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MANATEE AMATEUR RADIO CLUB, INC.
MINUTES Membership Business Meeting
July 7, 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 including new member Joseph Kosobuchi, KJ4NDN, and his dad, John.
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.
Membership chairman reports 68 members.
VE testing will be held third Saturday in September, the 19th at 9:00 a.m. at the Red Cross building.
License classes: Roger Byron has nothing scheduled at this time. Ed mentioned there was a church group gearing up for a possible class. 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 on the first Saturday of the month will continue at Theona's in Oneco at 8:30.See you there for breakfast and social exchange.
Email reminders may help participation since it seemed to help with meeting attendance. Jim, KE4INM, was not able to conduct the net for personal reasons so Ed, KI4MX filled in. We want Jim back next time. Thursday night, seven o'clock, 146.820 repeater offset 100.
Comments from several indicated the volume 1 issue 1 Newsletter was a big hit. Very well done to the Newsletter staff. We look forward to a monthly issue provided there are substantial articles and interest. The members were asked to participate with inputs that are of interest to all. There is a form provided on the back for input from the members. Take advantage of it to send your comments to Jonelle. Geoff agreed to provide a list of articles he has written for ARRL magazine that could be condensed for the Newsletter. Ed indicated he'd like to see notes on up coming meeting presentations and condensed article on the presentation. There are a number of interesting things for articles. One of mention was Tom Stockbrand's Battery Powered truck and perhaps an article on his backyard, which by the way is the cause of his power meter running backward. Maybe Geoff can do an article for ARRL on Mr. Tom. What say Geoff?
No meeting in August - September 1 is the date for the next meeting were Geoff will talk about Traffic Net Procedures. The MARCI Board of Directors meeting will be at Frank's house on 21 July, 7:00 p.m.
New Business:
FGCARC - Florida Gulf Coast Amateur Radio Council is an organization of over twenty amateur radio clubs from West Central Florida. The purpose of FGCARC is to bring together hams to share information and ideas and it's major project is to sponsor the yearly Tampa Bay Hamfest. Membership requires a $25 annual renewal fee. Ed proposed a renewal of our membership and future support of the Tampa Bay Hamfest which is held at the Civic Center in Palmetto. Motion to reapply with the fee was passed. Their recent meeting was a call to renew and seriously support the effort with volunteer workers.
Ed opened discussion regarding the club repeater. The antennas needs to be moved to reduce the interference from other transmitters and to place it such that the blind spot be reduced. Currently the blind spot extends along Manatee Ave. from about 63rd street to Anna Maria Island. A length of coax, possibly LM-400, is needed. Roger volunteered a length of coax for the project. Several volunteered to help with the project. A second item suggested removing the antenna from the Blake Hospital repeater and placing it on top the Red Cross building. Since the antenna is in a precarious position and since it is part of the county's system, Roger suggested he provide a two band antenna for the project. Ed will check for the requirements regarding coaxial cable.
A motion passed to acknowledge Lamar Graham situation by sending a sympathy note. Lamar is the sole surviving plank owner of the club. He was one of the original members at it's inception and will celebrate his 100 birthday December 8.
Ed mentioned he'd like to see a group participate in the 2009 IARU HF World Championship Contest that he thought was sometime in August. It turns out The second full weekend of July , beginning 1200 UTC Saturday and ending 1200 UTC Sunday (July 11-12, 2009). Both Single and Multi operator stations may operate the entire 24-hour period. Looks like another contest might be the one in which we might participate.
Jerry mentioned we might consider putting together a QSL card since we will be getting requests due to our recent HF activities. It was suggested we've had some in the past but where they are now is not known. Anyone who might have on could allow Keith to scan it and Ed has a printer. If we can come up with one that everyone agrees to we could get some printed. Any inputs?
Ed suggested an expedition to Egmont Key to operate in the annual IOTA contest. We could also work the lighthouse into the contest. It was noted that another group has done this and the island is registered with the RSGB. we could ask these individuals to pass on some lessons learned during their past expeditions. Austin has also participated in the Dry Tortugas expedition and may have a few enlightening comments.
Judging from the newspaper article and the enjoyment had by the members the Field Day Event was a big success.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Respectful Submitted
Roger Byron, KR4WS