This meeting at the Leesburg Public Safety Building began at 8:40 a.m. with President Dennis Boehler, KF4TJI, welcoming all and leading the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The minutes of the April meeting were approved as presented. Treasurer Tom Garasic, NA4MA, reported moving the LARG account to First Virginia Savings in Prince William County, much nearer his home. The club now has a Certificate of Deposit in the amount of $1000. Of the remaining $451.00 in the account, $279 is allocated for the Balloon Committee. The treasurer's report was approved.

For the Balloon Committee, Chairman Tom Dawson, WB3AKD, reported that all seems about ready for the launch date of July 21st. Bob Bee, W4POF, will head up the launch team. Norm Styer, AI2C, will organize tracking and recovery. Two or three additional committee meetings will be held prior to launch. Check the K4LRG website for more information on this project.

Since Tom, WB3AKD, had to leave, he also then reported on the zoning and antenna matter brought to the April meeting by Paul Supan, WB4JCY. Tom talked with a couple county officials regarding staff misperceptions of telecommunication towers and by right amateur antennas for A3/A10 zoned properties. A building permit is required if a project involves pouring concrete. There is also a 1:1 set back from the easement right of way for a visual buffer zone. Temp, W4HZV, asked for a written statement so this process does not need to be repeated.

Field Day 2001 Chairman Gary Quinn, NC4S, brought the group up to date on plans for this June 23-24 event. He distributed a well prepared handout giving some background, a list of subcommittee chairs and volunteers, and a schedule for set-up, operations and tear-down. Participation by all club members is encouraged. Talk to Larry Hughes, KG4CGR, about pins. A motion to allocate $200 for Field Day account was approved.

Paul Dluehosh, N4PD, reported for the training committee that the class at Balch Library for General written exam preparation has been going well and with good attendance. An examination session will be offered by the Ole VA Hams at the Manassas Hamfest, 6/3. That is also where VA QSO Party results are announced. All are encouraged to attend.

Norm, AI2C, suggested that anyone could contact him with ideas for what they would like to see on the club website.

New Business

Denny, KF4TJI, related a mailing from ARRL regarding quotes on liability insurance for clubs. After some discussion a motion was approved to send for a quote.

Mark Gillam, N3GMW, presented ARRL's offer discounting books/book sets for donation to local libraries to promote amateur radio. A motion was approved to order one copy each of the Handbook and Now You're Talking for presentation to the Lovettsville Library.

Tom, NA4MA, requested an additional signature for the new club account. It was decided that both Denny and Mark should sign. LARG will continue to maintain a P.O. Box in Purcellville. Ray Houff, K4AJA, offered to collect mail there.

The next club meeting is set for Saturday, June 16, 2001 at 8:30 a.m. at the Leesburg Public Safety Building.

The May meeting was adjourned at 10:35 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol L. Boehler,
KF4TJJ, Secretary

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