SCARC Meeting Notes - July 23, 2009

A SCARC regular meeting was opened at 7:00 PM Thursday July 23, 2009 at the Shelby County Red Cross office by President Bill Davidson who asked the attendees to introduce themselves by name and radio call sign. There were no visitors.

President Davidson reminded the group of upcoming events of amateur radio interest including the Cullman Hamfest on Saturday, July 25 and the Huntsville Hamfest on August 15 and 16. Members were also reminded of the upcoming elections in September.

Vice President Jim McLester announced that the next program night would be by Bob Thomas KC4AF concerning public relations and the radio amateur. He also provided an status update on the repeater and associated work, including a possible swap of an unused antenna for one that will work better for Club use. He also informed the Club of some ARES training that will take place at this venue next Thursday July 30.

Treasurer Jack Evans KC4PZA reported on two bills. One was a $210.00 bill for food consumed during the past Field Day. It was already budgeted and will be paid. The second bill for approximately $500 for a new laptop computer for use at the Shelby County EMA. This will free the existing computer from having to try to balance HF digital functions from UHF/VHF digital work during emergencies. A motion was made, seconded and passed to pay this bill.

VE Testing Chairman Joe Ford K4NVJ reminded everyone that the next VE Test Session would be at this venue on August 2 starting at 2:00 PM.

Jack Evans reported that the work at the Shelby County EMA BBQ shed is waiting for the OK from the Alabama Highway Department, who are the actual owners. The building has been cleaned up and is ready for the work to begin. SCARC will provide the manpower and the Highway Department will provide the material.

Ron Andrews KC0I acknowledged two new instructors for teaching amateur radio classes - Patty King AJ4RO and John Murphy KA4ZXL. (Since that time I have proposed that Ron become the chairman of the newly-formed SCARC Education Committee in hope that will help him use the Club assets for amateur radio education and growth.)

A program by the Club web guru John Murphy explaining the new VE Web Page then commenced.

The meeting was then adjourned.