SOUTH FLORIDA FM ASSOCIATION OCTOBER 8, 2007 MINUTES OF MEETING

PRESIDENT:               RONNIE HAIK (KG4DBI)

VICE PRESIDENT:  BRIAN BAILEY (KE4VMQ) (NOT PRESENT)

SECRETARY:              JOANNE CARBANA (KG4GKU)

TREASURER:              CAESAR CARBANA (KG4BZA)

DIRECTORS:

ANDY PICHS N3PI    01-07

SAM HARTE KQ4MR 00-09

JEFF GARNETT KG4CNM 05-08

WEB SITE: http:/www.sffma.net

 Meeting was called to order at 20:23 with 22 present.  Tonight we are again having a joint meeting with the SFMMA and the Dade Radio Club.

 The SFFMA met first tonight.

 Ronnie welcomed everyone to the joint SFFMA and DRC meeting.  The meeting was broadcast live on the air tonight from the EOC.  Testing is being conducted tonight in another room. 

 Before the meeting, we were able to tour one of the command post trucks that the County Fire Department will be using.

 The microphone was then passed around the room and everyone stated their name and call sign.  Ray requested that if anyone is going to say something to use the microphone for those that are listening so that they can hear what is being said.

 Ronnie welcomed everyone again.  We do not have a guest speaker tonight. 

 Jeff announced that there are boxes of old electronics donated by Brendan McCarthy.  It is free for the taking.  Anything left over will go the Melborne Hamfest this weekend.

 The minutes for the September meeting were posted on the web.  A motion was made by Randy to accept the September minutes, seconded by Carl. 

 Repeater update:

 Merritt reported on the 147.000.  It’s back on the air in its brand new box.  There are plans to work on it in the future and he will advise.  Also the 350 is working.

 Carl reported on the 444.200.  It’s operating nicely.  It is only used on weekends. Would like to see it used on weekdays.

 Ray reported on the 146.760. It’s working well.  Nothing new.

 No other trustees were present tonight.

 Old Business:

 Ronnie announced that the SFFMA will be dissolved shortly.   Ronnie is going to each paid member to have them sign off that they are in agreement to dissolve the SFFMA as described in the minutes June/July/August/September 2007 into the Dade Radio Club and all funds will go into the Repeater Fund.  He needs to go to the bank in South Miami and they close at 7PM on a Wednesday night.  He going to try to get together with Joanne, Ernesto or Brian to close out the bank account.  The club has approximately 2,573.37 in the account.  He will try to get to the bank by the next meeting.

 Ronnie advised that the Melbourne Hamfest will take place this weekend, Sat Oct 13 and Sun Oct 14 in Melborne with the ARRL State Convention.  If anyone is interested in tickets, booths, swap tables, etc. go to Pcars.org.  It was discussed that Friday and Sunday have the best deals.  It takes about 3 hours from here.  Jeff advised that he got special rates for a hotel.  If anyone is interested, see Jeff.  Rooms usually go for $120 - $130 a night and he got them down to $90 plus 11% tax.  The hotel is in a great, safe area.

 Ronnie asked if there was any further old business.  There was none.

 New Business

 Ronnie announced that the Kayak race will take place October 20.  If anyone is interested in volunteering, contact David KE4TIN @ davidfernandez@fastmail.net or at 305-542-1014.  He needs volunteers.

 Ronnie advised that Eddie Rodriguez from the American Red Cross advised that they also have a truck like the one we saw this evening.  If you are interested in helping the American Red Cross and want to learn to drive one of their trucks call or email him.

 Frank presented an award plaque for the Wall for the MS 150 Bike Tour for 2007.  Thanks to the ARPSC.  Frank and Chris accepted the award.

 Merritt gave a slide show of pictures of the repeater tower and the new cabinet.

 With no other business, Ronnie thanked everyone for coming and advised that snacks were in the cafeteria.

 The SFFMA meeting was adjourned at 21:35.  Dade Radio Club then conducted their meeting

 Joanne Carbana

KG4GKU