Gem State Surveyorvolume xxxix| Issue 1 Spring 2015

In thIS ISSue:

Legislative Update..........8

Conference Report.......10

Board Meeting Minutes..........22

General Membership Meeting Minutes........24

2015 Award Winners (clockwise from top left): John Elle, Roger Ellis, Keith Simila, Bob Jones.

2 | GSS

Spring 2015| 3

Gem State Surveyoreditor: Clint Hansen

art director: Katy Dang

The Gem State Surveyor is a quarterly publication of the Idaho Society of Professional Land Surveyors. It is not copyrighted and articles may be reprinted with due credit. Any article, letters, or other contributions will be accepted and considered for publication regardless of the author’s affiliation. Statements of opinion which may be expressed may not necessarily represent the official views of ISPLS unless specifically noted. Article submission must be in digital form. Photographs must be high resolution .jpeg files.

Deadlines for articles & advertisements are as follows:

Winter Issue December 1 Spring Issue March 1 Summer Issue June 1 Fall Issue September 1

aDvertISInG PoLICyAdvertisements should be submitted in digital form to fit an 8 ½ x 11 page. Rates for color are as follows: Full Single Size Dimensions Year IssueFull Page 7.25” w x 9.75” h $800 $200 1/2 Page 7.25” w x 4.7” h $400 $100 1/4 Page 3.46” w x 4.7” h $200 $50 Business Card 3.46” w x 2.25” h $100 $25 Sustaining members 10% off above prices.

Publishing an advertisement does not imply endorsement of the advertiser by ISPLS and the editor reserves the right to reject advertising which may be in poor taste or in opposition to the policies of ISPLS.

The Gem State Surveyor will advertise equipment stolen from any of our members free of charge. ISPLS will pay $50.00 for information leading to the arrest and convic-tion of the perpetrator..

Idaho Society of Professional Land Surveyors1365 N. Orchard Street, Suite 259

Boise, Idaho 83706 208.658.9970

208.658.8112 fax info@idahospls.orgwww.idahospls.org

tabLe of ContentSEditor’s Note

Clint Hansen...........................................................4

President’s Message

Jeannie Vahsholtz..................................................6

Legislative Update

Nathan Dang.........................................................8

2015 Annual Conference Report

Glenn Bennett.....................................................10

Definition of Land Surveying

SB1063................................................................18

Board Meeting Minutes

ISPLS Board........................................................22

General Membership Meeting Minutes

Jeremy Fielding....................................................24

2015/16 Officers

ISPLS Board........................................................26

CaLenDar of eventSISPLS Board Meetings:

June 6, 2015 BuhlAugust 29, 2015 MoscowDecember 1, 2015 BoiseMarch 1, 2016 Couer d’Alene

Idaho Board of PE & Land Surveyors Meetings:April 9-10, 2015 MeridianJune 11-12, 2015 Couer d’AleneAugust 6-8, 2015 Riggins

PS & PE Exams in Boise:April 17-18, 2015October 30-31, 2015

NCEES Meetings

May 14-16, 2015 Scottsdale, AZ August 19-22, 2015 Williamsburg, VA

WFPS MeetingsMay 30, 2015 Denver

ISPLS Annual Conferences:March 1-4, 2015 Coeur d’Alene

4 | GSS

eDItor’S meSSaGeClint Hansen, PLS

Well, a lot has happened since the last issue of the Gem State Surveyor. We have just finished the ISPLS 2015 Annual Conference, and it was another great one. What a great opportunity to learn from other professionals in our field, as well as socialize with surveyors from all over the State and even beyond our borders. Job well done to the conference committee and all involved who made it happen. A big thanks to them for volunteering their time and energy to accomplish such a great conference. Look for the report of the conference within this issue, as well as many pictures of the events that took place. Also, as many are probably aware, the ISPLS and IBPEPLS were instrumental in the passing of the recent bills to update the definition of Land Surveying and to update the CP&F filing requirements. The update and change to the definition of Land Surveying really is a historical move and took much time and effort from many to get accomplished. A special thank you to all involved there in getting this accomplished. Look for more on the definition change and an update within this issue as well. Attending the conference, it seemed to me that a pretty common complaint with the members of the ISPLS is that they are not getting access to or reading the GSS since we have gone digital. The Gem State Surveyor must be accessed through the ISPLS home page, but is only accessible after logging in to the site with your username and password. This is by design, so as to keep the publication as an added benefit of being a member of the ISPLS. Perhaps we need to be discussing this more in our chapter meetings and how to gain access to the publication. Is the publication getting read in general? Does the membership see the publication as a benefit and want to see it continue

forward? I know that feedback and responses to the GSS have generally been pretty minimal. Do you have ideas on how to make the publication more beneficial to the membership? If so, contact us! And again, not to beat a dead horse, but we always need involvement from other surveyors in the profession to serve on committees, board positions, chapter positions, etc. The ISPLS is a volunteer organization, and is only as successful as we allow it to be. If you see a benefit of the ISPLS and what this organization does for our profession in Idaho, please get involved.

GSS

Spring 2015| 5

Proudly Supporting

Buildingrelationships, one monument at a time.

Berntsen International, Inc. • PO Box 8670 • Madison, WI 53704-8670 • Toll Free: 877.686.8561 • Fax: 800.249.9794 • Email: surveymark@berntsen.com

877.686.8561 • www.berntsen.com

ISPLS Since 2004

6 | GSS

PreSIDent’S meSSaGeJeannie Vahsholtz, PLS

March 17, 2015

Dear Membership:

It is such a privilege and honor to be writing this first president’s letter. My first thought is that of the society’s recent efforts coming to fruition with the passing of the definition of land surveying. The passage of this bill will enable future surveyors entrance into the profession of land surveying with more ease, align Idaho’s definition more closely with the NCEES Model Law and with surrounding states, and authorize professional land surveyors to certify documents and work that is performed by them on a daily basis. Now that ‘daily work’ is specified in Idaho Code. A professional land surveyor’s main focus, of course, is determination of land boundaries, but we do so much more than that, and now we have a definition that encompasses that.

Our recent conference was quite a success, especially with the support we had for our scholarship auction. The speakers were great, and the camaraderie was even better. It is always so great to see the support for our future surveyors in action at the scholarship auction, and this year topped most years if not all for money raised. We have a lot to accomplish these ongoing years, with education for surveyors as a top focus, which leads me to my third point.

As recent as August of 2014, the licensing board raised concerns about low pass rate of examinees taking the Fundamentals of Surveying Exam and the low number of students pursuing education in Idaho surveying curriculum. Our executive director Keith Simila has

gotten right on this, drafting a comprehensive Survey Education Task Force Charter, which subsequently has been modified to a Memorandum of Agreement. This MOA between our licensing board and the ISPLS is very detailed, presenting a ‘business case’ goals, work plan, timeline, and desired outcomes. Many members of our state society have stepped up to the plate to be a part of this survey education task force. Look forward to hearing and discussing ideas about the ‘survey education task force’ in more detail in the future. It is our legacy we leave to the future surveyors of Idaho to mentor them and encourage them in our profession.

Spring 2015| 7

8 | GSS

DefInItIon of SurveyInG uPDateNathan J. Dang, PLS

Back in 2012, when I ran for the position of ISPLS Vice-President, I wrote the following:

“The ISPLS should take action to change the Idaho Code definition of land surveying to reflect the knowledge, training and expertise that are unique to our profession in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Idaho.”

At that time there was a considerable amount of fear that the interests of parallel professions would never allow for the definition of our profession to be updated, but I am here to report that through the efforts of the ISPLS Definition Committee, working closely with the IBPEPLS, we have succeeded. SB 1063 passed the Senate and the House with only one vote against and was signed into law by the Governor on May 25th of this year. It will go into effect July 1, 2015. It has been a long and careful process in making this idea become a reality. Along the way we made sure to vet all of the language through our section directors and section members, and your input and feedback has been invaluable: thank you. To all of the board members who helped guide this endeavor along, working to include the voice of the members that they represent, I offer my congratulations. Much has been made of a single misinterpretation of our efforts that was brought to the national stage. Although we were disappointed in the coverage it was given, we declined to be dragged down to that level of discourse and did not let misinformed hysteria detract from our goal. We stayed focused on our efforts for the good of the profession and the safety of the public. We are proud to have advanced the standing of our vocation in a reasonable, careful, inclusive manner.

Perhaps the most important part of this adventure is the alliances we forged and relationships we strengthened with other member organizations. In the end, we had the support of AGC, ISPE, ACEC, IGO, WFPS, and several other organizations in our efforts to update our definition. We are honored to have their respect and support. Many thanks to all of our ISPLS members for your insightful, thoughtful, reasoned input. We now have a definition that we can stand behind well into the future. And, if we find a need to make changes to the laws impacting our profession, we have the foresight and alliances to approach any such demands as they arise. It is a good day to be a surveyor in Idaho.

GSS

Please find the final language on pages 18-21 of this issue of Gem State Surveyor.

All Legislation passed during this session of the Idaho Legislature that affects Land Surveyors can be found on the following, pages 59-74;

http://adminrules.idaho.gov/legislative_books/2015/pending/15H_Business.pdf

Spring 2015| 9

10 | GSS

2015 annuaL ConferenCe rePortGlenn Bennett, PLS

Photos by Clint Hansen, PLS

I would like to thank everyone that attended the ISPLS Conference this year and made it a huge success. The final registration tally showed that there were 143 full registrations, 12 one day CFedS registrants, 16 students and 6 vendors in attendance.

I also want to thank the Conference Committee for their hard work in the planning of the event and assisting during the conference. Katy Dang did a bit of everything, Coy Chapman worked with the vendors, Steve Frisbie kept us on track with the finances and a special shout out to Jeremy Fielding for his work in organizing and managing the scholarship auction. Due to his hard work, and the generosity of everyone that participated, $19,193 was raised in scholarship funding. An outstanding effort by any measure.

Jeremy Fiedling bringing in the big bucks for the Scholarship.Our Auctioneer makes his plea.

Dinner at the Scholarship Auction.

Spring 2015| 11

We had an excellent group of speakers who presented on a wide range of interesting topics including a riparian case study, an IBLA case study, GLO Platting Procedures, Business Practice and Mineral Survey Retracement.

Presenter Ron Scherler.

Presenter Aaron Smith.

Presenter Linda Smith.

12 | GSS

ISPLS presented Distinguished Service Awards to John Elle and Roger Ellis for their substantial contributions to the advancement of the profession over the years.

Rayce Ruiz presents the Distinguished Service Award to John Elle.

Jeannie Vahsholtz presents the Distinguished Service Award to Roger Ellis.

Spring 2015| 13

Bob Jones received the Surveyor of the Year Award for his service to the profession with QBS and the definition change and the Friend of the Society Award was presented to Keith Simila for his efforts in the definition change, Board expansion and other legislative items.

Forest Kiernes presents the Surveyor of the Year Award to Bob Jones.

Friend of the Society Award recipient Keith Simila.

14 | GSS

Exhibitors are an integral part of any successful conference. They purchase vendor space, provide scholarship auction items and sponsor the Surveyor Olympics. In turn, we need to show our appreciation by supporting them as well. When you are ready to make that next equipment purchase or buy supplies or services, please look to the following supporters of ISPLS: 3Di/GeoTerra, Bonneville Blueprint Supply, Geoline Positioning Systems, Monsen Engineering, Landpro Data and True Survey Supply. Without their participation and support, our conferences would not be as successful as they are.

landproData.

Monsen Engineering.

Geoline.

Spring 2015| 15

Bonneville Blueprint.

TRUE Survey Supply.

GeoTerra/3Di.

16 | GSS

Copies of the sign-in sheets for the programs are available for download under the Conferences tab on the ISPLS website. This is your only proof of attendance for PDH compliance. While there, please go to the Survey Monkey Survey and answer the ten questions about the conference. Your input will aid in the planning of future conferences.

Once again, thank you for supporting ISPLS and we’ll see you next year in Coeur d’Alene!

Glenn BennettConference Chairman

Kim Leavitt of NSPS swears in the 2015/16 ISPLS Board of Governors. From

left: George Yerion, Magic Valley Section Director; Coy Chapman, Southwest

Section Director; Steve Frisbie, Treasurer; Thomas Judge, Vice President;

Tyson Glahe, David Thompson Section Dector; Jeannie Vahsholtz, President;

Nathan Dang, Western Federation of Professional Surveyors Governor.

The traditional passing of the gavel from former President Nathan Dang, right, to

incoming President Jeannie Vahsholtz.

Spring 2015| 17

Dinner at the annual Awards Banquet.

Stanley French, Chief Cadastral Officer of Idaho (center), presents copies of the 2009 BLM Manual to Rajendra Bajracharya of

Idaho State University (center left) and the ISU student volunteers..

Group discussion during a presentation.

18 | GSS

LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF IDAHOSixty-third Legislature First Regular Session - 2015

IN THE SENATE

SENATE BILL NO. 1063

BY COMMERCE AND HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE

AN ACT1RELATING TO LAND SURVEYING; AMENDING SECTION 54-1202, IDAHO CODE, TO REVISE2

DEFINITIONS; AND AMENDING SECTION 54-1227, IDAHO CODE, TO REVISE TERMI-3NOLOGY AND TO PROVIDE A CODE REFERENCE.4

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Idaho:5

SECTION 1. That Section 54-1202, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby6amended to read as follows:7

54-1202. DEFINITIONS. As used in this chapter, unless the context or8subject matter requires otherwise:9

(1) "Authoritative" means certified by a professional land surveyor in10accordance with established principles of professional land surveying when11used to describe products, processes, applications or data resulting from12the practice of professional land surveying.13

(2) "Benchmark" means a material object, natural or artificial, whose14elevation is referenced to an adopted datum.15

(23) "Board" means the Idaho board of licensure of professional engi-16neers and professional land surveyors, hereinafter provided by this chap-17ter.18

(34) "Business entity" means a corporation, professional corporation,19limited liability company, professional limited liability company, general20partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, profes-21sional limited liability partnership or any other form of business except a22sole proprietorship.23

(45) "Consulting engineer" means a professional engineer whose prin-24cipal occupation is the independent practice of professional engineering;25whose livelihood is obtained by offering engineering services to the public;26who is devoid of public, commercial and product affiliation that might tend27to infer a conflict of interest; and who is cognizant of his public and legal28responsibilities, and is capable of discharging them.29

(56) "Engineer" means a person who is qualified to practice engineering30by reason of his special knowledge and use of mathematical, physical and en-31gineering sciences, and the principles and methods of engineering analysis32and design, acquired by professional education and engineering experience.33

(67) "Engineer intern" means a person who has qualified for, taken and34passed an examination in the fundamentals of engineering subjects as pro-35vided in this chapter.36

(7) "Land survey" means measuring the field location of corners that:37(a) Determine the boundary or boundaries common to two (2) or more own-38erships;39(b) Retrace or establish land boundaries;40(c) Retrace or establish boundary lines of public roads, streets, al-41leys or trails; or42

Spring 2015| 19

2

(d) Plat lands and subdivisions thereof.1(8) "Land surveyor intern" means a person who has qualified for, taken2

and passed an examination in the fundamentals of surveying subjects as pro-3vided in this chapter.4

(9) "Professional engineer" means a person who has been duly licensed5as a professional engineer by the board under this chapter.6

(10) "Professional engineering" and "practice of professional engi-7neering" mean any service or creative work offered to or performed for the8public for any project physically located in this state, such as consulta-9tion, investigation, evaluation, planning, designing, design coordination,10teaching upper division engineering design subjects, and responsible charge11of observation of construction in connection with any public or private12utilities, structures, buildings, machines, equipment, processes, works or13projects or to certify elevation information, wherein the public welfare or14the safeguarding of life, health, or property is concerned or involved, when15such service requires the application of engineering principles and data.16A person shall be construed to practice or offer to practice professional17engineering within the meaning and intent of this chapter who practices or18offers to practice any of the branches of the profession of engineering for19the public for any project physically located in this state or who, by verbal20claim, sign, advertisement, letterhead, card, or in any other way represents21himself to be a professional engineer or through the use of some other title22implies that he is a professional engineer or that he is licensed under this23chapter, or holds himself out as able to perform or who does perform for the24public for any project physically located in this state, any engineering25service or work or any other service designated by the practitioner which is26the practice of professional engineering.27

(11) (a) "Professional land surveying" and "practice of professional28land surveying" mean responsible charge of authoritative land sur-29veying to determine the correct boundary description, to establish or30reestablish land boundaries, to plat lands and subdivisions thereof or31to certify elevation information services using sciences such as mathe-32matics, geodesy and photogrammetry and involving:33

(i) The making of geometric measurements and gathering related34information pertaining to the physical or legal features of the35earth, improvement on the earth, and the space above, on or below36the earth; and37(ii) Providing, utilizing or developing the same into survey38products such as graphics, data, maps, plans, reports, descrip-39tions or projects. Professional services include acts of consul-40tation, investigation, testimony, planning, mapping, assembling41and interpreting and gathering measurements and information re-42lated to any one (1) or more of the following:43

1. Determining by measurement the configuration or contour44of the earth's surface or the position of any fixed objects;452. Performing geodetic surveys to determine the size and46shape of the earth or the position of any point on the earth;473. Locating, relocating, establishing, reestablishing or48retracing property lines or boundaries of any tract of land,49road, right-of-way, easement or real property lease;50

20 | GSS

3

4. Making any survey for a division or subdivision or a con-1solidation of any tracts of land;25. Locating or laying out of alignments, positions or eleva-3tions in the field for the construction of fixed works;46. Determining, by the use of principles of surveying, the5position for any boundary or nonboundary survey monument or6reference point or for establishing or replacing any such7monument or reference point;87. Certifying elevation information;98. Preparing narrative land descriptions; or109. Creating, preparing or modifying electronic or other11data necessary for the performance of activities in subpara-12graphs 1. through 8. of this paragraph.13

(b) "Professional land surveying" and "practice of professional land14surveying" shall not mean:15

(i) Mapping or geographic information system work that is for16nonauthoritative boundaries and nonauthoritative elevations;17(ii) Construction survey work that is unrelated to establishing18vertical and horizontal project control; or19(iii) Construction staking of fixed works or the development and20use of electronic models for machine-controlled construction that21by design are unrelated to determining boundaries described in22paragraph (a)(ii)3. of this subsection.23

Any person shall be construed to practice or offer to practice professional24land surveying who engages in professional land surveying, or who, by ver-25bal claim, sign, advertisement, letterhead, card, or in any other way rep-26resents himself to be a professional land surveyor, or who represents him-27self as able to perform or who does perform any professional land surveying28service or work or any other service designated by the practitioner which is29professional land surveying.30

(12) "Professional land surveyor" means a person who is qualified by31reason of his knowledge of the principles of land surveying acquired by ed-32ucation and practical experience to engage in the practice of professional33land surveying and who has been duly licensed as a professional land surveyor34by the board under this chapter.35

(13) "Public" means any person, firm, corporation, partnership, com-36pany, government agency, institution or any other entity recognized by law.37

(14) "Responsible charge" means the control and direction of engineer-38ing work, or the control and direction of land surveying work, requiring ini-39tiative, professional skill, independent judgment and professional knowl-40edge of the content of relevant documents during their preparation. Except41as allowed under section 54-1223, Idaho Code, reviewing, or reviewing and42correcting, documents after they have been prepared by others does not con-43stitute the exercise of responsible charge.44

(15) "Rules of professional responsibility" means those rules, if any,45promulgated by the board, as authorized by the Idaho Code.46

(16) "Signature" means either: an original handwritten message identi-47fication containing the name of the person who applied it; or a digital sig-48nature which is an electronic authentication process attached to or logi-49cally associated with an electronic document. The digital signature must be50

Spring 2015| 21

4

unique to the person using it; must be capable of verification; must be un-1der the sole control of the person using it; and must be linked to a document2in such a manner that the digital signature is invalidated if any data in the3document is changed.4

(17) "Standard design plan" means a building, structure, equipment or5facility which is intended to be constructed or sited at multiple locations6and for which some or all of the plans must be prepared by a professional en-7gineer.8

SECTION 2. That Section 54-1227, Idaho Code, be, and the same is hereby9amended to read as follows:10

54-1227. SURVEYS -- AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEY-11ORS AND PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS. Every licensed professional land surveyor12is hereby authorized to make land surveys and it shall be the duty of each13licensed professional land surveyor, whenever making any such professional14boundary land survey as defined in section 54-1202, Idaho Code, that is15not preliminary in nature, to set permanent and reliable magnetically de-16tectable monuments at all unmonumented corners field located, the minimum17size of which shall be one-half (1/2) inch in least dimension and two (2) feet18long iron or steel rod unless special circumstances preclude use of such mon-19ument; and such monuments must be permanently marked with the license number20of the professional land surveyor responsible for placing the monument.21Professional engineers qualified and duly licensed pursuant to this chapter22may also perform those nonboundary surveys necessary and incidental to the23work customarily performed by them.24

22 | GSS

mInuteS - boarD of DIreCtorS meetInGBoise

February 24, 2015

Call to Order: Jeannie Vahsholtz, Vice President

Call to Order at 1:04 pm

Members Present – Nate Dang, President; Jeannie Vahsholtz, Vice President; Jeremy Fielding, Secretary Steve Frisbie, Treasurer; Katy Dang, Executive Director; Tom Ruby, Past President; Glenn Bennett, IBPEPLS; Rodney Burch, Eastern Section Director; Chris Renaldo (Proxy for Rob Straton), Northern Section Director; Coy Chapman, Southwest Section Director; Tyson Glahe, David Thompson Section Director; Allison Younger (Proxy for Steve Staab), Clearwater Section Director; Tom Taylor; Sawtooth Section Director (also Proxy for Bruce Smith);George Yerion, Magic Valley Section Director, John Russell, High Country Section Director/NSPS Representative; Bob Jones, QBS Representative. Also in attendance were Ryen Johnson, Forrest Keirnes, Kazi Arifuzzaman, Robert Liimakka, Ron Hodge, Clint Hansen, John Elle, Rayce Ruiz, and Bert Nowak (Proxy for Tom Ruby until he arrived).

Agenda: Jeannie Vahsholtz opened the meeting on behalf of President Nate Dang and ran the meeting until Nate arrived later on. There were no agenda additions.Introductions: Rayce Ruiz introduced Kazi Ariffuzzaman as the new Idaho State Geodetic Coordinator to fill the position vacated by Curt Smith. He was approved as the new coordinator by the NGS. He stated that all the MCPD data has been tranfered to Kazi’s office, and that if you need to contact him for any geodetic question to also contact Rayce Ruiz. ITD is tracking his usage as part of their contract.Reports:Teller’s committee was organized with Jeremy Fielding, Clint Hansen, Forrest Keirnes, and Katy Dang. They reported that Tom Judge ran unopposed 46-0.Board of Governor Dates and locations were set. June 6th, 2015 in Buhl, Idaho; August 29th, 2015 in Moscow, Idaho; December 5th, 2015 in Boise, Idaho; February/March 2016 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Committees will be meeting February 25, 2015, in the morning to discuss their course of action this year.

2015 Conference: Glenn Bennett- He reported they have 98 members, 22 non-members, 7 CFedS, 16 students, and 7 vendors registered for the conference. Currently they estimate income to be just over $76K, expenses to be just over $32K with an approximate net income of $44K. Jeremy reported that he had to use some of the emergency auction fund to purchase items. He reported that they had to find a new auctioneer this year.

2016 Conference: Tyson Glahe- He reported that the location would be in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho but that the conference center location has not been determined yet. The Clearwater Section is getting the speakers and that the David Thompson Section would be handling the scholarship auction.

Committee Reports

Internal Marketing Committee- Clint Hansen reported that not much has happened with this committee since last year, but that they are looking at benefit to market to other to become more active in the association. Discussion was had as to what constitutes membership in the ISPLS and in the Sections, what it means, and the need to itemize the benefits of being a member of the ISPLS. Rodney Burch made a motion that the Board of Governors to support Katy in denying access and benefits to non-ISPLS members. Seconded by Coy Chapman. Motion carried. John Russell stated that NSPS proposed to put public relations tabs on their website, and a public relations award for RP projects. Rayce Ruiz stated that the Eastern Section approved to hire a marketing director help out with their Section.Rodney Burch stated that the Bi-laws currently allow for sub-sections to be added. The students are looking to add a sub-section to the Eastern Section with a least two PLS’s. Discussions was had to include other

Spring 2015| 23

students besides ISU students to this sub-section. Allison Younger made a motion to approve a sub-section for students to the ISPLS. Seconded by George Yerion. Motion carried.

Break: 2:45 pm-3:00 pm

Gem State Surveyor- Clint is looking for a replacement

Education Committee-Nothing to report

Innovative Committee-Nothing to report

RTN- Rayce Ruiz reported that Bonneville Blueprint did a presentation at ITD to propose to establish an RTN in Eastern Idaho that would be comparable with the one they have in Southwest Idaho. The user fee would be $100/rover but that ITD would have it for free. He reported that Trimble also submitted a proposal as well. Rayce also reported that three new CORS stations would be operating in Mackey, Challis, and Leadore.QBS Bob Jones- Reported that he is looking for a replacement as he has retired and looking to do other things.

Administrative Committee- Steve Frisbie reported that Treasurer’s Report and P/L was added in the Board packet. He stated that he will have a more complete report at the next meeting as our fiscal year in ending soon.

Board correspondence- Jeannie opened up discussion on the current methods the Board uses for correspondence and the problematic nature it can create, other alternatives that could be used, and usage of executive sessions. Motion was made by Coy Chapman that Board only use the on-line forum for correspondence. Seconded by John Russell. Motioned failed 6-7.

Legislative Committee- Glenn Bennett stated that the Senate Committee met today to hear the Definition of Land Surveying Bill, but that it was post-postponed due to time restraints.

Old Business:

ISPLS Task Force-Glenn Bennett sent a draft of the MOU in the Board packet. The MOU is propose stop the decline of Surveying students and why they are not passing their FLS exams. Ideas were discussed on what this task force should include, some possible objectives and solutions, and possible members. Tom Ruby made a motion to accept the MOU as written. Seconded by George Yerion. Motion carried.

New Business:

Future Cities- Nate Dang reported that this is a great opportunity, and that we are not on the ground floor of this event. Glenn Bennett agreed and added that we need to mentor these kids. Bob Jones stated that we need to establish 4-5 questions to help guide these groups of kids.

Boundary Surveying Rule changes- Glenn Bennett reported that if the Definition of Surveying is signed into Law the IBPEPLS will need to update the rules of licensure, and they are looking for the ISPLS and their members for suggestions. Discussion was had on possible time frames and experience requirements that could be vetted. Tom Ruby made a motion to send a recommendation to the IBEPLS that a four year requirement with a minimum of two years of boundary under the supervision of the Registered Land Surveyor. Seconded by Jeannie Vahsholtz. Motion carried 7-5. Section Directors are to continue talking with their members to submit ideas to the IBEPLS before June, 2015.

Board Travel- Steve Frisbie submitted a chart created by Ron Hodge that showed the most economical locations to have our Board meetings. First was McCall, second was Boise, and third was Ketchum.

Good of the order.

Called for adjournment at 5:50 pm by John Russell. Seconded by Tom Ruby. Motion carried.

GSS

24 | GSS

mInuteS - GeneraL memberShIP meetInGBoise

February 26, 2015

Call to Order: Jeannie Vahsholtz, President at 12:45 pm

Legislation update: Jeannie reported that the Definition of Surveying (HB 1063) is online. The bill is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Committee this week. It was scheduled for February 24, 2015 but was delayed.

Membership: Executive Director Katy Dang reported that membership is holding steady at 200+ and that there will be some new things added to the website to help promote our members.

Treasurer’s report: Steve Frisbie reported that it will be in the Gem State Surveyor because final number won’t be in until after the conference.

Education: Jeannie reported that the IBPEPLS has drafted a MOU for a task force to look into why student enrollment and students passing the FLSIT had been declining each year, and that they are looking for individuals to be part of this committee.The education committee is looking for a co-chairman as Steve Staab’s health has taken him from the ability to fulfill his obligations.

Trig-star: Please contact Allison Younger with any questions.

Future Cities: We need more individuals to take a more active role in this program.

Editor: Clint Hansen stated that he is looking for a replacement to be the editor of the Gem State Surveyor. Please contact him or Jeannie if interested.

QBS Representative: Bob Jones stated that he is retiring and is looking for a new QBS representative to take his place.

National Surveyors Week: March 15-21, 2015. We need to mentor students as part of this program.

State Geodetic Coordinator: Rayce Ruiz introduced Kazi Arifuzzaman as the one State of Idaho Geodetic Coordinator to take the place of Curt Smith. He was appointed by the NGS as part of a program in conjunction with ITD. He will based out of ISU in Pocatello.

NSPS: Kim Leavitt reported that there will be a meeting in April and that current membership is over 15K. We need to be involved and the NSPS website lists multiple things that are going on. There are insurance opportunities available for members. Once the remaining States are on board then the NSPS will be the largest Land Surveyors organization in the world.

Called for adjournment at 1:15 pmGSS

Renewyour ISPLSMembership

TODAY!

www.idahospls.org

Spring 2015| 25

McVITTIE HOUSE AND LAND SURVEYING OFFICE

McVittie House

and Land Surveying Office

Fort Steele Heritage Town

and the

Heritage Branch

Ministry of Forests, Lands &Natural Resource

Operations

in conjunction with

The Association of British

Columbia Land Surveyors

and

The Friends of Fort Steele

are pleased to announce the

official opening of McVittie House

and Land Surveying Office.

July 11, 2015 @ 1:30 pm

9851 Highway 93-95,

Fort Steele, BC

Fort Steele Heritage Town

9851 Highway 93-95

Fort Steele, BC, V0B 1N0

Association of British Columbia

Land Surveyors

#301 – 2400 Bevan Avenue

Sidney, BC, V8L 1W1

26 | GSS

2015/16 offICerS

President Jeannie Vahsholtz(208) 282-2305 jeannie.vahsholtz@itd.idaho.gov

Vice President/President ElectThomas Judge(208) 703-8872 tjudge@foxlandsurveys.com

SecretaryUnfilled TreasurerSteve Frisbie(208) 323-2288 sfrisbie@to-engineers.com Immediate Past PresidentNathan Dang(208) 863-4198 nathan@accuratesurveyors.com National Society of Professional Land Surveyors Governor John Russell(208) 634-7607 jr_rsi@frontiernet.net

Westfed Governor Nathan Dang(208) 863-4198 nathan@accuratesurveyors.com

Committees & Chairs

External Marketing: Nathan Dang

Internal Marketing: Clint Hansen

Administration: Jeannie Vahsholtz

Education: Steve Staab

Innovation: Tyson Glahe

IBPEPLS Members: John Elle, Glenn Bennett

Conference Chairs2016: Northern & David Thompson Sections

SeCtIon offICerS

Big Wood Director Bruce Smith Vice Chairman Steve Schwarz Secretary Todd Reynolds

Clearwater Director Stephen Staab Chairman Terry Golding Sec./Treasurer Stephen Staab

Section meets the second Wednesday of each month at Rowdy’s Texas Steakhouse & Saloon in Lewiston.

David Thompson Director Tyson L.A. Glahe Chairman Glen D. Cash Vice Chairman Jeff Wiley Sec./Treasurer Tyson L.A. Glahe

Eastern Director Rodney Burch Chairman W. Olorenshaw Vice Chairman Stewart Ward Secretary Chris Adams Treasurer Dennis Jones

Eastern Section meets by video conference each month with groups at ITD offices in Pocatello and Rigby.

High Country Contact John Russell (208) 634-7607.

Magic Valley Director George Yerion Chairperson Keith Brooks Vice Chair Roger Kruger Secretary Trevor Reno Treasurer Tom Ruby

Northern Director Rob Stratton Chairman Gale Dahlman Vice Chairman Chris Renaldo Sec./Treasurer Gale Dahlman

Northern Section meets the last Friday of the month at the Iron Horse Café in Coeur d’ Alene.

Sawtooth Contact Tom Taylor (208) 756-8321.

Southwest Director Coy Chapman Chairman Jeremy Fielding Secretary Aaron Rush Treasurer Steve Frisbie

Southwest Section meets at Casa Mexico at 5 Mile and Fairview in Boise on the second Tuesday of each month.

Spring 2015| 27

TPS101

TPS102

TPS103

TPS104TPS105

TPS106

TPS110

www.novalearningnetwork.com

WHEN YOU’RE NOT SURE JUST SCAN IT!

BONNEVILLE BLUEPRINT SUPPLYwww.bonnevilleblue.com

Idaho Falls Store1802 Curtis Avenue

Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402(208) 522-00101-800-635-8804

Twin Falls(208) 484-7386

Utah(801) 995-1946

Boise Store10933 W. EmeraldBoise, Idaho 83713

(208) 376-57101-800-648-6134

Robotic Total Station Imaging Scanning GNSS - All in a Single System

What if you robotic total station had scanning capabilities, without the need for complex registration of scan data in the field or processing in the office? The NEW! Leica Nova MS50 enables you to capture and create a point cloud directly in the field - all through a familiar survey workflow.

It’s a risk-free entryway into the profitable world of laser scanning, so you can be sure every time.

28 | GSS

Gem State SurveyorSpring 2015

Idaho Society of Professional Land SurveyorsPO Box 7886

Boise, ID 83707

(208) 658-9970(208) 658-8112 fax

info@idahospls.orgwww.idahospls.org

Thanks for your continued support of YOUR professional society! Renew your Membership

TODAY!

www.idahospls.org