Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 Location: Zoom
Directors and Officers present: Ralph W1DAR, Bruce KO4XL, Jay S N2ELG, Mike K8BQ, Bonnie KC2JVS, Barry KO4FBU, Henry WA2ROA, Lou K4LA
Members present: Fred KB4EE, Jan KK3W, George WA2NVW, Art WA8VSJ
President Ralph W1DAR called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm local. Primary business tonight is to discuss the damage to the crank up tower and its antennas that happened last week.
Secretary’s Report: Mike K8BQ
Minutes from the April 10 Board meeting have been posted to the BLOG. Motion to accept by Bruce. seconded by Barry. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Bonnie KC2JVS
Cash Flow June 12, 2024
December 31,2023 Available Balance $12,927.58
May 31,2024 Available Balance $14,788.88
June 12, 2024 Available Balance $14,565.22
Income: $43.12
Income includes $43.12 in memberships
Expenses: $266.78
Expenses include: $187.78 for new soldering station and charger cables and $79 for Word Press
Above amounts include reserve funds of $5,000.
Balance available for operating capital after deposits and expenses clear: $9,565.22
Balances include deposits not recorded properly and addition errors, may change
New Business: Tower and Antenna Damage
Barry gave an update on the SteppIR. He presented 3 choices of how to proceed. Bruce made a motion to expend sufficient funds to purchase a high wind option for the parts that we need to repair the antenna. Estimated cost is $720.
6-meter antenna. We could purchase a new 6 element antenna for about $530. The damaged antenna is a 7 element M2. We can purchase replacement elements for it as well.
George recommends that we either put another discone at the top of the tower or install a static brush for some lightning protection.
A tower repair suggestion was made to cut the bottom of the top section square if the second section is usable and create a shorter tower overall. It may be possible to buy a top section though the tower is quite old.
Purchasing a new tower would be well over $10,000 and would involve the County for permitting and approvals. It would also need a new base. It was suggested that we could possibly sell the extra tower and sections in the yard if the tower wasn’t suitable for our load. Possibly we could request donations, though we just had to reach out last year for the AC. This would be a last resort.
The discussion about spending money on the website has been put off until we see what the tower repair will cost.
Director at Large: Jay S N2ELG
We need to cancel FD because the site area is currently not safe. We should refer people to the Gold Coast FD at Quiet Waters Park. We also need to let Andrew know that he shouldn’t do anything for FD.
Director at Large: Lou K4LA
We have the necessary copies of the death certificates to cancel the existing Facebook sites. He needs Ralph to sign the letters to cancel the sites. Then we can create new ones. He has 4 people willing to help be administrators.
Motion to adjourn by Bruce, seconded by Jay S. Meeting adjourned at 7:144 pm. Next BOD meeting July 10.
Respectfully submitted,
Mike Greenfeld K8BQ, Secretary