Category: Board Meeting notes 2017

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

OCTOBER 2018 BAARC SECRETARY’S REPORT

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THURSDAY-OCTOBER 25, 2018 – 4:00 PM – BAARC BOARD MEETING MINUTES – BRAINERD FIRE DEPARTMENT

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, Doug WØDWB, John WØWY, Ron KØGOP, Al WØRC, Shirley KØDCW, Mitch ADØHJ, Mark KEØLFQ and Roger WØWUG. The President opened the Board Meeting at 4 PM.

Secretary’s Report: 

  • Membership roster: 74 members with 6 unpaid for 2018. 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 September 2018 Executive Board and Membership Meeting minutes were posted to the“Baarcer” area.
  • Correspondence:
  • Documents: Updated Club membership roster and Gmail contacts database.
  • Membership ID’s: No new Club ID’s.
  • Club Website: New banner graphic for October; Northland Arboretum’s Haunted Trail event.
  • Motion to accept: Al WØRC, SecondJohn WØWY,  

Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer presented the Treasurer’s report that was forwarded to the board showing all month’s account transactions and balances to date. Doug will check to verify that the Club Trailer is covered on the Club insurance policy.

  • Motion to accept: John WØWY, SecondAl WØRC, Passed

Membership Meeting Programs: 

  • The President reviewed recent and future Club programs and events. The Fire Department meeting location is unavailable for November and December. John has arranged using the Brainerd Chamber of Commerce CTC meeting room for the November 29th and December 20th dates.

Upcoming Events: The following events were discussed:

ARRL Special Event: “Anniversary of the Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald”

  • Sunday November 11, 2018 at Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle in Detroit, MI
  • Extended event November 6 – November 20 using W8F call sign
  • Certificates provided w/ SASE.

2019 BAARC Hamfest

  • Saturday, April 6, 2019
  • Al WØRC has secured the date with the Brainerd Armory.

Digital & Emergency Communications: 

ARES Connect Update:

  • John reported on the recent ARES exercise.

New CWC EOC:

  • No updates on construction progress allowing reactivating our Club station there.

Old Business: 

Repeater Sites:

  • Gull Lake:
    • Mitch ADØHJ reported on a recent work session with Al and Roger to connect the new Heliax.
  • Crosby:
    • No new items.
  • Crow Wing Power:
    • No new items.
  • Cross Lake:
    • No new items.
  • High-rise Site:
    • No changes on site.

New Business:

  • Upcoming elections for Club officers were discussed. No volunteers have come forward for the open Vice-President post as yet.
  • John reported the Club has received a $100 check from the Kiwanis for the Triathlon. The Secretary will send a letter of thanks to John’s contact.
  • Mitch reported Lyle has been looking for MTM-100’s for Club repeater linking.

Motion to amend previous motion of $200 – $400 for purchase of additional FTM-100’s: Al WØRC, Second Steve NØCRM, Passed. 

  • The possibility of securing a possible northeast repeater location was discussed. Other site options are being explored.
  • Motion to request a new frequency pair for Gull Lake site (146.955 / 146.355): Mitch ADØHJ, SecondSteve NØCRM,  Mitch will pursue with the repeater council.
  • Adding APRS to the Gull Lake site was discussed. Would need a PC, and controller.
  • Discussed Hi-Rise site use and HF Win-Link.

The Board Meeting was adjourned at 4:50 PM.

THURSDAY-OCTOBER 25, 2018 – 7:00 PM – BAARC MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES – BRAINERD FIRE DEPARTMENT

International Space Station SSTV Reception – Presented by Mitch ADØHJ

–Respectfully submitted by Ron KØGOP, Secretary

SEPTEMBER 2018 BAARC SECRETARY’S REPORT

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THURSDAY-SEPTEMBER 27, 2018 – 4:00 PM – BAARC BOARD MEETING MINUTES – BRAINERD FIRE DEPARTMENT

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, Doug WØDWB, John WØWY, Ron KØGOP, Al WØRC, Shirley KØDCW, Mitch ADØHJ, and Roger WØWUG. The President opened the Board Meeting at 4 PM.

Secretary’s Report: 

  • Membership roster: 74 members with 8 unpaid for 2018. 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 July 2018 meeting minutes were posted to the“Baarcer” area. There were no business meetings for August.
  • Correspondence: None.
  • Documents: Updated Club membership roster and Gmail contacts database.
  • Membership ID’s: 2 new Club ID’s.
  • Club Website: New banner graphic for October; Northland Arboretum’s Haunted Trail event.
  • Motion to accept: Al WØRC, SecondJohn WØWY,  

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: John WØWY, SecondAl WØRC, Passed

Membership Meeting Programs: 

  • The President reviewed recent and future Club programs and events. Al WØRC suggested a program on Software Defined Radio (SDR). Mitch ADØHJ said another member is exploring VHF/UHF “meteor scatter” which might be another possibility.
  • The Fire Department meeting location is unavailable for November and December. John will check into using the Brainerd Chamber of Commerce CTC meeting room for the November 29th and December 20th dates.

Upcoming Events: The following events were discussed:

Northland Arboretum’s Haunted Trail event

  • Friday October 19 – Saturday October 20, 2018, 6:00PM – 9:30 PM
  • Need Club operators to patrol “Scare Spots” over the 2-hour event
  • Meal provided; contact Ron KØGOP to sign up.

CQ WW DX SSB Contest

  • Saturday October 27-Sunday October 28, 2018

2019 BAARC Hamfest

  • Saturday, April 6, 2019
  • Al WØRC has secured the date with the Brainerd Armory.

Digital & Emergency Communications: 

ARES Connect Update:

  • John reported that we need to find someone to get our Club up to speed using WinLink, per ARES request for use with SKYWARN, etc.
  • Mitch ADØHJ volunteered to do this.
  • October 3rd ARES Test: Need to contact Doug Nelson or Jerry Groeneveld regarding our expected Club role.

New CWC EOC:

  • No updates on construction progress allowing reactivating our Club station there.

APRS:

  • Al WØRC reported that the APRS PC has been going offline recently, but seems to be holding a connection for now.

Old Business: 

Repeater Sites:

  • Gull Lake:
    • Mitch ADØHJ requested a work session with Al and Roger to connect the new Heliax.
  • Crosby:
    • No new items.
  • Crow Wing Power:
    • No new items.
  • Cross Lake:
    • No new items.
  • High-rise Site:
    • OCF-Dipole remote station antenna seems to work well, but will likely need resonance adjustments when placed in the final roof-top environment.

Storage Unit:

  • Lyle KØLFV ahs acquired some shelving.

New Business:

  • Upcoming elections for Club officers was discussed. Most agreed to be placed on the ballot to serve again with the exception of Vice President John Luce, who would prefer to see someone else take on that role. The Club membership will be encouraged to consider any of these roles if interested.
  • Mitch reported Lyle has purchased a Yaesu FTM-100 for $200 for Club use.

Motion for reimbursement: Ron KØGOP, Second Doug WØDWB, Passed. 

  • The possibility of working with the Emily Fire Department on a possible northern repeater location was discussed. Other options were explored to add coverage for SKYWARN as well as the Mid-MN 150 Sled Dog Race event. A repeater setup could exceed $2500 with hardware, antenna and Heliax, so possible state and county funding should be explored as well as local business and foundation grants. Steve and Mitch will reach out to Becky KDØHBH for her offer of assistance in pursuing these proposals. John will inquire about state / county aid, and Al will check with Emily FD on their new tower timetable.
  • An acquaintance of Dave KEØIUZ has generously offered to donate 100 Cotton LED lighted hats to our Club. They will come in Black and Khaki and we will likely use them as a fundraiser. https://www.panthervision.com/product/powercap-25-10-structured-cotton-led-lighted-hats/

The Board Meeting was adjourned at 5:02 PM.

THURSDAY-SEPTEMBER 27, 2018 – 7:00 PM – BAARC MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES – BRAINERD FIRE DEPARTMENT

Pat WØOPW gave a presentation on Off-Center Fed (OCF) dipole antenna design. Mitch ADØHJ gave a presentation on the SSTV digital mode.

–Respectfully submitted by Ron KØGOP, Secretary