August 2004
Home Up

SOUTH FLORIDA FM ASSOCIATION AUGUST 9, 2004 MINUTES OF MEETING

PRESIDENT: RONNIE HAIK KG4DBI
VICE PRESIDENT: ERNESTO DIAZ KG4LXH
SECRETARY: JOANNE CARBANA KG4GKU
TREASURER: JAMES CARLIN KF40UI

DIRECTORS:
ANDY PICHS N3PI 01-06
SAM HARTE KQ4LMR 00-05
JOHN VECCIO KF4ACN 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 19:58 with 31 present.

Ronnie welcomed all to the SFFMA meeting. The meeting was being broadcast live on the air tonight from the EOC. He announced that testing was being done for anyone who was interested in the cafeteria. We have testing at every meeting at 7:30 PM.

The microphone was passed around the room and everyone stated their name and call sign. Ronnie announced that tonight we have Jim Lushine, Warning Coordinator Meteorologist with the Miami Weather Forecast Office as our guest speaker.

Last month's minutes were posted on the web. A motion to accept the minutes was made by Felipe and seconded by Lloyd.

Repeater update:

John McHugh spoke about the 147.00 - working.

John Veccio spoke about the 146.865. It is off the air. A controller has been order to replace the broken one.

Ray spoke about the 146.760. It is up and running. The 142 repeater is beyond economic repair. He hopes that it stays on the frequency. For 6 meters and the suggested work party at the home site to put up an antenna, he only received 1 volunteer. He needs to put up a 440 antenna and one for dual band. If you are interested in helping, please let him know. The 146.760 is missing the cabinet. It has been broken into. He filed a police report. It was suggested that Robert may have been there. Ray turned over the original key to Ronnie, the president of the club for the 146.760.

Robert was not there to speak about the 224.220.

Old Business:

Ronnie spoke about the Melbourne Hamboree. It will take place Sept 10, 11 and 12 this year. Normally everyone goes together. We need to coordinate so everyone can drive up together. Ray advised that we need to start making hotel reservations. The Hilton where we usually stay at is now a Best Western. It has a pool separate from the hotel, which is a rule we have for the pool to be away from the hotel so that we can make a lot of noise and not get in trouble. Stay tuned to the SFFMA mailing list for details.

Ronnie announced that if you want ARPSC Flags for $8.00 each to see Carl. We use them during events and emergencies so people know who we are.

Merritt Burrus was congratulated that he passed his tech license exam. He was welcomed into the club as an honorary member.

Steve spoke about the Value Jet Memorial Clean-up that took place on Sunday July 25th. The weeds were 2 feet high. They pulled them by hand and mowed the grass. There were 6-7 people there that volunteered and they were there for several hours. They went and had BBQ for lunch. Ray also spoke. They used salt so hopefully the weeds won't grow back. He said that we need more people to show up. If you make a commitment to come to an event or project, show up. It makes it harder on the ones that show up. Ronnie thanked everyone who attended.

New Business:

Ronnie announced that the American Red Cross is holding four classes. They are also holding their First Aid and CPR classes for free on Saturday, August 28 and it is the last one for the year. Call Eddie or Freddy if you are interested.

Ronnie advised that at the last meeting we spoke about new ID's for the club. Ernesto advised that he has everything that we need but the cards and is waiting for a price on them. They are going to be plastic PVC. He has to meet with Carl. We will have very professional ID's.

Ernesto then spoke about the MS Break Away Bike-A-Thon in Key Largo. He explained the event to those present and on the air. They raise money for research and help people with MS. They ride 75 miles from Miami-Dade to John Pennecamp in Key Largo and the next day, they ride back to Miami-Dade. Our club provides support. They collected $1.3 million was raised this year. Our goal was $1 million. We got more. Riders have signed up already. He is changing net control for the one coming up. We will have only 1 instead of 2. And the dates have changed to the 2nd weekend in April - April 9 and 10. The first weekend is the March of Dimes walk-a-thon. James said the walk-a-thon is only ½ day. Ernesto is concerned because of the 2 events being so close together. He needs volunteers for the Bike-A-Thon.

Joanne updated everyone on the CERT program. If you are interested, contact Cleopatra at the Office of Emergency Management's office or see Joanne.

At this time, with no new business, Ronnie introduced out guest speaker Jim Lushine. He gave an excellent and very informative presentation about Hurricanes. He announced that Skywarn is going to have another training session in the next few months. He answered questions for those present.

Ray and Ernesto then spoke about their show and tell stuff that they brought.

John McHugh spoke about how the hurricane center obtains weather data from ham operators. They have been doing it for 24 years.

With no other business, Ronnie announced that refreshments were in the cafeteria. He thanked everyone for coming.

The meeting was adjourned at 20:17.

Joanne Carbana
KG4GKU

05/09/2005

    © South Florida FM Association, 2003   
   

National Homeland Security Knowledgebase