KATY AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY MEETING MINUTES

Regular monthly meeting held May 12, 2014 
West I-10 Fire Station #4, Franz Rd., Katy, Tx.

Meeting called to order by President Bob WB3EWP at 7:25 PM. 
All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge Allegiance to the Flag.
Eighteen members and one visitor signed in.  (The visitor was Christian KG5AKF who was later in the meeting accepted into full membership with the club.)  Everyone introduced himself to the group.

The previous month’s meeting were available as a hand out.  Motion by John KF5LOE and second by Charlie KT5BBQ to approve the April meeting minutes.  Motion passed.

Old Business

We had two applicants for membership last month.  James KF5ZZS was not in attendance tonight, but Christian KG5AKF was.  Motion by Brian AF4IT and second by Charlie KT5BBQ to accept Christian into membership of the KARS club.  Motion carried.

New Business

Ron K5CE’s mother recently passed away.  He requested that in lieu of flowers or similar gestures, he prefers that donations be made to the club radio station at West I-10 station 4.  

The summer field day will be from 1800 UTC Saturday June 28 to 2100 UTC Sunday June 29, 2014.  The club will assemble at Mark N5YUS’s place on Morton Rd.  Thanks for your generous offer, Mark!  There will be four band captains:  Mike KA5OXA for 10 meters, Phil KJ5OW for 20 meters, and Tom AE5QB for 40 meters.  The 80 meter band captain position is still up for grabs.
A quick check of club owned equipment was made.  Dave WD8RZA has the Delta Loops.  Two laptop computers are in the radio room upstairs.  Phil KJ5OW has the power generator and says that when school is done, he will check it over possibly giving it a tune up if needed.  
Ron K5HM mentioned that he could begin setting up on the Thursday prior.  Jack WB5KVV reminded the group what Field Day is all about -- Emergency Preparedness and practicing doing a lot in a short period of time.  
Peter KD5OCR has the field day supply checklist.  At the next meeting (June), a food signup sheet will be passed around.   

Sachiko Peet, W5IDF, will no longer be able to participate in the ARRL Volunteer Examiner program.  We need to find a replacement for her as coordinator.  She will remain in name on the ARRL paperwork until a suitable replacement is found.  We need
To find more VE’s anyway.  Our next VE session is June 21, 2014 at fire station #4.

Because it was favorably received last month, a sign-up sheet for club Elmers is available.

The old U.S. Navy radio equipment that had been donated to the club has been given to the Battleship Texas.

President Bob WB3EWP called for a report from the fire station radio committee.  Committee member Charlie KT5BBQ said that the original purpose of the radio station was to be an auxiliary radio for the fire department.  It is especially useful during times of disaster and emergency.  We need a dual band (HF/VHF/UHF) radio in the radio room.
Phil KJ5OW expressed his displeasure with the club not giving any thought to the Kenwood TS-140 that a silent key’s heirs recently donated to the club.  The radio appears to be missing a power cord, but otherwise is in great cosmetic shape.
Del W5QQ added that if the current radio is to be replaced with a newer/nicer one, a new power supply will be needed as well. Ron K5HM commented we need to decide on which direction we are going before we buy anything for the radio station and instead of just talking about it every time, we need to come to a decision.  
Motion by Del W5QQ and second by Charlie KT5BBQ to require radio committee to meet with Board of Directors and finalize this matter.  Motion passed.  

Upcoming events:  Mike KA5OXA reported that the Ship Museum Contest is June 5-7, 2014.  He will not be able to be there those days.

Treasurer Scott was running a little late due to a previous commitment.  He gave his treasurer’s report saying that the club has $4716.72 in the bank plus he is holding two membership due payments.  Motion by Charlie KT5BBQ and second by Mike KA5OXA to accept the treasurer’s report.  Motion carried.  Scott further said that the club liability insurance is coming due July 1st.  No action was taken on the insurance.

Brian AF5IT reported that the repeater operation has been noticeably better lately.

BREAK
Refreshments of cake and cookies were provided by Christen KF5YAW and Peter KD5OCR.

PRESENTATION
After intermission, Bob WB3EWP gave a presentation of how some hams in New Jersey set up and operated on past field days.  He showed photos of antennas, radio setups, operator support and much more.

Hearing no other business, Bob WB3EWP adjourned the meeting at 9:25 PM.

Entered into record this 12th day of May 2014 by Brian Havran, recording secretary.