Royal Gorge Amateur Radio Club Minutes

December 4, 2002

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M. by President Lindley with 19 members present.  In the absence of Secretary-Treasurer Wells, Carol-N0TIP read the minutes from the October meeting which were approved. President Lindley acquired a copy of the Treasurers report which wasn't complete. 

Correspondence:  The Aquila bill for power for November totaled $14.83.

Committee Reports:

     Repeater Committee Chairman, Dennis, reported that everythings working.  He also said the follow-up on the Salida site had been put on hold until spring.     

     ARES Coordinator, Steve, said there would be a weather station set up this weekend.

     Nominating Committee Chairperson, Carol, reported that Pat Lindley agreed to try the Office of President one more year;  Two candidates for the office of Vice President--Ron Roberts, and Chuck Ward; and since no one else wanted the position of Secretary-Treasurer, Carol volunteered.  Carol thanked her "helpers" (Jack Miller, Carlos Nueben, and Pat Lindley) for their assistance.  Pat made up a ballot for the election.

Old Business:  Frank said he hadn't heard from the person who requested pictures of local sites.

Pat said the application for the liability insurance was filled out and mailed 12/09/2002.  The information arrived by fax on 12/08/2002.

McDermott will review the mining company agreement.  Some changes need to be made.

Nathan brought information on the PLB's (Personal Locator Beacons) and set out on the table for membership to review.  

New Business:  Pat informed the members that Walt sent off for the repeater lists.  Upon receiving the bill, Walt realized that the lists only cost $1.00 each, but the check he mailed along with the request was $24.00.  Walt wanted to know if the club wanted him to request a refund or a credit.  Marvin made a motion to take the excess $12.00 used to pay for the maps to be applied to the CCARC dues in lieu of a refund.  The motion was seconded by Chuck, and passed by membership voice vote.  

Weather station activity is to run from Friday at 1700 hours to Saturday at 1700 hours which should be 5 P.M. to 5 P.M. in layman's terms as mentioned by Derrick.  Set up is to start at 1 P.M.  The stations will consist of 2 meter HF, UHF/VHF, Packet, Amateur Television, etc.  Derrick has hand-outs, and Frank brought an internet print-out on the stations.  

Net Control:  December---Marty

                     January------Derrick

                     February----Carol  

Chuck talked to Bruce Sherwood who had brain tumor surgery recently.  Bruce was contacted by McKinley School regarding the "ham" station that was set up at the school several years ago.  They wanted to know if he would be interested in the equipment which he said he would be. 

Ron asked how many members the club had as he is concerned about the clubs future financial situation with the added expense of the liability policy.  He made a motion "due to the financial and fiscal outlook for next year to increase the dues to $20.00 per year for individuals and family's of 2 with a $5.00 increment for each family member there after.  Steve seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

      Some members felt the repeater donation money should be kept separate.  Ken suggested a volunteer $10.00 repeater fee.  It was mentioned that the membership dues should go towards the clubs other expenses. 

     Jerry did some mental calculations, and said at the current rate, the club is in financial despair.

     Ron said the increase should go into effect January 2003.

     Jerry asked if membership dues were part of the By-Laws, and if so, the membership must be notified regarding the change prior to the next meeting, before any change could go into effect.  Pat checked the By-Laws, and said that the members need to be notified 5 days prior to meeting, and said mail and e-mail should be ok.  

Since our next meeting would fall on January 1, 2003, Pat asked if the members in attendance wanted the meeting held at that time, our usual Wednesday.  Members agreed to hold the next meeting January 1, 2003.  

Election of officers for 2003:  Pat called for nominations from the floor.  Jack Miller said he may have to rescind his candidacy to the Board of Directors.  Ballots were passed out to members in attendence.  After the members voted, the ballots were collected and counted by Marilyn and Nathan with results of:  President------Pat Lindley     18-0

                                    Vice President--Ron Roberts   10

                                                          --Chuck Ward     8

                                     Secretary-Treasurer--Carol   unanimous

                                     Board of  Directors--Marvin      18

                                                                   --Jack           9

                                                                   --Frank         1   

                                                                   --Ken            1  

                                                                   --Larry          2

                                                                   --Dennis        2 

2003 High Lights:

Pat wants more programs next year and appointed the Vice President Ron Roberts as Program Committee Chairman.

Redo the club By-Laws, as the last time they were revised was 1/3/1986.  Note: this may be an inaccurate date as they were updated in the 1990's to my recollection.  CAK.  A February committee meeting with the Board of Directors is on the agenda with a definite date and time to be set at the January meeting.

Field Day and Special Event Station  

Dennis brought a display regarding emergency transmitters.  Said the display transmitter was equiped with a timer incase someone is testing equipment.  The display transmitter will eventually be located at the Methodist Mountain site.  

Marilyn Tucker invited the RGARC members to the Thunderbolt Club's Christmas Party held December 14, 2002.

Larry brought information on the Echo Link that he has up.

Refreshments provided by Carol, Roma, and Lindleys.  Thanks for your help.

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting and seconded.  Meeting was adjourned at 8:55 P.M.

            Respectfully submitted by Carol, N0TIP