Spring 2019 meeting of the Marquette Repeater Association 5/15/2019
The meeting was called to order at 7:06PM by President Andy-KB8PPE In attendance: Andy-KB8PPE, MikeH-KE8IL, Al-W8FYZ, Judy-N8ITK, Gary-NJ8H, Mark-KF8RV, William Akkala KT4NL, Lucille-KD8PTE, Mike-KC8QWO and Mike-KD8JIR. Secretary's Report The Minutes of the last meeting were read by Secretary Al-W8FYZ. Mike KD8JIR-Moved to Approve, Lucille KD8PTE-Seconded, Approved. Treasurer's Report Mike KC8QWO Motioned, Seconded by Gary NJ8H, Approved. Old Business Al, W8FYZ gave a Status report as to the 440Mhz Repeater, new Controller for the 97 Repeater and lease being written for our placement on the WHWL Tower. Al indicated the Controller would be done soon and as weather improves he will get the 440 antenna installed as well as the electrical. The Equipment Insurance list was not yet updated as we have not finished installing all the equipment on the WHWL Tower. Al W8FYZ to provide update to Mike KE8IL as soon as all Assets are in place. New Business The MRA Officers gave a report on urgent need to install temporary Electrical Service to the equipment shack we are in at the WHWL Tower. ATandT has vacated the shack and turned it over to Gospel Opportunities. All material has been purchased for this (see Treasurer's Report above) and Al W8FYZ to install the Electric soon. ATandT is still providing Electrical Service to the shack at this time. It is unclear when they will terminate that service. Andy KB8PPE did offer MRA to locate the Repeater in the WHWL Transmitter building to avoid the Electrical installation for the other shack. Al W8FYZ objected as he expressed concern about being so close to the WHWL 17 KW Transmitter and potential for interference to our gear. Mike KD8JIR expressed concern about whether there was heat in the Lease Shack and whether the UPS batteries would survive if we had cold like this past winter and did not have heat in the shack. Presently the ATandT Heat system is still operating. Al W8FYZ agreed this was a concern and that we may have to come up with a short-term heat source without Heat in such a large building. It was suggested we wall off our space in the shack so that we could heat it easily and economically. It was agreed that we must look into this before Winter 2019. Al W8FYZ gave a report on the poor status and accuracy of the ARRL Repeater Directory and stated it is not worth purchasing at all. Al also gave a quick update on Repeater projects that he was aware of in the UP. Bill KT4NL mentioned his recent attendance of the Aux-Comm training for ARES and his desire to find a suitable spot for a Repeater in the Big Bay area that would cover Big Bay and could potentially be linked to other Repeaters. Towers and locations were discussed. Bill asked for assistance and that anyone having information on this or suggestions contact him at 906-236-5003. Motion to Adjourn was made by Mike-KD8JIR, Seconded by Mike-KC8QWO, Approved. Meeting was adjourned at 8:15PM for Refreshments. Al W8FYZ brought the 97 Repeater Controller in for Show and Tell.