Alan Streitman W4UB called the meeting to order at 9:59 am at Fire Station 65 in Palm Harbor.
Alan Streitman W4UB reviewed the Club’s goals and values.
The Pledge of Allegiance was given led by Jason Esterline N4BOZ.
The Club meeting attendees were introduced.
Reports
Secretary’s Report – Jeff deGrasse K4JJD stated that the April 6, 2019 Meeting Minutes were posted on the. Jason Esterline N4BOZ moved to approve the meeting minutes, Steve Foy N4FOY seconded the motion, and the motion was passed.
Treasurer’s Report – Glenn Panazzolo N4ESU prepared the report which was presented by Alan Streitman W4UB. The total balance is currently $3,695.01. Karl Schulte WA2KBZ moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report, Mike Branda K4HN seconded the motion, and the motion was passed.
Committees
Technical – Alan Streitman W4UB reported that the repeater’s voice messages were turned off by Tom Schaefer NY4I. Tom also reported that the real time clock will be pulled and updated and that a board chip will be replaced. Jason Esterline N4BOZ encouraged the membership to utilize the repeater.
HamWan – According to Alan Streitman W4UB and Tom Schaefer NY4I, the antenna equipment test was rained out. This is a replacement for the antenna damaged during the last Winter Field Day.
Club Net Status – Glenn Panazzolo N4ESU prepared the report which was presented by Alan Streitman W4UB. April included five weeks with a total of 67 check-ins. It was noted that the net includes a trivia portion in addition to just checking in. A call for more net controllers was issued. The East Lake Cert Net is back on the air.
VE Testing – Mike Branda K4HN reported one new Technician license, two General Licenses, and two Extra licenses were granted.
Communications – Jason Esterline N4BOZ verified with the meeting attendees that the communication level was proper. A new mail system is being used in order to save expenses. Jason as agreed to do a future presentation concerning the Forum. Jason will sign up Club members for full access to the Forum.
ARRL (Summer) Field Day – Jason Esterline N4BOZ reported that the committee is up and running and two conference calls have been accomplished. All are free to participate. The plan calls for three antennas on the tall tower and four antennas on the short tower. This will be the last time we will use the small tower as it will soon be torn down as part of the EOC modifications at that Fire Station.
The Field Day committee wants to dedicate 1,000 feet of coax cable for this and future field days to insure the cabling is in perfect condition. Tom Schaefer NY4I motioned to spend up to $400 for coax which was seconded by Karl Schulte WA2KBZ. The Club discussed establishing a place to store Club assets that would be available to multiple people.
Field Day equipment dry run will take place at Fire Station 65 on June 8th. Karl Schulte WA2KBZ has offered to supply some of the cabling and connectors.
Karl Schulte WA2KBZ motioned to spend up to $250 for field day food. Tom Schaefer NY4I seconded the motion and it was passed.
Social and Events – Part two of the Technician license training for the Fire House staff will be held at Station #65 May 11, 9am-12. Testing will take place after the training. UPARC in the Park will take place at the Chestnut Park pavilion #13 May 18 at 9:00 am. The Breakfast Social will be held at Perkins May 25 at 9:00 am.
Youth and Community Outreach – Part one of the Technician license training had 16 attendees including 7 first responders. The instructor Steve Foy N4FOY has asked for licensed volunteers to assist this effort. The volunteers will be needed at 10:00 am. Elmers are asked to bring Baofeng HTs, J pole antennas, and coax cable.
Old Business
Nothing reported.
New Business
Nothing reported
Upcoming Events
Next Club meeting will occur June 1 at Fire Station 65 at 10:00 with VE testing beforehand at 8:30.
Technical Presentation – Karl Schulte WA2KBZ gave the Club a presentation describing methods of electrical grounding for lightening suppression.
Jason Esterline N4BOZ conducted a 50/50 raffle.
The meeting was informally adjourned at 11:56.