The July 8th, 2024 monthly HARC meeting was held at Hermiston High School in Room 311 and was called to order by President Sam at 19:00.

Member Attendees: W7ILD, W7JJK, AI7UH, KI7CUS, AA7TH, KJ7NYZ, KD7VX, KE4TRR, KK7JLW, KB7CKJ, AA7AZ, NB70, KD7LXH, KO4SBI, KE7YX

Guests: John B., Rochelle M. (KD7LXH)

New Members: None

The June 2024 meeting minutes and July 2024 Secretary/Treasurer’s Report were distributed via email by J. Kelso on 07/01/2024.

A motion was made by Kevin to adopt the June meeting minutes as presented and it was seconded by Todd.  The motion passed unanimously.

The July 2024 Secretary/Treasurer’s Report was read by Jeff K.   

Ongoing Business:

  1. Dennis provided a solar report to the membership.
  1. Testing – Kevin reports that we have no applicants signed up for tomorrow’s session.  Kevin would still like to meet with all of the examiners at some point, perhaps in September.
  1. New nets – Sam had no update.
  1. Dennis reports that no dates have been set for the ARES Black Mountain antenna replacement project.  Dennis says that we don’t know what kind of antenna needs to be installed on that repeater.  After he knows which antenna needs to be purchased, he will approach Umatilla and Morrow Counties to ask for funding.  Emery says that he will send a model number for the desired antenna to Dennis.  Dennis also mentioned that he has talked with Stuart and the Forest Service about the possibility of installing a solar panel on the antenna mast and the Forest Service says that it would require years of study and an underground cable.  Finally, Dennis mentioned that he isn’t currently planning a trip to the repeater.
  1. Kevin reported that five HARC members worked as LCTOTA activators and then awarded certificates to those who participated.
  1. Kevin reported on the Club’s Wagon Train participation.  Rochelle M. represented the Pendleton Round-Up Wagon Train Committee and said that they appreciate the Club’s assistance in listening on the Black Mountain repeater during the event.  Certificates were awarded to those members of the HARC who had volunteered to listen to the radio during the event.  Tickets for Friday’s Round-up events were also offered to those who participated and Kevin and Michelle gave those people a power adapter device as a gift.  Rochelle later mentioned that the Pendleton Round-up Wagon Train has a Facebook presence and invited members to join if interested.
  1. Jeff mentioned that the Hermiston City Council is considering moving their meetings to the first and third Mondays of the month.  Anna proposed that, in the event that the City Council does not move their meetings, the HARC might consider moving the meeting to the third Monday of the month.  “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there”, said President Sam.
  1. There was no update on the Good Shepherd radio project from Chuck or Alan.  According to Alan, the antenna has been purchased and just needs to be installed.  Sam mentioned that the Amazon InCommunities grants are available again this year and that the deadline for applications is approaching.  

     New Business:

  1. Anna mentioned that the Umatilla County Fair Parade has contacted us to ask if we are able to help on the evening of August 3rd.  They need radio operators and other personnel to help direct the parade line-up.  Michael Hampton is running the parade again this year, and the HPD has asked that the parade take a new route.  A few members said that they would be available to help out.  Anna said that she would continue to communicate with the Fair people and the Club.
  1. Dennis mentioned that the Irrigon Watermelon Festival parade is coming up on July 27.  Anna will contact the organizer to see if we’re needed there again this year.  
  1. Sam mentioned that there was a statewide ARRL-affiliated Club meeting.  The leader of the meeting encouraged us to appoint a youth outreach coordinator to try to get younger people interested in ham radio and asked if anyone was interested in fulfilling that role.  Nobody came forward to express interest at the meeting.
  1. Sam says that he has met with a local person who has a 50’ crank-up tower available from an estate.  She’s open to offers. 
  1. Sam mentioned that the Oregon State Fair will have a ham radio booth this year.
  1. Kevin asked Anna if the Boardman Fourth of July parade was staffed by the Club.  Anna said that only Alan had availability on that day and that the Club didn’t participate as a result.

Announcements:       

       1.    Club Breakfast – Saturday, July 20th at Rayz Dayz, Umatilla at 8:00 AM.

The meeting was adjourned by AA7TH at 20:05.  

Respectfully submitted by Jeff Kelso, W7JJK.

July 8, 2024 Meeting Minutes
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Jeff Kelso

Technology Director at Hermiston School District