Walton Radio Association

Minutes of the March Meeting

March 1, 2009

The meeting was called to order at the Walton Fire Department building, Walton, NY at 2:01 P.M. by President KB2RLH.  Those in attendance were as follows:  KC2LAB, KB2RLH, K2EZK, W2TKB, AA2RM, AB2IC, N2WDV, KC2OKK, KC2IKQ, W2RRK, AB2PA, NX2J, KJ2F, W2CD, and WB2JOW.

Reports

The minutes of the January 2009 meeting were read and approved.

The treasurer reported a balance of $1,353.48.  The treasurer’s report was approved as read.  A list of current paying members was read aloud by the treasurer.

Nets:   CW – 14 check-ins for February, 2009.

            FM –  24 check-ins for February, 2009.

Old Business

There were no items presented or discussed.

New Business

W2RRK inquired about interest for helping the Boy Scouts to receive their radio merit badges.  He asked those present if the WRA would provide assistance.  W2CD reported that WA2IAC had provided assistance in the past.  KC2LAB indicated an interest in assisting.

KC2LAB reported that a preliminary radio training program may be established at the Walton Central School.  He suggested that additional information be obtained from the Walton Central School before any additional activities are planned.  He further reported that W2WAY is working with the Andes Central School to establish a radio club to make DX contacts.

KJ2F reported that Radio Amateurs are listed on a per town basis for Delaware County on the internet.  He provided a printed list for those present to review and confirm for accuracy and completeness.  The listing is apparently nearly current.  It appears the listing was provided to the County from the FCC database.

KB2RLH advised those present that counsel has been contacted regarding a 10 year agreement for locating the repeater station at KC2CQS’s location.  The legal fees for providing the agreement will be approximately $150.  He proposed that such an agreement include a six (6) month termination clause.   As an alternative, AB2IC suggested considering relocating the repeater station to AB2EK’s location.

KB2RLH further expressed that the WRA may need an official document, similar to an incorporation document, to protect the club from liability claims.  Currently there is no such document for member’s protection.  A motion was offered, seconded and approved to pursue drafting an agreement for incorporation for protecting the WRA members.

K2EZK reported that the hamfest at Elmira on 02/28 as well attended.  Furthermore, W2RRK reported there is a hamfest planned for Middletown on 03/28.

KC2LAB reported that W2RRK is the pending EC for Delaware County.

A motion was offered, seconded and approved to retain the WRA meetings on Sunday afternoons at 2:00 PM local time.  The next meeting is planned for the Walton Fire department on April 5, 2009 at 2:00 PM.  Refreshments will be provided by N2WDV and W2CD.

KC2OKK provided those present with copies of information related to 6m and 2m antennas (copies retained with these minutes).  He also provided information about hazardous material and personnel response, particularly with respect to foam based fire retardants.  Apparently, dry chemical extinguishers may only be partially effective with certain fuels containing ethanol.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 PM.

Following the meeting, AB2IC provided an interesting “slide” show from the ARRL mentor series regarding mobile HF operation, including transceivers and antennas.  Those present provided comments based on their own experiences with this area of Amateur Radio.

Respectfully submitted,

WB2JOW

Secretary