- Meeting called to order by President Jarod W0JPJ at 19:00 on November 16, 2021
- 23 members in attendence
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 (2021-11 Minutes.docx) may be found in the “Committee and Officers Reports | Secretary Reports” folder on the RRRA Groupware System.
Consent Agenda
Secretary’s Report, Treasurer’s Report, and Librarians Report
Pete WC0G noted there was a discrepancy with Hamfest numbers; Pete and Lori KC0GQE are $400 off. There is no actual money missing, so it is likely an accounting error. Pete and Lori will meet afterward to determine where the error is.
- Motion to approve all three reports by Brad KE0LDS
- Seconded by Mark KC0SHM
- Motion carried unanimously
Regular Agenda
Standing Committee Reports
ARES
Seth KC0ODE’s full report is on the cloud website. Last month there were 80 participants, 5 nets, total of 49 hours. October was quiet.
Technical
Kirk W0HNV reported that Jake K0RQ and Andy KD0IOE went up to the MSUM site and worked on the issue with the howl. The intermittent howl on VHF is still there, though the issue has gotten better. A trip will need to be made while it is malfunctioning. No progress has been made on Grandin.
Education
Kirk W0HNV reported Jay WS0Y is working on the revised class materials to be presented online. He is adding an audio supplement to the slides for people to access at their convenience. Jay wants to make the class totally virtual since testing is virtual as well. Technician class materials are complete, Jay would like a few users to beta test it before it goes public. Steve K0STK recommended having it hosted by the club and making it part of the club website.
Hamfest
Pete WC0G reported the 2022 Hamfest is registered with the ARRL. Lynn W0ND requested that the hamfest be the Dakota Division Convention once again.
VE
Pete WC0G reported there has not been any testing done as there hasn’t been any demand. There is a lot of in-person testing going on region wide, so online demand has been dwindling.
Media
Steve K0STK’s report is available on the cloud website. Everyone who has not already should be subscribe to the club mailing lists via lists.rrra.org. Any questions about the website or listserver please contact webmaster@rrra.org.
Old Business
AREDN Report
Brad KE0LDS presented the AREDN committee’s findings that were presented at last month’s ARES meeting. Brad made the following motions on behalf of the committee
No further club funds be spent on expansion of the current microwave mesh network and that any necessary maintenance expenses be approved by the club.
The existing system be kept in place and that it be open for use by licensed amateur licensees for use and experimentation.
The Club President appoint one or more persons to contact those who have given funds to the Mesh network and advise them of the decision to not expand the network.
Offer to reimburse, on a pro-rated basis, the funds expended to date to any donor who requests such reimbursement.
Motions seconded by Mark KC0SHM
Motions carried unanimously
Seth KC0ODE wants to ensure Fargo Public Safety and the LEC are connected to the network; this can be accomplished with gear the club already has.
New Meeting Format
Jarod W0JPJ discussed previously going to 4 business meetings a year, in February, May, August, and November. All other meetings would be a formal event, educational session, or other informal event. Bylaws require monthly meetings; this will be tabled until the bylaws can be looked at.
Hamfest
This was tabled by Jarod W0JPJ.
Zoom Renewal
This was approved last month but needs to be moved to the club Paypal account. Jarod W0JPJ, Lori KC0GQE, and Steve K0STK will sort out the club Paypal account after the meeting
Christmas Party
December 1st 5pm at Pizza Ranch. As per tradition, please bring a non-perishable item or money for the Dorothy Day house in honor of Dr. Covey.
Dues Increase Motion
Steve K0STK noted that simply doubling dues would cover the money made from the Hamfest. He retracted his tabled motion but added that the club should not be relying on a volunteer driven event as its main source of income. He recommended the club determine the yearly income and expenses and re-align itself such that it is not dependent on the Hamfest.
New Business
Membership For New Licensees
Brad KE0LDS brought up the confusion on the club member application where is says New Licensee, it doesn’t clarify they need to take one of the club’s classes. Brad suggested clarifying the wording on the application or changing the bylaws to open the free membership to all new licensees. Seth KC0ODE brought up there has been a lot of discussion of updating bylaws.
- Motion by Seth KC0ODE that Jarod W0JPJ appoint a committee to study the feasibility of updating the bylaws, and identify all portions of the bylaws the club wants to modify
- Seconded by Pete WC0G seconded
- Mark KC0SHM noted that a lawyer will need to be involved, as it will impact the club’s 501(c)(3) status
- Motion carried unanimously
Jarod appointed Seth as Chair, Lori KC0GQE, Kent KA0LDG, and himself. Anyone else interested in participating can contact Jarod.
Merit Badge University
Brad KE0LDS is teaching a radio merit badge university on Saturday at MSUM. Brad would like to have the kids visit a more elaborate ham shack as part of the course, anyone is interested in helping please contact Brad. They will also use the repeater to demonstrate usage. Members are encouraged to make contact with students when they are on the air.
Good of the Order
- Previous Hams Of The Year will meet to award a new Ham of The Year. Pete WC0G has the traveling tube.
Adjournment
- Motion to adjourn by Jim N0TSZ
- Seconded by Kirk W0HNV
- Meeting adjourned at 19:58
