General Meeting Minutes, May 25, 2021

Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association
General Membership Meeting
Meeting Minutes

1)  Call to Order

Joe McGee (NX4T)called to order the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association’s regular meeting at 19:30 EDT (23:30UTC) on May 25, 2021, over ZOOM. A quorum was present with 17 members and.

2)  Pledge of Allegiance

3)  Secretary’s Report – Charlie Artner (KN4VDW)

Erik Olmer (W4EJO) proposed an amendment to the total assets reported in the last meetings to $6,701.19

Motion to approve the minutes as amended by Jeff Stahl (K4BH); second by Joe McGee (NX4T); the motion carried with no objections.

4)  Treasurer’s Report – Erik Olmer (W4EJO)

The club is officially recognized as a 501(3)(c) organization. The filing fees were $52.50 and the mailing was $29.20.

We received $170 in member dues (4 single / 1 family). We also received a donation of $100.00. We also paid $204.00 to the USPS for our PO Box for the next 12 months.

Total as of 5/01/2021 $6,468.29

5)  Membership Chair’s Report – Joe McGee (NX4T)

40 regular members paid their dues
3 Family memberships (6 members)
17 Lifetime members.

We had a total of 85 members at the end of last year. Compared to that our membership is currently down by 27%. One of our major sources for new members were the HAM Exams which have been completely canceled during the last year.

6)  VE Status Report – Jeff Stahl (K4BH)

Not much difference from last month. Until we have a place to test, we cannot test in person. Jeff Stahl (K4BH) is working on possible online testing. Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) offered to talk to his church if it was possible to reserve a room there for testing.

7)  Repeater Report – Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR)

No changes to last month’s report due to lack of time. Everything is running as it should be. The Boca site has still not been accessed. The hospital has been taken over by Baptist Health.

8)  Web Admin Report – Charlie Artner (KN4VDW)

Visitors to the website can now sign up for our email list. The form to sign up is on the home page in the right-hand column.

9)  Call for Old Business.

We still have not heard from the hospital when we can meet in person again.

10)      Announcements

Our quarterly dinner will start again on June 5, 2021, at 7:00 PM at the Wings Plus on Sample Road.

Update on Memorial Plaques for Roy Neiman (KJ4EGN), Don Search (W3AZD), and Chuck Gress (K3NXH). According to Barry Porter (KB1PA), everything is in order and moving forward.

Summer Field Day will be individual. The Club will not participate as a group. Individuals can submit their contacts and contribute to the club.

We are still looking for volunteers for the Sunshine Committee.

11)      Speaker: Dave Warner (KB4ICU)

Dave Warner (KB4ICU) presented an intro to Mesh Networks.

12)       Adjournment

Joe McGee (NX4T)adjourned the meeting at 21:15 EDT (01:15 UTC).

Board Meeting Minutes, May 23, 2021

Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association
Board Meeting
Minutes

1)  Call to Order

Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT)called to order the board meeting of the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association, Inc at 13:07 EDT (17:07 UTC) on May 23, 2021, on ZOOM.  A quorum was present with 7 members.

2)  Old Business

a)    Re-stated Articles of Corporation

The check was cashed by the state shortly after it was issued in May of 2020. We have the necessary paperwork from the IRS and so we are officially a 501(c)(3). The amended articles of incorporation should be coming soon.

3)  PO Box

The fees for our PO Box are due by June 1, 2021. Erik Olmer (W4EJO) the board for approval of the payment. Motion to approve payment was made by Charlie Artner (KN4VDW); second by Jeff Stahl (K4BH). Motion carried with 7-0.

4)  Social Hamming Around

A meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 19:30 EDT to discuss further details.

5)  Social opportunities for HAM Get Together IN PERSON

The first meeting will be on June 5th at 19:00 EDT (23:00 UTC) at Wings Plus on Sample Road. Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) will send out an email to all subscribers on our email list with an inline RSVP form.

6)  Remote HF Station

HF Station has crashed twice now. One time when Joe McGee (NX4T) checked it, it was transmitting continuously. The issue could possibly be the ground. The plan is better more ferrites and better grounding. Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) will send Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR) several other options to access the computer for the remote station.

7)  Plan for Winter Field Day

If we cannot get the pavilion, we could rent trucks again and do the Field Day at the field like we did the last time we were at Quiet Water Parks.

8)  Picnic at VV Park

Possible picnic after Summer Field Day. Parks in Broward seem to allow get-togethers again. Melanie will call to make a reservation at Vista View. The target date is Saturday, August 14, 2021.

9)  Workshops

Possible workshops for new HAMs could be on how to build a dipole.

10)      Any Other Business

None

11)      Adjournment

Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) adjourned the meeting at 13:53 EDT (17:20 UTC).

Minutes for General Meeting from 2021-04-27

Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association
General Membership Meeting
Meeting Minutes

1)  Call to Order

Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT)called to order the regular meeting of the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association, Inc at 19:35 EDT (00:35UTC) on February 23, 2021 on ZOOM. A quorum was present with 16 members and 4 non-members.

2)  Secretary’s Report – Charlie Artner (KN4VDW)

Motion by Jeff Stahl (K4BH) to approve the minutes from March 23, 2021. Second by Barry Porter. The motion carried (12:0)

3)  Treasurer’s Report – Erik Olmer (W4EJO)

Income through dues was $363.67. In addition, we had $100.00 donated to General and $10.00 to HF Project. The current total is 7,085.40.

4)  Membership Chair’s Report – Joe McGee (NX4T)

In absence of Joe McGee (NX4T), Erik Olmer (W4EJO) gave the membership report.

Currently, we have 36 Single Members, 4 Family Members, and 17 Lifetime Member bringing the total number of members to 57.

5)  VE Status Report – Jeff Stahl (K4BH)

No updates available

6)  Repeater Report – Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR)

All repeaters are up and running. The HF station is partially up. Can receive but there are still issues with the audio. Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR) is still waiting for an answer from the developers of the software. LDG will send a brochure with prices for the equipment for the new voter system.

7)  Web Admin Report – Charlie Artner (KN4VDW)

Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) gave a tour around the website. Presented changes and improvements made so far and explained how to pay club dues online.

8)  Call for Old Business.

a)    Memorial Plaques

Everything is on hold because the people who make the plaques have not been able to make them due to the pandemic.

b)   Sunshine Committee

Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) announced that we are looking for volunteers for the Sunshine Committee.

c)    Vote on Bylaws

Barry Porter KB1PA made the motion to approve the Bylaws as amended and Allan Karden (N4ALK) second. The motion carried (15:0)

d)   Looking for Speakers

Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) announced that we are looking for speakers for upcoming Club Meetings.

9)  Speaker: Robert Molleda

Robert Molleda gave a presentation on the upcoming Hurricane season and brief analysis of past Hurricanes.

10)       Adjournment

Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT)adjourned the meeting at 21:06 EDT (01:06 UTC).

Board Meeting Minutes, April 25, 2021

Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association
Board Meeting
Minutes

1)  Call to Order

Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT)called to order the board meeting of the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association, Inc at 13:16 EDT (17:16UTC) on April 25, 2021 on ZOOM.  A quorum was present with 7 members and 1 non-member.

2)  Old Business

a)    Re-stated Articles of Corporation

Will be done Wednesday and filed.  Will write check and reimbursement to save time.

b)   Bylaws on Website

Must post New By-laws and advertise for membership to read so can vote on at a general meeting.

3)  Membership Dues Charlie Artner (KN4VDW)

a)    When are Dues due?

Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) suggested to modify Section 3.3 Annual Dues to be more specific on when the annual dues are due.  Following text was proposed to replace current Section 3.3:

The annual dues to the GCARA paid to the Treasurer or his/her designee by members shall be in such amounts as determined by resolution of the Board of Directors and approved by a majority vote of the general membership.  Dues shall be paid for the year on admission to membership and annually thereafter no later than 60 days after the beginning of the fiscal year.  Membership benefits for members who have not paid their annual dues will continue until 60 days after the beginning of the fiscal year.  Failing to pay membership dues within the first 60 days will result in all membership benefits being removed, and the membership status will be considered lapsed.  Benefits will resume the moment the annual dues have been brought up to date.

Motion to accept this change was made by Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) and second by Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT).  The motion carried (6:1).

b)   Definition of Fiscal Year

The definition of the Fiscal year will be added as Article III and all subsequent articles and subsection will be renumbered, as necessary.  Article III shall read as follows:

The Fiscal Year shall be from December 1 through November 30 of the following year.  The Board of Directors shall be allowed to amend the beginning of the Fiscal year from time to time as seen fit.

Motion was made by Jeff Stahl (K4BH) and second by Charlie Artner (KN4VDW).  The motion carried (7:0).

c)    Prorated membership fees

Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) mentioned that the practice of prorated 2nd year is nowhere defined in the bylaws.  He suggested to replace this practice and the changed version to the bylaws.  The dues on any new member who joins in the last quarter of the fiscal year shall be applied to the following fiscal year and member shall be admitted for free for the rest of the current fiscal year.

Motion by Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) second by Jeff Stahl (K4BH). Motion carried (7:0).

d)   Lifetime Membership

The bylaws fail to describe the requirements for a Lifetime Membership and how to become a Lifetime Member.  Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) suggested to add a section in Article III – Members to add Lifetime Membership to the bylaws.  Motion was made by Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) and was second by Jeff Stahl (K4BH).

Following text was proposed to be added as Section 3.2 Lifetime Membership:

Lifetime membership shall be awarded after 25 consecutive years of membership.  Alternatively, after at least one year of members ship a member may apply for lifetime membership by payment of dues in the amount of current dues times the difference between 25 and the number of years of consecutive membership already achieved.

The Board of Directors may at its discretion grant Lifetime membership to any member for outstanding service to the club.

The motion carried (7:0)

4)  Passing information of new members

Joe McGee (NX4T)—as the Chairmen of the Membership Committee—will take responsibility to contact new members after the have been accepted.  To make sure that Joe McGee (NX4T) has the most up-to-date information on new members, Erik Olmer (W4EJO) will forward any information on new members at least once a week to Joe McGee (NX4T), Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT), and Charlie Artner (KN4VDW).

Joe McGee (NX4T) also asked if anybody is checking the call sign validity of new members and this task has not been assigned.  Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) mentioned that he is checking call sign on random basis on QRZ.com but does not necessarily check every call sign.  Joe McGee (NX4T) asked whether QRZ.com is a reliable source to check validity of call signs and Jeff Stahl (K4BH) confirmed that it is.

Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) mentioned that Herbert L. Schulman has been reported as Silent Key. Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) confirmed that his status on the roster has already been changed accordingly.

5)  John Knox Hurricane Planning

Everything is going to be the same.  Joe McGee (NX4T) had a quick contact with Kirsten and no physical meeting is necessary.  The only decision will be who is going to be part of the team during a disaster.

6)  Social Hamming Around Erik Olmer (W4EJO)

On hold until the remote station is working again

7)  Remote HF Station

The remote station is currently offline due to technical difficulties.  Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR) spent 4 hours on trying to find the issue but was unable to resolve the problems.  Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR) and Joe McGee (NX4T) are still working on it.  The main problem is that the program freezes up and the radio stays keyed-up.  The only way to unkey the radio is to turn it off.

Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR) already contacted the developer of the software and reported the issue.  It seems the problem is in the server software or their system.

Joe McGee (NX4T) asked users of the remote station what we can do to improve it and the overwhelming answer was more power.

  • 500W Amplifier
  • Switching PowerSupply
  • Higher Power Tuner
  • Higher Power Balun

Total for all the equipment is $2,193.29

8)  Social opportunities for Ham Get Togethers IN PERSON

Several locations have been suggested but the board could not come to a decision.  Erik Olmer (W4EJO), Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR), will check out a few places regarding rules and how many people can meet.

9)  Any Other Business

a)    Ongoing Web improvement

Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) added a new plugin to the website which will allow to create popup windows with important information.  Also, the Repeaters have been added to the main menu at the top of the page to give them a more prominent existence and make them easier to be found.  Additional tabs have been created for Broward and Palm Beach county repeaters.  Erik Olmer (W4EJO) requested to add Miami-Dade repeaters as well.  Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) will work on adding an additional tab with Miami-Dade repeaters.

b)   Hope Smith suggested for Lifetime Membership.

Erik Olmer (W4EJO) has asked if the board could consider awarding Hope Smith Lifetime Membership.  Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) and Jeff Stahl (K4BH) have talked about this in the past and Ricky Eaton (KD4HGR) said that he would support it.

Motion has been made by Joe McGee (NX4T) and been second by Charlie Artner (KN4VDW).  Motion carried (7:0).

10)      Adjournment

Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT)adjourned the meeting at 15:20 EDT (19:20 UTC).

General Meeting Minutes 23-MAR-2021

Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association
General Membership Meeting
Meeting Minutes

1)  Call to Order

Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT)called to order the regular meeting of the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association, Inc at 19:30 EDT (00:30UTC) on February 23, 2021 on ZOOM. A quorum was present with 22 members and 1 non-member.

2)  Secretary’s Report – Charlie Artner (KN4VDW)

a)    Minutes from February 23, 2021

Minutes from February’s meeting have been approved without objections.

3)  Treasurer’s Report – Erik Olmer (W4EJO)

Not much activity this month. We received 4 more member dues and 1 donation in the amount of $300 in support of the HF project. All monthly fees have been paid. Current balance is $6,295.64.

Anybody who has questions regarding their membership and their dues please send an email to gcaratreasurer@gmail.com

4)  Membership Chair’s Report – Joe McGee (NX4T)

Currently we have 49 members up to date with their dues. 16 are Lifetime and 4 family memberships. Unfortunately, not everybody of the 16 Lifetime members are active. According to Joe McGee (NX4T) 4 Lifetime members are definitely not active in the club anymore. The remaining 12 Lifetime members are probably another 4 who are not active anymore. Realistically we are down to about 40 active members or even less than that.

5)  VE Status Report – Jeff Stahl (K4BH)

No update regarding testing.

6)  Repeater Report – Ricky Eaton (KD4HDR)

Everything is working as it is supposed. Ricky Eaton (KD4HDR) is investigating the new repeater at John Knox. He is in touch with John Knox Admin regarding the questionable repeater but nobody at John Knox knows about this repeater (441.800MHz). We are going to start posting on the website about new repeater projects (remote receive site fund) and are going to ask our members for donations towards these projects. The upgrade will allow us to link all three repeaters together during net time and during Hurricane times. That includes FUSION and DSTAR.

7)  Web Admin Report – Charlie Artner (KN4VDW)

a)    Upcoming Web Projects

In future we will post more updates on ongoing projects. This will allow the club to bring new information to members faster and not only once a month in the general meeting.

b)   Membership Roster – Poll Results

We have sent out an email and asked our members whether to keep the membership roster. The result of that poll is posted below:

Option Votes Percentage
Yes, please continue the membership roster 18 48.65%
I don’t know 1 2.70%
Doesn’t matter to me 0 0.00%
I never used it, but don’t mind it being online 2 5.41%
I don’t mind it, but if possible, make it accessible to club members only. 12 32.43%
Remove the member roster 4 10.81%
Total 37

 

Jeff Stahl (K4BH) suggested for future surveys/polls to only send the survey/poll to those members who are up to date with their dues. A member who is not up to date with their dues should not have a say in what is happening in the club. To do that Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) will have to update the MailChimp mailing list with the current membership status or each email/member subscribed.

Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) is also currently in the process of updating the online roster to reflect the current status of the members and at the same time updating the contacts in Money Minder with addresses.

Jeff Stahl (K4BH) gave a brief report on Winlink and spoke about the plans to convert one of the 70cm repeaters to a Winlink Node. Winlink is extremely easy and quick to setup and is used as emergency communication in ARES/RACES. Winlink is also used over HF and VHF/UHF. The conversion may involve expenditure, but this is exactly what Jeff Stahl (K4BH) and Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) are researching right now. We possible may have to solicit donations for execute this project. Ricky Eaton (KD4HDR) suggested to use the 442.500 MHz repeater since this repeater is barely used by anyone.

Joe McGee (NX4T) mentioned that the videos from past presentations are not accessible on mobile devices. He found a link to read the presentation but does not see a link for the video. The issue was that the link to the video was to the right side off-screen and as soon as Joe McGee (NX4T) turned his phone into landscape mode the link was visible.

8)  Call for Old Business.

a)    Update on Hospital

This Item was not discussed in this meeting.

b)   Update on Memorial Plaques

This Item was not discussed in this meeting.

9)  Announcements

a)    SKYWARN Class March 20, 2021

Class was a success. We had almost 100% attendance. There is going to be another class on March 27. Please contact Carol @arrl.net. There were some technical problems in the last class and NWS apologizes for them. If anybody would like to attend the class on March 27 please contact Carol Sjursen (KJ4AWB) at KJ4AWB@arrl.net

b)   Emergency Volunteers

Carol Sjursen (KJ4AWB): Broward County is still looking for individuals who can help in the sheltering. Broward County offers the HAMs a lot of privileges such as free parks for field day and in exchange they want us to provide a HAM operator for each shelter in the county. There are over 30 shelters in the county. We desperately need HAMs to help.

Jeff Stahl (K4BH): This year there are more shelters due to the virus situation. So we have more shelters this year than we had two years ago and less HAMs due to some losses. One of the reasons why the Amateur Service exists is to provide emergency communications. This is exactly why we are here, and RACES is codified in Part 97 of our regulations. As a HAM when you serve in a shelter, you can bring your family.

c)    MailChimp

This Item was not discussed in this meeting.

d)   Upcoming Presentations

This Item was not discussed in this meeting.

10)      Vote on revised Bylaws

We did not vote on the Bylaws in this meeting.

11)      Speaker: Erik Olmer (W4EJO)

a)    What does it mean to be an EOC/Shelter Volunteer

b)   Questions and Answers

Presentation will be posted on the website.

12)       Adjournment

Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT)adjourned the meeting at 22:04 EDT (02:04 UTC).

Board Meeting Minutes, March 21, 2021

Meeting Date: March 21, 2021
Minutes Submitted by Charlie Artner (KN4VDW)
Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association

Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association

Board Meeting Minutes

I. Call to order 13:18 EDT (17:18 UTC)

Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) called to order the Board Meeting of the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association, Inc at 13:18 EDT (17:18 UTC) on March 21, 2021, on ZOOM. A quorum was present with 7 board members.

II. Old Business

Re-stated Articles of Corporation

Send an email to members with new By-laws.

III. New Business

 

IV. Adjournment

Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) adjourned the meeting at 14:41 EDT (18:41 UTC).

Message from the President March 2021

CQ, CQ, CALLING ALL HAMS!!!

Greetings from your Board of Directors!  We are busy doing some Spring Cleaning of the GCARA Website dusting off and updating our bylaws and doing our due diligence on the repeater site upkeep.

Currently, we are still meeting on the ZOOM format on the fourth Tuesday of the month at a new time, 7:30 PM. We will announce our speakers at the first of the month by mail chimp and on the website, w4bug.org. Every effort will be made to keep you informed and up to date.

Charlie Artner, KN4VDW, has graciously offered to assume the responsibility of our website this past month. He will be updating and you may see some things change a little. Please check in from time to time and please comment as to what you find. We would love feedback.

John Cole, N1QFH, has done an outstanding job for us but asked for relief due to the many websites he now manages. I am indebted to John for his trailblazing efforts on our site and his dedication to keeping it fresh and updated for us, even though his time was limited. I hope that we will have the opportunity to work together again on club business. I found John to be very valuable assistance to my efforts to keep others informed and to keep our web resources secure. He is a fountain of knowledge and he was a good and patient instructor. I have appreciated all of John’s efforts and wish him the best as he helps out other people with their websites. Thanks, John.

We have a fully operational Remote HF station and it has been a Godsend for those who have Condo restrictions to outdoor antennas or need a radio but cannot afford it. It allows us to make long-distance contacts on many frequencies and has performed admirably when used. We wish to thank Joe McGee, NX4T who spearheaded this effort with the help of Ricky Eaton, KD4HDR, our Repeater Trustee, Al Flapan, AF4FA, of our repeater team, and Mike Sams who also jumped in to help with computer and router issues we were having. These gentlemen deserve a round of thanks so when you see them for talk to them online, please convey your appreciation. If you have not yet availed yourself touting the Remote HF station, please do and you will get HOOKED. It is so neat!

I want to congratulate our member in good standing, Allan Karden, N4ALK, on passing his EXTRA and getting his VE certification. I am beyond proud of this individual. When I first met this gentleman and his wife Anna-Jean, they were unlicensed and made the efforts necessary to get both of themselves licensed. I am certain that he will continue to be an asset to the club, as well as to hams in general. He has been so gracious and generous in supplying me with CW Cds, information, and general encouragement. Thank you, Allan.

Our Treasurer, Erik Olmer, W4EJO, has developed a very successful and efficient invoicing system along with Pay Pal availability, to make collecting dues and donations very easy for us to track. He is using a new accounting system, Money Minders, to track our budget and expenses and so far it looks like it will serve our needs for many years to come. Along with those efforts, Erik has also made the necessary submissions to the IRS to help us obtain 501 (c) (3) status that was started by our last Treasurer, Ricki Witte, KJ4FSJ. There have been many people working for the club behind the scenes to make things happen for the benefit of the club and I am so pleased and sprout of all of them. As we continue to build infrastructure, we can continue to make other dreams a possibility.

While we all genuinely miss our picnics and public Field Days, we are continuing our communication skill-building independently through many avenues. The ARRL affords many contesting opportunities, we have two major Field Days, one in Winter and one in Summer which we collaborate, plan and attend to, as well as our Remote HF Station. There are opportunities in AresRaces to get involved in and make a difference and I highly recommend that you seek out those resources and as well as support other clubs. We are just a cog in the wheel of communications and information is power. We need to stay ready for whatever comes our way in these “interesting and trying” times with our ever-changing weather problems and possible natural or man-made disasters. For warned is for armed.

Thank you all for your ongoing support of the GCARA and your contributions of time, talent, and funds that help propel us to greater heights in our hobby. Help develop another ham for an outstanding legacy for yourself.

May everyone enjoy all of the Holidays of Spring, no matter what ilk or creed. We can all feel blessed at the freedoms our country allows for enjoying our separate traditions in a peaceful way. Long live the USA!!!

Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT

Board Meeting Minutes, February 14, 2021

Meeting Date: February 14, 2020
Minutes Submitted by Charlie Artner (KN4VDW)
Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association

Board Meeting Minutes

I. Call to order 13:04 ET (18:04 UTC)

Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) called to order the Board Meeting of the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association, Inc at 13:04 ET (18:04 UTC) on February 22, 2021, on ZOOM. A quorum was present with 7 board members.

II. Old Business

III. New Business

NOTICE: FROM NOW ON NO DECISIONS TO BE MADE UNLESS FULL BOARD PRESENT AND DISCUSSION HELD THAT AFFECT POLICY OR SENSITIVE ISSUES. We will re-discuss something already decided on after a lengthy discussion. A quorum was reached but some Board Members unhappy with the result and felt re-discussion should be held. It is being done this time only in the interest of fairness to all. Also, the President will not vote unless a tie.

IV. Status of Articles of Incorporation

Erik Olmer (W4EJO) will send a check to Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) and the correct form for non-profit organizations. Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) will check with Ricki Witte (KJ4FSJ) to make sure it is filled out correctly.

V. Adjournment

Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) adjourned the meeting at 14:58 ET (19:58 UTC).

General Meeting Minutes 26-Jan-2021

Meeting Date: January 26, 2021
Minutes Submitted by Charlie Artner (KN4VDW)
Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association

Meeting Minutes

I. Call to order (19:13hrs)

Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) called to order the regular meeting of the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association, Inc at 19:13 EDT (00:13UTC) on November 26, 2021 on ZOOM. A quorum was present with 20 members.

II. Minutes from November 24, 2020

Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) made the motion to approve; second by Erik Olmer (W4EJO). Minutes have been approved without objection.

III. Treasurer’s Report – Erik Olmer (W4EJO)

PayPal has been setup and we are able to send out electronic invoices. Money Minder is setup and first reports have been presented. The federal application for the 501(c) has been mailed.

IV. Membership Chair – Joe McGee (NX4T)

We had 17 members that paid their dues and 1 family member renewed. We have 16 Life Members. The income for the year is about $650.00 from membership dues.

V. VE Status – Jeff Stahl (K4BH)

Jeff received a 3-page long email from the VE to go over. This email contains information on how to file electronically.

VI. Repeater Report – Riche Eaton (KD4HGR)

No changes regarding the repeaters. Boca site is still on stand-by. John Knox repeater seems to be working good except of the noise we receive from time to time.

VII. Web Site – John Cole (N1QFH)

New Features added (News Tab). Communication regarding the invoice was uploaded. This past weekend

VIII. Announcements

Jeff Stahl: Broward County Emergency Net is up and running again. David (KB4ICU) took over net management. David is still looking for volunteers.

Carol Sjursen: The county depends on the HAMs in Broward to staff the shelters. Anyone who would like to volunteer, please let Jeff Stahl (K4BH) or Carol Sjursen () know.

Melanie: Looking for volunteers for the SUNSHINE COMMITTEE. Cannot get ahold of members in the club—old contact information, etc. Jeff suggested posting the names on the website and see if somebody knows how to get in touch with them. Charlie Artner (KN4VDW) is now handling our MailChimp account. We are still looking for presentations for this year. If you are interested, please contact Melanie.

IX. Speaker: Joe McGee (NX4T)

HF Rig: Live Demonstration; The remote station is now working on 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters.

Winterfield Day: We are going to operate from our own homes. The website is winterfieldday.com. Recap of WFD 2020 results. This was the last time we operated outdoors. There were about 300 entries and we came in at 19. We were operating 3 stations (3O). We got all 4 categories for the bonus points (total: 6000). We submitted 18,342 QSOs and 16,202 have been confirmed.

X. Adjournment

Melanie Fernandez (KJ4VCT) adjourned the meeting at 21:16 ET (02:16 UTC).

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