DICKSON COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
MEETING MINUTES
9 June 2003
I. The meeting was held at The Renaissance Center on Hwy 46 in Dickson. The meeting was opened at 1930 Hours local time and presided over by Club President Landon KF4CAU.
II. Members Present:
Tom Keil NN5A, Wilma Keil NN5YL, Steve Kennedy W4MGY, Alice Kennedy N4DXE, Evan McCutchen KG4ABM, Stan McCutchen KF4TJE, Rebecca England AF4QB, Jeff Clark NY4N, Paul Locizero K4TAF, J. Landon Reynolds KF4CAU, and Bill Measures K4RXY.
III. Guests/Visitors:
Ms. Tracey Alderdice, American Red Cross, Nashville Chapter. Program Speaker and presenter for “Volunteer Orientation”.
Mr. Tony Speer, Dickson County Local Emergency Planning Committee
Ms. Bonnie Tankersly KD4DWB, Dickson County Resident (potential new member)
IV. The Club Vice-President Vollie Miller W4TDB was out of town. Club Secretary/Treasurer Barry Turner N4KKT was unable to make it to the meeting. Club ARRL Liaison Melanie Ware NX4X was also absent.
V. Business portion of meeting postponed until after the guest presentation.
VI. Program:
Ms. Alderdice presented a program to the club members present on the role of the American Red Cross during times of disaster. An overview of the Disaster Services Program was presented as well as information regarding other programs offered by the American Red Cross.
It was mentioned that at the present time, there is not a chapter of the ARC in Dickson County. However, the ARC would once again like to re-establish a program in Dickson County and would like to have volunteers for the program. It was discussed with Ms. Alderdice that most of the members would probably be interested in serving only as assistants to the volunteers during a disaster in the area of providing emergency communications.
Ms. Alderdice provided “Job Description” handouts for the role of volunteer in the ARC. She was very receptive in answering questions. Ms. Alderdice is also very familiar with the role of amateur radio operations who are affiliated with the Nashville Chapter of the ARC. She also encouraged our members to continue to familiarize themselves with ARC disaster operations by taking other ARC courses.
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VII. Business Discusses:
a. There was no reading of the minutes from the picnic as the Secretary/Treasurer was not present.
b. A treasury report was not available.
VIII. Field Day Manager Update:
a. Jeff discussed our continued planning and preparation for Field Day 2003.
b. It does appear that we will not have use of the Buckner Park Soccer Field.
c. Vollie Miller has secured the use of Mt. Sinai Community Center in the event that the soccer fields are not available and we cannot secure another location.
d. Jeff and Landon will continue to seek other sites, but at present, it looks like we will be using the site secured by Vollie. A site survey will be conducted this week by Jeff and Landon.
e. If we use the Mt. Sinai Community Center, there is a chance that we may have to drop to 3-A or 4-A.
f. Members will be updated by e-mail.
IX. President’s Business:
a. Landon discussed that the club had received a donation from Tennessee Battery Sales which is a deep-cycle marine battery. We will probably use the battery for Field Day and then offer it to members of the club by raffle or auction.
b. Wyatt Harper of Radio Shack also donated a 10-Meter mobile radio. We will also offer this to members of the club by either raffle or auction.
c. Landon presented a “draft proposal” for a donation/raffle program for disposing of donated items.
d. Steve W4MGY expressed some concern that the “draft proposal” seemed too complicated.
e. We will discuss donated items disposal at a future meeting.
f. Landon also pointed out the importance of ARRL membership. Also, if members renew their membership to the ARRL through the club, the club will receive a rebate in the amount of $2.00 for each renewal. Also, the club can receive rebates from new memberships.
g. Landon also passed out a “President’s Survey” to the members who were present. Members were asked to complete the survey and return it to Landon. The goal of the survey is to determine how the officers can best serve the club, and to chart future progress for the club.
h. Landon also mentioned that he would like to set aside a few minutes during each meeting for updates from the following persons: ARRL Liaison, SKYWARN Liaison, ARES EC, and for Jeff as the Field Day/Contesting Coordinator.
i. Landon pointed out that when last we met at the picnic, Melanie had announced new requirements for ARES members and officials with regard to completing EMCOMM. Many ARES members across the state were very upset about this directive and sent responses to Terry Cox (Section Manager) as well as to the EC leadership at the section level. Section Manager Terry Cox reversed the directive and now EMCOMM will be “voluntary” but “encouraged”.
j. It was pointed out that this only serves to demonstrate the importance of voicing one’s opinion to the appropriate leadership. We have strength in numbers whether it is an issue within the club, the ARRL, or a legislative or FCC rule making initiative!
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X. Other Business:
a. Steve W4MGY brought up the topic of Broadband Broadcasting or Broadcast Over Wire that is being examined by the FCC. He pointed out the importance of amateur radio operators to keep a close eye on this proposal and all of the issues surrounding it. He pointed out that if this proceeds, RF radiation from this technology would be extremely detrimental to amateur radio. All members need to keep up to date on this issue and to follow up with letters and comments to the appropriate individuals.
b. The meeting was adjourned at 2055 hours.