GMARC  Minutes for March, 2004

Scott called meeting to order at 7:13pm.

Introductions were made.

Talked about the new tri-fold flyers created by Bob. Everyone should take a few and pass them out when they see a potential ham. Further more if you have any improvements for the flyer, please bring them up.

Feb meeting minutes posted on web site

Dave WD8IFL moved to accept them, Rich K8OX seconded; and they passed

T.J. gave treasure report. George K8GEO motioned to accept, Ken KW8Z seconded; and they passed. There is 42 paid members the rest need to pay yet.

Bob KC8RPL the web is up and doing great. There is some new links and Elmer stuff to check out.

Jeff N8XN
With the repeater being up and down where does the club want to go? The Trans and receiver are working fine, but the power supply went out to lunch. We are using the backup supply for now. This weekend we’re putting up an antenna that Larry put together. What is this leading up to? The tech team got to gather and came up with a (3) phase plan.

Phase
1. Purchase a brand new Kenwood 440 repeater and amp.
2. Purchase a brand new Kenwood two meter repeater
3. Engineer and install battery back up.

Part of our problem is the amp needs 30 to 40 watts to drive it and the repeater runs around 25 to 30. Which means we are always driving the repeater at the high end. The new stuff takes a lot less to drive it. After discussing the pros and cons the tech team wants permission to sell our surplus and what ever we don’t need to raise the money for the new equipment. Mike N5WCS motioned to sell per tech team and Joe N8OZ seconded; motion passed.

Dave KC8RVF
There is 20 weeks for NCO on the web. The Michigan QSO party is April 17^th 12:00 noon till midnight. Who wants to get together? Ken proposed having a corkboard with the nets. If you have an amateur item for sale announce it on the net. You can not deal or barter over the air.

Dave WD8IFL
Asked to have Diana reimbursed for what food items she brings. Being under the $100 limit; that is not a problem.
Dave wants more fun stuff like camp outs. Diana offered to have people join them at Lake Port.   Call her, or to make your own call 1-800-44parks.

Dave then motioned to change the by-laws to allow honorary memberships. Which would be voted on for who and they would have no voting rights. His ideal was people like President George Bush, Mike Wendland, Ted Nugent, General Colin Powell, General Norman Schwarzkof, Governor Jennifer Granholm, presidents of ham gear manufactures, key executives of ARRL and local public officials. Val motioned to start process, Rich N8OX seconded motion passed.

T.J. mentioned June meeting would be in lector hall take stairs to left as you come in, instead of the right. The church is having a blood drive if you want to come early for free cookies and juice.

Boy Scouts want help at their Romeo fly in. About 20 pilots will be taking the boy scouts only for rides. They will be working on their radio badge, and can use help with this. Time frame is in October.

Meeting closed at 9:00pm.