Minutes of the May 2011 meeting of the Fort Smith Area Amateur Radio Club
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by President Royce Rainwater
President Royce Rainwater reported the hospital emergency drill mentioned at earlier meetings started today and will continue throughout the week. The radio station at Health South is operational and he used it today. All the hospital stations are programmed as far as he knows and the Mena ham club has been programming radios as well in their area as well. Several people are working on a repeater directory to include location and contact information for area radios. Pat Hopkins has made several trips to remote locations to ensure that the hospital radios are programmed correctly. Royce asked if the club would be interested in reimbursing Pat for mileage. Mike Cole made a motion to reimburse Pat for a tank of gas. After discussion, Mike then withdrew the motion. Win Dooley made a motion that the club reimburse Pat at the IRS rate for mileage incurred through today for the hospital programming radios project. The motion was seconded, voted on and passed. It was determined that mileage reimbursement in the future will be reviewed and provided on an individual basis for club projects when deemed appropriate. John Samuels reported that the equipment at the health department works, but probably is not programmed.
Club Van
The van is in the machine shop for installation of various equipment. There was some discussion regarding equipment and lights. Everyone agreed to let the van committee handle the lighting needs as well as other equipment.
Upcoming Events
Sunday, June 5th We will set up at the trolley car museum annual event.
Sat. & Sun, June 25 & 26 – Field Day at Bell Park in Greenwood. Mike Cole reported that set up is at 1 p.m. on Friday. Dinner will be provided for everyone that helps set up. Five stations will contest from 1 p.m. on Saturday to 1 p.m. on Sunday. The Saturday dinner for club members will be at 6 p.m. Details and price of the meal will be finalized at the June meeting.
Repeater Update
John Samuels reported that the 444.3 is on frequency but doesn’t hear well and he does not know why. The 444.5 machine will be worked on as well.
Club Shirts
Steve Rutherford is interested in using the club logo to put on shirts. Mike Cole made a motion to give Steve permission to use the club logo. It was seconded, voted on and passed. Steve will bring shirt samples and pricing to the June meeting for anyone that is interested in ordering a shirt.
Mike Bell made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded, voted on and passed. The meeting was adjourned at 8 p.m.