Jefferson County Radio Amateur Club, Inc.
P.O. Box 523, Brownville, NY 13615

Monthly Meeting – September 12, 2005

The meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m. by President Steve Gunn.  The flag salute was given.  Members were asked to remain standing for a moment of silence for "Silent Key" Martin E. Elliot, KA2BHD.

The minutes of the August 1, 2005 meeting were read by Steve, WA2VQD.  Jim, K2PNA, made a motion to accept the minutes.  Paul, KC2GWT, seconded.  The minutes were approved as read.

The treasurer's report for August was given by Mal Adsit.  A motion to accept was made by Nelson, KB2SVQ, and seconded by Ernie, WB2ASL.  The report was approved as read.  Mal also reported on the club picnic.  Everyone had a good time and it was felt by those in attendance that the lack of a chicken BBQ was not a problem.  There was plenty of food to eat.  The food basket raffle and auction together took in a total of $350.

OLD BUSINESS:

Mike Liebman, KC2MYR has fabricated and installed a concrete well cover.

Jim Dupree, K2PNA & Don Scee, KC2VMR installed a new storm door on the rear of the clubhouse.

A reminder was given that the October Feast will be held at Tomacy's Restaurant on Saturday, October 22, 2005.  Social time is set for 6:00 p.m. and the buffet will be served at 7:00 p.m.

NEW BUSINESS:

We will elect a slate of officers for 2006 at the October meeting.  The following people have agreed to serve if elected:

It was noted that we do not have a full slate of officers for the coming year.  There seems to be a lack of enthusiastic interest among members.  Jim, K2PNA asked Steve why he decided not to run again for club president.  Steve said that his main concern was the issue of liability in case of an accident on the club's property.  Since the club owns property, Paul, KC2GWT, was advised by his lawyer not to hold an office.  Jim, K2PNA, also expressed the fact that if there was a law suit, officers and trustees would be held liable, especially if negligence could be proved.  The old farm silo continues to lean more each year, the deteriorating septic tank is an ever present hazard, and junk has been discarded in the tall grass areas of the property.  Since there are some very serious issues on the club's property, Steve, WA2VQD, no longer wishes to be the club's president.

Nelson, KB2SVQ, asked Steve if he would be willing to run for a different office.  Again, Steve reiterated his concerns and declined to serve in any official capacity.

Fred Wolcott, KC2KBQ, asked Steve if he was going to continue working on the club's website.  Steve said that it wouldn't be feasible for him to maintain it since he wouldn't know firsthand the content to place on it.  Fred said that Steve has done a great job with the website.

Others members expressed their opinions and concern over the liability issue.  Cliff, KB2UQV, wondered if we could have a club with no officers.  Steve said that this would not be possible considering our non-profit status.  Fred said that we should consider selling the property.  This would eliminate the annual upkeep that must be done each spring and fall and would also free the officers and trustees from the liability that goes along with owning the clubhouse.

When the club used the Community Room at Salmon Run Mall for their winter meetings, it was necessary to pay for a liability insurance policy to protect the mall's interest.

Ernie, WB2ASL, expressed his opinion that we do not do any public service.  He said that we are not making the public aware of our organization.  Steve added that we do not seem to do anything related to amateur radio, with the exception of a small number of people who attend field day.  It was noted that field day should be held at a public place each year to demonstrate the capabilities of ham radio.  This could be a chance to educate the public and get more people interested in becoming licensed amateur radio operators.

Jim, K2PNA, donated a check in the amount of $31.00 on behalf of the "Band Jam" to help defray expenses.  This weekly get-together has had as many as twenty people counting the musicians and those listening.

Jim expressed his concern that the radio equipment and parts he donated to the club are missing.  He has an idea who may have taken these things, but does not have the necessary proof to have them arrested.  Ron, KC2JGP, feels we should limit who has a key and change the key pad.  Cliff thought that only three keys should be made and available only to officers.  Any others wishing to use the building would need to make arrangements with someone with a key.  A more secure way of fastening the double doors needs to be put into place.

Many opinions on what should be done instead of keeping the clubhouse were expressed.  It was thought by some that the need for constant repairs and lack of amateur radio activities is discouraging to new comers and tends to keep them away.

Paul, KC2GWT, thought that it would be nice to have the club's annual picnic at Westcott Beach.  This would eliminate a lot of work that has to be done by a small number of members, like setting up the tent, etc.  The state park has provisions already in place for group events.

Ruth Duffany, our newest Associate member, donated a refrigerator for the clubhouse.

Cliff said that our neighbor, Greg Castro, keeps watch for lights on in this building at night.

A motion to adjourn was made by Jim, K2PNA, and seconded by Nelson, KB2SVQ.  The meeting ended at 8:36 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Steve Gunn, WA2VQD, President

(Notes taken by Dolores Maeder, KC2KYN)