Meeting Minutes of October 6, 2020
President Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) called the October 2020 meeting to order at 7:00 PM by Zoom meetings. The Pledge of Allegiance followed led by Dave Holmgren (K9AT). Mike then “Passed the gavel” to incoming President Ralph Iden (WB9ICF). Ralph thanked Mike and outgoing board member John Dewey (KA9CAR) for their service and welcomed the new Board. Ralph noted the passing of Bill Goodwin, the brother-in-law of Tom Craner (KD6KHK).
Board members present were Gary Dembski (W9GD), Dean Hettel (WD9FOO), Ralph Iden (WB9ICF), Gary Kaatz (W9TD), Dan Larson (KD9M), Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) and Mike Salak (KC9Q).
A total of 41 people were in attendance, there were no guests this evening.
Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes from the September 2020 meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. Harold Burt (W9HB) motioned to approve the minutes with Joe Jaax (W9JCS) seconding the motion. The motion was approved by unanimous voice vote.
Membership and Financial Reports
Treasurer Dean Hettel (WD9FOO) presented the membership and financial reports for September. MCWA has a membership of 119 full members, 8 family members and 2 associate members for a total of 129.
| Opening Balance | $6,154.75 | |
| Deposits | $10.00 | (Dues) |
| Expenditures | $0.00 | |
| Interest | $0.05 | |
| Final Balance | $6,165.80 |
A motion to approve the financial report was made by Roger Scott (KF9D) with a second by Dan Larson (KD9M). The motion was approved by voice vote.
Announcements
The annual meeting of the Board will be on October 20, 2020 at 6:30 PM with Zoom meetings.
A membership survey is being prepared, look for the link on the K9RN Reflector.
The November MCWA Dinner/Social is cancelled.
Hamfest/Conference Reports
Mid-Winter Hamfest, Waukesha on January 4, 2021 Cancelled
The list of license testing opportunities is available on the MCWA website.
ARRL September VHF Contest: Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) noted good activity, mostly on FT8
ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest: no reports
144 MHz Fall Sprint: Mike again reported high activity
CQ Worldwide DX Contest, RTTY: Several members reported their participation with Joe Robin (N9OK) and Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) reporting their personal best of 810 and 650 contacts, respectively with band conditions not good. Other members that participated were Dave Whaley (NT9E) and Gary Kaatz (W9TD).
222 MHz Fall Sprint: no reports
No members reported any new awards.
Upcoming MCWA Presentations
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- November 3 QSLing by John Cankar W9JM
- December 1 Introduction to getting on 472 and 136 kHz Lloyd Berg N9LB
- January 5 Inexpensive Test Equipment for Hams, Part 2 Gary Kaatz W9TD
Ralph encouraged the membership to consider making a presentation since these are all that are currently scheduled.
Old Business
Proposed FCC fees for amateur radio (20-270): The comment period is now open with 1,442 comments as of 10/1/2020. Links to submit and view comments can be found on the MCWA website under “News”.
The Board has been gathering lists of potential meeting places for the growing meeting attendance but availability during the pandemic and cost will be major factors in any decisions.
New Business
Bill Wacaser (KD9GIU) inquired if MCWA could assist him in demonstrating amateur radio at the upcoming JOTA on October 18 from 2-5 PM at the Crystal Lake Nature Center. Several members indicated their willingness to help: Gary Dembski (W9GD) and John Dewey (KA9CAR). Others commented on the proposal including Mike Metroka (WB8BZK), Tom Pusateri (W9NBG), Dave Holmgren (K9AT), Dennis Ryan (KA9PUC), Joe Jaax (W9JCS) and Pierre Berube (K9EYE).
Wrap up
Jack Hudson (W9MU) will be presenting “DXing” following the adjournment of tonight’s meeting.
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, November 3, 2020 by Zoom meetings. Open “eyeball” QSOs start at 6:30 PM, with the meeting starting at 7:00 PM.
A motion to adjourn was made by John Dewey (KA9CAR) and seconded by Pierre Berube (K9EYE). The motion was approved by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 8:04 PM.
Prepared by Gary Kaatz (W9TD), MCWA Secretary