Subject: McHenry County Wireless Association
Regular Meeting minutes – May 3, 2016
The May meeting was called to order by President Jim, N7US at 7:00 p.m. on May 3, 2016 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.
The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Jim, N7US.
President Jim extended a welcome to all and asked if there were visitors or guests present. Visitors and guests included Don N4TTD from St. Charles and Mark WB9MAI from Crystal Lake.
Introductions around the room followed. Forty-two people were in attendance for the meeting.
President Jim encouraged all to join the club Yahoo reflector, K9RN, visit the club website at mcwa.org, and join the MCWA Facebook page to keep up on club news and information. Jerry N9AVY is the newsletter editor, Dave NT9E keeps the Facebook page up to date while Ken KB9I is the webmaster.
The minutes from the April meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Roger, KF9D. Dave NT9E moved to accept the minutes as published, seconded by Ken, KB9I. The motion passed by voice vote.
Treasurer Joe, N9OK reported a balance of $4567 in the club treasury. Paid membership for 2016 is now up to 88 plus 2 associate members. Kent K9KMD made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by Dave, NT9E. The motion passed by voice vote.
Under the topic of announcements, Jim reported the passing of Ed Stipulin, KB9GIN of Cary. Ed had been a regular at meetings until recently. Jim sent a sympathy card to the family on behalf of the club and received an appreciation note in return.
Regarding public service, in exchange for the use of the shelter Emricson Park for Field Day, MCWA has agreed to provide communications for the Woodstock Challenge Run on June 11. Ken KB9I volunteered to coordinate the communications event for the club. Members who indicated interest in participating included N7US, WB8BZK, K5JRD, KA9OZP, KA9TVU, N9ITO, KA9CAR, KC9Q, NT9E, and KC9WSJ. Ken will coordinate preparation for the activity via email.
Paul W9DWP announced that there will be a meeting of parties associated with the Valley Amateur Repeater Association (VARA) at the Colonial Café on McLean Blvd in Elgin on May 6th with dinner at 7:00 pm.
Further announcements, Gary KD9FML has upgraded to general. The members congratulated him on the accomplishment.
VE testing will be conducted on May 17th at the usual location.
Jack W9MU announced the W9DXCC Convention in Schaumburg on Sept. 17th which will be proceeded by DX University and Contest University on Sept. 16th. A great line-up of speakers has been planned for these events.
Operating activities and upcoming hamfests, contests, and DX-peditions, are well covered in the club newsletter.
Jeff, KC9WSJ, has previously volunteered to take over the position of club librarian. The material has been cataloged and a list of available material is on the club website. Members wishing to check out material should contact Jeff in advance so he can bring the requested material to the monthly meeting.
A short Field Day planning update was given by Roger, KF9D. Sign-up sheets for time slots on the 4 planned stations were circulated. John KA9CAR made a motion that the club authorize up to $500 to be spent on Field Day expenses at the discretion of FD Chairman Roger, KF9D. The motion was seconded by Joe N9OK and approved by voice vote.
The Dayton Hamvention is quickly approaching on May 20-22. President Jim asked for a show of hands on members planning to attend the event.
Jack W9MU informed the members about programs in the planning stages for future meetings. These include Field Day preparation at the June meeting, and further future programs on digital modulation modes, power amps, software defined radio, and a program from the ARRL division Vice-Director, W9XA.
President Jim invited everyone to join the group that meets at the Cottage in Crystal Lake immediately after the club meeting for pizza and camaraderie.
There was no old business.
For new business, our new club Constitution approved last month establishes a Board of Directors. This includes the current officers, past president and 2 directors to be elected by the membership. Dave KA9OZP has volunteered to head the nominating committee for the director positions. If interested in a club director position, contact Dave. The election will be held at the June meeting.
A motion to adjourn the business meeting by John K9JK and seconded by Harold W9HB was made and approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.
After a short break, Jack W9MU hosted a question and answer session which included various topics of interest.
Respectfully Submitted,
Roger Scott, KF9D, MCWA Secretary