Meeting Minutes  

AUGUST 2, 2007

The business meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by the president Louis Mester, W1CH.

The salute to the flag was followed by a roll call. A quorum of 34 members was present. No guests were in attendance.

Secretary’s Report (Mike McDonald, KB1NB, acting): Mike Miller N1ITQ, moved to accept the minutes of the July meeting as presented in August’s Zero Beat. Motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report (Mike McDonald, KB1NB): Club’s financial account balances reported at $62,283 as of 31 July 2007. NETCOM's August rent has been received in the non-contract amount of $2420. Accountant Milt Johnson has finished preparing 2006 taxes. Motion by Mike Miller, N1ITQ to refer the report to audit passed unanimously.

Standing Committee Reports

Technical Committee (Dave Goldstein, W1DJG): Computer configuration at the repeater site will be changed to accommodate Internet Radio Linking Project (IRLP) and audio recording. Tim Smith, N1TI, reported a vertical antenna and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) as stolen. Charlie Days, WA1JFD, volunteered to replace the UPS.

Buildings & Grounds (Mike Miller, N1ITQ): no report.

Scholarship (Larry Houbre, AA1FS [not present]): no report.

Special Committee Reports

Activities (Scott Szala W1EV [not present]): no report

ARES/Skywarn (Rob Macedo, KD1CY): Rob thanked those who checked into the nets in the presence of severe weather. A recent drill went well.

Building/Renovation (Dave Dean, K1JGV): Dave recommends delaying any decision on new construction because of the recent oil spill problem and associated expenses.

QSL Manager (John Nery, WA1ESO): John reports having responded to several QSL's. He reminds everyone that August is Lighthouse/Lightship month.

Website (Tim Smith, N1TI): Tim solicited more pictures of the oil spill at the club.

Communications

One resignation received from James Aguiar, AF1Q. Per club rules, unless rescinded, resignation becomes effective at the following business meeting.

Ratification of New Members

No applications received this month.

President’s Comments — None.

Old Business — None.

New Business

Tim Smith, N1TI, moved to purchase a new card key entry system, cost not to exceed $500. Discussion: the replacement for the bad card in the old SecuraKey system would cost $700, installed cost would be $1500. Members' current SecuraKey card keys could be sold on e-bay to further defray the expense of the new system. Motion passed: 25 yeas, 2 nays.

Tim Smith, N1TI, moved to purchase a surveillance system with a minimum of two cameras, monitoring the club hall and outside driveway, cost not to exceed $500. Motion passed unanimously.

Armand Augustine, W1BUG, moved to have a moratorium on any building plan for 6 (six) months. Motion passed: 30 yeas, 2 nays.

Rick Cabral, W1RJC, moved that Dave Dean, K1JGV, investigate what permits, if any, are required to move forward with housing the oil burner and tank. Motion passed unanimously.

For the Good of the Club

Bill Hargreaves, N1QMU, volunteered to stain the front porch under the direction of buildings and grounds, Mike Miller, N1ITQ.

Al Dulong, WB1FQP, expressed concern about liens being filed against the club in connection with oil spill cleanup expenses.

Tim Smith, N1TI, recognized Mike McDonald, KB1NB, for his efforts in managing the oil spill cleanup. Tim went on to point out that, in light of the oil spill and subsequent disruption of the club property, the September tailgate that he was planning is no longer feasible.

Charlie Days, WA1JFD, suggested that the club consider returning to membership dues.

Dave Neal's, W2DAN, motion to adjourn passed unanimously at 8:23 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Mike McDonald, KB1NB, acting secretary

Note: A full copy of the minutes can be read or downloaded from the SEMARA Website. A full copy will be also posted on the bulletin board in the clubhouse.