[LeArc] Meeting Summary

[Jesse Risley]

There were 12 members present at the meeting tonight.

Members and prospective members were reminded that the annual dues of $22.00 per person.

In old business, Rich Sample's current report on the 440 MHz repeater was read in his absence.  While the previous problems have been fixed and the repeater was recently placed back online, there is apparently a problem with the transmitter signal getting into the receiver.  Transmissions are very choppy; Rich is currently diagnosing the problem and hopes to have it resolved soon.

New Business

A vote was successfully taken to amend the club's constitution.  Article VI of the Constitution was changed to allow a minimum of 5 members present at a meeting to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.  The previous requirement was 10 members, which was causing problems due to dwindling membership.

Mark, KA9SZX was elected Vice-President as part of a special election to replace Ken, KC9ERB.  Ken's resignation was formally received on 12/09/08 and acted upon (with regret) at the meeting tonight.

Tony reminded everyone that the annual NWS storm spotter training class is April 2nd at the American Legion in Macomb.

I informed the club that I was approached by the president of the WIU Severe Weather Club about creating a formal SKYWARN organization in McDonough County.  It was suggested that a representative of their organization visit one of our future club meetings so that we can discuss this collectively.

There was a lengthy discussion about storm spotting, chasing, ham radio, etc.  
John Carson, N9LBC of the McDonough County Sheriff's Department made two recommendations that the club agreed to act upon: the club will look into a low cost way to provide its members who are trained spotters with ID cards issued by the club.  Tony will see if the Salvation Army can still print this for a nominal fee.  Second, John recommended a list of club members who are trained spotters be given to the county E-911 center (and maybe District 14 state police??) for verification purposes in case law enforcement officers encounter any spotters in the field and need to confirm the authenticity of their activities.  

Tony, KB9NAB reminded everyone that we are not storm chasers, as this is not condoned by the NWS.  He also noted that during severe weather events the county EOC only wants severe weather reports to be relayed via the repeater net; non-severe weather related radio traffic can delay emergency reports from being facilitated in a timely manner.
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Net assignments:


2/15 – Joe, KC9LEA
2/22 – Brandon, KC9ILN
3/1 – Dustin, KC9LRC
3/08 – Jesse, KC9LRC