Meeting Minutes for July 19, 2023

  • Meeting Location: 605 Metropolis Street, Metropolis, Illinois
  • Meeting Conducted by: James “Jay” Smock – President
  • Meeting Called to Order @: 1742 hrs.
  • The Pledge of Allegiance was Led by: Jay Smock
  • Members Present:
    • Jay Smock N9VN – President
    • Ronnie Stone K4INS – Vice President
    • Geoff Williams KD9VCY – Secretary
    • Lori Nichols N6BWZ – Treasurer
    • Abner Jones KC4PTU
    • Chuck Bonifield KB9CB
    • Aidan Carnes W9ADN
    • Lloyd Baker KC9DRV –  Club Volunteer Exam Coordinator
  • Guests –
    • Bruce Talley WA9APQ (Carterville, IL) – ARRL Division 11 VEC & Emergency Coordinator
    • Calvin Esau (Metropolis, IL)
  • Minutes of the Last Meeting:
    • June 21, 2023 were read. A motion was made to accept them as presented, seconded, and passed.
  • Moonlight Bike Ride:
    • Ronnie Stone reminded all that the Paducah Moonlight Bike Ride will be held on Saturday, August 5. They are still looking for communications volunteers to ride along with participants to report emergencies, traffic concerns, etc.  Those wishing to volunteer can contact PARA & Paducay ARES Group President Gary Wheatley KD4GCY via E-maail @ gwheat@comcast.net.
  • The ARRL Southern Illinois Section Meeting:
    • Themeeting and ARES training sessionwill be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023 @ 1300 hrs. – 1700 hrs. The location is the terminal building at Veteran’s Airport, Marion, IL.
    • Several of our members are planning on attending.
    • Members will be meeting for breakfast beforehand at Mary Lou’s Grill, Carbondale, IL. Meeting time will be between 1030-1100 hrs.
  • Linked Repeater Network for Southernmost Illinois:
    • Bruce Talley and Jay Smock spoke about the possibility of a linked System Fusion repeater system for our area. Repeaters being looked at for this project are those in Metropolis, Goreville, and Anna, Illinois.
  • The Encampment Special Event:
    • Discussion was had regarding the desired location of our set-up location.
      • The general consensus was that we should ask for a spot near the first responders in order to quickly facilitate any needs for law enforcement or medical responses.
      • Jay stated he will talk to Chris McGinnis, the superintendent of Ft. Massac State Park regarding this matter.
    • Jay will also discuss the possibility of our club utilizing a golf cart or UTV for patrolling the grounds.
    • It was suggested by Ronnie that members working the event have printed lists and maps of scheduled events to give to attendees who ask. Not having such handouts previous years was an issue.
      • Jay will ask Chris McGinnis about the handouts.
  • Club Bank Account:
    • President Jay brought up that there is a need to add officer’s names to our checking account with Bantara Bank, and to add the requirement of two signatures for all checks written.
    • A copy of a meeting’s minutes recording the officer’s names to be added to the account will have to be presented to the bank prior to the additions being made.
    • President Jay suggested we wait to take care of this until after club elections in September. Otherwise we will possibly have to turn around and repeat the process a month and a half from now.
      • A motion was made to wait until after the club elections in September 2023 to handle this business with Bantara Bank.
        • A motion was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.
    • Secretary Geoff W. transferred the Bantara Bank folder containing our checking account paperwork, debit card, and PIN number to President Jay.
      • Treasurer Lori N. had given the folder with the above items contained within to Secretary Geoff W. at the club breakfast on July 8th, 2023.
  • Lion’s Club Labor Day Parade:
    • Lloyd Baker stated that the Metropolis Lion’s Club was accepting applications for float entries.
      • Discussion was had and the membership decided not to participate at this time.
  • Paducah Echo Link Node:
    • VP Ronnie Stone reported that the Paducah Amateur Radio Association has repaired their Echo Link node and it is currently up and running.
  • Illinois QSO Party Contest:
    • Aidan Carnes informed the membership that the Illinois QSO Party contest will be held on October 21st-22nd. It is always on the weekend of the third full week in October.
      • Anyone who wishes to participate and make contacts should contact Aidan.
  • Mr. Calvin Esau filed an application for membership.
  • Meeting Adjourned @ 1832 hrs.
  • ARRL Testing Session:
  • An ARRL testing session was held after the closing of the regular stated meeting.
    • Two persons tested. One for Technician license and one for General license.