January 2025

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Fulton Amateur Radio Club
Meeting Minutes
January 22, 2025

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by President Ken Ellsworth (N2GFG) at 7:00 PM.

Announcements

  • None.

Guests

  • None.

Approval of Previous Minutes

The minutes from the October meeting were read by the Secretary.

  • Motion to approve: Dave Granoff
  • Seconded by: Rick Boutell
  • Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report

Report presented by Rick Boutell.

  • Total balance: $906.27
  • Motion to approve: Garrette
  • Seconded by: Al
  • Motion carried.

Committee Reports

RACES (Mike)

  • No report.

Field Day

  • Scheduled for June 28–29, 2025.
  • Awaiting ARRL Rules and Regulations release.
  • Awaiting report from Mike regarding Fort Ontario as a potential site.

Education (Redd)

  • No General Class currently scheduled.
  • If there is interest, a class could be organized by March.
  • Proposed returning to the pre-COVID class schedule:
    • Technician Course in the fall (after peak club visibility during spring/summer events).
    • General Course in the spring.
    • No summer classes due to member availability.
  • Planning for the next Technician course should begin soon.
  • Self-study support remains available for any license level.

Public Service

  • Currently reaching out to event sponsors/directors.
  • Preliminary event schedule:
    • Autism Run may take place around St. Patrick’s Day (March).
    • Tour de Loop may return in August.
    • Fair Haven Triathlon is being discussed for September.

Old Business

Dave Webb’s Equipment

  • Inventory has been completed by Ken and will be shared with the club.

Repeater Status

  • Current range remains limited due to height and power constraints.
  • Open to future discussions for potential improvements.

Christmas Party

  • Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
  • Location: RFH
  • Time: 12:30 PM

Club Bank Account & Incorporation Status

  • Need to determine non-profit status and EIN.
  • Bank account updates:
    • Rick has been added.
    • Paul and Bob are being removed.
    • Ken will be added soon.

New Business

Secretary Position

  • The club is seeking a replacement for the Secretary due to personal conflicts.
  • A new Secretary will need to be in place by summer 2025.

Encouraging New/Younger Members

  • Discussion on outreach efforts, including:
    • Boy & Girl Scouts, teachers, schools, and other community organizations.
    • Collaboration with neighboring clubs:
      • RAGS (Radio Amateurs of Greater Syracuse)
      • LARC (Liverpool Amateur Radio Club)
      • QCWA (Quarter Century Wireless Association)
      • Bear Bait Radio Club
    • Participation in the Maker Faire in Syracuse.

Rotary Club Presentation

  • Dave Granoff invited club officers to present at an Oswego Rotary Club meeting.
  • Date TBD.

Repeater Interference Issue

  • Discussion on reports of possible WSPT387 GMRS call interference.
  • No formal action taken at this time.

Remote Operation Discussion

  • Dave Granoff suggested using Google Remote Desktop for remote shack operation.
  • This free service would allow members to remotely access his station for operations.

Next Meeting

  • Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Adjournment

  • Motion to adjourn: Ben
  • Seconded by: Ken
  • Motion carried.
  • Meeting adjourned at 8:02 PM.

Educational Presentation

  • Presenter: Ben Townsend (AK2X)
  • Topic: Overview of the club website and social media functionality.
  • Discussion: Ways to enhance and better utilize the club's digital presence.
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