Aug. 2003
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SOUTH FLORIDA FM ASSOCIATION August 11, 2003 MINUTES OF MEETING

PRESIDENT: RONNIE HAIK KG4DBI
VICE PRESIDENT: ROBERT CRUZ KE4MCL
SECRETARY: JOANNE CARBANA KG4GKU
TREASURER: JAMES CARLIN KF4OUI

DIRECTORS:
KEVIN SCANLON K4PCS 01-03
SAM HARTE KQ4LMR 00-05
ERNESTO DIAZ KG4LXH 02-04
WEB SITE: http:/www.sffma.net

MAIL YOUR DUES TO:
FM ASSOCIATION
POB 430028
MIAMI, FL 33243

Meeting was called to order at 19:32 with 19 present.

Ronnie was out of town. Robert welcomed all to the SFFMA meeting. The meeting was being broadcast live on the air tonight from the fire boardroom at the EOC. Call in if you have any questions.

The microphone was passed around the room and everyone stated their name and call sign.

Caesar made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Ernesto, and passed.

Repeater update:

John said that the 147.00 was back on the air and explained what was done to change the cabinet. He said that Jason did a great painting job. Several members helped put it back together.
Robert said the 224.200 was up and running.
Ray said the 146.76 was up and running. It is still there - please use it. It is getting a lot of interference from Hialeah near Palm Avenue. The other station is too close. Must have 30 mile separation. It is uncoordinated and must be corrected. The Florida Repeater Counsel has been contacted and they are working on it.
Carl spoke about the 444.200 for Carl - its up and running.

Old business:

CERT was discussed by Joanne and the upcoming Red Cross training.

Robert spoke about the ARPSC breakfast at Café Alberto on Sunset and Galloway. We had some problems and Eddie spoke with them. They are to make changes. We had a bigger than normal turnout. He spoke about some other possible places like La Caretta at 87th and Bird, they have an upstairs meeting room. He will follow-up. Ernesto will check into an alternative location also. Anyone else with any restaurant connections that can accommodate us on Saturday, please let us know. We need a large room. Jeff spoke about a Chuckwagon at 112 and 137 Avenue.

New Business:

Robert spoke about the get away to the Melbourne Hamfest for Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14. He said it was the best in the State with a flea market. He discussed the Best Western hotel for $49.00 per night or the Hilton. AAA has a discount of $82.00. If anyone finds a cheaper place, pass on the info.

Jeffrey gave us input on the Best Western in Melbourne from the web. They got mixed reviews. Hilton reviews showed that everyone was happy. Both hotels have pools. Hilton does not have a closing time at the pool and the Best Western closes at 9:30 PM. He asked for a show of hands as to who was going. Ray explained that the hotel is a big part of this whole weekend. They usually have a big bonfire around the pool. There used to be conferences at the Hilton, but this year the conferences are going to be at the site.

Robert announced that Virgil's house was hit by lightning and he lost tv's, computer, radios, etc.

Robert then spoke about the ARRL and BPL fund. Ray then explained BPL - radio frequencies on long wire on power lines. A bucket was passed around to collect money for the ARRL BPL fund. The Everglades Radio Club brought equipment to auction off for the fund. We collected $75.00 and it will be sent to the ARRL.

We had a guest speaker from the Red Cross this evening but he had to cancel. Ray gave us a demonstration about voice override via phone switch. He also spoke about the web site problems.

Steve Knox advised that he went to the Flight 592 memorial site on Sunday and cleaned the site with 7 other people, Kevin, Jeff, Kris, Brian and Wendy. He thanked them all for their help.

Robert had a moment of silence for the Fire Fighter of the Fire Dept who died Thursday in a training exercise - Wayne Mitchell who was only 37 years old.

Contact David if you are interested in the Kayak races on Saturday, October 25. He need volunteers. He has positions available on the land and water. His number is 305-215-6125 or on the web at Dfernandez@knightridder.com. The hours are 7:00 A.M. to about 1:00 PM. The food is great and plentiful and brought in by a BBQ company. Ernesto volunteered.

Robert reminded everyone that there are snacks in the cafeteria.

The meeting was adjourned at 20:35.

Joanne Carbana
KG4GKU

 
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