MEETING TO ORDER:
President George, WBØCNK, called the meeting to order at 7:33 AM CST on Feb 8, 2025. Attendees introduced themselves with name and call sign. There were a total of 23 members present, 17 members and 1 guest attending in person and 6 joining via Zoom.
SECRETARY-TREASURER REPORT:
Marty gave an update on our club finances. He provided details on club expenses and money collected. The money collected was from dues and the expenses included the club website software costs and a donation to the Salvation Army.
AGENDA ITEMS:
KANSAS DAY OPERATING EVENT [Larry - KDØRIU]
Larry - KDØRIU reported that the Kansas Day Operating Event produced 92 contacts, 90 digital and 2 CW.
REPEATER COMMITTEE REPORT [Jim - KØNK]
Jim - KØNK gave an update on the repeater.
FEBRUARY TECH NIGHT [Jim - KØNK]
Jim will give a Zoom presentation titled "Electronics Used in Search and Rescue" on February 27.
ENSOR MAILBOX/CLUB MAILING ADDRESS - [Marty - KEØPEZ]
Marty - KEØPEZ and Howard - NØAZ talked about several Ensor issues. They first mentioned that Olathe Ensor Foundation (OEF) plans to put a new secure mailbox at Ensor and that it might be good for the SFTARC to have mail delivered there instead of keeping a PO Box at the post office. This would save the club nearly $200/year. Peg – KDØVQO moved to change the club address and Tom seconded the motion. There was a discussion of advantages and possible downsides. President George called a vote, and the motion passed without opposition.
ENSORFEST '25 - [Marty - KEØPEZ]
Howard and Marty reported on the planning for Ensorfest '25, to be held at the museum on May 10. Jeff - KSØJD moved to donate $400 to the Olathe Ensor Foundation to support Ensorfest '25 and the new secure mailbox. Greg KØGCS seconded the motion. After discussion the motion was put to a vote and passed unanimously. Event Prep starts at 11:30 AM, Event Starts 12:30, Ends 17:00. Marty encouraged us to attend the event and bring people to the event.
SFTARC HAM CLASS 2025 (General License) [Jim - KØNK]
The 2025 SFTARC Ham Radio Classes are now in Week 7 for The Amateur Radio General Class License. There are 7 students taking the ham radio class. About half of the class already have their license.
MINE CREEK HAMFEST [JEFF - KSØJD]
The Mine Creek Amateur Radio Club Hamfest was held in Mound City, KS on Feb. 1st, 2025. Jeff – KSØJD, Marty - KEØPEZ , Howard - NØAZ, and Robert KCØKDG worked a table to sell some of the ham gear of SK Joe Krout to benefit the OEF. The traffic at the table was steady with much interest in Joe's gear. Food was good. The goal was to sell off some of Joe’s old equipment. Much was sold. The money from the sale of the equipment will go to the OEF to support the Ensor Park and Museum.
RECENTLY APPOINTED FCC CHAIRMAN [PEG - KDØVQO, GEORGE - WBØCNK]
Peg – KDØVQO and George – WBØCNK provided an update on the new FCC Chairman. She encouraged us to stay informed about the political changes in the FCC. She encouraged us to advocate for ham radio privileges and to contact our federal representatives in congress if we felt like there are changes that negatively impact our ham radio privileges.
TALLGRASS PRAIRIE NATIONAL PRESERVE OPERATING EVENT [Jim - KØNK]
Jim – KØNK reported on plans for the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve POTA event to be held on May 17, 2025. Mark your calendars for this date. A caravan will leave at a rendezvous point in Gardner about 6 AM. Others can meet us at the site near Strong City at their convenience. Club members will operate from about 10 AM to about 3 PM. Please let Jim or one of the club officers know if you would like to join this event.
CLUB MEMBERS TO REMEMBER [GEORGE - WBØCNK]
Mike Lane - KEØCIS is a resident at the Good Samaritan Olathe Medical Campus. Mike would enjoy cards or a visit.
ADJOURN:
The meeting was adjourned around 8:15 AM. Howard proposed adjournment and Jeff seconded the adjournment.
