Minutes of Royal Gorge Amateur Radio Club

November 2002

On November 6, 2002, the meeting was called to order at 7:33 p.m. by President Lindley with 20 members and one guest present.  In the absence of Secretary-Treasurer Wells, the minutes were recorded by Carol Kendall.  The October minutes were read and accepted.  The September minutes were faxed to President Lindley, and an attempt to read them was unsuccessful--hard to read Walts handwriting.  President Lindley suggested everyone introduce themselves as a lot of new members were present.

Correspondence:  Don passed on a memo from the FCC regarding the authorizing of PLB's to President Lindley.  Guest Nathan, KC0JSY, mentioned 2003 is when this goes into effect.

            2003 membership dues paid by Jerry & Marilyn Tucker, $15.00; John McDermott, $10.00; and Larry Piekenbrock paid $10.00 for dues plus donated $15.00 towards the liability insurance premium.

Committee Reports: 

     Repeater committee chairman, Dennis, reported that the repeaters were working fine. Both the damaged 6 meter repeater and the one at Cripple Creek were working well also. 

     He also reported on the CCARC meeting at Woodland Park..  Said it was held to mainly amend the by-laws and correct membership requirements.  There was a request for CCARC to acquire 12 digital 2-meter repeaters with placement between existing repeaters, and to weed out the outdated repeaters.  This request was tabled for the time being.  They create a new listing of existing repeaters every 2 years.  Their next meeting will be April 2003 in Silver Park. 

     Dennis also mentioned that the Cheyenne Mountain Repeater Group wondered if the Royal Gorge Amateur Radio Club would be interested in taking over the maintenance of the Fremont Peak Repeater site at Salida.  They would allow our club to add things to the building like a link to repeaters on the western slope.  Jim Vernetti said he would be interested, and would add a 10 ghz beacon on the tower.  Dennis reported that it is a good site at about 12,000 feet with commercial power.  He had the combination to the lock, but was waiting on the key.  Jim Vernetti suggested to use the 147.21 repeater at the Methodist Mountain site to link to our area.  He also said our club could do the work if the Cheyenne Mountain club would supply the materials.  Frank made a motion to table the decision for a month, seconded by Jerry.  The motion was denied by a raise of hand vote.  Chuck made a motion that the club accept the proposal contingent once the repeater committee has determined it to be advantageous to our club.  This motion was seconded by Steve and the motion carried.  

     ARES Committee Chairman, Steve, reported that there wasn't anything new at this time.

     RACES Committee Chairman, Don, reported that there wasn't anything new at this time.

    Nominating Committee Chairperson, Carol, reported that President Lindley volunteered to try another term;  Ron Roberts said he'd take the Vice President: later Chuck said he would also run for the position.  There were no volunteers for Secretary -Treasurer, so Carol said she'd take on the task.  Both Jack Miller and Marvin Pratt volunteered to run for the Board.

Old Business

      Don mentioned that "Ham" classes started October 5th with 2 students in attendance plus one licensed operator.  The classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday to run thru November.  The location of the classes is at the Red Cross Hall.  Jerry offered to bring a VE test team in to test if the class size increased.  Potential students from Search and Rescue, Colorado Mountain Rangers, and the Red Cross didn't make the first class.

Regarding the area picture taking request, Frank said that he hadn't heard from the requestee.

Chuck mentioned attending the appreciation dinner held for helpers with the Iron Mountain Fire.  Said 4 amateur operators attended and had good eats.

NEW BUSINESS

     Dennis mentioned that the mining company at Cripple Creek needs proof of liability insurance coverage by the club.  Dennis had the paperwork checked out by Attorney McDermott and found that there wasn't anyway to waver the responsibility.  Dennis checked out the cost of liability insurance for the club--locally Fredrickson Brown estimated 750 to 1000 dollars for a one million dollar policy.  He also checked with ARRL about their affordable coverage and was quoted an estimate of 327 dollars for a 2 million dollar liability policy.  McDermott said it was a good deal as it would cover field day, swap meets, picnics or any of the sites the club uses.  Dennis also noted that the rate is based on the number of active members.

     Larry moved for the club to purchase the liability policy, seconded by Chuck; motion carried.  Under discussion the concern was where the money would come from.  The concensus was to pay for the insurance through donations or to increase membership dues. 

  Marvin suggested the club host a swap meet next year, and volunteered to use his property.  President Lindley appointed Marvin the Swap Meet Committee Chairman.

     Although Nathan wasn't a member at meeting time, he promised to join and volunteered to take ont the task of newsletter editor, and update the club's web site.

Jack motioned to ajourn the meeting, seconded by Marvin.

The meeting was ajourned at 8:32 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Carol Kendall, N0TIP