FLORIDA KEYS AMATEUR RADIO CLUB, KB4GCZ           April 2001, Page 3

The April 4, 2001, meeting was called to order by President Dean, W4WHN, at 7:30 P.M. in the Big Pine Fire Station.  There were 11 members and 1 guest present.

Minutes from the March 7, 2001 meeting were approved with a correction to add a site next to Gordo's, KI4SL, house, as an alternate site for Field Day. The Treasurer's report was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Rick read an e-mail of thanks listing donors to the Marathon Repeater.  So far, expenses total $2432.77 with $2260.00 in donations received.  There are a couple of  radios that were donated which will be sold.  Dean, W4WHN, explained that the donation from the Club was $100 (decided by the board of directors), not the original $300 asked for, due to our current financial status.

Harry, AB2DA, reported that exams were given at Bill Marsh's, K9SGH, in the morning with stats to come from Bill via e-mail (ed note, see page 1).  One more test session is scheduled for April 18th at 7:00 p.m. by appointment.  There will be no more exams until November when the VE team returns.

With a new machine in Marathon and work being done on the County Repeater system, the thought for a Club Repeater was put on the back burner.

Field Day at Blue Heron Park is rearing its' ugly side with a refusal to allow us to operate after 8:30 p.m. due to guidelines set forth in the County lease agreement.  Tom, WB0SED, will pursue permission for a waiver.

NEW BUSINESS:

Information on the Southeastern VHF Society Convention coming up on April 20 and 21 to be held in Nashville, Tenn. this year.  Dean, W4WHN, has participated for a few years now and has come home with some very nice prizes on top of all the good seminars to join in on.  And of course there's always a good time to be had.

Dean, W4WHN, has info on a 40' tower available.  If anyone is interested, contact him.  He pointed out our guest, Ray Fritts, KA8SYX, that since he was new to the area, this would be a good thing for him.

Backing up to Field Day, mention of the Lion's Club on Big Pine was brought up.  Shirley, WA4JFK, agreed to check with friends in Key West to see who is in charge.

Dean, W4WHN, presented the idea of a Field Trip to the Blimp Site if there is a desire to attend.  With a positive response, he will be sure to have his friend follow up on it.

Mike, N5GLX, has given notice at this meeting that he will be resigning (At the May meeting) from the Board of Directors and as the Club Newsletter editor to moving elsewhere in Florida.

L.T., WA4JFJ, moved to raise dues to $20 per year.  After discussion, the motion was amended to take effect July 1, 2001.  Motion carried unanimously.

50/50 of $8 to the Club; $8 to Mike, N5GLX, who donated his winnings back to the Club.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Program by Tom, WB0SED on digital modes.