General Membership Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2017

The meeting was called to order at 8:08 pm by Nick, KD8JBG following a presentation by Jim Jipping, W8MRR on Radio Astronomy.

Secretary’s report accepted as posted. 

Treasurer’s report (Rich, WA8MTI):
	General Fund = $3,052.51
	Membership Fund = $189.55
	Cash on hand = $21.00
	Total = $3,263.06

Upcoming Events:

	“Ham in a Day”:
		Ham in a Day will be held at 1pm on December 9th at the VictoryPoint Ministries Youth Building.  VE Testing follows each event at 6pm.  For more information, or to register for the Ham in a Day class, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/holohiad

	E.A.T.:
		This month’s E.A.T. meeting is going to be on November 27, 2017 led by Jeff, KD8THX.  We will be soldering up some electronics kits.  Looking for volunteers to bring in their soldering equipment for themselves and others to use.

	2 Meter Net:
		The 2m net of the Holland Amateur Radio Club will begin at 7:30 at 147.06.  All amateur radio enthusiasts are welcome to join the net.  Please check in and join the fun!  Feel free to reach out to Ed to take Net control.

	Simplex Net:
		Plan to be on 2 Meter Simplex at 146.430 MHz, now starting at 8:30P in the evening.  This net is headed up by Aaron Folkert, KD8VUN.  If you would like to act as net control or have any ideas for improving the net, please contact Aaron.  Hope to hear you on the air!

	Michigan State Parks on the Air (MSPOTA):
		From the MSPOTA Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MSPOTA2017/):
			“The NORTHERN MICHIGAN AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE TEAM (NM8RT) is working directly with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation Division to operate a three year HAM Radio event "Michigan State Parks on the Air". MSPOTA is slated to kick-off in June of 2017.”  HARC activated Holland State Park.

	Ottawa County Amateur Radio Auxiliary (OCARA) is looking for new members.  If you are interested, please contact Phil, K8PVH at k8pvh@arrl.net.

	Extra License Class:
		Tom, K8TB: If you are a general and would like to upgrade to the extra class, you might consider this extra license class this winter, presented as a cooperative effort by the Grand Rapids Amateur Radio Association and the Holland Amateur Radio Club.
		The classes will meet at 7:00 PM on Wednesday nights in the basement of the Red Cross building, 1030 Fuller, Grand Rapids, starting on January 3, 2018, and will run for 10 weeks.  The cost is $20. 
		More information and online registration is available at:  http://tinyurl.com/extra-k8tb
		For further questions, contact the instructor, Tom Bosscher, K8TB at 616-662-1080 or by email to k8tb@.... 

Old Business:

	The Bylaws Committee (Tom K8TB, Sheila K8AJ, Bob Broene K8RJB, Dave Lamer WA8RSA) met as planned to review our current bylaws and suggest updates.
	A summary of proposed changes will be sent to all club members via email.  Tom, K8TB made motions to adopt the changes to the bylaws and constitution, respectively.  Per the existing bylaws, both options will be tabled until next month so that membership will have a chance to review the proposed changes prior to the vote.

	Phil K8PVH and Nick KD8JBG are working to communicate with the Holland BPW to try and get a tour of the new power plant.   

	Field Day 2016:
		HARC placed eighth nationwide in the 6A class.

New Business:
	
	Repeater:
		Dave WA8RSA: 10-15 years ago, we had Internet access at the Holland Hospital station.  Holland Hospital may be able to have new cable installed for $791 if HARC supplies half of the cost ($395.50).  Tom, K8TB: motion to provide $400 towards the project.  Motion passed.

	New Hams Dinner:
		Tom K8TB: MARA will be sponsoring the next New Hams Dinner on 2/3/2018 at 2pm at the Pizza Ranch on 28th & East Paris.  Pizza buffet and other items $11.98 per person.  We have two rooms reserved 2-4 pm.  Requesting a $30 per club donation to cover prizes.  Motion passed.

	HARC Holiday (a.k.a. Post-Festivus) Dinner:
		Tentatively will be held on January 15th at Golden Corral in Holland.  A note will be posted to the reflector with details.

	Club officer elections will be next month.  Please direct nominations to Kim N8KAL@arrl.net or Dave WA8RSA@arrl.net.

The business meeting was adjourned at 8:49 pm.	
	
Submitted:
Todd Boss, W8YHF filling in for Josh Barnes, KE8DXB
Holland ARC Secretary
secretary@hollandarc.org

Please contact the Secretary with comments or corrections.