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SOUTH FLORIDA FM ASSOCIATION SEPT. 12, 2005 MINUTES OF MEETING PRESIDENT: RONNIE HAIK KG4DBI DIRECTORS: MAIL YOUR DUES TO: Meeting was called to order at 19:56 with 30 present. Ronnie welcomed all to the SFFMA meeting. The meeting was being broadcast live on the air tonight from the EOC. There testing was being held in another room tonight. Ronnie requested a moment of silence for the people in the Gulf Coast. The microphone was then passed around the room and everyone stated their name and call sign. Ronnie welcomed everyone again. Repeater update: Carl spoke about the 444.200. Still operating. He received the controller and it is to be installed. John was not present tonight so John Veccio spoke about the 147.000. It is down. It is a power issue. Ray also spoke about the 147.000. He has posted pictures on the website. After the storm, the towers are up and no damage to the equipment. The cabinet is rusting. Ray spoke about the 146.760. It did real well during the hurricane. With regard to the 147.24, the antenna broke off and it needs a new antenna. It's on the air, but only with 1/3 of the antenna. He suggested that we now need to discuss after Katrina, what works and what
didn't work. He suggested that you program the repeaters into your radios. The
list of repeaters is on the home page. When Katrina hit New Orleans, ham radio
worked when everything else did not. Old Business: Last month's minutes were posted on the web. A motion to accept the minutes was made by Philippe and seconded by Randy. Next, Carl made a presentation of an Official Observer Certificate to Harry from the ARRL. He is now an official observer to find interference and makes sure that proper language and radio etiquette is used on the radio. Harry took a course for this. Harry spoke a few words. Now we have someone to go find and report through the ARRL. Harry appreciated his award. Sam next spoke about CHAMP (Citizens Ham Mobile Marine Patrol) award and our President Ronnie has been selected for the 2005 Award. He will receive his award at the annual banquet of the Citizens Crime Watch of Dade County on September 30 at the Merchandise Mart (Sheraton). Tickets are $35.00 each. If you are interested in going, please see Sam. Ronnie reminded everyone that dues are officially due Jan 1, 2005. Give your dues to Ronnie or James tonight or send them to the PO Box. Dues are $30.00 per year and $5.00 for each family member. The club uses the funds received from the dues for insurance, cabinet replacement, dinners and refreshments, to name a few. Joanne advised that there is nothing new at this time. Ronnie advised that our membership list is being put together and it should be available shortly. Ronnie announced that some of the membership went to the Melbourne Hamfest this past weekend. It went well. Jeff advised that the show was good, they had a good number of attendees, however, attendance was down from last year maybe because of people being afraid of the storm or gas prices. There is talk that it may be changed to October next year. Ronnie said we should not use the same hotel. Everyone that attended said it was a worthy trip. New Business: Philippe advised that the Orange Bowl Marathon in Coral Gables is coming up in November. It may conflict with the kayak race. But so far, no conflict. Ronnie announced that in December we have coming up the Junior Orange Bowl Parade and our Holiday Dinner at the EOC. Information on the parade and tickets for the Holiday Dinner should be available at the next meeting. We had a large turn-out last year. You can bring your family members and friends. Eddie from the American Red Cross announced that they are putting together a group to go to New Orleans. Anyone can go. You will be there for a 3 week minimum. If you are interested, see Eddie. Ronnie announced that communications in Alabama or Mississippi are looking for amateur ham radio operators. If you are interested, see Ronnie or Harry. Steve had an auction board of donated equipment (all brand new) at the meeting. All proceeds will go to the American Red Cross (100%) in the name of SFFMA. He has a radio and 2 mobile antennas. Calls were taken on the air for bids by Jeff. While the meeting was going forward, the Board made a proposal to donate $250.00 to the American Red Cross. A motion was made by Steve, seconded by Caesar. Jeff Levine called in and advised that his employer will match whatever we collect tonight for the American Red Cross. Ray then described the features of the items being auctioned for those listening on the air. We had a 2 meter mobile radio that went for $70.00 and 2 mobile antennas that went for $11.00 each. Jeff's employer will match this amount. We had no guest speaker tonight. Ray announced that we should have and "After Action Meeting" so that we can discuss what went wrong, what went right and areas for improvement. There was a lot of discussion by those present and a lot of good ideas were brought up. Ronnie opened the floor for any other questions or concerns. There were none. With no other business, Ronnie thanked everyone for coming. Refreshments were served in the cafeteria. The meeting was adjourned at 21:29. Joanne Carbana |
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