ALMA Science Advisory Committee 

Telecon, 2003-08-06 (Wednesday), 1430-1530 UT

Draft minutes

Attendees
	
John Richer (Chair)
Leonardo Testi
Ewine van Dishoeck

Chris Wilson
Chris Carilli
Phil Myers (second half only)

Diego Mardones

Al Wootten

Tetsuo Hasegawa

Apologies: none

JR chaired the meeting.  Several members were not online, presumably due
to holidays and travel. Those online agreed that members should be asked
to send apologies in advance if they are unable to attend, so that
meetings can begin promptly.

ACTION-1: Members to notify the Chair in advance if unable to attend
telecons.

Old Business:

Minutes of last meeting were accepted without change.  Most actions were
complete. Two are in the process of being addressed by the Board.

New Business

1) Project Update - AW

The major progress has been on meeting the level 1 milestone that is the
start of construction in Chile.  A concession to use the land was signed
on 25 July 2003, and road construction has begun.  The ASAC was very
pleased to hear this excellent news and congratulates the Project on
meeting this important milestone.

The news that no Project Scientist appointment has been made was
discussed.  AW and EvD suggested that currently that role is being
filled by them, but it was unclear if this is a long term solution.  The
Board is expected to progress this at its telecon on 7 August.  JR said
he had sent the ASAC letter to the Board on this issue and would be
discussed on 7 August.

The Vertex antenna has had its evaluation receiver installed. Radio
pointing will start soon.  The Alcatel antenna has half its panels
fitted - there is a small delay in its acceptance to Sep 12th 2003.
Tetsuo Hasegawa reported that the Mistubishi antenna was making steady
progress, and would be ready for holography soon.

2) ASAC Liaisons 

Because of the small number of members online, this discussion was
postponed. JR will sent description by email.  It was noted that the
Outreach IPT was still not in place.

ACTION-2: JR send description of liaison activities.

3) Report from European SAC - (van Dishoeck)

The ESAC will meet face to face in Madrid on 1 September. The main issue
will be the EU Regional Support Centre (RSC).

4) Report from ANASAC - (Wootten)

ANASAC will meet on 25 August. The main issue is to discuss the role of
the "ALMA Science Centre" as it is termed in the US - their name for
what appears as the RSC in the project plan.  AW noted the construction
of new office space in Charlottesville.  TH noted that in Japan
discussions on the RSC will begin soon.

5) Face to Face meeting plan - (John Richer)

JR explained he had a draft agenda, and most of the key people had been
invited. However, we still have no charge from the Board despite emails
and reminders.

ACTION-3: JR to circulate draft agenda and charge when finalised. 

6) Design Reference Science Plan - (Wootten, van Dishoeck)

AW and EvD reported on progress.  There was some concern that some areas
were not well organised, especially with Stephane's departure from the
project and people being away on holiday.  It is hoped that the draft
plan will be available soon after 15 August.

7) Science IPT report (Wootten, van Dishoeck)

AW reported briefly on the progress as outlined in the agenda. 

8) AOB

None.

9) Date of next meeting: 

A telecon is provisionally scheduled for 27 August at 1430 UT.

ACTION-4: ALL note extra telecon!