President Chuck Norton called the meeting to order at 7:30PM. The presentation for the evening was a short video produced by DHS / Citizen Corp depicting citizens in action. The minutes of the previous meeting which were posted online were approved without corrections. The treasurer, Mike/ KG4RKL, gave his report with new implemented changes suggested at the last meeting. Since Dennis /W4PWF was on travel, the ARRL update could be briefly described in the FCC article about changes to the 60 meter band where the power output was increased from 50 to 100 watts. Gary/KC5QCN was also unavailable to give the EnComm update.
Mike/NW3V gave the ARES Net update. He and Craig /K4GOR , the net managers, said that there have been a good number of people checking into the weekly net. George/KR4MU said that the situation with the Red Cross is ever changing and after July 1, new policies should be set in place. Pat/KJ4OCA reported that the CERT classes are over and new classes will form again in the fall. Chuck/K14DHW commented on the May 15, 2010 MMT-100 race where there was no cell phone coverage. There were 5 repeaters and lot of professional radio folks who worked together to monitor the 100 mile race.
Under “Old Business”, a reminder that the W8HNT 449.325 (-) PL tone of 151.4 repeater is available for use and that you do get good coverage in the area. Additionally, if you have some free time, take the IS 100 and IS 700 FEMA courses online. If anyone is interested in taking Red Cross courses, a handout listed the steps and description of the Red Cross Disaster Services.
New Business included one new member who was not present and so his application will be taken up at the next meeting. Randy/KWB4MJF submitted a bill for 2 antenna s and 2 lightning arrestors for repeater maintenance. He also had extra copies of radio HF,UHF and VHF Band Plans for distribution. Another handout listed qualifying items to take advantage of the “Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday” . For more information go to www.tax.virginia.gov/salestaxholiday .
The main focus of the meeting is Field Day, to be held June 26-27. Mike /NW3V commented on lessons learned from last year. After a brief discussion, it was decided that emphasis be placed on training members to become familiar and comfortable utilizing several different types of radio equipment and to have a good time. The team approach per meter band was suggested. Mike/NW3V and Prentiss/K4PDJ will work together to suggest the formation of two or three teams correlating with the 80, 40, and 10 or 20 meter band usage . Both CW and voice will be used.
Prentiss/K4PDJ will take on the responsibility of publicity for the event . George/KR4MU will be the official chef and prepare sloppy joes for the Saturday evening meal and eggs cooked to order for the Sunday breakfast meal. Shirts, caps, and water bottles from ARRL commemorating Field Day, can be ordered through our treasurer, Mike/KG4RKL. Additional ideas can be discussed on net night. The meeting was adjourned at 9:08PM.
In attendance were : Mike KG4RKL, Mike KA80PJ, Jack K50TZ, Randy WB4MJF, Pat KJ4OCA, Chuck K14DHW, John KJ4SEZ, Jim K9AUC, George KR4MU, Efrain HK3TKI, Prentiss K4PDJ, and Mike NW3V
Respectfully submitted by Pat Lengle, KJ4OCA at the request of Chuck Norton K14DHW.