The meeting was called to order at 18:30
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)
- N4GD – Dee (Board Member/Repeater Maintenance Manager)
- KI4UIP – John (Board Member)
- KA4IOX – Paul (Events Coordinator)
- AAØO – Pat (President Emeritus)
- AA2MF – Richie (Past President)
- KZØJ – Nic (Board Member)
Lou, KB4DSL was in attendance (via telephone) as well.
This special Board Meeting was called to discuss the move from DMI and go over the associated action items.
Tom (NY4I) reported that the club was offered PODS Storage for two months free of charge.
Because of the SSB Contest on 11/15 – 11/16, the shack cannot be dismantled at this time, but some antenna work can commence.
Locations for a new meeting place and storage were discussed.
Nic, KZØJ made comments regarding a location to store the tower.
Additionally, some preliminary logistics for the takedown of the tower were discussed as well (removal, transfer, Storage, etc.)
The club was contacted about the Red Cross location (4th St./9th Ave. in St. Petersburg), which was one of the club’s former locations.
- The second floor at the Red Cross building.
- Questions about accessibility
- Duration of residency (lease/month-to-month)
- Board members will evaluate expectations
The Wyoming Antelope Club is a second possible location.
- Has kitchen facilities, bathroom facilities, etc.
- Bathroom facilities are very important.
- Plenty of land (ok to build on)
- Close to Clearwater/St. Pete Airport (PIE)
Sound proofing would also be important, as this location is an active firearms range.
Also got offers from TARC – Tom, NY4I doesn’t think it is a viable option. This would be a temporary arrangement and used only for meetings.
Other Possible Venues were mentioned, including:
- Fireman’s Hall (meetings only) in St. Pete
- Clearwater Fire Academy (meetings only)
- Suncoast Church – follow with Orin, KG1S -The station needs to be dismantled – possibly provide food & drinks during this event.-Last contest at DMI is slated for November 2025-Moving expenses are projected to be less than $1000
Teardown of shack & antennas – will contact Ed, NZ1Q for the antenna team
- December will be the last meeting held at the DMI location
- Will make arrangements for the board to visit the Wyoming Antelope Club and Red Cross sites
SPARC Fest – November 8, 2025. Other points that were discussed included:
- New banner with SPARC’s new logo was bought up, but tabled for another time
- Logistics involving movement of the items that SPARC has for sale from DMI to SPARC Fest was discussed
The Special Executive Board Meeting was adjourned at 19:34
73’s
Respectfully Submitted,
Bruce H. Solov, K2BHS