The meeting was led by Joe LaFauci, KA9OPL. Roundtable introductions were given.
Noel Taylor, N9CJT, introduced Peggy McNara, N9QT. She is the Indiana State Coordinator and Liaison Officer of SATERN, Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network. SATERN is a dedicated group of hams who provide their radio equipment and expertise in support of The Salvation Army's disaster response.
Mrs. McNara (she is a teacher!) gave an informative presentation of the purpose and activities of SATERN. Those interested in membership may contact her through the group’s website at http://www.geocities.com/saternind/. SATERN does have a schedule of regular on the air nets which can be found at their website.
Minutes of last months meeting were read and the secretary’s report was given.
The KC9BPW repeater (443.075+, 136.5PL):
Mike Riley, N9LTT,
reports that the Columbus Area Career Connection (C4) repeater which is located at
Though operational the current repeater controller is felt to be inadequate. Mike requested that the club consider providing funds for a more robust controller system. He presented a proposal for the purchase of the ARCOM RC-210, and some supporting hardware. http://www.ah6le.net/arcom/index.html.
Discussion centered on particular concerns that the club’s involvement would be a conditional loan and not a pure donation of money or hardware. We would require a formal agreement which should protect our interests. Some of the points were that club representatives have access to the equipment in an emergency, that the agreement should extend beyond Mike’s employment, and that equipment be covered by C4’s insurance. An especially an understanding that this was a loan, if for any reason the equipment was no longer being used as intended it could be retrieved by the club.
Jim Smith, WV9W, made a motion that the club authorize the Executive Committee to negotiate and enter into an agreement with the Columbus Area Career Connection Amateur Radio club and Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation to provide the requested controller system on a loan basis at a cost not to exceed $650. Noel seconded the motion. It was voted upon and the motion passed.
The WB9AEP repeater (146.790-):
Marion Winterberg, WD9HTN, reported that there was no new news on the availability of the test/demo unit which Burt Baltus, N9LQP, recommends as a possible replacement to our present machine.
Alvin Koffman passed out ALERT (Air Land Emergency Resource Team ) brochures. This would be the topic of perhaps next month’s guest speaker. http://www.alertacademy.com
Chuck McTarsney, KC9DGD, has volunteered as January’s Net Control.
**********
The Nominating
Committee for 2004 officers recommended
retaining Joe LaFauci, KA9OPL, as President;
Three members were presented to possibly serve as Vice President, Don Keith, WB9SMC; Alvin Koffman, KA9QLQ, and Chuck McTarsney, KC9DGD. A paper ballot was taken, counted, and the winner presented – Chuck McTarsney.
Meeting adjourned.