• Again, the weather station has become non-functional. We have determined that the control module is being damaged by RF at the site. As time permits we will attempt repairs.
• On two occasions, the East receiver site failed to operate. Two separate trips were made to investigate and repair. On the first trip, the link control board was replaced. A week or so later the station failed again. A second look revealed that a strong un-modulated signal was capturing the receiver. As a temporary measure CTCSS was enabled at the East site and disabled at the voter location. The source of the interfering signal has not been determined. When the interfering signal is present the East site will not operate properly.
• Some preventative maintenance and re-wiring was done at the South receiver site. A receive multi-coupler owned by the LARC was removed from the rack of another club and mounted in the LARC equipment rack. Functional tests were also made. More clean up plans for the site are in the works, including the purchase of a 50-ohm BNC splitter to replace the existing 75-ohm unit. A more selective pre-amp will also be installed. The LARC and North Ottawa repeater group share the VHF receive antenna at this site.

• The treasurer announced that on January 15th. the phone line will be disconnected from the 145.27 transmitter site. As an option to a phone line, Jim presented the concept of a cell phone docking station, which inspired some group discussion. Jack proposed a cell plan that would cost about $40 per year. A vote was taken to determine membership opinion regarding the installation of a cell phone – docking station on the 145.27 repeater system. The majority of the group thought it was a good idea. Jack NY8D was appointed to head up the project. $200 was allocated as a budget and Jack received a check for that amount to proceed. Jack also mentioned that the proposed cell plan included free long distance calls within the continental US. The group decided that when the cell phone is implemented, long distance restrictions would be removed from the repeater controller.

• Al mentioned that he sent out 62 letters of invitation requesting that local hams attend this LARC meeting and that he was happy with the attendance. A survey sheet was provided for all present. Al reminded all of the LARC Sunday night net at 8:00 PM on the 145.27 machine. Stu provided a brief description of the net and some related certificates. Frank will add the information to the LARC web site.
• Club and repeater operating expenses, annual dues and fundraisers were discussed at length. Doug proposed that his daughter, who is in the business of acquiring grant money for various organizations, be commissioned to seek a grant for the LARC. The group agreed.
  After a proposal at a previous meeting, a vote was taken and passed to increase annual dues from $15 to $20. A suggestion was made to notify members as a reminder of annual dues.
• Stu brought up the value of a club newsletter, perhaps on a quarterly basis. He also presented some suggestions for delivery etc. Jack followed up with some examples. Several members joined in the discussion. No plans were made.
• Al read a letter of apology from MARA for neglecting payment of their share of the cost of last years the new ham dinner. The letter explained that it was simply an oversight and assured payment. Stu proposed additional informal meetings to do projects or have breakfast among members. The group thought it was a good idea.
• Chuck explained logistics of the new FCC rules regarding licensing and amateur privileges

Secretary’s Report

• The secretary read the minutes to the LARC meeting of January 13, 2007. After one correction made by Jack, a motion to accept the minutes was made and passed.

Treasurers Report:

• A motion to accept the treasurer’s report was made and was passed.

Technical Report: Presented by Frank Schmidt

• Frank has installed a UPS at the 145.27 Transmitter site.
• The South receiver site was cleaned up and upgraded with some new cabling and a more selective receiver pre-amp.
  -----
  
  

Old Business:

• Doug: · Reported that his daughter did not recommend using mail as a method of fund raising.
• Ken: · Reported that is employer again donated $100.
• Jack: · Reported that Dennis, N8CUF donated the cell phone necessary for the docking station project and that the cell coverage test at the transmitter site was successful. He then presented the treasurer with a SASE to order the docking station.
• LARC will have tables at Marshall
• Al: - Presented a report on last month’s, “amateur radio interests” survey.
• A breakfast meeting is planned prior to next months meeting at Kiser’s Kitchen.
• Announced the acquisition of a radio shack and meeting place for the ARGYL and LARC clubs. The new facility will be in the Cumberland Manner building which was recently purchased by Lowell Outreach Ministries. A block wall that divided two rooms has been removed to create one larger room. More work needs to be done. The room will be available 24 hours, 7 days. Conditions include exchange of services. Some group questions and discussion followed.
• Jim: - Presented a Visa bill in the amount of $66.45 for the two-port 50 ohm ARR splitter that had been installed at the South receiver site and donated the Ramsey model PR100, 5 section helical pre-amp.
• Doug: - Asked that in the future, such items be purchased using the debit card. After some discussion the membership declined to make that a firm rule but stated that the debit card should be used unless it is inconvenient or unfeasible.
• Ken: - Mentioned that CERTS/FEMA is resenting a 17.5 hour class on search and rescue. Chuck injected information about other emergency training.
• Frank: - Brought up the subject of the un-reliability of the web site because of failures with the service provider. The subject will be re-visited.
• AL: - Made a motion that door prizes for the New Ham dinner should not exceed $60. Carried.

New Business:

• Courtland: - Reported on the QRP contest - special events station that operated from Hell at below zero F last weekend. Though a truly a grueling experience, they plan to do it again next year, perhaps from Paradise.
• Chuck & Courtland: - Talked about the upcoming KC RACES and Sky warn training.

Motion for adjournment made & passed. 11:05 AM

Start 10:01 PM
The meeting ended at 11:35AM
In attendance: 13
This meeting was held at the New Radio Shack

Al welcomed all to the new ARGYL / LARC radio shack and provided a summary of work done on the room so far.

Secretary’s Report
The secretary read the minutes to the LARC meeting of February 10, 2007. A motion to accept the minutes was made and passed.

Technical Report: Presented by Frank Schmidt

• The battery in the FF800 DVR needs to be replaced.
• The cell phone docking station has been received, unfortunately with the incorrect cable. Negotiations are under way.
• One of Al’s neighbors complained that the Echo Link transmitter is interfering with his TV. Spectral analysis indicates that the Echo link transmitter is operating properly.
• There are some indications that the new UPS is not supporting the 145.27 repeater during brief power failures.

Old Business:

• Jack:
  The LARC will have a table at the Marshall Ham fest.

New Business:

• Al:
  Asked for group opinion regarding a breakfast prior to or after the monthly meeting. Generally, breakfast was favored.
• The cost and location of the New Ham Dinner was brought up and discussed by members. All agreed that a larger facility would be needed in the future.
• The new shack will be available to members 24-7. Since security is an issue, Sam Nabkey has volunteered to install a card-key system on our entrance door. Members will be issued a card.
• Thanks to Jack for donating a complete entertainment center. Donations of some domestics are needed. Ken suggested a list of needs to avoid duplicates.
• Craig Haybarker, a representative of Lowell Outreach Ministries installed carpet in the new shaxck. Craig dropped in during the meeting and Al introduced him to the group. In gratitude for Craig’s work, members donated $70 to Lowell Outreach Ministries.

Group discussions:

• Liability and property insurance
• Future plans for a tower and antennas
• Ken:
  Checked on property insurance with our insurance company and was informed that the additional coverage would cause a significant increase in our annual premium. Others brought up ARRL insurance. Al explained that ARGYL equipment belongs to the school and talked about the schools insurance. Other options were discussed including no property insurance.
• Jack:
  Introduced the idea of an on-premises mini-swap during summer months. A motion was made to do so, which was followed by a vote that passed. Some details were then discussed and a proposal to hold the mini-swaps immediately after the monthly LARC meeting was made. Another vote was taken and passed.
• Al:
  Brought up a coupon book fundraiser. After some discussion, a motion was made to sell the books. A vote was taken and passed. 50 books will be ordered.
• Ann:
  Suggested selling the coupon books at the Lowell Expo
• Stu:
  Mentioned that new LARC shack has inspired the opportunity for some PR for the LARC and that some follow up is needed.
  He also proposed that Field Day be held on the front lawn of the new club shack on M21. After some discussion, a vote was taken and passed. Al will attempt approval from Lowell Outreach Ministries.
• Ken:
  Mentioned that he has experienced great difficulty collecting expenses related to New Ham Dinner from other clubs in the Area and asked for help in contacting the treasurers of those clubs.
• Jim:
  Submitted receipts for materials purchased for the renovation of the new shack and agreed to postpone his reimbursement until the treasury was in better shape.
• Stu:
  Will submit his receipts at a later date.
• Al:
  As part of the agreement with Lowell Outreach Ministries, both ARGYL and LARC would be responsible for grounds keeping and snow removal.

• The new UPS has a bad battery
• Presently, we have two spare VHF Motorola GM300 radios for the 145.27 system. We are in search of UHF GM300 radios for our spare parts inventory.
• Jim has received the parts for the WX station and will submit a receipt at the next meeting. As time permits, repairs will be made.
• Frank is in the process of implementing a swap page for the LARC website

• Al, Jim, Stu, Frank and Al examined a tower for the new shack location. Jim is in the process of creating a composite drawing of how the tower might look erected on the F.R.O.M. complex. Upon completion, the drawing will be submitted to the owners for consideration.
• Al brought up the need to operate from the new shack as soon as possible. All equipment is in place except antennas. An antenna committee was suggested and Chuck, Al, Courtland, Doug volunteered.
• Jean Brought up the need for signs within the building to direct new comers to the new shack.
• Jack brought up the need for another clean up at the Morley receiver site and suggested that it be done sometime in July.
• Doug has convinced George Lessen of TV13 to create a voice ID for the 145.27 repeater and asked for approval from the group. Approved.
• Clean op at the 145.27 transmit site will be done on the first Tuesday after the monthly LARC meeting @ 7:00 PM
• Al asked that all unsold coupons books and money be turned in at the end of the meeting. A report is forthcoming.
• Chuck made a dissertation on the slinky antenna

• The secretary read the minutes from the LARC meeting of April 14, 2007.
  

A motion to accept the minutes was made and passed.

• Stu & Jim will reimbursed for money they spent on materials for remodeling the new shack. Ken will be reimbursed for the cost of a battery purchased at the Marshall swap.
• Al inserted that there was a profit from the sale of coupon books and money's earned from concessions at the last mini-swap. Al will send the money to the treasurer as soon as possible.
• Ken brought up some ideas for potential savings on insurance coverage and will present a more complete report when he hears from the ARRL.

A motion to accept the treasurer’s report was made and passed.

• $39 was charged to the debit card for shipping the transmit amplifier to TE Systems.
• Thanks to the efforts of Jack (NY8D) and Frank (N8UVI) the 145.27 repeater’s auto patch is again in operation. The phone patch uses a pre-paid cell phone, which is much less expensive and more reliable than a commercial phone line.
• Reverse patch is also an option. See the LARC web site for details.


Old Business:


• Members of the antenna committee have made some suggestions for antennas on and around the new shack. Stu and Jim have assembled a ¼ wave 40 meter vertical, complete with a radial system. They plan to erect the antenna on the roof and will experiment with the concept of mounting a dual band vertical above the 40-meter element.
• Al has submitted an informal request to Craig Haybarker (of the FROM) for approval to erect a tower. Craig submitted the topic to the FROM steering committee and permission has been granted.

1. A work detail to transport the tower to Jim’s property where it could be prepared.
   Members: Ken, Chuck, Jack, Frank, Stu & Jim
2. A second group was formed to address the construction of the tower with municipal authorities. Members: Al, Jack & Frank

• Jack: Brought up upcoming Amateur related events and how they might conflict with each other.
• Ann and Jack brought in shack cleaning supplies. We are in search of a good vacuum cleaner.
• Ken: All requests to MARA for payment of their share of expenses for the New Ham Dinner have seen no response. Ken requested help in the matter. Al said that if the club continues to show no interest in participating, perhaps they should be eliminated as a sponsor.

New Business:

• Jack: The Amateur Radio Communications Coordinator for the National 24 Hour Bike Challenge (Barry County) is looking for volunteers to help out with the event.
• The Morley receive site needs to be cleaned up. Plans should be made for the event. A camp-out should be considered.
• Al: The ARGYL Club has decided to have Field Day at Falsburg Park.
• LARC needs a chairperson to take charge of LARC Field Day. Stu volunteered for the position. Al requested that all members e-mail Stu with a list of equipment they might have available for use on field day.
• Jack asked for and was granted money not to exceed $50 for the purchase of food and refreshments at the Morley clean up event. He will purchase necessary items and submit a receipt afterwards.
• Jean suggested that as a security measure, bars be placed in the slides of both shack windows.

Secretary’s Report Presented by: Jim, AA8JR

The secretary read the minutes from the LARC meeting of May 12, 2007.
A motion to accept the minutes was made and passed.

Treasurers Report: Presented by: Ken, KC8YTC

============================================================

Technical Report: Presented by: Frank, N8UVI

• Frank was disappointed to announce that TE Systems has decided not to honor the one-year warranty for the model 1450RA transmit amplifier. The cost of the repair will be $465.00.
• A server problem has again rendered the LARC web site inoperative.
• Maps have been installed at QSL.net
• Frank asked for suggestions to resolve the lack of attendance problem at the monthly maintenance event at WKLQ.

============================================================

Old Business:

• Ken: Regarding insurance, more information from the ARRL is yet to come.
• Frank: Offered an explanation of UPS operation at the 145.27 repeater transmitter site.
• Al (WW8WW): Still looking for a vacuum cleaner for the new shack.
• Stu (KA8WGF): At Jean’s (K0ZRD) suggestion, as a security measure, dowels have been installed in the window slides at the new shack.
  
  Stu received quotes from two lawn care companies for grass cutting at the Flat River Outreach Ministries Complex. Quotes came in at $125 per week or $500 per month. Stu felt that these quotes reflected appropriate rental costs for a room in a commercial building. After some discussion, Al offered to ask members of the ARGYL Club if anyone might be interested in cutting grass at the FROM complex.

Field Day Plans: Stu has a map to the LARC field day site that will be e-mailed to all. He also has detailed plans for field day. Jack (NY8D) mentioned that the 18’x18’ canopy owned by LARC will be available for the event. Field day setup will begin Saturday, June 23rd. at 8:00AM. The main event starts at 2:00PM. Plans to get the event in a local newspaper are underway.

Jim (AA8JR) To provide more storage space at the shack, Jim suggested the following:

• Removal of the desk and a cabinet on the West wall
• Installation of shelves in their place
• The construction of a wall with a pocket door to create a walk-in storage closet

There was no new business: At 11:00AM the meeting was placed on hold so that work could begin. At that time, grounds maintenance at the Morley Receive site then went into full swing. An undetermined time later, the meeting resumed.

When the meeting resumed:
Doug (KC8EGM) and some others had arrived to help.
Doug announced a he had acquired a donation of $1000 for LARC operations.

Secretary’s Report
The Secretary was not present. No Minutes were read. Al WW8WW took notes.
==================================================================

==================================================================

Technical Report: Presented by: Frank, N8UVI

• Frank announced that the TE Systems TX amplifier has not yet been received from repair, nor has he heard anything from TE Systems.

=================================================================

Old Business:

• There was a group discussion about New Ham Dinner expenses. GRARA has not yet paid LARC for their share of the 2007 dinner. MARA has not paid their share for 2006 or 2007. Ken (KC8YTC) will attempt to contact the presidents of both clubs.
• AL (WW8WW) mentioned that LARC has permission form the F.R.O.M. to erect a 100 foot tower in the courtyard. Lowell Township has been contacted and the request is in the works.
• 145.27 TX site cleanup will be held this coming Tuesday at 7:00 PM.
• Jack (NY8D) suggested a return trip to the Morley site on August 31st. and September first. A large tree near the power lines needs to be removed as well as additional clean-up.

=================================================================

New Business:

• Since the GRARA Hamfest will be September 8th (the scheduled day for the monthly LARC meeting) the LARC meeting will be held the following day Sunday, September 9th at the shack.
• LARC officers for the years 2007-2008 will elected at the September 9th meeting. A potluck dinner will be served. All are encouraged to attend.
• Stu (KA8WGF) presented an estimate from Ridgeline Construction Co. for labor and materials for the addition of an entrance door to the shack. The cost could be as high as $9,600.
• After some group discussion, the decision was made to use the Lowell Community Wellness entrance and abandon the idea of a new entrance. It was also decided that our priority should be the construction of the new tower. Al will check on new keys for members.
• Sam Nabkey needs to be contacted about Card-Key access.
• Jack reported that additional minutes need to be purchased for the 145.27 repeater’s auto-patch cell phone.
• Stu mentioned that the combined Field Day points of ARGYL and LARC totaled 4066. Paper work will be sent to the ARRL by the end of the week.
• The Mac-50 is coming up. Amateur Radio operators are asked to assist with communications.

Secretary’s Report Presented by: Jim, AA8JR

The secretary read the minutes from the LARC meeting of July 14, 2007.
A motion to accept the minutes was made and passed.

================================================================

Technical Report: Presented by: Frank, N8UVI

• WKLQ has asked that when cutting grass around their transmitter shack, we blow the cut grass away from the building.

Old Business:

• AL (WW8WW)
  The Lowell Township application fee for the proposed 100 foot radio tower is $300.
  If approved, the building permit would expire one year from the date of issue.
  After some discussion, the membership decided to postpone application. During the waiting period, issues such as repairs, painting and financing will be addressed.
• Doug (KC8EGM) & Ken (KC8YTC)
  Talked about financing for the project. As a result of further group discussion, a tower committee was formed.

Members of the tower committee are:

• Jim (AA8JR)
• Doug (KC8EGM)
• Jack (NY8D)
• Chuck (KC8REH)
• Al (WW8WW)
• Ken (KC8YTC)
• Stu (KA8WGF)

• A mail box at the FROM building was discussed and tabled until the next meeting.
  We have received a key to the center entrance door to the building. Al will make more keys for LARC members.
• We are still waiting for a return call from Sam Nabkie regarding the card access installation.
• LARC Officers will be elected at the upcoming meeting September 9th.
• Someone needs to volunteer to remind members of tower cleanup with a phone call.
  Doug (KC8EGM) volunteered.
• In hopes of improving attendance, it was decided that site cleanup will be changed to Saturday. The first Saturday site cleanup Oct.13, 2007

New Business:

• There was no new business

Start: 2:30 PM
In attendance: 21
This meeting was held on the front lawn of the LARC shack.

Secretary’s Report: Presented by: Jim, (AA8JR)

The secretary read the minutes from the LARC meeting of Aug.11, 2007
A motion to accept the minutes was made and passed.

Treasurers Report: Presented by: Ken, (KC8YTC)

A motion to accept the Treasurer’s report was made and passed

Technical Report: Presented by: Frank, (N8UVI)

• The transmit amplifier has returned from TE Systems and is again in service. It is operating with an input of five watts and an output of 300 watts.
• The receiver pre-amplifier at the Morley receive site has failed. The site is now operating with no pre-amp.
• A battery backup test of all receive sites has been performed. All sites operated for two days before the batteries were depleted.
• The APRS station at Jim’s house has been damaged by lightening. Repairs are in progress.
  

Old Business:

• Al, (WW8WW): Will have keys for the center entrance to the FROM building. Still no luck with Sam on the card-key project.
• Jack, (NY8D): There was a fine turn out at the Morley receiver site cleanup and all went well.

New Business:

• Ken, (KC8YTC): Has acquired two lawn mowers. Both need a going over before being pressed into service.
• Stu, (KA8WGF): Announced that September 16, 2007 was his one year anniversary for conducting the LARC Sunday evening net and that though he enjoyed it, he is looking for volunteers. The result was that Stu would continue as net control through September. Ken would take October and Al would take November. More to come.

Annual Election of LARC Officers:
The hat was passed among members and here are the results.

Position held in 2007 Elected for (2008)

• President Al, WW8WW
• Vice President Doug,
• Secretary Jim, AA8JR
• Public Information Officer Jack, NY8D
• Technical Advisor Frank, N8UVI
• Treasurer (2007) Ken, KC8YTC (2008) Stu, KA8WGF
• Trustee, 145.27 Repeater (2007) AL, WW8WW (2008) Chuck, KC8REH

The meeting adjourned at 3:15 PM

Tower committee meeting followed..

Meeting Date: 10/13/2007
Start: 10:00 AM
In attendance: 12
In the absence of President Al, (WW8WW) the meeting was conducted by VP Doug (KC8EGM).

Secretary’s Report: Jim, (AA8JR)

• The secretary read the minutes from the LARC meeting of Sept.11, 2007
  A motion to accept the minutes was made and passed.

Treasurers Report: Presented by: Ken, (KC8YTC)

A motion to accept the Treasurer’s report was made and passed.

Technical Report: Presented by: Frank, (N8UVI)

• A tag on the coaxial cable for the new 900 MHz. antenna indicates that it is at 271 feet of elevation.
• The Morley pre-amp has been repaired and will be re-installed ASAP.
• The repaired TE Systems TX amplifier is holding up well
• A mouse has chewed a link control wire in half at the Morley site. The board is being repaired.
  

Old Business:

• Ken (KC8YTC) Presented a progress report for repairs and painting of the 100 foot tower. The top section at Jim’s house has been repaired, primed and painted. Repairs to the three sections at Ken’s house are about 70% complete. All sections have been power washed and primed. Ken, Jack, Stu and Jim did the work.
• Jack (NY8D) Brought up tower site clean up and winter storage for lawn mowers. Dave Tubergen (T&W Electronics) is pleased with the clean up job at the Morley site.
• Jack has purchased an additional $10 worth of minutes for the 145.27 repeater’s cell phone.
• Upcoming Ham fests are Kalamazoo and Holland.

New Business:

• Carl (KD8GOX) Asked if the club would like to sell the Gap antenna and at what price. After some discussion the group agreed to sell it to Carl for $40 and the transaction was made.
• Jim (AA8JR) Introduced Ron form Red Frog Computers. Ron explained that the company would like to test the club’s new 900 MHz. antenna to see if it might work for their wireless internet operation.
• If all goes well in return, Red Fog would:
  · Provide a high speed connection for WKLQ equipment at the site
  · Provide a high speed connection for the LARC repeater equipment at the site
  · Make regular donations to the LARC
  · Provide “special” high speed prices for LARC members

Generally, members agreed that this would be a wonderful asset to the club but wanted a go-ahead from WKLQ. Jim and Frank agreed to visit the chief engineer to discuss the matter.

• Jean (K0ZRD) Mentioned the approaching deadline for the order of coupon books. If there is interest in this fund raiser we should act soon.
• Doug (KC8EGM) Arrangements have been made to have club mail delivered to the shack location. A mailbox slot will be provided by F.R.O.M.

The meeting adjourned at 10:45 AM

Secretary’s Report: (Jim, AA8JR)

• The secretary read the minutes from the LARC meeting of October.13, 2007

A motion to accept the minutes was made and passed.


Treasurers Report: Presented by: Stu, (KA8WGF)

A motion to accept the Treasurer’s report was made and passed.

• The receiver pre-amp was re-installed at Morley
• CTCSS was turned on at the Caledonia receive site and turned off at the voter rack.
• The Red frog computer folks have had limited success with their internet connection at WKLQ. More to come:
  

Old Business:
No old business was presented.

• Stu, Talked about some possible alterations to our method of collecting annual dues which included pro-rating dues for new members who join at various times of the year. Stu also proposed that the changes be entered in the club’s bylaws. After some discussion, a vote to consider the change at the next meeting was taken and passed.
• Stu also brought up the topic of how the LARC /ARGYL shack is being utilized. He proposed that we have an, “open house” once a week. At the open house, members and visitors could enjoy some comoradory and use of the various stations. Al then mentioned that this afternoon, ARGYL members intend to install antennas for additional stations. After conflicts and other aspects were discussed, it was decided that Thursday evening from 7 to 9 PM would be the best time for the open house. Chuck (KC8REH) proposed that this Thursday (11/15/2007) be the first open house and he volunteered to oversee the event.
• Al announced that LARC/ ARGYL members should no longer use the West entrance and that the East entrance should be used. New keys will be issued upon the return of the old keys.
• Ken (KC8YTC) reminded everyone that the PO Box has been canceled and that mail will be delivered to the F.R.O.M. complex. Al iterated that the new LARC address needs to be clarified by changing it to11535 Fulton (East) Suite 101.
• Al mentioned that for the convenience of everyone, the internet password is written on the board in the shack.
• Jean (K0ZRD) again brought up the sale of coupon books as a fund raiser.
• The membership discussed their concerns about the budget and how money has been and should be spent.
• Al brought up our responsibility of snow removal from the F.R.O.M. complex this winter. He also mentioned that the project could be contracted for $300 per year.
• Lawn maintenance and the absence of a riding lawn mower were also discussed. Some ideas to acquire a riding mower were mentioned. Unfortunately, all options require money.
• Jack mentioned that the LARC wants tables at the upcoming ARGYL ham fest.

The meeting adjourned at 11:04 AM

Start: 10:00 AM
In attendance: 11

Al (WW8WW)

• Opened the meeting with his thoughts and comments on LARC finances and the clubs commitment to snow removal around the FROM complex. Due to a scheduling conflict, Al was forced to leave the meeting early. The vice president conducted the remainder of the meeting.
  

Secretary’s Report: Presented by: Stu, (KA8WGF)

• The secretary was not present. The treasurer read the minutes from the meeting of November 10, 2007. A motion to accept the secretary’s report was made and passed.
  

Treasurers Report: Presented by: Stu, (KA8WGF)

A motion to accept the Treasurer’s report was made and passed.

Technical Report: Presented by: Frank, (N8UVI)

• Frank talked about the existing receiving system at the main transmitter site and possible ways to improve it.
• Feed-line loss and interference from the paging transmitter has impaired the success of the Red Frog system. Presently the company is seeking more profitable ventures.
  

Old Business:

• Stu brought up the topic of changes in the Clubs dues. He explained that his proposal simply clarifies in the bylaws, the date and amount of dues and provides a method of pro-rating dues for new members as they arrive. After some discussion, members voted to modify the bylaws accordingly.

New Business:

• There was a group discussion on the Thursday evening LARC shack open house. As the conversation evolved, expenses, fund raising, the 2008 budget were covered. Chuck proposed the sale of submarine sandwiches. The proposal was seconded and approved. Jack will generate a mailing list.
• A PSK 31 demonstration will be given after the LARC monthly meeting on February 9th.
  

Discussion period:

• TheVHF sweepstakes will be held on January 19th and 20th.
• Frank will be testing radios at the ARGYL Hamfest. Donations will be accepted.
• Hank is looking for volunteers to operate from Paradise Michigan on February 2nd.
• Snow removal solutions and financing were discussed further.

The meeting adjourned at 11:00 AM