The meeting was called to order at 14:00
The club officers and board members in attendance were:
- NY4I – Tom (President)
- AB4YI – Carol (Vice President) (via phone)
- W7WMS – Will (Treasurer)
- K2BHS – Bruce (Secretary/Newsletter Editor)
- KR4U – Dave (Club Station W4GAC Trustee)
- KI4UIP – John (Board Member)
- KA4IOX – Paul (Events Coordinator)
- KO4CEE – Alex (Repeater Trustee)
- AAØO – Pat (President Emeritus)
- KZØJ – Nic (Board Member)
Members in attendance were Lou – KB4DSL, Hal – W1EES, Felax – KI4TWQ
The After Holiday Party is scheduled for Sunday, 2/22/26 @ 14:00 at Kristina’s Café in St. Petersburg.
Tom – NY4I had some comments about the meeting space at the Wyoming Antelope Club. These included:
- Take down the tables in the classroom
- The boxes of folding chairs are not enough. He will discuss this further with Marty, W4AFP.
- Rearrange chairs to maximize capacity
Coffee-change the amount of coffee brewed, based on prior consumption. Also, it needs to be decided whether the club will make coffee or just buy it. Tom further mentioned that he has all the supplies to make coffee. This issue has been tabled for a future time.
Marty, W4AFP was asked about a contract re: tenure, being entered into with WAC. Carol, AB4YI mentioned that a shack will not be constructed until there is a contract.
VE Testing-Pat, AAØO mentioned that he needs VE turnout for future sessions. The last session had four candidates, three of which were successful.
Future Presentations/Programs:
- February 2026 – Homebrew Night
- March 2026 – TBD
- April 2026 – TBD
- May 2026 – Mobile Installations
- June 2026 – ARRL Field Day 2026
Station Planning:
Dave, KR4U-mentioned that he would get together a group of volunteers to work on the station. He further mentioned that the Board will make the decision on what trailers will be used. Wally Watt (12×20) is $7900 and will fit through the gates. For onsite assembly there will be an additional cost of $1500-$2000. The projected turnaround time is approximately two months.
Carol, AB4YI-mentioned that storage will still be needed after the donation expires. Put up a vote to either the membership or the board.
Paul, KA4IOX-mentioned the Wally Watt is a viable solution. He further discussed the station layout. He will survey the club to determine what the club wants the station to be (e.g. onsite, remote, etc.).
Bruce, K2BHS-suggested the station be opened once a month for just those who just wish to come and operate (when there are no events). There are members that do not have substantial stations at their home QTH. It would start out as once per month and would build on that depending on turnout.
Dave, KR4U-suggested getting a commitment of the amount of people that are willing to come and use the station. Tom, NY4I cited that consistency is important.
The board was not ready to approve at this time, citing additional feedback would be needed.
A decision also needs to be made on the antenna height-looking at 75 feet
- 72’ Tower (will need permission from the FCC/FAA)
- Tower heaight 75’ plus the mast at 10’ for a total height of 85 feet.
- In addition, building a 160 meter loop on the poles.
Paul, KA4IOX-suggested that the survey should also be available on the club website
A Motion to have a survey on how the station is used (subject to the board agreeing with the members). Bruce – K2BHS motioned and Carol – AB4YI seconded. The motion passed.
VEs – Ok, per Pat, AAØO
Refreshments – Felax, KI4TWQ
Nominations Committee Chair – Hal, W1EES
Dee, N4GD-mentioned his possible departure as the Repeater Committee Chair
Alex, KO4CEE-reported a problem with the controller at the repeater. A spare controller is available, Alex will swap that out. He also cited a possible cable issue as well.
Financial Audit Committee is being formed and three people are needed for this committee.
Will, W7WMS-reported that he filed for 501c (3) status. The club has been a 501c (7) club since 1962. The main difference is:
- 501c (7) => if the organization dissolves, members retain the proceeds
- 501c (3) => if the organization dissolves, the proceeds need to be given to another 501c (3) organization.
Also, if SPARC was to become a 501c (3) organization, any donations made to the club are rendered tax deductible as well as mileage to SPARC events. More filing would be required with both the IRS and the Florida Department of Agriculture. SPARC is an incorporated entity. This would require board/membership approval. Additionally, there would be an exemption from sales tax as a 501c (3) and Slack would be available to the club at no cost.
A motion was made to fix the name change to the IRS as SPARC. Will – W7WMS motioned and Carol – AB4YI seconded. The motion passed.
It was also mentioned that meetings can take place either in-person or electronically (via Zoom)
Other items regarding the club station were discussed including, but not limited to:
- Need to approve up to $8000 to purchase the shell
- Can finish for less than $15,000 with the help of the club members.
- There are enough club members that are skilled at different things.
- Need a better estimate on build out costs.
- Factor in tower installation costs, approximately $3000 +/-. That will need to be determined in a separate motion.
- Also factor in any costs to file the appropriate documents with the FCC & FAA.
The Executive Board Meeting was adjourned at 15:58
73’s
Respectfully Submitted,
Bruce H. Solov, K2BHS