Iroquois County Amateur Radio 147.030+ and 444.625+ - Meetings 2nd Thursday at the Red Cross Office in Watseka, IL

Jeremy (W9YZI) sends us some good info from the NWS in a pdf file.

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/images/ilx/pdf/2007_Basic_Spotter_ILX_web.pdf

In the April 2008 ICARC meeting the following was proposed as an ammendment to the existing ICARC Articles of Incorporation.  We will vote for approval on this at the May 2008 ICARC meeting…

Iroquois County Amateur Radio Club - Articles of Incorporation

Article 5

See attached By Laws

Provide that no part of the net earnings of the corporation shall insure to the benefit of any member of private shareholders of the corporation, and further provide that upon dissolution of the corporation all assets of the corporation shall be distributed to the ARRL Foundation, AMSAT, or some other organization exempt from taxation under 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code as amended from time to time and which is organized for the purpose of furthering of amateur radio.

Jeremy, one of our Hoopeston hams passed the following spotter video training along to the club from the Indianapolis National Weather Service Office

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ind/INDSpotter/player.html

Iroquois County Amateur Radio Club

Minutes of the March 13, 2008 Meeting

Pres. Carl opened the meeting at 7:15 pm at the Red Cross office in Watseka. The Feb. minutes were read and approved. The treasure’s report was read and approved.

Committee Reports

Technical Committee—Several members reported that the wind noise that we had seemed to be better. Sam suggested that the tech committee could look at repeater and tune up if necessary.

Program Committee—Roy and Phil suggested a field day video for the next meeting.

Publicity Committee—Sam thanked Justin for the great publicity during the recent flood.

ARES Liaison—The drill on March 29 has been postponed.

Red Cross Liaison—Sam has ordered a flood video to donate to the chapter.

ESDA Liaison—No report.

VE Liaison—Carl reported that the test held in Kankakee was very successful with several new techs and two new generals. Our own Troy is now a new general and working on extra.

Incorporation and Non Profit Seeking Group—Troy and Mike are working with Ted Spenn for help in the procedure to get the incorporation and non-profit. Troy has done a lot of work on the computer to get forms ready.

OLD BUSINESS

Sam brought in the APRS radio and Mike worked on it to try to prepare it for install at Sam’s house to double check it.

Sam gave a rough draft of the inventory of our equipment to the President.

Carl is planning to go to the annual meeting of the repeater council meeting in Bloomington.

We discussed a plan to elevate the 440 repeater to prevent water damage if the flood returns. We discussed using cement blocks to place under repeater and replace the insulation in the building.

We discussed the Field Day at one of the parks in Watseka or at GRS for this June.

NEW BUSINESS

Carl mentioned the idea of Echo link or IRLP for one of the repeaters. Sam has a complete IRLP set up but not installed on any computers. Mike and Steve might be able to help get it up and running.

Phil presented a nice video on PSK 31.

Net Control—March 17 Roy, Mar 24 Tim, Mar 31 Steve, April 7 Brian

Sam had wonderful snacks and Phil and Cindy are on for April.

Members present–Carl, Chris, Keith, Phil, Justin, Tim, Roy, Steve, Troy, Mike, and Sam.

Iroquois County Amateur Radio Club

Minutes of the February 14, 2008 Meeting

Pres. Carl opened the meeting at 7:15 pm at Glen Raymond School in Watseka. The Jan. minutes were read and approved. The treasure’s report was read and approved.

Old Business

Proposed change to the by –laws to the constitution was discussed and voted on by the members. Benny made motion to adopt the change. Steve seconded and the vote was unanimous to make the change.

New Business

Technical Committee

The repeater has a different sound after the ice storm. We also have a noise in high wind that must be in the antenna or tower. Benny is to check with Barbeck for cost of new DB-224 in the correct ham range. Benny is to look at crystals for Micor. We need to look at UPS to see what is wrong.

Program Committee—No Report

Publicity Committee—No Report

ARES Liaison—Roy thanked all the members that were able to help in any way the effort to fight the flood in Iroquois county. Roy will send in a final report and we will get a nice certificate from section

Red Cross Liaison—Our $100 donation was made to the Chapter for the use of the building for our meetings. Our 47.42 radios need some work and the antennas need to be checked. Barbeck offered loaner radios.

ESDA Liaison—Sam W9QKF has worked in the EOC for about 28 days. Very little radio traffic—cell phone problems.

VE Liaison—Carl K9CS reported that a test is to be held on Feb 21 at EOC in Kankakee.

Incorporation and Non Profit Seeking Group—Troy is to work with Ted Spenn for help in the procedure to get the incorporation and non-profit.

Sam is to talk to Kyle about increase in insurance protection.

Sam mentioned a possible offer of a 7000 watt generator. Science club is going to offer 6 weeks of ham radio study for science club at GRS.

Net Control Feb 18 Steve, Feb 26 Roy, March 3 Brian, Mar 10 Troy.

All present enjoyed the wonderful brownies lovingly hand made by Dianne and served with pop and ice by Benny.

Snacks for March by Sam.

Members present–Carl, Chris, Benny, Tim, Roy, Steve, Troy, and Sam.

The ESDA drill scheduled for March 29th has been postponed due to the extensive involvement of ESDA with the recent flooding disaster of Watseka. It is unknown at this time if IMH will continue with it’s certification exercise of the decontamination trailer. If so, we do not expect for ICARC to be involved.

I want to personally thank all those amateurs that volunteered and became involved with assisting your community, neighbors and friends during the  flooding.

Roy R Eades KA9MZJ EC Ford/Iroquois County

Kankakee County ARES is sponsoring Tech license classes at the Kankakee County EOC, off Rte 45 near I-57.  Classes will be Thursday evenings beginning Jan 10, 2008, for five weeks.  A testing session will be held during the fifth class (Feb 7) and all who pass will have earned their Technician class licenses.

For more info, see http://www.kares.net/training08.pdf or call 815-915-4333.

Also, there will be an upcoming testing session at 7:00PM, Jan 23, 2008, at the Red Cross office at 214 E Walnut Street in Watseka.

73, CarlK9CS

Pres. Carl opened the meeting at 7:15 pm at Red Cross office in Watseka.  The Nov minutes were read and approved.  The treasure’s report was read and approved.

Old Business

The 2 meter repeater is having some noise that appears with a strong wind.  Carl and others thought that we might be looking at a new antenna in the future.

Our liability insurance policy is coming up for renewal in Dec and it appears that we could get more coverage with the same premium.  Sam will talk to Kyle about it.

Mike made a motion to vote on the proposed constitution and by-laws.  Benny made a second.  The motion to approve the new constitution and by-laws was approved by a unanimous vote.  Carl will investigate some changes for a later meeting.

New Business

The January meeting will include a club paid pizza party.  We will order carry out from local pizza joint.

The repeater has a different sound after the ice storm.  Benny and Sam will try to find the reason.

We discussed the need for a license test session and will try to have one on Jan 23 at the Red Cross office in Watseka.  We have 3 potential persons to test.

Dues are due for 2008 and many members have paid

Net Control  for Dec 17 Tim, Dec 24 no Net, Dec 31 no net, Jan 7 Brian

Snacks for tonight’s meeting were provided by Phil.

Program was a film on a Dxpedition to VP8SSI to South Sandwich Island.

Carl made a very interesting presentation on his recent dxpedition to Montserrat.

Members present Carl, Chris, Mike, Benny, Phil, Keith, Tim, Janet ,Troy, and Sam. 

Sam Ripple W9QKF  Sec

To address the issue that has been raised regarding the number of board members, I suggest that Article 3, paragraph 3 be changed to read:

“The Board of Directors shall consist of seven (7) members and shall include the elected officers of ICARC: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer; the immediate Past President: and two (2) elected board members.  In the event that the offices of Secretary and Treasurer are held by the same person, one additional board member shall be elected.”

If we agree on this amendment, it would need to be posted on the ICARC website no later than Jan 14 and would need to be presented, in writing, to members present at the January meeting. 

Carl -K9CS

Approved December 13, 2007

Article I - Preamble

1. We, amateur radio operators of the Iroquois County, Illinois area, wishing to secure for ourselves the pleasures and benefits of the association of persons commonly interested in amateur radio, constitute ourselves the “Iroquois County Amateur Radio Club,” (ICARC) and enact this constitution as our governing law. The objectives of this organization are: promotion of interest in amateur radio communications and experimentation; education of prospective amateur radio operators; public service to the community; to promote radio knowledge; the exchange of information and cooperation among members; and to conduct club programs and activities as to advance the general interest and welfare of amateur radio in the community.

2. ICARC is a non-profit organization founded in 1964 by a group of amateur radio operators to promote the interests of amateur radio and provide public service communications in Iroquois County, Illinois and the surrounding area.

Article II - Membership

1. All persons interested in amateur radio communications shall be eligible for membership:

a. Full membership is available for licensed amateur radio operators.

b. Associate membership is open to all other persons.

2. Membership shall be by written application and election upon such terms as the club shall provide in it’s By-Laws.

3. Members with paid-up dues for the current year shall be considered members in good standing.

Article III - Board of Directors

1. The Board of Directors shall be the governing body of ICARC and as such shall formulate and be responsible for all matters of policy. Decisions of the Board of Directors shall be by majority vote of a quorum of the board present at any meeting where such votes may be taken, unless a greater majority is specifically required by this document.

2. All members of the Board of Directors shall be full members in good standing.

3. The Board of Directors shall consist of a maximum of seven (7) members and shall include the elected officers of ICARC: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer; the immediate past President; and two elected board members.

4. The Board of Directors and Officers shall be elected annually for a term of one (1) year.

5. Any board member may be removed from the board with or without cause by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members of ICARC.

6. Any board member who shall have three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from board meetings may be removed from office as determined by the board.

7. Any board member may resign at any time by giving written notice to the board.

8. Vacancies on the board occurring between elections shall be filled by appointment of the board and shall be ratified by a majority vote of members present at the next regular meeting. Board members appointed and ratified by the membership shall serve the remainder of the term of the member replaced.

9. No member of the board shall receive compensation for any service he or she may render to the club. However, board members may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in the performance of official club duties.

Article IV - Officers

1. Officers of ICARC shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, who, by virtue of their office, shall be members of the Board of Directors. The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be held by one individual simultaneously.

2. A vacancy in any office shall be filled by appointment by the board. Such appointments shall be ratified by a majority vote of members present at the next regular meeting. Officers appointed and ratified by the membership shall serve the remainder of the term of the officer replaced.

3. Special Appointments - The board may appoint other officers as the affairs of ICARC may require, each of whom shall hold office for such period, have such authority, and perform such duties as the board may, from time to time, determine.

Article V - Duties of Officers

1. President - The president shall preside at all meetings of ICARC and conduct same according to the rules adopted. He or she shall enforce observance of the constitution and by-laws; decide all questions of order; sign all official documents that are adopted by the Club; with concurrence of the Board of Directors, appoint necessary committees; and perform all customary duties pertaining to the office of president.

2. Vice President - The vice president shall assume all duties of the president in his or her absence. The Vice President shall conduct an accurate inventory of all club property no later than the last day of February each year, and shall maintain such inventory during the remainder of the year. He or she shall perform additional duties as specified by the president and/or the Board of Directors.

3. Secretary - The secretary shall keep a written record of the proceedings of all meetings of ICARC. He shall keep such records as required by the president and/or the Board of Directors; prepare all club correspondence as directed by the president; and maintain attendance records of all meetings.

4. Treasurer - The treasurer shall be responsible for the accurate accounting of all ICARC funds received and/or disbursed. He or she shall receive all monies paid to ICARC and shall disburse funds as authorized by the president and the Board of Directors. The treasurer shall maintain the official roster of all ICARC members and shall receive dues and membership applications. All monies received shall be deposited in ICARC’s account at the Iroquois Federal Savings and Loan Association.

Article VI - Meetings

1. The By-Laws shall provide for regular and special meetings and shall specify quorum requirements for the transaction of business.

2. The annual meeting of ICARC shall be held during the month of December each year.

Article VII - Elections

1. Elections for the Board of Directors and Officers shall be held at the annual meeting in December of each year.

2. Full members of ICARC in good standing shall be eligible to vote for members of the Board of Directors and Officers.

3. Voting for members of the Board of Directors and Officers shall be by secret ballot and each voter may vote for: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and two board members.

4. The Board of Directors shall determine the method of voting to be used in an election: voting in-person, voting by mail, or voting by mail in conjunction with in-person voting.

Article VIII - Committees

1. The Board of Directors shall form a Nomination and Election committee not less than sixty (60) days prior to the annual meeting for the purpose of selecting candidates and supervising the election. The committee shall consist of at least three (3) members, one of which shall be a member of the Board of Directors.

2. The Board of Directors may establish other such committees as are necessary to meet the objectives of the club.

Article IX - Dues

1. The club, by a majority vote of a quorum of the membership at any regular meeting, shall levy dues as deemed necessary for the business of the organization.

2. Non-payment of such dues shall be cause for termination of membership from ICARC.

Article X - Funds

1. No part of the earnings of the club shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the club shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth above. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles the club shall not carry on any activities not permitted by an organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

Article XI - Amendments

1. This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) majority at a regular meeting, provided all members have been notified of the intent to amend the Constitution at said meeting.

2. Proposed amendments to the Constitution shall be published on the ICARC web site at least 30 days prior to calling for a vote at a regular meeting and shall be distributed to all members attending the regular meeting prior the regular meeting where the vote on the amendments shall be taken.

Article XII - Dissolution

1. ICARC may be dissolved with the assent given in writing and signed by not less than three-fourths (3/4) of its members in good standing.

2. In the event any reason arises to dissolve the organization of ICARC, the existing property and any funds owned by the club shall be disposed of in the following manner:

a. Any equipment may be offered for purchase, or transferred to an organization with similar interests by majority vote of the membership.

b. Monies held in the treasury or gained by the disposal of property will be allocated to an organization with similar interests, by a majority vote of the membership.

Article XIII - Transition

1. Upon approval of this Constitution a special election shall be held to elect two (2) members as Directors. The previously elected officers, the immediate past president, and the newly elected directors shall serve as the Board of Directors until the election at the next annual meeting.

Approval

We, the undersigned officers of the Iroquois County Amateur Radio Club, certify that this Constitution was approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of all members at a regular meeting on December 13, 2007. With this approval, the former Constitution of the Iroquois County Amateur Radio Club is replaced in its entirety with this document effective the 14th day of December, 2007..

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Carl Schroeder, K9CS, President

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Michael Marcier, KC9HHT, Vice President

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Samuel Ripple, W9QKF, Secretary-Treasurer