Meeting Minutes - April 2019
Jersey Shore Amateur Radio Society
Business Meeting 11 April 2019
The meeting was called to order at 19:00 EDT by President Tom Russell, KD9BVC. The Pledge of Allegiance was said, followed by a moment of silence and roll call.
Cathy Sutphen, wife of Dennis, W2DDS, spoke to the members about the upcoming Multiple Sclerosis Walk on 27 April, and how she was soliciting donations, as MS affects her husband.
Meeting minutes for March were read by Secretary Matt de Rouville, K3MR. Approval was moved by Dave, N2WCO, and seconded by Joe, KD2NAY.
Treasurer Joe Russo, KD2NAY, gave the March treasurer’s report. Approval was moved by Bill, KD2MZM, and seconded by Steve, AC2ST.
Charlie, N1CRR, did not have the March data available for the JSARS Traffic Net.
Old Business
Regarding the tower for the W2DOR repeater, Jim, WA2RJP, has not heard back from Suez Water. To clarify a point for the previous month’s minutes, the water company wanted the building for JSARS’ equipment to be more presentable, either through siding or a new building. Mike, KC2RRJ, clarified that he had enough siding to cover a 10 x 10 foot building. It was noted Rick, KC2VXI, was looking into acquiring a replacement building. There is no e-mail documentation of any agreement between JSARS and Suez Water or its contractor. Chris, K2HVE, suggested applying for grants to cover the cost of reinstalling JSARS’ antenna. President Tom, KD9BVC, noted that the club was applying for tax-exempt status as a 501(c)3 corporation, which would make getting grants easier. He also noted that Jim, WA2RJP, was the only one authorized to discuss the situation with Suez and its contractor. Bill, KD2JBJ, suggested crowdfunding such as GoFundMe, but others noted it is not always successful. Pete, K3PMC, stated that we would be having a similar situation with two antennas at a different water tower this year.
President Tom, KD9BVC, noted that elections were coming up in June.
The topic then turned to fundraisers to help raise money for the repeater antenna. A committee of four (Chairman Kurt, KD2RFY; Charlie, N1CRR; Dennis, KD2NAS; and Rick, KC2VXI, has already been formed to plan a poker run. Bill, KB2JBJ, noted he had experience with similar fundraisers. President Tom, KB9BVC, noted that the repeater situation is what it is, and members need to step up to help the club. The upcoming Hamfest was one way to support the club, and the club would be selling equipment at it to raise money. He also solicited volunteers for other committees to plan a pancake breakfast and a spaghetti dinner. Joe, KD2NAY, moved and Bill, KD2JBJ, seconded that a poker run be approved. The motion passed.
Chris, K2HVE, discussed the upcoming field day in June. He had registered with the ARRL, and we hoped to have four or more operating positions.
The ARRL had published a recap of JSARS’ participation in the Girl Scouts’ Thinking Day on the Air. Glen, KD2FFR, had sent out letters thanking the Girl Scouts for their participation and the Toms River Department of Recreation for its support.
Regarding a Blue Claws outing, Jim, WA2RJP, noted that we could only get on the first base side this year, and the price had gone up. Tom noted the Society could no longer afford to subsidize the tickets. A minimum of 24 tickets had to be purchased. Joe, KD2NAY moved, and Ike, WB2BNB, seconded requiring attendees to pay the full cost of their tickets this year.
New Business
Several suggestions were made regarding getting out to various festivals and events to promote the Society. This issue will be discussed at a later meeting.
Recouping the cost of the sodas was raised, either by placing a donation cup in the refrigerator or getting members to donate beverages. No formal action was taken.
Pete, K3PMC, moved that meeting be adjourned, which was seconded by Bill, KD2MZM. The meeting was adjourned at 20:20 EDT. Total Attendance was 22.
Submitted by Matt de Rouville
K3MR
Secretary