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 standard version.

President’s Update:

The September meeting which is normally held in Delta Township (Lansing) is changed to an online meeting. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the training room at Delta Township Fire Department is not available. The safe way to meet during this time is to continue online meetings. Instruction to connect to the meeting can be found in this newsletter.

Keep safe and keep MARC updated on your repeater coordination. MARC can only keep repeaters operating in a coordinated way with up to date and accurate data. I have six active 440 requests, three active 2 meter requests and four on my 2 meter list for a pair to become available in their area.

73, Phil W8IC

Electronic Meeting Information:

The September 12, meeting is an Electronic Meeting at 1:00pm!

PHONE BRIDGE ONLY:

Use this ONLY if you are only using the phone.
Dial In Number:    712-770-4819
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.

Vice President Writes

This year 2020 has brought us all new challenges, the world we live in has changed. For as long as I can remember, MARC has used the Delta Township Fire Training Room for our annual meeting and election. This year we are told that with the current restrictions, we will not be able to use that facility to hold our meeting.

For the past several years, for the sake of time and the cost of travel, MARC has moved our other regular quarterly meetings to an electronic format. This change has worked well for us and is how we will continue to hold our meetings for the foreseeable future. Due to the current situation, Phil W8IC, has been forced like many others to make use of an executive decision. After our recent conversation, the decision has been made to hold this years annual meeting electronically. Instructions for connecting to this meeting are here in the newsletter.

This meeting would normally be our annual election, however the election is being postponed until the December meeting. We will be discussing some changes that need to be made to the By-laws, that were created long before consideration was made for a situation such as we are experiencing now.

We also find ourselves in need of more people to help. Since Dave WD8DJB, resigned, his workload has been spread among several people. Jeff KB8SXK, has tried to take on the job of Treasurer, but finds himself struggling to be able to do that job. In other words, we are still looking for a Treasurer that can manage our accounts. If you have skills in this area, or are at least willing to learn MARC specific work, we would be more than happy to hear from you.

Dan N8WKM
MARC Vice President

MARC Meeting Minutes

Date: June 6, 2020
This meeting took place via internet and phone connection.

Officers:

President: Phil Manor, W8IC
Vice President: Dan Thompson, N8WKM
Secretary: Ann Manor, KT8F
Treasurer: Jeff Oberg, KB8SXK
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: Dan Thompson, N8WKM
Newsletter Editor: Dan Thompson, N8WKM

Absent: Indicated by * above
Visitors: Rick, KR8T, Corwin, WB8UPM Jeff KB8SWR


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

Meeting called to order by Phil at 1:01 PM

Minutes of the last meeting were read by Ann.
A motion to approve minutes from the March meeting was made by Jeff, seconded by Bob, vote taken, minutes approved.

Treasurer’s report provided by Jeff.
A motion to approve the report was made by Dan, seconded by Ann, vote taken, Motion passed.
Dan suggested an audit should be done prior to the next meeting. Jeff indicated that he would do financial monthly reports for the audit.Jim, and Bob will conduct the audit.

Old Business:

Fred ,W8FSM, sponsor for numerous repeaters is not responding to MARC requests to renew delinquint repeaters. MARC will hold any new coordination activity until he responds.

Discussion re: Fred, W8FSM's repeater coordinations. No TDS's have been received on his overdue coordinations lately. MARC will wait until Fred catches up on his TDS renewals before working on any of Fred”s new coordination applications.

Discussed providing a sample spreadsheet to Fred W8FSM. A spreadsheet has been used by the W8IRA system. Every 2 years or less, the spreadsheet is corrected as needed, and then sent to MARC. This verifies that the data is correct per the repeater trustee. Dan will send Fred a sample spreadsheet, and Dan will then copy to the Board any MARC corrrespondence provided to Fred for the boards review and input.

Phil will be working on a resolution to be added to the bylaws, which would provide a spreadsheet reporting system for trustees of larger systems.

Corwin stated that his old repeater was taken out by lightning, and he will be replacing it soon. Additional time is allowed with the Corona virus currently delaying some of the ongoing repeater projects.

New Business:

None:

Adjournment:

Motion to adjourn made by Jeff, seconded by Bob, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 1:55 PM.

The next meeting will be conducted electronically on Saturday, September 12, 2020, at 1:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Manor, KT8F, Recording Secretary

Treasurer's Report
For the Period: 04/30/2020 - 07/31/2020

MARC Funds balance on 05/30/2020 was $ 3,644.45

Income for May through June 2020 was $ 96.90 from dues and interest.
Expenses for May through June 2020 were $ 0.00 for PayPal fees.

MARC Funds balance on 08/31/2020 was $ 3,741.35

Respectfully Submitted,
Dan Thompson, N8WKM
MARC Vice President

Supporting Detail

MARC Funds as of 04/30/2020