Minutes of Meeting – May 05,2010

The meeting was called to order at 1900 by the President, Mike, KC9AOM. Everyone was welcomed and a confirmation that everyone had received their Newsletter preceded a motion by WA9STB and KC9JWO that the Minutes of the March meeting be approved as printed in the Newsletter. All present were in favor. There were no reports of Silent Keys or illnesses.

The Treasurer’s report was presented by the Secretary since Tim, KB9VE, was unable to attend. The beginning balance was $2,654.86. Disbursements were $660.50 to Lectro Communications for the antenna work, $20.00 to the Indiana Radio Club Council for 2009 and 2010 dues and $8.00 to the Indiana Repeater Council resulting in a total disbursement of $688.50. Income was the voiding of a $10 check to the IRCC that was never cashed (2009). The new balance is $1,976.36. Upon motion of W9EEL and K9TZJ the report was approved.

.82 Repeater Report – Trustee Tom, KA9SYP, reported on the replacement of the antenna and feedline and showed and explained the pictures that are also posted on the web site. The old antenna is in pretty good condition and is in the garage for everyone to look over. The main problem was probably the bad connector. The job took from 9AM until about noon. Coverage is now solid. For reference the antenna cost is $1,250, and each cable connector is $34.40.

.09 Report – No report or concerns.

UHF Repeater Report – No issues or concerns. We did talk briefly about the painting of the WGNR tower last year.

Web Site – Tom, W9EEL, mentioned that he had heard comments about dead links on the EMA Web Site. Our site has all good links (thanks to Paul) and Tom is suggesting to those who complain to go to our web site in the future. Also the Anderson University weather station site that links to WeatherBug is down now.

Weather Station – Working fine. Steve did report that Tim has had to clean the rain collector frequently as it is getting clogged. He cleaned it yesterday after having cleaned it only 3 days earlier. Please let Tim know if you notice any problems. The clock was off, but upon notification Tim fixed it right away.

Weather Report – Tom, W9EEL, reported that we may get severe weather Wednesday PM. The subtropical jet stream has been moving north. The subpolar jet stream has stayed pretty well north and it provides most of the tornados.

EMA Update – Tom, KA9SYP, reported that the budget remains tight. There is still some District funding, but it’s expected to dry up soon. Tom, Dick and Jamey attended a seminar last week in Indianapolis on Weapons of Mass Distruction provided by the FBI and Secret Service. He talked briefly about a “convicted terrorist” that made a presentation. He also had pictures of many communications vehicles that were on display. He also had pictures of our JPS located at Lectro.

Correspondence – No new member applications. We have received a message from a ham in VA with ties to Pendleton who would like to be a member. After brief discussion we agreed to invite him to join, and anyone else for that matter. Former member Jim Currier, N9CVT, has a triband beam to get rid of. Contact Steve for an email address.

Other – Dick, WA9STB, mentioned that the MCARC has removed the antenna from the Chesterfield Water Tower along with 150 feet of hardline. Steve mentioned that there are several hundred feet of used 7/8” hardline available to anyone who wants it and also the feedline that was removed from the repeater is available.

Old Business – Steve, WA9CWE, mentioned that the added cost of the antenna replacement over and above the already-approved funds ($450) needs to be authorized by the membership. A motion was made by N9ZAF and K9TZJ that the additional $210.50 be approved for payment. All were in favor.

Steve also requested authorization to dispose of the old deviation meter and frequency counter that don’t work. W9EEL and KC9JWO moved that they be disposed of. All were in favor. Anyone present who wanted them was welcome to take them. No one wanted them so they were put in the dumpster. The wattmeters and direction finder are still good and will be available.

Dick, WA9STB, announced that the MCARC would be holding Field Day from the EOC on June 26 and 27. They will also be using the Training Room to host some Boy Scouts and their parents who will be visiting the Field Day operation. Everyone is invited to come out and operate.

Gene, KB9WI, has two 12V power supplies for sale. Also Dick, WA9STB, is getting rid of some Estate equipment including a TS520 low band transceiver ($250). Dale, KV9W, has a listing of a Randolph County ham who is selling out equipment, towers, etc.

The meeting was adjourned at 2009. There were 13 members present.

Respectfully submitted,
Steve Riley, WA9CWE
Secretary, ARC