Fall 2017 meeting of the Marquette Repeater Association 10-12-17
Fall 2017 meeting of the Marquette Repeater Association 10-12-17 The meeting was called to order at 7:11PM by President Andy-KB8PPE In attendance: Andy-KB8PPE, MikeH-KE8IL, Al-W8FYZ, Judy-N8ITK, Gary-NJ8H, Mike-KC8QWO, Mark-KF8RV, Robert-N8SKI, Mike B-KD8JIR, Paul-KB0P and Lucille-KD8PTE. Secretary's Report The Minutes of the last meeting were read by Secretary Al-W8FYZ. (MikeB, Mike, Approved). Treasurer's Report (Al, Gary, Approved) Old Business 97 Tower site Lease Status: Mike-KE8IL explained in detail the attempted renewal of our Lease with the new Tower Owner ATC, their changes and the subsequent decision to leave the site and move to the WHWL Tower. Because of the closing date of the Lease, this matter had to be handled immediately and a Committee was formed of Andy-KB8PPE, Mike-KE8IL, Coral-KC8DTE and Al-W8FYZ. After reviewing the proposed new Lease, it's contingencies and our likely inability to meet the terms of the lease, the decision was made to re-located to the WHWL Tower nearby. This opportunity was brought to us by Andy-KB8PPE, present manager of WHWL. Al-W8FYZ back-filled Mike's explanation of the series of events leading up to the committee's decision and discussed some of the unacceptable terms of the Lease. Al-W8FYZ explained we will be able to locate near the top of the WHWL Tower which will actually be higher than our present location. Mike-KE8IL made note that this will be over a 400-foot climb and suggested Al needs help climbing. Al-W8FYZ agreed and had asked Elcom Services of Marquette, which has previously done work on the WHWL tower, if they could assist the MRA at a reduced rate for a non-profit organization. A motion was made to authorize up to $600.00 for Tower climbing services* from Elcom. (motion: Robert-N8SKI, Mike-KC8QWO Seconded, Approved) *Al-W8FYZ also noted there will be some miscellaneous costs for connectors. New Business Al-W8FYZ suggested we reduce our Liability Insurance back to the original $1Million coverage we had previously as this is acceptable to new Landlord at WHWL. A motion was formally made to reduce our Liability Insurance coverage at the new location from $2 Million Umbrella to $1 Million at the WHWL site. (Al-W8FYZ, Second by Lucille-KD8PTE, motion passed) Al-W8FYZ asked the membership if they would be willing to sell the second DB224E antenna to him for Trenary Repeater use as only one would be needed at the new site. Al said he was offering $200.00 for the used antenna. Robert-N8SKI so moved and Lucille-KD8PTE Seconded, the motion passed with one Abstention (Al-W8YFZ). A discussion was held about the need to raise additional funds to pay for the monthly rent we will be paying at the new Site and upkeep of the MRA. It was further noted that the Club dues had not been changed in many, many years. A motion was made to increase individual member dues to $20.00 per year and $25.00 for Family membership with the Exclusion of members who have pre-paid to future years already. The motion was made by Robert-N8SKI and Seconded by Mike-KC8QWO, Motion passed. Al-W8FYZ volunteered to write up a simple Lease with Gospel Opportunities Network for the rent of space on the WHWL Tower. Motion to Adjourn was made by Mike-KE8IL, Second by Gary-NJ8H, Approved, meeting was adjourned at 8:35PM.
