Rogers County Wireless Association

Monthly Club Meeting

Minutes for April 5, 2008

 

·        Meeting called to order by President: Calvin Emerson (KC5ARC) at 9:01 am.

·        Pledge of Allegiance was observed

·        Self-Introductions were made.  There were 2 officers, 12 members and 1 guest present (One member renewed).

·        Minutes from March 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 Mar 1, the club account balance is $854.13.  Motion made to accept treasurer’s report as read by Dirk, seconded by Dale.  Motion passed by show of hands.

·        Old Business

o       Cal mentioned the new “traders list” has been on the website but has not yet had any submissions.

o       Field day – Red indicated that the decision is the Elks Club as the venue for the Field Day.

Red passed around a signup list of those intending to be there and what equipment and/or frequencies they’d like to work.

Dale indicated that 2 port-a-Potties have been reserved for the weekend at $135 for weekend and that there is only a need to send payment to the vendor about 1 week before the event.

Dale needs an estimate of those intending to participate as he intends to provide one meal (chili).  Cups/bowls will need to be purchased.

o       Dirk – Technician Classes commenced April 2nd with 5 attendees.  Classes will continue from 6:30 to about 8 or 8:30 for another 5 weeks.  May 8 the American Airlines testing team (W5YI) will be brought in (closed testing).  There are 10 seats still open.  Late enrollment may be allowed on case-by-case basis. Classes are free however books are $25 and testing fee is $14.

o       Repeater – Calvin continues working on power converter and power supply provided by the EOC.  He is working on putting everything on a panel and doing a single installation.  He will begin installing after completing work and testing stability.  Once ready to install he will need someone with knowledge of the wiring in the building as there is some that is questionable.  Installation may mean as much as two days without repeater functioning.  Once installed, the 2m will be linkable to the 70cm again and should put out 100 watts

o       GCHF – Early indications are that this year did not go quite as well as previously.  Considerable commentary made regarding lack of participation by those who had done so prior years and lack of formal recognition of RCWA’s contribution.  There was also some commentary that RCWA is not the only club volunteering time and effort…some of it before and after the actual event.  We’d like something by also realize we aren’t the only volunteers.  There is a real need to get information out to the public regarding campgrounds (availability and cost) and other niceties. 

·        New Business

o       Dirk indicated that Homeland Security has several grants that could be available to RCWA for various needs and properly worded grant request (for which he and Lea Ann have training).  The EOC tends to see our repeater is backup communications for many of the emergency services in the Claremore and/or Rogers County area.  With a plan of action (what we have, what we want/need and what to get) and detailed grant request there could be.  He will need clubs EIN and other specifics if we are going to pursue.  Motion made to form a steering committee to come up with a plan and determine specifics needed to pursue Homeland Security monies via their grant program(s).  Dale 2nd.  Dirk was asked if he’d be willing to chair this committee and he accepted but indicated he’d need help with much of the details.  Don Fuhs and Larry Adams volunteered to form the core of this committee and will request information when needed.

o       For the picnic next month, Kathy England motioned that Calvin purchase the meats as needed then request reimbursement.  John Harwell 2nde and motion passed. 

o       Dirk indicated he purchased an 80’ military netting pole and donated to the club.

o       Raffle tickets were sold for $1 each and drawing done for 2 small prizes.  This brought $49.00 directly from sales.  Calvin had already collected $40 in donations from previous door prize and requested it be added to the collection from the raffle.  There were 2 prizes given out – Gary Rust and Dirk Flint won the prizes.

o       Kathy mentioned Channel 8’s Frank Mitchell had announced free weather radios for non-profit organizations with only an email.

·        Net Controls:

o       Apr 8         -           W5UW            -           Red Brungardt          

o       Apr 15      -           KD5NZK        -           Gary Rust

o       Apr22       -           ***YDL            -           Big Dan

o       Apr 29      -           KC5UOQ       -           Larry England

·        Announcement:

o       None

·        Motion made by Larry E to adjourn.  Second by John.  Meeting adjourned at 10:27