The meeting was called to order with eleven members present.
MOTION
to accept the October minutes by Stephen (KC8PGE), seconded by Kip (KB8WWH), accepted.NET REPORT
:Paul (KG8OU) reported that the weekly two-meter net attendance has increased. Some credit was attributed to the cooler weather and the vacation season is behind us.
SPECIAL EVENTS
:The JOTA was successful. There were some DX contacts made and some of the Boy Scouts had the pleasure of speaking with other scouts throughout the country. While we were there we had the opportunity to discuss Field Day with officials from the Silver Trails camp and we were invited to hold the event there this coming June. We will look into the requirements of the communication badge, that the scouts can earn it while in attendance at Field Day. Gene (NA8I) mentioned the idea that we could hold a class or two for the scouts that wish to participate.
DISASTER REPORT
:The web page now has links to the disaster reports and will be an ongoing list of events as they occur. If you have any information regarding local disasters that you can help us with, please email it to us.
We continue to learn valuable information from our participation in disaster relief. It was discovered that third party radio traffic should be avoided during disaster relief efforts. It causes disruptions to our immediate purpose. It is also very important (and our legal obligation) that a control operator be present at all times when any un-licensed person is communicating on amateur radio services.
It is important that members check into the Chapter House prior to arriving at a disaster scene. That ensures that there are not too many vehicles appearing at the location and for insurance purposes. When you arrive at the Chapter House remember to get the vests that clearly identify us as amateur radio Red Cross volunteers. Call out’s will be done on the telephone before a radio net is established, unless there is no telephone access.
CLUB STATION
:Everything is working well in the radio room. We had a chance to use the ICOM 706 at the JOTA and the radio performed very well. The 220mhz-packet station is also working well and is ready to be placed in the new cabinet at the repeater site when it is completed.
OLD BUSINESS
: The amendment to the Constitution that moved the meeting time to the first Sunday of the month at 7:30pm was adopted after counting the votes. The Alinco DR610T was procured by Gene as was agreed upon at the October meeting. That radio has the in vehicle repeater (IVR) capabilities that proved so useful at the St Clair explosion disaster.MOTION
: that Gene be reimbursed the $449.94 for the Alinco by Kip, seconded by Edgar, and approved.NEW BUSINESS
: We had a discussion about recruiting new members into the group and to the Disaster Services in general. The idea of a flyer that describes our group and our purpose was entertained. The flyer could be handed out at events and possibly presented to people to people that had just completed the VE Examination sessions. We could host a radio operating night to attract amateurs to the club. We discussed the fact that our activities with the Scouts and emergency communication assistance and mock disasters should also prove an attraction.MOTION
: to adjourn by Gene (NA8I), seconded by Stephen (KC8PGE)