REVISED
CALL TO ORDER:
The regular meeting of the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association, Inc., was called to order on Tuesday, March 26, 2019, at 7:48 pm in the Auditorium of Imperial Point Medical Center by President Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT. A quorum was present. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the 40 persons in attendance introduced themselves by first name, call sign, and City.
MINUTES: The Minutes of the February 26th meeting were approved as posted on the website.
REPORTS:
President
President Fernandez reported that the “Free Flea” and the Spring Picnic will both occur on April 13th. Members were requested to try to attend both activities. Food for the Spring Picnic will be $10 per person paid on site. Summer Field Day will be the weekend of June 22nd and will include raffle prizes. Bylaws, showing proposed amendments, have been posted on the website, but it did not appear that enough members had seen them, and the planned vote was deferred to the April meeting. President Fernandez said that Jeff Ronner, W4AEQ, is unable to continue as PIO (Public Information Officer) and has resigned. Mike Wolf, K2HXC, Vice President, was willing to assume that post, and Joe McGee, NX4T, was willing to assume the duties of Vice President. Both changes were approved by voice vote without opposition.
Treasurer
Ricki Witte, KJ4FSJ, gave the treasurer’s report reflecting income since January 22nd of $1,108.00 and expenditures of $688.58, leaving a balance in the checking account of $3,843.15. The process of seeking IRS status of a 501(c)(3) organization is being explored. Members are encouraged to renew their membership in both GCARA and ARRL together, since the Association can retain $2 for renewals and $15 for new members from the ARRL dues.
Membership
In the absence of Joe McGee, NX4T, Roy Neiman, KJ4EGN, reported a total current membership of 82, of whom 50 have renewed for 2019. Dues are delinquent after April 1st.
Volunteer Examiners
Jeff Stahl, K4BH, reported four persons had taken licensing tests of whom one passed.
Trustee
In the absence of Trustee Ricky Eaton, KD4HGR, a report on the condition of the repeaters was not available.
ARRL (American Radio Relay League)
Barry Porter, KB1PA, announced that there will be a QSO Party at the end of April. Jeff Beals, WA4AW, said that ARRL support for pending legislation regarding ability to put up antennas notwithstanding homeowner associations’ regulation was withdrawn, but a better version of such law, supported by ARRL, will be introduced in Congress.
RAFFLE:
The 50/50 raffle was won by Al Nevares, N4ACN, who donated a portion back to the club.
PROGRAM:
Kai Siwiak, KE4PT, spoke about his trip to New Zealand, including DX contacts.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 9:06 pm.
Roy Neiman, KJ4EGN, Secretary.