BRARA General Membership Meeting Minutes for March 3, 2026
The BRARA monthly association meeting was held in person and using Zoom conference. There were 10 attending via Zoom and 21 in the library. The meeting was called to order by BRARA President Ralph Mele W1DAR at 6:30 pm local, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Our speaker this month is Palm Beach County Commissioner Greg Weiss who will give us a presentation on Artificial Intelligence.
Board members and officers present: Ralph W1DAR, Mike K8BQ, Jay S N2ELG, Bonnie KC2JVS, Henry WA2ROA.
President: Ralph W1DAR
The team working the VHF contest found that high power 6 meter operation created interference with higher bands. They recommended BRARA purchase a 6 meter high power bandpass filter. Jay S N2ELG made a motion to allocate $500 to purchase a filter. Seconded by Jeff S K4BH. The motion carried. Repeater update; Ralph sent a letter to the FAU provost inquiring about progress in obtaining permission to use a location on campus.
Secretary: Mike K8BQ
Mike has posted the February General Meeting minutes to the BRARA Blog. Jay S N2ELG made a motion to accept the minutes seconded by Harold K4KZM. Motion was carried. New member Joe Cummings N3SQR. Associate member Eddie Bishop got his license KR4JTC and is now an Active member.
Membership as of today, 93 paid for 2026 plus 14 Life members for a total of 107.
Treasurer: Bonnie KC2JVS
Treasurer’s Report February 28, 2026
December 31, 2025 Available Balance $14,060.90
January 31, 2026 Available Balance $15,300.64
February 28, 2026 Available Balance $15,412.08
Income: $283.05
Income includes: $283.05 in memberships
Not included: $135 membership checks not cleared
Expenses: $171.61
Expenses include: $150 for web hosting and $21.61 at Office Depot
Not included: $211.67 for shack lock and keys not cleared in February , $371 for six meter filter, and
$236 for back ordered AED battery
Above amounts include reserve funds of $5,000
Balance available for operating capital after deposits and expenses clear: $9,728.41
Vice-President: Henry WA2ROA
May speaker will be John Kruk from Yaesu, April speaker still open. March lunch at Casa Tequila on March 28. Radiator Grille scheduled for April 11.
George: WA2VNV
Programing for new VHF room computer is done. Ft2 seems to be a good tool, but needs good timing.
Director: Jay N2ELG
Nothing to report
Other Announcements:
Jeff K4BH told the group that Broward County ARES/RACES will be doing Field Day in June along with several Broward clubs. He asked if BRARA would contribute towards the operation. He also announced an upcoming CERT mass casualty activity in Broward.
Fred KB4EE asked for an update on purchasing a container. Ralph reported not much progress. Other groups in the park have 20 ft containers. We would need a 40 ft one.
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn by Jay SN2ELG second by Henry K N0HNK. Meeting adjourned at 7:01. Commissioner Weiss’ presentation followed.
Respectfully submitted,
Mike Greenfeld K8BQ, Secretary