LARG Monthly Meeting
January 17, 2009


The meeting was called to order by President Bill Buchholz, K8SYH at 8:42am.

The pledge of allegiance was recited.

The president welcomed visitors and new members. Gene, WB8WKU; Dave WA4TXE, Al WU2W were introduced.

A motion to approve the minutes as posted and amended was passed.

A motion to approve the Treasurer's report as posted was passed.

Committee Reports

Emergency/Public Service – Tom, WB3AKD

Emergency operations plan for Inauguration Day was reviewed by Gary NC4S

• Frequencies
   o Regional Net - 447.775 / Secondary freq – 146.91
   o Local Net – 146.700
   o Monitoring ODEN Net on 3947 Khz
• Setting up Message Center at the VFW today

• Message Center will operate as net control

• Antennas and radios for the Message Center are going to be installed after the club meeting today. All hands are invited to participate.

 Thank you to the club for First Night Leesburg – Denny KF4TJI

 Gary, NC4S, encouraged all club members to sign up for ARES if they haven't done so already.
 Tom requested that Randy, W4XJ, our PIO, write up a press release regarding the operation and our coordination with EOC and the VFW.

Interference – Paul, N4PD - No report.

Training and Education – Steve, KW4G (not present) Announcements have been sent out for next classes.

Balloon Committee – Tom, WB3AKD - No report.

Contest Committee – John, W4AU (not present)

 Gary, NC4S, mentioned that the NAQP Phone Contest is this weekend

 "Z", KU1T mentioned that the European DX Club will be having a psk contest the weekend of January 31, February 1.

Public Relations – Randy, W4XJ

 Report on Crime Prevention meeting in Sterling Park with Supervisor Gene Delgaudio

• We had a display and strong recommendation by Supervisor Delgaudio

• Others present at the meeting – Congressman Frank Wolf, DEA, USPIS, State Police, Loudoun Sherriff's Office and various county executives.

Website
– Norm, AI2C - Trying to keep up with submissions. Encourage people to send pictures and articles.

Old Business

Proposed
Amendment

A motion was made by Dave, KE4S and seconded by Carol, KF4TJJ, to amend the constitution regarding the establishing of a quorum.

The constitution currently reads

• Meetings: Article IV
• The By-Laws shall provide for regular and special meetings. At meetings, a minimum of one-third of the membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
• Robert's Rules shall govern proceedings.

 Recommended Amendment to Article IV.
     • The By-Laws shall provide for regular and special meetings. At regular meetings, the members then present and voting shall constitute a quorum, provided at least two of the current Officers are also present and voting.
     • Robert's Rules shall govern proceedings.

 Discussion regarding the amendment took place

 Vote: 34 Yes, 1 No – motion carried

DARG Repeater – Frank K0BRA

 Power amplifier burned up and repeater has not been operational for quite awhile.
 Other issues also have popped up and been addressed.
 Craig has now re-built power amp.
 We are targeting Monday to put the repaired unit back into service. Since this is a Federal holiday, we are not sure if we can get into the building.
 A new backup repeater is now being made ready for service.
 Bill, W3EMH encouraged the club to join DARG and support the use of the Dulles Repeater.
New Business

YLRL Report
– Carol KF4TJJ

Carol talked to the club about the national YLRL association that she and Nancy, KE4RTP, belong to. Dues are payable this month and applications are available. Regular newsletters give YL info from chapters around the country.

LARG Calendars – Denny KF4TJI
Calendars are available for $5 that includes a listing of events and many of the contests during the year. All proceeds go to the club treasury.

Tuesday Evening Digital Watering Hole – Gary AI4IN

Gary reported that he and Norm, AI2C, are looking at the possibility of changing the day and time to be more accessible. This weekly net is a great place to try out digital modes.

Elections

Slate of Officers for 2009 from the Nominating Committee

President – Rick Miller, AI1V
Vice President – Jay Ives, KI4TXP
Secretary – Randy Sly, W4XJ
Treasurer – Jeff Slusher, KE5APC

The officers were elected unanimously.

Motion to adjourn as accepted and the meeting adjourned at 9:40am

Respectfully submitted, Randy Sly, W4XJ, LARG Secretary

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A reminder to all about Holy Trinity's inclement weather policy: if Loudoun County Schools are closed (or would be if it were a school day), all activities at the church are cancelled – this includes outside groups. This policy allows for parking lot clearing so snow is not packed down; and it is also a safety issue.