OPD, 107 Civic Plaza Drive, Taos, NM 87571 1. Potluck started at 5:30pm. Thanks to everybody for bringing food.
Sign in. Meeting began at 6:15.
Guest and member introductions, 16 members attended in person.
Approval of 10-9-2024 meeting’s minutes. Motion was made to approve by Keith (K5FS) and seconded by Tim (W5TNM). Vote was unanimous with no objections.
Treasurer's Report. Don (K2WQ) was not present at the meeting. Donovan (K2AH) presented Don’s reports. We have a bank balance of $15,324.95. We had $1367.13 in deposits and $283.39 in expenses. Motion was made to approve by Greg (KF5TTO) and seconded by Wayne (W5GWR). Vote was unanimous with no objections.
Vice President Donovan (K2AH) made the president’s remarks.
a. We had to re-nominate and approve 2 officers. The new nominees for VP and Secretary were Greg (KF5TTO) and Craig (KI5HKU) respectively. Also nominated was Keith (K2FS) for the Board position in charge of Grants. We opened the floor for discussion and there was none. A show of hands for all 3 nominees, they were selected unanimously with no objections.
b. The results of the election of TARC board members for 2025 are shown below: President – Donovan K2AH Vice President – Greg (KF5TTO) Secretary – Craig (KI5HKU) Treasurer – Ed (KF5EIG) Immediate Past President – Tim (W5TNM) Trustee Multi-Term – Brian (NB5R) Grants – Keith (K2FS) Stem – David (KJ5DFQ) Events and Maintenance – Darien (NM5DF)
c. All new board members were elected by a unanimous show of hands. New positions are effective January 1, 2025.
d. On November 9, 2024, 2 people tested for licenses. David renewed/reinstated his General and Pat passed the Amateur Extra. Great work!
e. The next scheduled exam date is December 14, 2024. As mentioned earlier, TARC is always ready to help people get their licenses and can set up exams at other times.
New Business
a. Donovan debriefed TARC on the Taos Halloween Event. Gary (W5TAO) and Donovan were there most of the day. In the morning they were helping get the cars on Bent Street and attending the Police/Town safety briefing. The rest of the team showed up around 2:30. There were 10-11 TARC members helping mostly with traffic and pedestrian control. We were helped this year by Taos PD at all the intersections along Camino de la Placita. The event went very smoothly and there were no incidents. This was big community event at which we were a sponsor. The organizers appreciated our efforts. Thanks to all of TARC for great participation.
b. As a token of appreciation for all TARC who participate in the many Taos events during the year, we purchase hats. Donovan and Ed asked for $700 this year for the hats. This request was unanimously approved by a show of hands. We will try to have them for the December meeting.
c. Christmas Party Discussion – the Party will be held during our next meeting, 12/11 at 5:30pm. An email will be sent out for participants to indicate what they are bringing. Casual dress! Families are invited. NO Alcohol! David (KJ5DFQ) will bring extra chairs and tables.
Old Business
a. Grants Update – we are now a finalist for a grant. We originally thought that due to the problems with the mail and late arrival of documents we missed out. However, due to Keith and David’s emphasis on STEM we are in good shape for a grant. David has a good core of 5-6 students who are doing some extra work and study on Radio and electronics.
b. TARC social media FB and Instagram presence – No updates
c. ARES update – No updates
Repeater Report/Update – Brian was hoping to put the Red River Repeater at “Sawmill” because it gives better coverage of the upper canyon and back country. However he will have to wait until spring to do any work. Wayne (W5GFR) indicated that EchoLink was down. There was talk about a “Trash” repeater and where to put it, possibly Llano Quemado.
Sheila visited Connecticut to see her brother and ended up visiting ARRL head offices. She talked about the large antenna farm, the old buildings, and W1AW. ARRL offers some good things, even 80 scholarships a year.
Tim mentioned need to buy 10 more “loaner” Tech license books.
We will be meeting with the “Harwood” for some kind of showcasing of TARC’s abilities, experiences, old and new radios, etc. We are not exactly sure of requirements.
David mentioned that he had met a man from “TK1”, some program that works with schools and the “International Amateur Radio Union” on the “AMSAT” (50 years of radio in space). This combination of groups builds a satellite during a multi-year project and requires an investment. We requested more information.
Business Meeting Close. Motion was made to approve by David and seconded by Leonardo (KF5ORZ). Vote was unanimous with no objections.