Category: Membership Meetings

April 2021 BAARC Secretary’s Report

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THURSDAY-APRIL 29, 2021 – 4:00 PM – BAARC BOARD MEETING MINUTES – BRAINERD FIRE STATION
President: Steve Mott NØCRM
Vice President: Terry May KIØFW
Treasurer: Doug Bergsnev WØDWB
Secretary: Ron Finger KØGOP
Past Presidents: Charles Lane W5CCL, Al Doree WØRC
Director At Large: Lyle Amundson KØLFV
Director of Emergency Communications: John Luce WØWY
Repeater Trustee: Mitch Ahrenstorff ADØHJ
Community & Special Events Coordinator: Mark Cross KEØLFQ
Attendees: Lyle KØLFV, Terry KIØFW, Ron KØGOP, John WØWY, Al WØRC, Charles W5CCL, and Mark KEØLFQ.

The Vice President opened the Board Meeting at 4:07 PM.

Secretary’s Report: 

  • Membership roster: 85 members with 56 paid for 2021 (as of membership meeting close) We welcome new Club member, Andy Stevens KFØACS. 
  • Minutes: The last posted Club Minutes before the Covid-19 suspension were for the February 2020 meetings. At the membership meeting, Doug discussed these in detail and noted the membership renewals, income and expenses over the first 4 months of 2021.
  • Website: Web graphics updated periodically during the Covid-19 suspension included 2020 Tailgate Hamfest, Fall Antenna Work, Christmas 2020, Winter Ops, and 2021 SKYWARN Training.
  • Correspondence: Club thank you letters were sent for donations received from Jerry Morse KB0NKH (January), and Eldon Reeves WØMQO Family (4/2021). A thank you letter was also provided to accompany a $250 donation to Gary Doucette, Crow Wing County Fair Association for use of the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds (3/2021).
  • Club membership roster and Gmail recipient list were periodically updated to current status.

Treasurer’s Report:

  • The Treasurer sent his report to the board showing all month’s account transactions and balances to date.  At the Membership Meeting Doug reviewed membership renewals, income and expenses over the 4 month period of 2021. All bills are current and paid.

Membership Meeting Programs: 

  • The Vice President reviewed the April Club program. 

Digital and Emergency Communications:

  • John WØWY reported on the following:
  • CWC EOC: Per John Bowen, CWC ES, the new EOC facility is still in progress and our Club operating area is yet to be determined. Grant funds are reportedly available for antenna cabling when they are ready for our relocation at the new facility.
  • SKYWARN: Severe WX awareness drill VHF net called during the siren testing with several operators checking in.  New protocols were distributed to the Club with changes primarily in how we contact the NWS. They are moving away from having an amateur radio station and operator onsite. Future reporting to the NWS from net control stations or individual operators can be made by phone or through their new online chat room.
  • Al reported on the upcoming Armed Forces Day (AFD) Cross-Band Test, Friday and Saturday, May 7 – 8, in recognition of Armed Forces Day on May 15. The event is open to all radio amateurs The schedule of military/government stations taking part in the Test and information on the AFD message is available on the MARS website.
  • Lyle KØLFV discussed our Repeater Trustee position, and Mitch ADØHJs relocation out of the Brainerd area. Mitch has been a wonderful asset to the Club and we are looking for someone to fill this position with a technical skillset. Work remains for the completion of the Gull Lake repeater site, and it is hoped Mitch may be able to come up for a return visit to finish this summer.Upcoming BAARC Events
  • 2021 Field Day: Lyle KØLFV discussed possible Club Field Day activities at the CWC Fairgrounds this year. With several expressing interest in resuming this yearly event, he will make arrangements to use the site.
  • With warmer weather approaching, Lyle suggested we occasionally meet for a brown-bag breakfast at Lum Park on Saturday morning in lieu of our former semi-monthly restaurant breakfast meetings.
  • Tailgate Hamfest: This outdoor event has proved a good option to sustain Club income from sales of donated equipment. We will again plan to host this at the CWC Fairgrounds in August.

Old Business:

  • Generator purchase: The Board had previously approved and selected a new, more powerful generator for purchase and use during Club activities. It was discussed and decided to wait till we get a little closer to the next Club event which is Field Day at the end of June.

New Business:

  • 2021 Club Officer election: The November 2021 elections were postponed due to the Covid-19 suspension, and the current Officers and Executive Board agreed to continue until the next election could be held. Since our Club Bylaws direct us to hold an annual election in November, we will hold that at the November membership meeting.
  • Storage Container Work Day: Lyle reported that the Club storage container on the Brainerd Fire Department grounds needs to be reorganized with the high-quality shelving donated by Mitch ADØHJ. This will require removing the inventory of items and selecting surplus which could be sold or given to members. It was decided that just prior to the August Tailgate Hamfest would be the best time to do this.
  • Storage Container site cleanup: Terry KIØFW suggested we offer to do some cleanup of noxious weeds surrounding the container area behind the BFD equipment building.
  • Executive Board Meeting time: Ron KØGOP proposed a later meeting time in the immediate future. The 4PM time allowed time for a group meal but with restaurants closed there is a big gap until the 7PM Membership Meeting. It was agreed we will meet at 5:30PM for the May Board Meeting.

The Board Meeting was adjourned at 4:52 PM.

THURSDAY-APRIL 29, 2021 – 7:00 PM – BAARC MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES – BRAINERD FIRE STATION

At this first Membership Meeting since the Covid-19 suspension in March 2020, 21 members and guests enjoyed several interesting presentations by members:

Tom KDØMOM  Discussing DX and Cycle 25

John WØWY     Portable Power Supply Project

Ron  KØGOP     Building a Solder Filter Fan

Mark  KEØLFQ   Go Bag

Lyle KØLFV   Xiegu G90 SDR HF Transceiver (low cost transceiver)

—Respectfully submitted by Ron KØGOP, Secretary

January 2020 BAARC Secretary’s Report

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THURSDAY-JANUARY 30, 2020 – 4:00 PM – BAARC BOARD MEETING MINUTES – BRAINERD FIRE STATION
President: Steve Mott NØCRM
Vice President: Terry May KIØFW
Treasurer: Doug Bergsnev WØDWB
Secretary: Ron Finger KØGOP
Past Presidents: Charles Lane W5CCL, Al Doree WØRC
Director At Large: Lyle Amundson KØLFV
Director of Emergency Communications: John Luce WØWY
Repeater Trustee: Mitch Ahrenstorff ADØHJ
Community & Special Events Coordinator: Mark Cross KEØLFQ
Attendees: Steve NØCRM, Ron KØGOP, John WØWY, Al WØRC, Shirley KØDCW, Mitch ADØHJ, Charles W5CCL, and Mark KEØLFQ. The Secretary opened the Board Meeting at 4:13 PM.

Secretary’s Report: 

  • Membership roster: 73 members with 34 outstanding for 2020 (as of membership meeting close). The Club roster can be found on the Club website under the “Resources/Members Only” area. Current paid members can request an individual password for access via the “Contact Us” form.
  • Minutes: The December board and membership meetings were not held in lieu of the Club Christmas party. 
  • The Secretary cast a “white ballot” to elect Club all officers and directors listed on the 2020 ballot. 
  • Correspondence: none.
  • Documents: secretary will update new Hamfest flyer and website info to new location specifics as determined in coming weeks.
  • Membership ID’s: 1 new Club ID.
  • Club membership roster and Gmail recipient list were updated to current status.
  • Motion to accept: John WØWY, Second Al WØRC , Passed. 

Treasurer’s Report:

  • The Treasurer sent his report to the board showing all month’s account transactions and balances to date. 
  • Motion to accept: Al WØRC, Second Charles W5CCL, Passed

Membership Meeting Programs: 

  • The President reviewed recent and future Club programs and events. 
  • Future meeting dates: February 27, 7 PM, Brainerd Fire Station – John WØWY will invite Sheriff Scott Goddard to attend with and present a program on the department’s therapy dog “Lincoln”.
  • Recent / Upcoming Events: The following events were discussed: 
  • MN-150 Sled Dog Race, Saturday, February 9, 2020: Al WØRC updated the board on course changes, with event organizer Dan Levno to stop by with updates and checkpoints.
  • Mark KEØLFQ will check for operator interest in working the “Breezy Point Fly-In”, Saturday, May 2, 2020.

Digital and Emergency Communications:

  • Ron KØGOP reported on the status of the Central MN Hospital Net held at 1300 on the first Wednesday of the month. The Club is looking for additional operators to staff the 5 Crow Wing County radio locations.

Club Repeaters Status:

  • Gull Lake: No new items
  • Crosby: No new items
  • Crow Wing Power: No new items.
  • Cross Lake: No new items.
  • High-rise Site: No new items.

New Business:

  • John WØWY will draft a year-end letter of appreciation for the secretary to send to the various entities hosting our many Club repeater sites.
  • SKYWARN Severe weather spotting: We need to get on track for linking the 225 and 700 repeaters locally, and then to the Duluth NWS.

The Board Meeting was adjourned at 5:12 PM.

THURSDAY-JANUARY 30, 2020 – 7:00 PM – BAARC MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES – BRAINERD FIRE STATION

The Club enjoyed a very interesting presentation by Pat Goff on the recent upgrades to the Crow Wing Power grid management system.

—Respectfully submitted by Ron KØGOP, Secretary

March 2019 BAARC SECRETARY’S REPORT

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THURSDAY-March 28, 2019 – 4:00 PM – BAARC BOARD MEETING MINUTES – BRAINERD FIRE STATION

President: Steve Mott NØCRM
Vice President: John Luce WØWY
Treasurer: Doug Bergsnev WØDWB
Secretary: Ron Finger KØGOP
Past Presidents: Charles Lane W5CCL, Al Doree WØRC
Director At Large: Lyle Amundson KØLFV
Director of Emergency Communications: Dave Schuldheisz KØISZ
Repeater Trustee: Mitch Ahrenstorff ADØHJ
Community & Special Events Coordinator: Mark Cross KEØLFQ

Attendees: Steve NØCRM, Lyle KØLFV, John WØWY, Ron KØGOP, Al WØRC, Shirley KØDCW, Mitch ADØHJ, Mark KEØLFQ and Dave KØISZ. The President opened the Board Meeting at 405 PM.

Secretary’s Report: 

  • Membership roster: 72 members with 47 paid for 2019 (as of membership meeting close). The Club roster can be found on the Club website under the “Resources/Members Only” area. Current paid members can request an individual password for access via the “Contact Us” form.
  • Minutes: The February 2019 Executive Board and Membership Meeting minutes were posted to the “Baarcer” area.
  • Correspondence: None.
  • Documents: Updated Club membership roster and Gmail contacts database.
  • Membership ID’s: No new Club ID’s.
  • Club Website: Existing banner graphics for April “Brainerd Hamfest”.
  • Motion to accept: Al WØRC, Second Lyle KØLFV, Passed. 

Treasurer’s Report: The President presented the Treasurer’s report that was forwarded to the board showing all month’s account transactions and balances to date. 

  • Motion to accept: Al WØRC, Second Dave KØISZ, Passed

Membership Meeting Programs: 

  • The President reviewed recent and future Club programs and events.
  • March 28: “Forestview High Altitude Balloon Class presentation” by teachers Jim Reed and Cory Olson
  • April 25: “Slow Scan TV (SSTV)” demonstration by Al WØRC, “SKYWARN Training Review” by John WØWY
  • May 23: “BAARC Spring Dinner” at American Legion, Nisswa
  • June 20: “Field Day 2019 Prep”
  • July 25: “Field Day Recap” Need alternate location for 4PM Board Meeting.

Recent / Upcoming Events: The following events were discussed:

Brainerd Area Hamfest

NWS Duluth “SKYWARN Spotter Class”

  • Tuesday, April 9, 2019, 2pm & 6pm, Crow Wing County Land Services Building, Brainerd, MN
  • The training will include: a brief introduction to the National Weather Service (NWS), the different types of hazardous weather and how to safely observe them, the categories of severe weather to report, and how to send those reports to the NWS.

Brainerd Jaycees “Run For The Lakes” Marathon

  • Saturday, April 27, 2019, Nisswa, MN
  • Mark KEØLFQ will chair.
  • John will contact John Bowen to verify the operation and use of the Sheriff’s comm trailer.

BAARC Spring Dinner

  • Thursday May 23, 2019, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Nisswa American Legion Post 627, 25807 Main St, Nisswa
  • Social hour: 5PM, Dinner served: 6 PM, Program: 7 PM – 8 PM.
  • Make your reservations with our Treasurer, Doug WØDWB. We will need to have FINAL COUNT by Net time, Sunday, May 19th.

Paul Bunyan Cyclists “Tour of the Lakes” Bike Ride

  • Saturday, June 1, 2019, Downtown Brainerd
  • Mark KEØLFQ will chair.
  • Traffic congestion is anticipated in the downtown area. Net control will use the CWC Sheriff’s van near the county garage and operators stage along the route.
  • John will contact John Bowen to verify the operation and use of the Sheriff’s comm trailer.

“ARRL Field Day 2019” 1PM Saturday, June 22, – Noon Sunday, June 23: Crow Wing County Fairgrounds

Friday June 21, Mid-Afternoon

  • Deliver communications trailer to FD site
  • Camping available at FD site Friday & Saturday nights 
  • Bathrooms and electric power are available
  • Event talk-In frequency 147.600+  T-141.3

Saturday June 22, Morning

  • 8:00 AM: Club breakfast downtown Brainerd at Northwind Grille 
  • 9:30 AM: Set-up communications trailer, install antennas and check out radios & support equipment.
  • 10:30 AM: Amateur radio license testing
  • 1:00 PM: Field Day operations open. On-site communications on 146.58 simplex
  • 5:30 PM: Potluck supper at F/D Site.  Bring something good to share.   

Sunday June 23,12:00 PM, Noon 

  • 12:00 PM: Field Day operations close.
  • Tear down / cleanup of antennas and equipment.

FREE Tailgate Hamfest

  • Saturday, August 10, 2019, Crow Wing County Fairgrounds
  • Lyle KØLFV will chair.

Breakfast, Picnic and Fox Hunt

  • Saturday, August 17, 2019, Lum Park, Brainerd
  • 9:00 AM Breakfast at Northwind Grill, Brainerd
  • Fox Hunt begins after breakfast with activities and picnic at Lum Park sheltered area.
  • Lyle KØLFV will chair.

Digital & Emergency Communications: 

Director of Emergency Communications position:

  • 2019 SKYWARN planning meeting on Saturday, March 30 at Hermantown. There will be 2 training class sessions in Brainerd this year at 2 PM and 6PM, Tuesday, March 9 at the Crow Wing County Land Services Building. This will be the last year of instruction from retiring meteorologist Carol Christenson KCØMAK.
  • No further updates on CWC-EOC remodeling progress.

Old Business: 

Repeater Sites: Mitch reported on MN Repeater Council approval for the new Club UHF pair of 443.925 MHz. This was a previous Club pair used for a portable UHF repeater in the old Club trailer, and now slated for use with a new Fusion Digital repeater installation at the Gull Lake site.

  • Gull Lake:
    • Looking ahead to finishing outdoor cabling work as weather improves.
  • Crosby:
    • No new items.
  • Crow Wing Power:
    • No new items.
  • Cross Lake:
    • No new items.
  • High-rise Site:
    • No new items.

Club Inventory: Everyone holding assets for the Club is requested to inventory their items into a simple list and forward to Lyle and the Board.

Club Fundraising Documents: Resuming work on fundraising efforts was discussed. The Secretary will refine his first draft of a Club information letter and send to the Board for comments.

Active 911: This emergency notification program was first implemented a few years ago, but has not been utilized since then. Mark will investigate to determine it’s current status.

New Business:

  • Appreciation plaques were discussed for presentation to 3 individuals that have provided service and assistance to the Club and our activities: Carol Christenson, NWS meteorologist and SKYWARN trainer, Scott Goddard, CWC Sheriff, and John Bowen CWC Emergency Management Director. The Secretary will complete designs and submit to Tom KTØMMY who has generously offered to laser-engrave for the Club.
  • Everyone holding assets for the Club is requested to inventory their items into a simple list and forward to Lyle and the Board.
  • Discussed was the need to limit admission of Hamfest license exam applicants to 10:15 AM or 10:30 AM. Last year’s late entrants kept VE’s there until 1:30 with no passing exams returned.

The Board Meeting was adjourned at 4:50 PM.

THURSDAY-March 28, 2019 – 7:00 PM – BAARC MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES – BRAINERD FIRE STATION

  • The President called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with 32 members and guests present. The business meeting was delayed until after the guest presentation “Forestview High Altitude Balloon Class presentation” by teachers Jim Reed and Cory Olson

–Respectfully submitted by Ron KØGOP, Secretary

FEBRUARY 2019 BAARC SECRETARY’S REPORT

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THURSDAY-FEBRUARY 28, 2019 – 4:00 PM – BAARC BOARD MEETING MINUTES – BRAINERD FIRE STATION

President: Steve Mott NØCRM
Vice President: John Luce WØWY
Treasurer: Doug Bergsnev WØDWB
Secretary: Ron Finger KØGOP
Past Presidents: Charles Lane W5CCL, Al Doree WØRC
Director At Large: Lyle Amundson KØLFV
Director of Emergency Communications: Dave Schuldheisz KØISZ
Repeater Trustee: Mitch Ahrenstorff ADØHJ
Community & Special Events Coordinator: Mark Cross KEØLFQ

Attendees: Lyle KØLFV, John WØWY, Ron KØGOP, Al WØRC, Shirley KØDCW, Mitch ADØHJ, Mark KEØLFQ and Roger WØWUG. The Vice President opened the Board Meeting at 405 PM.

Secretary’s Report: 

  • Membership roster: 75 members with 33 unpaid for 2019. The Club roster can be found on the Club website under the“Resources/Members Only”  Current paid members can request an individual password for access via the “Contact Us” form.
  • Minutes: The January 2019 Executive Board and Membership Meeting minutes were posted to the“Baarcer” area.
  • Correspondence: None.
  • Documents: Updated Club membership roster and Gmail contacts database.
  • Membership ID’s: No new Club ID’s.
  • Club Website: New banner graphics for April “Brainerd Hamfest”.
  • Motion to accept: Al WØRC, SecondJohn WØWY,  

Treasurer’s Report: The Vice President presented a synopsis in lieu of the Treasurer’s report.

Membership Meeting Programs: 

  • The Vice President reviewed recent and future Club programs and events.
  • March 28: “Forestview High Altitude Balloon Class presentation” by students and teachers
  • April 25: “Slow Scan TV (SSTV)” demonstration by Al WØRC
  • May 23: “BAARC Spring Dinner” at American Legion, Nisswa
  • June 20: “Field Day 2019 Prep”

Recent / Upcoming Events: The following events were discussed:

Brainerd Area Hamfest

NWS Duluth “SKYWARN Spotter Class”

  • Tuesday, April 9, 2019, Crow Wing County Land Services Building, Brainerd, MN
  • The training will include: a brief introduction to the National Weather Service (NWS), the different types of hazardous weather and how to safely observe them, the categories of severe weather to report, and how to send those reports to the NWS.

Brainerd Jaycees “Run For The Lakes” Marathon

  • Saturday, April 27, 2019, Nisswa, MN
  • Event Chair needed.
  • John will contact John Bowen to verify the operation and use of the Sheriff’s comm trailer.

Paul Bunyan Cyclists “Tour of the Lakes” Bike Ride

  • Saturday, June 1, 2019, Downtown Brainerd
  • Event Chair needed.
  • Traffic congestion is anticipated in the downtown area. Net control could use the CWC Sheriff’s van near the CTY garage and operators stage along the route.
  • John will contact John Bowen to verify the operation and use of the Sheriff’s comm trailer.

Digital & Emergency Communications: 

  • John reported that the 2019 SKYWARN planning meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 30 at Hermantown. A small group of interested Club members usually attends in a single vehicle for this annual severe WX season planning event.
  • Al reported that the 2 principal operators that have maintained the LSAC repeater system are stepping back from their longtime duty and exploring the transition of those duties to the Lake County ARES group.
  • Discussed was the possible removal of the unused Echolink and Packet systems from the 145.130 MHz High-Rise repeater site. This would vacate some space in the cramped top floor utility area. Although the old Packet email system is no longer used as it was in it’s pre-internet heyday, it could find a new life if converted to a Winlink node for possible future use with the NWS SKYWARN system.

Old Business: 

Repeater Sites: Mitch reported on MN Repeater Council approval for the new Club UHF pair of 443.925 MHz. This was a previous Club pair used for a portable UHF repeater in the old Club trailer, and now slated for use with a new Fusion Digital repeater installation at the Gull Lake site.

  • Gull Lake:
    • No new items.
  • Crosby:
    • No new items.
  • Crow Wing Power:
    • No new items.
  • Cross Lake:
    • No new items.
  • High-rise Site:
    • No new items.

New Business:

  • Lyle talked about the need for listing the whereabouts of the Club items and equipment held at various members/officers locations. In the event of an unplanned absence, it would be helpful to know the location of these assets if needed.
  • Everyone holding assets for the Club is requested to inventory their items into a simple list and forward to Lyle and the Board.

The Board Meeting was adjourned at 4:55 PM.

 

THURSDAY-FEBRUARY 28, 2019 – 7:00 PM – BAARC MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES – BRAINERD FIRE STATION

The Vice President called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Following the business meeting reports and break, several presentations were made:

  • “FMS Balloon Launch” & “Dog Sled Race” event reports by AL WØRC
  • “System Fusion Digital Radio Communications Demo & Display” by Mitch ADØHJ

–Respectfully submitted by Ron KØGOP, Secretary