MOTION: to accept the December 2006 minutes by Edgar (KC8VLV), seconded by Kip (KB8WWH), accepted.

TREASURES REPORT: Our treasure was not available for this meeting.

DISASTER REPORT: There was an explosion in Chemical Valley late last month. A petrol-chemical plant experienced an explosion in the middle of the night. There were no fatalities in this event mainly attributed to the hour of the occurrence.

NET REPORT: Edgar (KC8VLV) reported that net attendance has been consistent with eight or nine checking in to the weekly net. Please make note to participate Tuesday evenings at 8pm, on 146.800MHz.

SPECIAL EVENTS: none planned at this time.

CLUB STATION: The 2 meter radio is not in working condition and should be replaced. Plans are being made to approach Jeff for a replacement.

NEWSLETTER: Our newsletter and web page is available at www.qsl.net. We have a wealth of information available on the website including a recently added RSS feed.

CLUB PROJECT:

OLD BUSINESS: There was a discussion about the www.arcars.us domain renewal. The site was used to provide newsletter and other information about ARCARS. It was decided that a discussion with Andrew (KC8SPD) would be pursued prior to making the decision to retain or let go of the web space domain.

NEW BUSINESS: Rodger Catt (N8SVR) has recently accepted the position of EC for St Clair County. He has appointed Tom Cuthburtson (W8TRC) and Mike Johns (N8MIC) as assistant EC’s. Rodger is still seeking two more assistants to cover the county, one to the north and one on the west side of the county. Rodger is in the process of gathering information, meeting with appropriate officials, and devising a plan to integrate ARES/RACES amateur operations into the emergency response plan. With the experience learned from the Vigilant Guardian (tri hospital) exercise last summer, he is seeking answers on how to deploy amateur radio operators. He is also looking for input from local hams on any ideas that will help. The area’s repeaters are being looked at as for utilization in disaster communication traffic handling.

DX SPOTS/ SPECIAL EVENTS: Tom (W8TRC) explained that the very bottom of solar cycle 23 is expected this summer. After that conditions will begin to improve for the 11 year cycle 24 and indications look favorable with a peak expected about 2012. Even with poor HF conditions he reported working Slovakia on 20 meters and hearing several strong stations in Italy and Spain. Recently we had very unsettled solar conditions causing aurora. Tom was able to contact stations to the west by bouncing signals off the aurora.

MOTION TO ADJOURN: by Mike (AA8K) seconded by Tom (W8TRC)

HF: The Great Lakes Emergency and Traffic Net is held nightly at 8pm on 3.932 kHz

The AC8W DX Cluster on 144.790 MHz is available. Check it for HF activity.

Swap list provided by Frank (VE3FBH)