made by Richard Barr, seconded by Dean Eckhardt, that Resolution II be adopted. Motion carried.

     Mr. Myers reported that the Capital Improvement proposal had been signed and submitted for bid. The House Appropriation Committee is holding its hearing on Fiscal Year 1975 Capital Improvement request for the SLSA on this date. Mr. Myers requested Mr. Jack Cooper to represent the SLSA at this hearing.

     Mr. Myers requested approval for purchase of automatic level equipment and invar rods; approximate cost is $2695. Motion made by Mr. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Barr, that purchase of above equipment be approved. Motion carried.

     Mr. Myers presented a request from Jack McDermott, Chief, Repository, to attend the National Microfilm Association meeting at Boston, Massachusetts, May 7-10. Estimated cost of attendance is $552. Motion made by Dean Eckhardt, seconded by Mr. Barr, that attendance by Mr. McDermott be approved. Motion carried.

     Mr. Myers requested approval to proceed with investigation of a possible project with the Corps of Engineers to restore section and quarter section corners in the area of Harry S. Truman Dam. The above project would involve approximately 150 sections at a cost of approximately $3,000 per section or $450,000 next Fiscal Year.

     Motion made by Dean Eckhardt that Mr. Myers be authorized to explore this project further and prepare a recommendation of action for the Board. Motion seconded by Mr. Barr. Motion carried.

     Mr. Myers reported that the Carter Co. project is near completion. Funds were available to extend each of the contracts; one for $550 and the other for $750.

     Mr. Myers requested approval to enter into new contracts with M. J. Huffman & Associates and S. H. Smith & Co., for a total of $3,000 for a search and evaluation project to include approximately nine corners. Monumentation of the corners would be included in the contracts. Motion made by Dean Eckhardt, seconded by Dr. Howe, that approval be given for Mr. Myers to negotiate the above contracts with Huffman and Smith. Motion carried.

     The next meeting of the SLSA is tentatively planned for April 4, 1974.

     Meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.


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transcribed by Steven E. Weible