Minutes

October 2020 Business Meeting Minutes

  • Meeting took place on the W0ILO Repeater system instead of in-person in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Meeting called to order by President Jarod W0JPJ at 19:00
  • 20 stations checked in

These minutes have been converted to a mobile friendly format; some light editing for clarity and consistency was performed. The Secretary’s original minutes document (2020-10 Minutes.docx) may be found in the “Committee and Officers Reports | Secretary Reports” folder on the RRRA Groupware System.

Secretary’s Report

Jake K0RQ reported that last month’s minutes are available on the club website and on the cloud website. Steve K0STK submitted a few corrections, Jake will correct.

Treasurer’s Report

Lori KC0GQE reported that the Treasurer’s Report is available on the cloud website. Jarod W0JPJ noted an error, Lori will correct.

Librarian’s Report

Lori KC0GQE had nothing to report.

Regular Agenda

Committee Reports

Cass County RRRAES

Mark KK0V reported that Seth KC0ODE is talking with Greg Gust at the National Weather Services and making sure they still consider us a resource, given their changes as an organization. KK0V also communicated with Mark Stien NY0W, Section Emergency Coordinator, regarding the ARRL Simulated Emergency Test in October. Members are encouraged to participate in the Great Shake Out (shakeout.org). Information is forthcoming. There is also Winlink training that has been made available by Rich Budd W0TF, section manager. Mark noted there are lots of different virtual classes being offered through the ARRL; they are significantly expanding on this effort.

Clay RRRAES

Seth KC0ODE was not present. Jarod W0JPJ reported Clay ARES has not been very active. Mike Heiler NY0MN is looking to step down as Northwest Minnesota District Emergency Coordinator. Reach out to Joe KC0JCR (MN Section ARES Coordinator) or Jarod if interested.

Technical

Kirk W0HNV has the Grandin repeater exciter and controller on the bench and is continuing to troubleshoot it. He is procuring replacement equipment. Kirk also mentioned that KD0UNI is moving ND Traffic Net to 3.853 MHz at 5pm starting November 1st.

Education

Kirk W0HNV reported there will be no in-person classes for the foreseeable future. There are online offerings through other organizations, the club may look at their own offering if this situation continues.

Hamfest

Pete WC0G had nothing new to report. They will start organizing after the first of the year.

VEs

Pete WC0G reported that the November test session has been canceled. They are hoping to begin training in the next week on remote testing via HamExam and Zoom. He will put out an announcement once online testing is ready.

Media

Steve K0STK’s report is available on the cloud website. Meeting minutes are always uploaded in plain text to the website and in word processor form on the cloud website. There is also a list of nets on the website, including the updated ND Traffic Net. Steve also completed the Christmas Party survey. Any questions about the website or listserver please contact webmaster@rrra.org.

Old Business

Club Christmas Party

Club Christmas Party: A SurveyMonkey survey was conducted by Steve K0STK. Given the results and the increase in COVID cases locally, it was decided to forgo the Christmas Party this year.

Survey Results:
  1. Would you attend a club Christmas Party during 2020?
  • Yes - 41.18% (14)
  • No - 58.82% (20)
  1. Should we hold a club party if not all members are able to attend?
  • Yes - 56.25% (18)
  • No - 43.75% (14)
  1. Are you an RRRA member?
  • Yes - 96.97% (32)
  • No - 3.03% (1)

New Business

W0ILO Trustee Change/MN Repeater Council Coordination

This has been an ongoing discussion, as Joe N0RF no longer wants to be the trustee. Jarod W0JPJ submitted the proper paperwork and that has been processed by the FCC. Jarod W0JPJ is now the trustee of the W0ILO call sign. Jarod also received a request for updated repeater information from the MN Repeater Council and submitted that information back to the council.

KC0KAE trustee change

Jarod W0JPJ is working with Anton KC0PFS to get the paperwork submitted to make him the trustee. They hope to have this completed soon. Joe N0RF is still the trustee of this callsign for the time being.

Good of the Order

  • Jim N0TSZ asked what the cost was of the equipment needed to fix the Grandin repeater. Kirk W0HNV has indicated that John Vick (repeater vendor) has not wanted anything in exchange for the equipment. Jarod W0JPJ indicated the club would be more than willing to reimburse him for the cost of the equipment should he wish

  • Kent KA0LDG mentioned that there is information on the front page of the RRRA website regarding the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) about Amateur Radio License fees. Comments are due to the FCC by November 16th. Members are encouraged to submit comments to the FCC, regardless of their viewpoint on this subject

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned by Jarod W0JPJ at 19:35