SOUTH FLORIDA FM ASSOCIATION MAY 9, 2006 MINUTES OF MEETING

PRESIDENT: RONNIE HAIK KG4DBI

VICE PRESIDENT: ERNESTO DIAZ KG4LXH

SECRETARY: JOANNE CARBANA KG4GKU

TREASURER: CAESAR CARBANA KG4BZA

DIRECTORS:

ANDY PICHS N3PI 01-07

SAM HARTE KQ4LMR 00-09

JEFF GARNETT KG4CNM 05-08

WEB SITE: http:/www.sffma.net

MAIL YOUR DUES TO:

SOUTH FLORIDA FM ASSOCIATION

POB 430028

MIAMI, FL 33243

Meeting was called to order at 19:53 with 26 present. Tonight we are having a joint meeting with the SFMMA and the Dade Radio Club.

Tonight’s guest speaker is Tony Rivera from the American Red Cross. He and Nadia and Pedro will be giving a presentation on “Disaster Preparedness”. Mr. Rivera gave his presentation at the beginning of the meeting to all present.

After the presentation, Ronnie welcomed everyone to the joint SFFMA and DRC meeting. The SFFMA will have its meeting first and then the DRC will have its meeting. The meeting was not being broadcast live on the air tonight from the EOC. Testing is being conducted tonight in another room. We have quite a few people again tonight.

The microphone was then passed around the room and everyone stated their name and call sign.

Ronnie welcomed everyone again.

The April minutes were posted on the web. A motion to accept the minutes was made by Philipe and seconded by Art.

Repeater update:

John was not present tonight to speak about the 147.000. Those present advised that there are some problems.

Robert reported on the 220.000. It is working and he is still talking to himself.

Ray was not present tonight to speak about the 146.760. Those present advised that it is still working.

Carl advised that the 444.200 is working super.

Ronnie advised those present that at the last meeting the SFFMA gave a $50.00 donation to John for the Florida Repeater Foundation.

Old Business:

Ronnie reminded everyone that dues are officially due Jan 1, 2006. Caesar advised that we have 11 paid members, not including the honorary or lifetime members. We are going to be using the same PO Box as the Dade Radio Club. He will get the address and advise everyone if you want to mail in your dues. In the meantime, you can give your dues to Ronnie or Caesar tonight. Dues are $30.00 per year and $5.00 for each family member. If you are a new ham, you can become a non-voting member for 1 year free. We have two people, Brian Judge and Stephanie Toledo that passed their exams tonight. Congratulations! They will be honorary members for the rest of the year.

Ernesto spoke about the MS 150 Break Away Bike-A-Thon. It took place last weekend, May 6 & 7. Ernesto thanked everyone that helped. It was a great event. The MS 150 was voted the #1 bike tour by Bike Riding Magazine. He only had 26 volunteers, extremely short this year. One of the problems is that it was the same weekend as the Air Show, as well as other events in South Florida. He does not have any figures yet, but we broke the Million Dollar mark. That is 3 years in a row. Robert wants to contact other bike tours to see if we can get new Hams. Ronnie spoke about his experience as a rider this year. It was suggested by Steve that we try to get the people that are involved year after year to become Ham operators. Ernesto advised that we had 1998 riders this year. It was a record-breaking year. There were 35 SAGS and 39 motorcycles. He advised that he needs someone new to coordinate the MS 150 next year, as they want him to take over as Chairman for the Committee next year. The Committee will be looking into what the rider limit will be next year so that there can be the maximum amount of riders with safety in mind as the #1 priority. Next year, we are definitely going to need a lot more volunteers.

Joanne spoke about CERT. If you are interested, please see her for the telephone number to contact Rosilyn at the OEM to take classes and become certified or you can go to the website, MiamiDade.gov for more info. Due to the hurricanes last year, attendance is up for people wanting to take classes. Also, CERT will be at various Lowe’s on Saturday, May 20th for the County’s hurricane preparedness day.

Ronnie asked if there was any more Old Business. There was none and we went on to New Business:

New Business:

Ronnie spoke about Field Day. It will take place June 24 and 25th this year. He will call

Nilo Hernandez and coordinate something with the American Radio Club. Last year we had 3 clubs together and it was a lot of fun. We will try to roast a pig again this year. Everyone is welcome. Ronnie will get the info together and sent it our and finalize it at the next meeting. Ernesto said that last year was great food and that everyone had a great time.

Steve announced that this Thursday is the anniversary to the Value Jet incident. He will try to get some volunteers together to go out there.

Ronnie announced that SFMMA and DRC are meeting together tonight and we are holding off until the end of the year to see if the 2 clubs will merge.

Robert advised that the Dade Radio Club needs to replace their treasurer. If they cannot, there will not be a Hamfest. If anyone is interested, please let Robert know.

Ronnie opened the floor to any other new business. There was none.

With no other business, Ronnie thanked everyone for coming and turned the meeting over to the Dade Radio Club.

The meeting was adjourned at 20:05.

Joanne Carbana

KG4GKU