Meeting of October 8, 2019

The meeting was attended by 14 members and guests.

KD5KBU JIM FORT DAVIS
W5NPR BILL ALPINE
KI5FJR DANE FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIB JUDI FORT DAVIS
K5WSA BILL FORT DAVIS
KE5WCP STEPHEN FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIC PAMELA FORT DAVIS
KB5R RUSTY ALPINE
KI5ANQ SCOTT TERLINQUA
KB5LMG MARVIN FORT DAVIS
WA5ROE BOB ALPINE
KX5SP STEVE ALPINE
WA5POK MIKE BLUE RIDGE, TN
KM4TYV SHERYL BLUE RIDGE, TN

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by President Bill Smith K5WSA.

On a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Pam KG5ZIC the minutes of the July 9, 2019 and August 13, 2019 were approved without presentation because of the time which had passed since those meetings. On a motion by Jim KD5KBU and second by Stephen KE5WCP the minutes of the September 10, 2019 meeting were approved as read.

In the absence of Angie N5MVV, the Treasurer’s Report was presented by Bob WA5ROE with an end of month balance for October reported as $8182.49. Expenses included Big Bend Telephone $35.56. The report was approved on a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Bob WA5ROE.

The ballots for the election of the West Gulf Division Director which had been mailed out were discussed. Bob WA5ROE discussed the poor voting percentage of the past elections and requested that all members mark and return ballots as soon as possible.

It was reported that ECHOLINK had not yet been moved but that the planned location was at True Value.

Bill K5WSA reported that a request had been made for communication support for a marathon in Big Bend National Park in early November. It was the opinion of all present that not enough advance notice had been given and that the request should be denied. It was further discussed that the Ultra Run Big Bend Ranch State Park on Martin Luther King weekend was still on the calendar and assistance would be provided.

It was discussed and agreed to file application nominating Bill KE5OG as ARRL Ham of the Year. Bill’s record for DX activities, contesting, Field Day, and service to the club, including serving as president of five different occasions were mentioned.

Jim discussed the recent CycleFest reporting that 350 cyclists participated with good weather and no injuries.

The program was presented by Rusty KB5R on his military time on Ascension Island in the Atlantic between South America and Africa where the Eastern Test Range was located. He presented photos of the island, military installation and test range equipment. The report was well presented and including a question and answer period following the presentation.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary