Welcome to the MARC Newsletter a publication of the Michigan Area Repeater Council. This news letter is published quarterly in conjunction with the quarterly business meetings. If you prefer a columnized version of this newsletter click here for the wide version.

President’s Update:

Many new coordinations have been issued since September, but there is still a good size backlog on applications. I have to ask any applicants to be patient, as it is often a long process to issue a coordination. Unfortunately, some applications are in locations that there is just nothing available. Any applicants can ask for an update on their application. MARC coordinators will let you know the progress on the request or where you are in order of waiting applications.

I have to offer a gigantic thanks to Dave, WD8DJB, our database manager and treasurer. The MARC database is very large and consistently being updated. Every application, update and change on a coordination is checked and entered into the database by Dave. In addition, Dave is updating the programming to make the database more easily updated, and soon will able to be updated by the other coordinators. Dan, N8WKM, our vice president, coordinator and newsletter editor also works on MARC programming that involves the database and is essential in coordination work. The time involved in these projects is extensive, considering that this job is a volunteer effort and one of those that are often overlooked and undervalued. Our other volunteers are also to be commended. It takes time, and often much effort to do the coordinations and the coordination conformance jobs that make everything work. Thanks again, for all the efforts you volunteered to the ham radio community in 2018.

73, Phil W8IC

Electronic Meeting Information:

The December 1, meeting is an Electronic Meeting at 1:00pm!

PHONE BRIDGE ONLY:

Use this ONLY if you are only using the phone.
Dial In Number:    641-715-0663
Access Code:      384775#
   1. Dial into bridge using Dial In Number
   2. Enter Event ID
   3. If the meeting organizer is already present,
        you'll be connected. If not, you'll be
        placed on hold until the organizer appears.

WEBMEETING & Phone Bridge:

Using your web browser

   1. Activate your Web Browser
   2. Go To https://join.freeconferencecall.com/marc-meeting
   3. Enter your name and email address
   4. Click the phone icon, you will have a choice to
        select using a telephone or your computer for
        audio if you have speakers and mic.
   5. If you select computer you should connect.
   6. If selecting telephone you will be presented with a number
        to dial and an access code.
   7. When prompted enter the access code followed by the # symbol.
   8. Once the audio connects you will need to press # once again
        and enter the synch code followed by the # symbol.
   9. You should now be connected.
       

Participation in the webmeeting is only needed for things like slideshow presentations, or use of a whiteboard where someone may need to do an illistration. It also allows us the opportunity to display the actual text of a motion for everyone to read. If you are unable to participate in the webmeeting you may still join in on the phone bridge from wherever you are.

MARC Meeting Minutes

Date: Sept 8, 2018
This meeting took place at Delta Township Fire Department near Lansing.

Officers:

President: Phil Manor, W8IC
Vice President: Dan Thompson, N8WKM
Secretary: Ann Manor, KT8F
Treasurer: Dave Johnson, WD8DJB
*Director: Jim Kvochick, K8JK
Director: Jeff Oberg, KB8SXK
Coordinator: Dan Thompson, N8WKM
Coordinator: Phil Manor, W8IC
Coordinator: Jeff Oberg, KB8SXK
Coordinator: Bob Walchli, N8ZCC
Database Manager: Dave Johnson, WD8DJB
Newsletter Editor: Dan Thompson, N8WKM

*Indicates Absent:
Visitors: None


Note: call signs of board members are not repeated in the minutes as they are listed above.

Meeting called to order by Phil at: 1:00 PM.

The minutes from the June 2, 2018 were read by the secretary.
Motion to approve minutes from the June meeting was made by Jeff, seconded by Dave, vote taken, minutes approved.
Treasurer’s report provided by Dave.
Motion to approve the report was made by Jeff, seconded by Dan, vote taken, treasurers report approved.

Old Business:

Dave brought up a discussion re: cloud storage and back-up drives for MARC files.

Elections: Opened.
Meeting turned over to Dan for elections. No new candidates applied. Dave made a motion to have the secretary cast a single unanimous ballot for the incumbent positions of President, Secretary, and Director
Pres: Phil Manor, W8IC;
Secretary: Ann Manor, KT8F;
Director: Jeff Oberg, KB8SXK.
Seconded by Dan. Motion passed.

Dan spoke about leadership changes at the ARRL.

Bob stated that sending certified letters notifying repeater owners that they are lapsed and soon to be de-coordinated is expensive at about $6.00 per letter. Certified mail doesn't seem effective for MARC as the letter is often returned unsigned. Registered mail offers tracking with delivery to the address confirmed at a cost of $3.00.
Motion to amend the bylaws under the Dog made by Bob, Replace the word “certified” with the word “registered” in the bylaws. Discussion. Seconded by Dan. Motion passed. The motion will be included in the December newsletter in order that the bylaw amendment can be voted on in December per DOG guidelines.

Motion to amend the bylaws under the Dog made by Bob to change the mailing of delinquency letters from registered mail to tracking. Seconded by Dan, Motion to be voted on at the December meeting.

Phil brought up the discussion about providing free membership to the Board members, due to their time and personal expenses. The consensus was that the board declined free membership fees.

Motion to amend the bylaws under the Dog made by Bob to change the mailing of delinquency letters from registered mail to tracking. Seconded by Dan, Motion to be voted on at the December meeting.

New Business:

Phil read a letter from the Wisconsin coordinator President. It was determined that MARC will not recognize the newly started coordination group and will continue to work with WAR, as it is the recognized coordinating body for Wisconsin.

Phil reported on a request for a 10 meter repeater coordination request from Indiana. Discussion and conclusion. MARC does not recommend a split channel on 10 meters, but will not object as our repeater is beyond 100 miles.

The old MARC computer was passed on to Phil for MARC use, as the new MARC laptop is working well for Dave.

Adjournment:

Motion to adjourn made by Jeff, seconded by Dan, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 2:04 PM.

Note: The next meeting will be conducted electronically on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 1:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Manor, KT8F, Recording Secretary

Treasurer's Report
For the Period: 08/31/2018 to 11/30/2018

MARC Funds balance on 08/31/2018 was $ 3,943.11

Income for September, October and November was $ 72.28 from dues and interest.
Expenses for September, October and November were $ 268.37 Domain Name Renewal 2yrs,
Site5 website hosting 1 yr, 2GB backup drive, mouse, laptop carry bag and PayPal fees.

MARC Funds balance on 11/30/2018 was $ 3,747.02

Respectfully Submitted,
Dave Johnson, WD8DJB
MARC Treasurer

Supporting Detail

MARC Funds as of 08/31/2018