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MANATEE AMATEUR RADIO CLUB, INC.
MINUTES Membership Business Meeting
June 2 2009

The meeting was called to order by Ed Skalecki, NI4MX, President, at 7:00 PM

We all participated the a Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

Each person introduced themselves, those attending were counted and a quorum was established, we had 23 present with two guests. W2FGU, Pete Damiano and KI4WY, Mike Greenawald.

The minutes from the previous meetings were accepted as published on the web site www.manatee-arc.org.

The treasurers report was given by Frank Morton and filed for audit. Frank asked for a raise. His salary was doubled by the president. Good job, Frank.

Membership chairman reports 66 members and the two guests noted above.

Frank Morton VE Testing June 20th, 9:00 a.m. at the Red Cross building. Following the test session (approximately 11:00) Frank offered to ride folks to the NI4CE picnic in Ruskin.

License classes: Roger Byron has nothing scheduled at this time, however, we anticipate a class in late July. Anyone desiring to partake in the class please notify KR4WS by phone or email. Cost of the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual $25 and is the only charge. Class all day one Saturday followed the exam a week later.

The monthly breakfast gathering needs to find another restaurant since Theona's is closed for the next two weeks. Charlie's on Cortez Rd. at 8:30 was suggested - about the eighteen hundred block near Fan City. So on June 6, see you at Charlie's for breakfast.

ARRL membership was discussed. To remain sanctioned by the ARRL we need 60% of our members to be also members of the ARRL. Numerous benefits are enjoyed by the members for $39 per year. New members need only pay $24 since the ARRL offers the club to pocket the difference. As an incentive MARCI will pass the discount to the new member. Anyone that is not a member of the ARRL please call either Ed (president) or Jerry (membership) for a form and the steps to take.

Thursday night net format was discussed. Email reminders may help participation since it seemed to help with meeting attendance. Jim, KE4INM, is looking for more discussion on items introduced or the membership can ask questions about operating or equipment or whatever.

Ed introduced Geoff, N1GY, as the county PIO who will expend effort in the public information dissemination. Geoff was interviewed by Matt Bruce, the News Director of WSRQ radio station in Sarasota, where he discussed Amateur Radio and the coming hurricane season. Matt is hopeful the club will include a link to his web site on the MARCI-K4GG site.

Geoff mentioned that he has been approached for purchasing additional club shirts. So if anyone desires such a shirt get in touch with Geoff as he is about to order.

New Business:

The President asked for a new committee be created to wit: a Newsletter committee. Three folks voiced their willingness to participate: Keith, KJ4FFR, Jonelle, KI4WSN and Greg, AI4ZR agreed to give it a go. Greg took notes and agreed to head the committee.

Field Day, June 27, and 28 early Saturday morning we'll start setting up . The 'on the air' starts at noon. Sunday morning Frank will offer pancake breakfast for all. Hopefully, the members will gain familiarity with the trailer's layout and we can get a good inventory of the equipment there-in. With the inventory in hand, Frank can proceed to obtain insurance for the trailer. Come and enjoy your participation in field day. We can all become more proficient as operators and at the same time have fun.

The MARCI Board of Directors meeting will be at Frank's home, third Tuesday of the month, June 16 at 7:00 p.m.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:33 p.m.

Respectful Submitted
Roger Byron, KR4WS