MEETING TO ORDER:

    President George WBØCNK called to order the February 2024  business meeting of the SFTARC at 07:45 AM CST. A total of 27 members attended, 19 joining in person at the Gardner Perkins and 8 joining via Zoom. There was one guest.

SECRETARY-TREASURER REPORT: 

    Marty KEØPEZ reported the current bank balance, the expenditures, and the receipts for the past month. The major expenditures were for trailer registration and a donation to the Salvation Army. He reported that a total of 126 QSOs were made during the KS Day operating event. Unfortunately, snow, ice, and slush prevented the club from operating at the SAF in Edgerton. Operators were Marty and Del KØDDS (30 SSB QSOs), Howard NØAZ (42 FT8 QSOs), and Larry KDØRIU (54 FT8 QSOs).

OTHER BUSINESS:

ENSORFEST

     Marty outlined the plan for the 2024 Ensorfest. There will be a variety of vehicles on display, bluegrass music, food truck, BioBlitz, and other activities. The Ensor farmhouse will be open for tours. Del moved that the club be an official sponsor of Ensorfest and provide liability coverage for the event. Rex seconded the motion. Following discussion, a vote was called. The motion passed unanimously.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

     President George described the need for a Membership Committee for our club. The purpose of the proposed committee would be to communicate with club members and to make sure that the SFTARC website member data is accurate. Joe KRØUT moved to create such a committee. Tom moved to amend the motion. Rob KØRAR seconded the amended motion. The motion was passed unanimously. George appointed Jason KFØISL and Marty to this committee with Jason as Chair. 

Repeater Update

     Jim KØNK reported that he has not heard from Olathe City officials, who we were going to meet late in January to discuss possible repeater sites.

Tech Night Program

     Howard will give the February Tech Night program on digital modes, from CW to SSTV to FT8 to FLDigi. Please contact any club officer if you would like to suggest a topic or theme for future Tech Night presentations.

2024 Ham Classes

      The CW Class attendance is variable, from 6-12, depending on weather. Classes are starting with a presentation to all students and then breaking up into small groups. Students are having fun. The Tech Class, taught via video conference by Rob, is going well. Although our club will not offer a license exam, there will be a number of testing opportunities available in the KC area after they complete the course. 

SFTARC Website

    Greg KIØKK urged members to post announcements of operating events to the club calendar with plenty of lead time. George will create a system for reminding us to post these announcements. Jim KØNK also reminded members to post club events to QST in sufficient time for them to appear on the QST calendar and in QST.

Club Merchandise

     Howard gave a status update of the merchandise order. Items will be embroidered by Deborah N2LZN. So far the order is for 10 shirts and some hats. If you are interested, there is still time to order. Please check availability at the SFTARC website and then send an email to Howard specifying the items and sizes that you would like to order. A tactical shirt was on display. The orange shirt has no pocket. Brands are Cornerstone, Port Authority, and one more. In a couple of weeks, Howard will notify the people who placed an order and submit the order to Deborah. Greg will push an announcement to website banner and then turn it off when the ordering period of over.

TALLGRASS POTA EVENT

     Jim KØNK will work out a date with ranger Heather, who is always pleased to have SFTARC hold this operating event at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve near Strong City. We will avoid May 11 and May 18.

HAMVENTION

     A group of members will leave Wednesday, May 15, at 8 AM to travel to Xenia, Ohio, to attend Hamvention. Joe KRØUT described the 2 1/2 day event. There is a lot to do, including the Air Force Museum and the VOA Bethany Museum. Accommodations have already been booked, and there is room for one more. Members share costs of travel and group accommodations. If you are interested in joining the group that is going, please contact a club officer. 

APPRECIATION

     George thanked Joe for donating straight keys to the club. These were sold to students in the CW class. He thanked Noel KF0DVQ for donating a soldering station to the club. If you need a soldering station (HK-109), please contact a club officer.

ADJOURN:

     President George adjourned the meeting at 8:27 AM.