April 10, 2024 OPD, 107 Civic Plaza Drive, Taos, NM 87571
Potluck started at 5:30. Donovan (K2AH) thanked everybody who contributed to the meal.
Sign in. Meeting began at 6:18 pm
Guest and member introductions, 13 members attended. There was one virtual attendee, Zach from Angel Fire (NM5RF). There were no guests.
Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes held on 3/13/2024. Motion for approval by Don (K2WQ) and seconded by Tim (W5TNM), vote was unanimous with no objections.
Treasurer's Report. Don (K2WQ) reported our bank balance of $11698.11 with $378 of expenses for the month. He also mentioned that there were small donations from members, Bridgecom, and $250 from a cyber grant. He also indicated that he posts various monthly reports in the club. He also thanked the members for donations and membership. Motion to approve the report made by Ed (KF5EIG) and seconded by Kieth (K5FS), vote was unanimous with no objections.
Brian (NB5R) told us of a recent/ongoing incident. Possibly some technician crossed some wires or inadvertently modified some software at the repeater site. Brian and others are working the problem.
Donovan(K2AH) is still acting president and made the president's remarks:
a. No updates for new, full time president, we are still searching...
b. Donovan asked for a show of hands for 2 credit cards to be issued. Donovan and the treasurer will get the cards. The membership agreed with this request. Currently Mike (KF5KGC), the former president had the bank card. Donovan will go to the bank to take care of the account.
New Business:
a. Twirl Invent Event, Saturday April 13, 12pm – 4pm. Event will be held at Enos Garcia Elementary School. Tim (W5TNM) will be there and David (KJ5DFQ) will be there in an official capacity as STEM teacher. The club’s involvement will be TBD.
b. NM QSO Party, Saturday April 13, 8am – 8pm. Donovan mentioned that TARC members will be at OPD at around 8:30am. Gary (W5TAO) indicated that he will be at OPD.
c. David (KJ5DFQ) has an after school STEM session on Wednesdays. Usually, around 3:15 he is operating on the Picuris repeater and lets students participate in QSOs. Various club members (today Zach (W5ZAC)) are listening and are on the other end of the QSOs. David also mentioned that the TARC’s participation at the Middle School Science was well received and appreciated. Each student talked with at least 3 judges. Good Stuff!
d. Brian and Tim are working on signs for our shacks on SAM and Picuris. The signs have some USFS and other requirements like contact information. Don (K2WQ) is doing research and using his other technical skills to get a TARC “Google Phone” number. A permanent phone number is needed on the signs.
Old Business:
a. Keith (K5FS) mentioned that he is waiting on word from LANL about our grant. LANL will announce our standing on April 15, 2024.
b. No update on TARC’s presence on Facebook and Instagram.
c. ARES Update – no update. However, with the winds starting to blow, it would be great to set up a “Safe Alert”. Brian mentioned that there is a new “Safe Aler” app.
d. Field Day, June 22-23, Ideas for location: last year “Field Day” was held at Kit Carson Park. ECO Park, Rec Center on Paseo del Canon, OPD, and Kit Carson Park were all mentioned as possible locations. We may have to reach out to Linda M. if a town location in used. Linda is now head of the Parks and Recreation. Parks and Rec are now operated out of the Family and Youth center on Paseo del Canon. Donovan is working on this contact.
Membership Dues: Ed (KF5EIG) said that 28 people have paid so far in 2024. The dues are due in March every year. Best way to determine membership is at year end due to the Paypal “Autopay” feature.
MEGALINK was not discussed.
Net Report: UHF Net occurs every 4th Wednesday @7pm on the Picuris Repeater. HF Net occurs every 4th Friday @8pm on 80M. April Nets have not met yet.
Reminder – Statewide ARES Net – HF 3939, 1st Sunday, 7pm
Business Meeting Close. Motion by Mickey(N5TSV) and seconded by Zach (W5ZAC), was unanimous with no objections. Meeting adjourned at 6:48 pm