Board of Directors Meeting June 1, 2022

Ed Lishka AC9SD Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:51 PM.

Attendees

Secretary’s Report

Cliff Sowka K9QD:  Ed Lishka AC9SD moved to approve the May BOD Minutes as published in the RHG.  John Douglas KD9KSH seconded. So Moved.

Correction to May minutes: Field Day GOTA Captain assignment not reported correctly.

Treasurer’s Report:

Barry Friedman K9FMB provides the following:

Checkbook Balance 30-Apr                                                           $6,793.29

INCOME MEMO                                                                                $   499.39

Check deposit 4-May Dues William Gisseler                          $     20.00

PayPal transfer 1-May EFT transfer                                           $   165.48

Petty cash 26-May Bank deposit                                                $   305.00

Amazon Smile 31-May EFT deposit                                           $       8.91

DISBURSEMENTS MEMO                                                              $   212.82

Check 1264 4-May John Douglas Picnic cabin                       $   150.00

ACH 6-Apr AT&T DSL                                                                       $     62.82

Checks Outstanding

Deposit not included

Account Balance                                                                               $7,079.86

31-May Bank Statement                                                               $7,079.86

Statement unavailable at time of authoring

Adjusted balance                                                                             $7,079.86

31-May Checkbook balance                                                         $7,079.86

Petty Cash 31-May                                                                           $   106.00

Pay Pal 31-May                                                                                 $     36.62

+ Petty cash – special accounts Funds Available                   $7,222.48

121 members on roster

Barry reports the internal Audit was finished with only pennies (~$0.44?) unaccounted for.  He thinks he may be able to find the error.

Cliff Sowka k9QD moved to approve the report.  Ed Lishka AC9SD seconded.  So moved.

Public Service 

Rob Glowacki N9MVO not present.

EMCOMM

John Zietlow K9WIC reported ChicagoLand Marathon Hot Wash was conducted May 26^th with event organizers: Governmental agencies very pleased with SARC’s support and contribution to the success of the event.

Repeaters

Repeater Committee began installing the club’s equipment for Wires-X at the Barrington Road facility and finds there are configuration challenges with ‘Room’ Assignments.  Additional programming will be accomplished to bring the system up.

Construction Project (CP)

VE Testing

John Schofield AC9JS reported no candidates are currently scheduled for this Saturday.

Nets 

Barry Friedman K9FMB reports Nets continue to be well attended.  We are in need of a host for the second Tuesday of the month TechNet.  Our introduction script needs to be updated.

Radio Hill Gazette RHG 

Mike K9KMV No Report.

Membership

Scott DeSantis KB9VRW is now SARC Membership Chair.

Publicity

Dennis C. Calvey KD9HIK Publicity Chairman spoke with Superintendent of Facilities Operations, Schaumburg Park District (SPD).

• Replacement for Summer Krones hired.  Dennis will reach out to him in a couple of weeks.
• Sent eMail recapping conversation & how SARC uses SPD facilities.
• Also notified Tennis Plus to let them know we will be picking up tables for Field Day.
• Roof renewal has not started at the Tennis Plus Club. SPD is aware of SARC wanting to replace an antenna, but will not allow SARC on the roof.  We supply the equipment, discuss with SPD & contractors – they will mount.
• Schaumburg TriAthalon is canceled.  There may be another event later this year.
• Superintendent knows about our role in providing eyes & ears for Public Safety & Event organizers.

For Field Day:  Dennis crafted a Visitor Sign-In Sheet.  ARRL-formatted invite will be communicated to targeted invitees.  About $25 printing expense is needed; John Shofield AC9JS moved to authorize Dennis to purchase needed materials.  Barry Friedman K9FMB seconded.  So moved.  Board also approved Dennis’ authority for ARRL FD Site Locator.

Social

– Summer Picnic July 23^rd Noon ~ 4PM.

John Douglas KD9KSH reports our summer picnic is set for Saturday July 23^rd.  Event will be Noon~4PM.  Plan is to include Fox Hunt activity during the picnic.  Planning for food and refreshment will be discussed as we get closer to July.

Education

Leo N9NBH not present.

Programs 

John Zietlow K9WIC reports the June presentation will cover Field Day procedures:  operating, logging, etc.

Old Business

Field Day: Danny Kafka KD9HIL needs closure on Field Day Safety Officer.  Requests our website post requirements to assist her effort in recruiting volunteers to cover the 24-hour time period.

ARRL Field Day Safety Officer Checklist

 To qualify for the 100-point Safety Officer bonus (for Class A stations), a group must appoint a qualified person/s who are present at their site from the beginning of set-up until the end of break-down.

The Safety Officer/s certify by submitting this form that due diligence was made to provide a safe operation.

o Safety Officer/s or qualified designated assistant/s was on site for the duration of the event.

o Fuel for generator properly stored.

o Fire extinguisher on hand and appropriately located.

o First Aid kit on hand.

o First Aid – CPR – AED versed else trained participant/s on site for full Field Day period.

o Access to NWS alerts to monitor for inclement weather.

o Tent stakes properly installed and marked.

o Temporary antenna structures properly secured and marked.

o Site secured from tripping hazards.

o Site is set up in a neat and orderly manner to reduce hazards.

o Stations and equipment properly grounded.

o Access to a means to contact police/fire/rescue if needed.

o Safety Officer is designated point of contact for public safety officials.

o Minimize risks and control hazards to ensure no injuries to public.

o As necessary, monitoring participants for hydration and ensuring an adequate water

supply is available.

__________________________________________________________ __________________

signature(s) / call(s)                                                                        date

Revised 3/2022

New Business

We need to purchase Coax/Connectors/Suppressors for our eventual antenna renewal at STP once the roof renewal is completed sometime this summer.  Since 1318 costs ~$1.50 per foot, a materials-purchase request will be crafted before the July 3^rd budget deadline.  Cliff and Dennis will survey the site during the next CP gathering.

Medical Notice:  There was discussion regarding potential medical incidents during club activities.  The RED ENVELOPE method was determined to be efficient for employee/employer situations but nothing we could implement without potential exposure to HIPPA violations.  Therefore it’s advised that members anticipating such needs could include notifications similar to medical bracelets.

CP Storage Cabinets: Park District employees have negatively commented about the surplus equipment that is against the wall, not in the cabinets, and strewn-about on the floor near the fire exit.  We want to preserve our good standing with STP staff.  The Board of Directors will refund the $300 lot-payment previously received for those unsold items and take any remaining items to Hamfests over the summer months.

John Zietlow K9WIC moved and Dennis C. Calvey KD9HIK seconded.  So moved.

Field Day

Danny Kafka KD9HIL continues organization efforts.  Welcome Table was discussed; should not have any chairs so that our greeters can introduce the event at eye-level and be ready to offer a site tour.

Certified Climbers have been confirmed.  Kent Ochs W9KAO moved we provide $25 honorarium to each climber.  Ed Lishka AC9SD seconded.  So moved.

$1,000 FD Food Budget was moved by John Zietlow K9WIC and seconded by Danny KD9HIL.  So moved.

Danny suggested pump house storage status be checked directly after Maxfield’s Breakfast this coming Saturday.

Adjourn 8:46 PM.

Submitted June 2, 2022  Cliff Sowka K9QD Secretary

Business Meeting June 16, 2022

Danny Kafka KD9HIL Vice President called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

Attendees:

Virtual Attendees:

Secretary’s Report:

Cliff Sowka K9QD:  Leo Ribordy N9NBH moved to approve the May Minutes as published in the Radio Hill Gazette (RHG).  Rob Glowacki N9MVO seconded.  So Moved.

Treasurer’s Report:

  Barry Friedman K9FMB provides this report:

Checkbook Balance                                                                         $6,793.29

INCOME MEMO                                                                                $   499.39

Check deposit 4-May Dues William Gisseler                          $     20.00

PayPal transfer 1-May EFT transfer                                           $   165.48

Petty cash 26-May Bank deposit                                                $   305.00

Amazon Smile 31-May EFT deposit                                           $       8.91

DISBURSEMENTS MEMO                                                              $   212.82

Check 1264 4-May John Douglas Picnic cabin                       $   150.00

ACH 6-Apr AT&T DSL                                                                       $     62.82

Checks Outstanding

Deposit not included

Account Balance                                                                               $7,079.86

31-May Bank Statement                                                               $7,079.86

Adjusted balance                                                                             $7,079.86

31-May Checkbook balance                                                         $7,079.86

Petty Cash 31-May                                                                           $   106.00

Pay Pal 31-May                                                                                 $     36.62

+ Petty cash – special accounts Funds Available                   $7,222.48

121 members on roster

Cliff Sowka K9QD moved to approve, Daryl Jenks KB9RHR seconded.  So Moved.

Public Service:

Rob Glowacki N9MVO reported the Hoffman Estates July 4^th Parade will occur on July 2^nd.  Hoffman Estates will once again host our 6AM breakfast meeting at IHOP 2250 Barrington Road.  We will then meet on Illinois Blvd at Paris Lane 7:30 AM on the east end for instructions [and vests].

EMCOMM:

John Zietlow K9WIC not present.

Repeaters:

Rob Glowacki N9MVO announced our Wires-X installation at the Barrington Road site is up and working.

Construction Project (CP): 

Cliff Sowka K9QD announced CP meetings are now on hiatus during the remaining summer months because attendance has dropped dramatically.  We’ll be able to hold ad-hoc gatherings at-will if there is enough interest for any Saturday session during this time.

For example, Don Dewar KD9NJR will be conducting a Tape Measure build during the second Saturday of July.  Otherwise, the CP meetings for July and August are vacated until we reinstate our normal schedule in September.

Roof Resurfacing is underway and planning for reconnecting our VHF/UHF Antenna is set.

Dennis C. Calvey KD9HIK provides the following discussion:

In the past, SARC had a VHF/UHF antenna mounted on the fascia of the Tennis Plus Club (TPC).  During construction the antenna coax was cut.

The Schaumburg Park District (SPD) is beginning rooftop renovations at TPC.  We have approached the Park District about putting up a replacement antenna.  The response was positive, with a proviso that SARC members would not be allowed on the roof.  SARC would provide materials and Schaumburg Park District employees would affect the installation after rooftop HVAC upgrades are completed.

In subsequent SARC discussions several goals were identified:

1) At minimum a VHF/ UHF antenna.  A new Comet Dual Band antenna has been donated to SARC.

2) Because of the length of the coax and that it would be exposed to direct sunlight; the coax would have to be low loss and UV resistant.  Type 1318 has been suggested.

3) The coax would require lightning/surge protection in compliance with the National Electric Code (Article 800 “Communication Circuits, Article 250 “Grounding”) ; e.g. ground rod, surge protectors.

4) A “nice to have ” would be a second antenna for HF.  Discussion included using a second coax from roof top to basement or diplexer on the roof allowing both intended antennas to share a single coax. However, given that the SPD will not allow SARC roof access for maintenance, anything placed there would have to be long life.

The roof over the tennis court/exercise area is a “membrane” roof and over 265 ft. (E – W),  therefore locating any type of HF antenna in this area is not feasible. There is an existing tripod with a conventional TV antenna mounted on the east peak of the membrane roof.  It’s possible that this antenna is not in use, the tripod might be available for a small vertical HF antenna.  Or, with permission of the SPD we may be able to locate an HF antenna on the roof area over the front entrance/hallway ( ~195 ft North – South) or pool area (length clear of rooftop HVAC machinery~ 82 ft. North – South).  A fixed vertical antenna or long wire antenna could be supported by pipes mounted to the “inside” of the brick parapet.  Because we don’t have information to substantiate what options are available, it’s suggested that a budget for an HF antenna option not be included at this time.  It does make sense to have the second coax run in place for an eventual HF antenna.

5) Whatever the final configuration is, the coax has to get from the roof over the main entrance area to the basement.  A possible path is along the brick “bump out” extension near the wheelchair ramp entrance.  Directly below the area two foundation penetrations are accessible from the basement.  To protect the coax from damage, a 2″ PVC pipe would be run from the roof edge to the point where the coax would enter the basement.  (2″ is suggested to allow passing one or two coax runs using PL259 or N connectors).  A weather head would be mounted to the top of the 2″ PVC pipe.

6) Required lightning/surge protectors could be mounted in the basement, adjacent to the point of entry.  From there a short run of 6 AWG from the lightning/surge protectors to the main water line entry to the building.  The main water line entry is also the electrical safety ground for the building electrical system, therefore accomplishing a single point grounding system.  This would eliminate the need for an external ground rod.

7) I will request a meeting with SPD to review our intent when and if the following budget is approved.

The following is presented as a request for budget in the next financial cycle:

VE Testing:

John Shofield AC9JS discussed the new VE process.  He is likely to continue with legacy procedures for the moment.

Nets:

Barry Friedman K9FMB continues to search for a consistent host for the second Tuesday TechNet.

Radio Hill Gazette RHG: 

Mike K9KMV No Report.

Field Day:

  Danny Kafka KD9HIL reviewed more details for June 24, 25, and 26:

• Leo N9NBH collected HF equipment stored at Schaumburg PD
• Tables & Chairs from Tennis Club basement same as in the past Daryl will have van for Friday
• Limited Chair-Count; recommended to bring a chair for yourself just in case
• Logging PCs appear to be available; software N3FJP on Daryl’s PC
• Dennis C. Calvey KD9HIK submitted our announcement to Daily Herald and local officials
• Rob N9MVO will conduct Educational Session on knot-tying for antenna erection
• Food & Drink Head-Count for Fri-Sat-Sun reservations deadline is Sunday June 19
• Sunday Breakfast is set for 5AM~7AM for those who respond
• CW Captain will be Bob McIntyre W9DXR
• SSB Captain will be Daryl KB9RHR
• GOTA tent managed by Bob Zuttermeister W9GEW
• Two Climbers set for Friday afternoon, two others set for Sunday tear-down
• Dennis C. Calvey will be our Safety Officer
• Will have FRS HTs available for communicating with non-ham climbers
• Welcome/Information table will be ready for 1PM~4PM as invited officials are expected

Membership:

  No Report.

Publicity:

Dennis C. Calvey KD9HIK submitted our FD announcement to the Daily Herald and has also received several attendance acknowledgements from Village Officials.

Social:

No Report.  Club picnic is set for July 23^rd Noon ~ 4PM.

Special Events Committee:

No report.

Education:

Leo Ribordy N9NBH has organized a Technician class for September.  The Library District will be publishing the event in their catalog.

Programs: 

Bob McIntyre W9DXR and Daryl Jenks KB9RHR presented Logging Software examples with the aid of physically displayed radio hardware connections in a typical setup.

Old Business:

None.

New Business: 

None.

Adjourn: 9:02 PM.

Submitted June 17, 2022.  Cliff Sowka K9QD Secretary