South Florida FM Association Minutes of the February 10, 2003 Monthly Meeting

PRESIDENT: RONNIE HAIK KG4DBI
VICE PRESIDENT: ROBERT CRUZ KE4MCL
SECRETARY: JOANNE CARBANA KG4GKU
TREASURER: JAMES CARLIN KF4OUI

DIRECTORS:
KEVIN SCANLON K4PCS 01-03
SAM HARTE KQ4LMR 00-05
ERNESTO DIAZ KG4KXH 02-04

WEB SITE: http://www.sffma.net

Meeting was called to order at 19:55 with 28 present. 

Ronnie welcomed everyone back to SFFMA. Due to technical difficulties, we were not on the air  tonight. 

We took a moment of silence in memory of Norm Ward and the astronauts of the Space Shuttle Columbia.

Repeater update:

A motion was made by Caesar to approve the minutes for January 2003 as posted on the Web, seconded by Randy, and passed.

Old Business:
Jason spoke about the success of the Hamboree. He thanked all that helped out. Carl and Evelyn received awards from the Hurricane Center for their work. Ronnie received the Amateur Ham Radio Operator of the Year Award. Ray received the Ben Demby Amateur Radio Technical Excellence Award (WA4RQZ Award) and Ernesto received the Rick Vahan Outstanding Public Service Award. Congratulations to all. Harry, Gloria and Wendy won radios. February 7 and 8, 2004 is the next Hamboree.

Ernesto brought us up-to-date on the Bike-A-Thon.

Randy brought us up-to-date on the March of Dimes Walk-A-Thon which is scheduled for April 5, 2003. Contact Wendy or Randy if you are interested in helping out.

Sam gave a VE report that 45 people tested this year at the Hamboree. Attendance was down. They only had one session this year. Thank you to Joe, Dave and Armando for their help.

Eddie advised that the American Red Cross is offering classes. They are listed on the web site. If we get a group together and let him know, we can hold the classes at the EOC. The web site is: http://miamiredcross.org.

Dues are due NOW. They are $30.00. For family membership, add $5.00 per family member.

James advised that checks that have not been cashed for over 6 months and will be returned with a letter of apology. Any checks less than 6 months will be deposited. If your check is returned, please resend the money. We need to pay insurance for the year. We have only collected $600.00 for the cabinet repair for the repeater and we need $3,000.00.

A motion was made by Jason and seconded by Robert to accept credit cards through Pay Pal on line for dues, donations, etc. No one opposed and the motion passed.

Sam discussed the 501C3 designation from the IRS.  Comments were taken from the membership.

Ronnie advised that James is our new treasurer and that we are ordering new checks and everything will be in good order.  James hopes to have a treasurer’s report next meeting on a spreadsheet.

Brendan gave the CERT report. There is a meeting here at the EOC on Saturday, February 15 at 9:00 A.M. Meetings are to take place the 3rd Saturday of the month at the EOC at 9:00 A.M. At last month’s meeting, Brendan was elected Communication Commander and Joanne was elected Equipment Commander. He will forward the minutes to the SFFMA website.

Jeff spoke of last month’s rocket launch and that there is going to be another one this month. If you decide to attend, you must contact Jeff prior to the launch or you will not be allowed in.  

New Business:
Jeff spoke about shortening the message on the 147.000 at the top of the hour. Brendan advised that Ray spoke to John at the Hamboree about it. Ernesto gave a demonstration with frequencies and audio tones from light sources.
We had a guest speaker Manny Silva from the Border Patrol K-9 Unit. He is a handler, instructor and
coordinator. He spoke to the membership and answered questions afterwards.

Ronnie reminded everyone to eat the snacks in the back of the room and to see James to pay your membership dues.  Jeff was going to give a demonstration of wireless fast access
after the meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 21:13.