Meeting called to order by President Luc VE3MND at 7:30 PM with 15 members present.
1. Financial:
Adoption of the Treasurer’s report, as submitted by Al VE3AOF and printed in the Volume 20, No. 08, September 2009 Newsletter, was moved by Al VE3AOF, seconded by Luc VE3MND. Carried.
Budget: 2009/2010:
Adoption of the budget, as submitted by Al VE3AOF and printed in the Volume 20, No. 08, September 2009 Newsletter, was moved by Al VE3AOF, seconded by Pat VE3HZQ. Carried.
Membership Fees – 2009/2010:
Based on the budget and our current bank balance it was moved by Cam VE3JDK, that the membership fee for the year 2009/2010 be set at zero, seconded by Roger VE3ZI. Carried.
Note A.
As with 2008/2009, all donations for 2009/2010 will be gratefully accepted.
Note B.
As with 2008/2009, potential members must sign up for the 2009/2010 year, before December 31, 2009. Cam will be updating the 2008/2009 registration form for current members, verifying status etc. New potential members may obtain a form from Cam to complete. Membership cards will be issued once all criteria have been met.
2. Meeting Minutes:
Adoption of the Executive/General Meeting Minutes of June 30, 2009, as submitted by Gord VA3GJJ and printed in the volume 20, #08, September 2009 Newsletter, was moved by Gord VA3GJJ, seconded by Doug VE3DNS. Carried. There was one correction to item #6 – an “INCO person” indicated that the equipment was missing, not “Steve VE3CWJ”, as reported.
3. Alban Repeater – VE3BLZ:
Luc VE3MND reported that Dwayne has moved the antenna up on the tower to 300’. This change, along with the tower being on the highest hill around, has resulted in superb coverage. Members who did some travelling, reported a strong signal from Sudbury right through to Parry Sound/North Bay etc. The repeater is operating on 146.700(+) with 100 tone.
Trillium Foundation Equipment Changes:
Luc VE3MND advised that due to the excellent coverage of VE3BLZ, some of the equipment that comprised the list submitted to the foundation for the grant, is no longer required as hard linking is not required.
List of Items Not Required:
•2 – CM 300 mobile radios
•UHF multi-couplers
•UHF notch filter
•200 ‘ of heliax cable
•UHF antenna
These items total $6,243.00. This money will instead be used to purchase another VHF 100 watt repeater ($5,776.00) and other miscellaneous hardware.
Luc VE3MND moved that these repeaters be used to replace the current ones in VE3BLZ (current loaner from Wayne) and VE3SRG (problems). Seconded by Steve VE3CWJ. Carried. Of course, all this is contingent upon the club receiving the Trillium grant which should be finalized shortly. Luc advised that our chances are very good.
Future Trillium grant requests would be used to upgrade our equipment systems and would greatly enhance the club’s ability to provide top notch services to the community. This is what we are all about.
4. Repeater – Spare:
Luc VE3MND indicated that he has all the parts required (other than the case) to construct a spare repeater. Some members indicated that they may have a suitable case and will advise Luc accordingly. The spare repeater can be used for VA3SRG once a new home is found. It was suggested that the powers to be at the old Radar base be contacted to see if it would be feasible to install VA3SRG there. It is an ideal area and the site also has internet access. More info at our next meeting.
5. ARES: Stiig VE3LBX:
A.
Advised that there is a HF exercise on Saturday, October 3, 2009. Members who have HF equipment in their vehicles are requested to fan out in the City of Greater Sudbury, especially the outlying areas, to test the reliability and reception at the main Police communication centre in downtown Sudbury and the EOC communication centre in the LEL in Azilda. Operators are required at both sites to carry out the tests from 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon.
B.
On October 7, 2009 there will also be a exercise to test the HF capabilities of the equipment, especially in the EOC at LEL centre, to communicate directly with the disaster centre in Toronto in the event of an emergency. There has been some concern that the antenna system may be to low etc. and this test will confirm if the club needs to provide remedies to resolve before pressed into service.
C. Goblin Patrol:
The club, in conjunction with the Greater Sudbury Police Services, will once again provide a goblin patrol within the City Of Greater Sudbury on October 31, 2009 from 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.. Posters will be printed and distributed to members for their vehicles and the media informed as to our participation. All amateur, club members and non-members are asked to participate on foot or vehicle or volunteer their time at the Police communication centre (command post). Advise Stiig if you can participate and what area(s) you will be patrolling.
D. Operations Manual:
The manual has been updated and sent to all members via e-mail/mail for their reference. Cam VE3JDK has also put the manual(s) on the Club’s Ares web pages. Stiig thanked Cam for doing so and for maintaining the sites.
6. Club Historical Data:
Stiig VE3LBX advised that he has received some historical pictures/ information from Jack Lediett VE3FVC. If other members have any pictures or information concerning the club’s early existence and you can part with them, Stiig indicated that he would like to see a “historical” file compiled for the club. If you have any, please contact Stiig directly.
7. Christmas Dinner:
Once again, the club would like to hold its Christmas dinner in the early part of December 2009 in lieu of a club meeting. The dinner will probably be held again at Kings Buffet, unless anyone has any other suggestions. It was also mentioned that John Watson and spouse and Dwayne and spouse be invited to attend the dinner and the club would pick up their tab. These individuals have provided an invaluable service to the club over the years and it was felt that the club should recognize their contributions. In the event they cannot attend the dinner, an appropriate gift certificate would be purchased, in lieu .
8. Miscellaneous: Mark VE3SNA:
A. Fund Raising: The club, to augment its finances, should be involved in some type of fund raising events. If any members have any ideas on this subject, please contact Luc VE3MND with your suggestions/proposals.
B. Fox Hunting: The fox hunting units have been received and are ready to go on VHF. If anyone wants to use them, you are welcome to them. Please contact Mark directly, to obtain them . Club fox hunts will hopefully be held in the spring of 2010.
C. Flea Market: Is anyone interested in holding a “Club Flea Market”? Other clubs hold annual flea markets and they are very successful, There is no reason why our club couldn’t do the same. It would procide an excellent opportunity to sell surplus equipment. Such an event would be better, outdoors, so we will wait until next spring, 2010. If you think this a good idea, please let one of the club members know in order to put the event in motion. It is now too late for 2009.
9. Club Bulletin Board/Forum:
Steve VE3CWJ advised that he will be looking at the site shortly and will advise the members when they can access it.
10. Jamboree On Air:
Roger VE3ZI advised that the Scouts will be holding this event on October 16 th and 17th. It is a good area for the club to get involved. We could set up a station and demonstrate the club’s communication capabilitiesThis would be a good way to attract new members and foster interest in Amateur Radio. Interest was expressed by some members and they will investigate the equipment required and their ability to participate.
11. Basic Classes:
Luc VE3MND advised that there are interested individuals who wish to participate in a “Basic Communications Class”. A suitable location would have to be found for the instructions. Mark VE3SNA advised that his “shack” location could be used to hold the event. It can accommodate up to 15 people. Luc will look into suitability. A target start date of November 1, 2009 was considered. Media advertisements will be sent out advising of the class along with contact and location information. Luc also indicated that all materials etc. must be in the students hands at least one month before. instructional classes are held. This course is individual “self study” with the instructional classes being used as a clarification tool by the instructors. Anyone knowing of individuals wishing to take the classes, please contact Luc directly.
Adjournment at 9:10 PM, moved by Art VE3COG, seconded by Pat VE3HZQ.
–Gordon J. Jacques VA3GJJ
–Secretary