Rogers County Wireless Association

Monthly Club Meeting

Minutes for March 1, 2008

 

·        Meeting called to order by President: Calvin Emerson (KC5ARC) at 9:00 am.

·        Pledge of Allegiance was observed

·        Self-Introductions were made.  There were 3 officers, 12 members and 1 guest present (One member renewed).

·        Minutes from February meeting were read by Frances (KC5CSC).  Motion made to accept minutes as read by Dirk (K7QVD), seconded by Dale (N5EDB).  Motion passed by show of hands.

·        Treasurer’s report was read by Frances.  With no activity since Feb 2, $714.13 remains in the club account as of this date however a deposit of $140 will be made after today’s meeting for account balance of $854.13.  Motion made to accept treasurer’s report as read by Brian (K5BDM), seconded by Larry (KC5JJC).  Motion passed by show of hands.

·        Old Business

o       Frances indicated changes have been made to the web site as indicated last month.  New “traders list” was added as a selection though to date nothing has been submitted.  Also, a link to the ARRL Field Day document has been added to the site.

o       Field day – Dallas informed Dirk that Elks has indicated use of their location is alright.

Dirk checked with Methodist Church regarding their facilities and is also alright.

Larry (KC5UOQ) has agreed to supervise food needs for the event

At next meeting Red will have sign up list for coordinating the event

Dale indicated that 2 port-a-Potties can be rented for $135 for weekend.  Though a location has not been firmly decided, it was felt wise to get them reserved for that weekend.  Sec requested Dale check whether any deposit is needed as well.

Ken (WB5Y) asked about any thoughts for promotion and public awareness.  Suggestion is a notice to Claremore Progress.  The ARRL Field Day material includes a suggested press release or press package.

Several suggestions were made with regard to selection of location.  We have two choices in the table: Elks and United Methodist Church. 

First suggestion: Coordinator (Red) check them out and decide by next meeting. 

2nd suggestion: put choices on the air and/or web and request responses (a public vote so to speak). 

3rd suggestion (and motion by Ken): create a committee who will view sites today and make a choice.  Kathy England 2nd this motion and passed by show of hands.  Committee: Red, Don (KE0CQ) and Dirk.  Once decided, will be placed on the web and an email list Frances has.

o       Dirk – Technician Classes @ Methodist Church – Wednesday night’s at 7 to 9 pm beginning April 2nd for 6 weeks.  May 8 the American Airlines testing team (W5YI) will be brought in (closed testing).  There are 15 seats (11 remain available). Classes are free however books are $25 and testing fee is $14.

o       Battery – still has not been purchased however information is being collected.  Brian, Calvin and Duane determined a UPS with a larger battery is inefficient because the power exchange results in a loss.  A new controller for DC power system adds some cost but will not require manual switch over between AC to DC when there is a power failure at college.  Question was brought up about approaching the EOC for a grant through Homeland Security means.  Dirk will check with EOC about the possibility otherwise this is tabled for now.   Additional suggestion was a realization that the college will have to do something about power to keep from being fined because their tower is not lit during power failure.  They are apparently looking into generator and suggestion was see about piggy-backing on that.   Duane indicated that in any event a power supply of at least 40 amps is needed to be able to charge any battery and run the repeater at same time.  Dale has a power supply.  Duane motion we check out Dale’s power supply and if not sufficient then one be purchased at the ham fest later this month.  Dale 2nd and it was passed by show of hands.

o       GCHF – Duane requested his name be added to list of volunteers. 

·        New Business

o       Dale made suggestion regarding a means of generating income.  Sell raffle tickets for $1 each that will be drawn during the meeting for small prizes.  First thoughts were legality of a raffle however it was generally announced that with the lottery and gambling vote raffles became legal.  With this understanding Dirk motioned allowance of $100 to Dale who will purchase the prizes at the ham fest for the year.  Red 2nd the motion and it passed by show of hands.  Frances is willing to be the cashier for this venture.  Calvin already has tickets that can be used for the purchases and drawings.

·        Net Controls:

o       Mar 4        -           W5UW            -           Red Brungardt          

o       Mar 11      -           KC5UOQ       -           Larry England

o       Mar 18      -           KD5NZK        -           Gary Rust (same night as Storm Spotters training)

o       Mar 25      -           KC5EQM       -           Larry Adams

o       Apr 1         -           Open               -           Larry England will seek a net control for this date.

·        Announcement:

o       None

·        Motion made by Dirk to adjourn.  Second by Dale.  Meeting adjourned at 10:15