ANNUAL MEETING
10 APRIL 1999
Seneca Stake Center - Germantown, MD
Sometime around 12 noon, people began to gather for lunch. More food than was good for us appeared and if anyone went hungry, it was entirely his or her own fault! The meal changed into the more formal meeting when the tables were cleared and the chairs set out.
At the request of our President, Dick, NG2R, Chic, WA2USI, gave an opening prayer. Dick then welcomed the thirteen present.
Dave, VE1VQ, gave the state of the finances in the treasurer's report and as secretary also gave the secretary's report.
From left to right - Dave, VE1VQ, Dick, NG2R, and Dan, AA3LS
The net manager's report was given in the absence of Art, W1OND. Discussion followed regarding the M.A.R.A. Northeast net and the B.C.S. (Bishop's Central Storehouse) net. Many of those present were both a member of M.A.R.A. and of E.R.R.S. (Emergency Radio Response System) . It was generally felt that E.R.R.S. headed by Salt Lake would be ineffective in the event of an emergency (unless in the immediate area of a B.C.S.) because of the lack of guidance, training and leadership from headquarters.
Some of the points raised in the discussion about the M.A.R.A. net were -
Everyone who regularly calls in should have the opportunity to be net control of the M.A.R.A. Northeast net.
We have moved down in frequency to give the A.M. operators more room. If they interfere with us on 3.8725 MHz we should be prepared to work through the interference.
We need more message and information passing and more emergency training.
Members of M.A.R.A. are encouraged to be (or become) members of RACES/ARES or other emergency organizations to make it easier to move about in emergency areas and situations where movement may be restricted.
Discussion regarding the newsletter was held. The feeling of the members present was that Jeff (KD1WZ) was doing an excellent job but that he could use more help from the members in the way of articles. Several members indicated that they had promised something for the newsletter but had not followed through.
There was also some discussion about placing the newsletter on the internet web page. This has been considered. Mike (KN4EE) has offered to perform the necessary conversion to .pdf (adobe acrobat) files.
Stan, W3INK, and Shirrel, N3DIX, looking for the rare one!
The two year terms of Barry, N2PCT, and Dave, VE1VQ, as directors have expired. Dave explained that he had sufficient to do as Secretary/Treasurer and would not be re-offering.
Dick called for nominations for the two open positions.
Those nominated from the floor were:
Diana Taggart, KE3IU
Barry Smith, N2PCT
Stan Staten, W3INK
Dick called for further nominations and receiving none made a motion that nominations cease. This was seconded by Dan, AA3LS, vice president. This motion was carried.
Two ballots were passed to those present and each individual voted for two out of the three. When the ballots were counted, Diana and Barry were found to have the majority of votes and were declared to be elected. They will each serve for a six-year term.
The existing directors are Jeff, KD1WZ, and Hal, W4VC, who have four years left in their terms, and Chic, WA2USI, and Rulon, KA7BCD, who have two years remaining.
It was moved by Diana, KE3IU, and seconded by Chic, WA2USI that Dan, AA3LS, continue as Vice-President for another two years. No other nominations were received. Motion carried.
It was moved by Hal, W4VC, and seconded by Diana, KE3IU, that Dave, VE1VQ, continue as Secretary for another two years. No other nominations were received. Motion carried.
It was moved by Chic, WA2USI, and seconded by Diana, KE3IU, that Dave, VE1VQ, continue as Treasurer for another two years. No other nominations were received. Motion carried.
Linda (wife of AA3LS) and Barry, N2PCT having a technical discussion about the food while Diana, KE3IU, keeps a watchful eye on Bob, K8RYA, in the kitchen. To Linda's left is Les Snyder (Barry's son-in-law) and Dennis, KB3DFW.
Dave, VE1VQ, moved that dues be lowered from $10 per year to $5 per year effective this year (1999). This was seconded by Chic, WA2USI. Motion carried.
It was decided that next year's M.A.R.A. meeting be held in Allentown, PA, on the 15th of April.
An informal discussion about emergency power and preparedness followed. Various storms occurring in the past few years and their aftermath were talked about. Generators of various fuel types - gas, diesel and propane were discussed. Methods of connection of the generator to the house were discussed - some safe and some not! Reasons for having an emergency power source - short term vs. long term. How much fuel could be stored - safely and legally (state, local & insurance) - and for how long before deterioration set in.
Around 4 p.m. the meeting broke up with a motion to adjourn by Chic, WA2USI.
On behalf of the executive and the board of directors, I would like to thank all those who attended and all those who brought food and drink. What would a LDS meeting be without food!
Respectfully submitted,
Dave - VE1VQ - Sec/Treas. M.A.R.A Northeast
Photos, thanks to Mark, N3TEL
