Walton Radio Association
Minutes of the September Meeting
September 13, 2009
The meeting was called to order at the Walton Fire Department building, Walton, NY at 2:02 P.M. by President KB2RLH. Those in attendance were as follows: KB2RLH, K2EZK, W2TKB, N2WDV, KC2IKQ, NX2J, W2CD, W2RRK, AA2RM, WB4AEF, AB2PA and WB2JOW.
Reports
The minutes of the August meeting were read and amended per W2RRK to indicate that the WRA has permission to install any ham radio equipment at Delaware County tower sites. The minutes were subsequently approved.
The treasurer reported a balance of $3,276.92, which reflects the generous and considerate donation from the estate of longtime WRA member, KA2HDO. The treasurer, K2EZK, indicated that he would be issuing a payment for the Woodlawn repeater site in the amount of $100 for this past year’s use of the site in the near future. The treasurer’s report was approved as read.
Nets: CW – 18 check-ins for August, 2009.
FM – no report available.
Old Business
W2RRK reported that K2NK would consider moving the 146.955 MHz repeater to the Herr Road location in the Fall Clove area. The elevation of that site is reported to be approximately 3,000 feet. Additionally, that location may be more centrally located in Delaware county and there may be provisions made to allow for the installation of other equipment in addition to the 2 meter station.
N2WDV spoke about a booth set up for the upcoming Harvest Festival which will be held at the Fairgrounds, Walton, NY on October 10, 2009. He would like to have provisions for a licensing application area in addition to areas for the operating 2 meter and HF stations. The Harvest Festival is open from 10:00 hours to 16:00 hours, local time.
W2CD provided a copy of the recent Field Day results for filing with the minutes.
New Business
W2RRK spoke about the access to the 2 meter station at the Delaware County Sheriff’s office. Apparently there is a privacy concern in the operating area. There may be an alternate location in the Public Safety building that would offer more privacy according to Richard Bell, the Delaware County Emergency Services Coordinator.
AB2PA reported on a communications drill in which he participated in and around the Deposit and Hancock areas. Also participating was W2RRK. This drill simulated a flooding condition and was coordinated with the Red Cross, based in the Endicott, NY office. In addition, there was a control station located at the National Weather Services office at the Binghamton Airport which also participated.
N2WDV reported about an editorial in a recent QST concerning “Pecuniary Interest” with respect to Amateur Radio operation. He was concerned about the relationship of personnel of the Sheriff’s office using the 2 meter station there during their regularly assigned shift work. Some discussion followed, however, it was generally agreed that operation during an emergency would probably be acceptable.
WB4AEF reported that the web site is “moving” to another server to allow for better reliability. It should be on line by October 1, 2009.
AB2PA reported on an interference problem with the 146.955 MHz repeater. Apparently the NOAA weather station and other operators were detected on the output frequency, but no I.D. was issued.
An ARES meeting is planned for Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at the Public Safety Building in Delhi, NY. W2RRK inquired what topics the group would like to cover regarding the ARES/RACES station.
K2EZK reported on the Ballston Spa hamfest, which was well attended on September 12. He’s planning to attend the Elmira hamfest on September 26, 2009.
The next meeting is planned for 2:00 PM on October 4, 2009 at the Walton Fire Department. The refreshments will be provided by W2RRK.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:55 PM, with refreshments provided by W2TKB.
Respectfully submitted,
WB2JOW
Secretary