6:10 PM, 2nd Wednesday Held at: 107 Civic Plaza Drive, Taos NM 87571
Potluck started at 5:30pm. Thanks to everybody for bringing food
Meeting Began at 6:17 with Donovan (K2AH) presiding
All members Present signed in
Guest and Member Introduction with 14 members and one guest present. Donovan (K2AH) explained the reason for the introduction process for the Guest present. A discussion was had concerning personalized license plates.
Approval of September 10, 2025, meeting’s minutes. No questions were brought up and the Motion to approve of was made by Keith (K5FS) and seconded by David (K5FTVE).
The motion to Approve the agenda for tonight’s meeting was made by Greg (KF5TTO) and seconded by Tim (W5TNM) with no additions or adjustments.
Treasurer's Report - Ed (KF5EIG) and Donovan (K2AH):
a. September Deposits - $80.00 Membership dues & FCC License Test Fees.
b. September Expenses - $2,179.97 KCEC Internet & Electric, ARRL Insurance, EchoLink Node H/W, ARRL FCC License Fees, Food for Volunteers. Echo link is operational, with update by Ed (KF5EIG) planned for later in the meeting. Donovan (K2AH) explained the pass-through nature of the fees collected and paid to the ARRL for testing.
c. September Ending Balance - $14,800.49 which will increase with the recent receipt of the Town of Taos Check just received for 4,000.00 dollars and the expected check for 1000.00 for the summer event participation by the club.
d. A brief discussion was had concerning concert events, radios, hearing aids and radio earpieces with the extreme loudness of concerts. An explanation of the Club role in supporting Town events was made for the guest present, listing past events and upcoming events.
e. Financials posted on the Shack bulletin Board, and questions can be directed to Ed (KF5EIG) who updated the membership on the total cost of the Echo Link rebuild coming in at approximately 800.00 dollars, well under the approved budget.
f. A motion to approve the Treasurer’s report was made by David (KJ5DFQ) and seconded by Mike (NM5MK)
President’s remarks (K2AH):
a. This is the annual meeting scheduled (by bylaws) for the nomination of new Club Officer’s, with the election happening at the scheduled November meeting. Greg (KF5TTO) has requested to not be on the ballot for the Office of Vice President. A request was made for anyone interested in contacting him, or for any other members to seek nomination or be nominated. The floor was opened up for nominations for all other officers. David (KF5TVE) requested clarification regarding the terms of office for officers. A discussion was held regarding the rules and process. Tim (W5TNM) nominated all present officers, who are all eligible for a second term. David (KJ5DFQ) seconded the motion. Donovan (K2AH) explained the number of officers and board positions, trustee etc. and how they are nominated or selected. He also indicated that he would be reaching out to members personally for interest in the Vice President role and would update the membership via email.
b. The next testing for Licensing will be held on November 8th, 2025, at 10:00 am. An email will be sent out for VE’s for the test. An explanation was made about the testing and VE process for the guest present, as well as the possibility of the number of people who could show up for the test. Tim (W5TNM) indicated that he would not be present for this test process. An explanation was made concerning the ARRL doing away with paper exams, and all needing to be done electronically.
c. The Event debrief for the past immediate town events was made. The Paseo Project went well, except for the rain on the first night. The second night was extremely busy. The concert on September 27th went well, with 5 members attending. Thanks to Ed (K5EIG) for leading this event. Ed (K5EIG) explained the sewer line break near the end of the event, and the role played by the TARC members present, as well as the Town response.
New Business:
a. Donovan (K2AH) listed all of the current officers and Board members. The current officers are (4) Donovan, K2AH (Pres), Greg, KF5TTO (VP), Craig, KI5HKU (Secretary), and Ed, KF5EIG (Treasurer). The current Board members are (5): Tim, W5TNM (Immediate-Past Pres), Brian (Trustee) multi-term, Keith, K5FS (Grants), David, KJ5DFQ (STEM) and Darien, NM5DF (Events/Maintenance).
b. Ed (KF5EIG) gave update of the Echo Link node. The router connection was made at the last meeting. He indicated that most of the work was done by him, with initial help by other members. He mostly had to program software, with the addition of the sound card requiring hardware installation. Brian (NB5R) handled the router connections and programming. He noted that Mike (KI6KGC) suggested getting a programmable power strip which did work, but there are issues with the various components restarting after an outage. Mike (NM5MK) explained the UPS boxes that we already have in the shack, and how they could be implemented, with an explanation of how the work and issues we may have. A discussion was held regarding back-up power and options, and remote desktop possibilities. Testing will be needed for the node from members use. He indicated that the node is currently working correctly. A discussion was held regarding how it works and how folks can use the system. Craig (KI5HKU) requested help in contacting a long time out of state Echo Link user who routinely participates in monthly nets. A suggestion of sending a QSL card might be helpful. Donovan (K2AH) indicated that he would be updating the club web page with Echo Link Information. An explanation of how Echo Link works was made for the Guest present.
c. A request for a discussion of the upcoming Christmas party has held. It was decided to hold the Party at the club location on December 14, 2025, with the possibility of using the adjoining vacant space in the building. Donovan (K2AH) indicated that the Town of Taos GIS department may eventually move into this vacant space.
Old Business:
a) Donovan (K2AH) requested a discussion for Swag ideas for membership event participation at Town events. Mike (NM5MK) suggested mugs with club logos. Ed (KF5EIG) indicated that he would explore the possibility of mugs, with Mikes help.
b) No ARES Updates as respective responsible member was not present.
c) Grants Update. Grant Board member Keith (K5FS) explained that there was no current activity on the Grant situation for the club.
Repeater update:
a) There was no repeater update by Brian (NB5R) as he left early, but Donovan (K2AH) was able to update the members about the Moly Corp / Red River repeater relocation, and the excessive cost that would have to be incurred for the application process with landowner, and the possibility of running power to the site. This avenue will probably have to be abandoned due to costs, but we do need to explore alternatives for getting a site operational in this area in or around Red River.
There was no technical presentation scheduled for meeting.
Dan (KI5IPT) made an announcement for the upcoming “No Kings Day” protest to be held in Taos on October 18, 2025, requesting volunteers from the Taos Amateur Radio Club to assist with the event that has a simultaneous around the country events. He indicated that he thought this was a public safety event due to the Town Police support, and not a political event. He explained his conversation with the Town Police Chief where the Chief explained that he could not formally request TARC involvement due to the event being a grassroots/self-organized event with no permit from the Town. He explained the pre-briefing process, protestor rights etc., with a list of local organizations supporting the event. He also indicated the participation to be in excess of 1500 participants. He requested a discussion with the club pertaining to club support with people and equipment (radios, vests & pre-briefing etc.). No club members would be allowed to carry signs. He was looking for feedback on supporting this public safety event.
Donovan (K2AH) made remarks of his personal opinion on the event and club participation. He clarified that the club is apolitical and that he thought this was a political event. He felt that even if this was a Public Safety Event, TARC members are not trained in Public Safety protocols. He indicated that members who which to participate are welcome to do so, without official Club sanctioning and without club issued equipment. He emphasized the wish for the club to be seen as apolitical, focusing on town events such as concerts, parades and similar community events. Public Safety events attended by Taos Police require specific training as Paid Public Safety Officers for events that could get out of hand, and he felt that it would be inappropriate to place club members in that position. He reiterated that members should attend if they wish to do so, without Club vests or radios. As club members do have personal radios, they could work with the Police department in that capacity. Greg (KF5TTO) mentioned that he felt this event was outside the scope of our normal role with Town Events, with members typically not having to make direct contact with event participants, acting solely as eyes for the Town, not contacting event participants. Another member noted that we sometimes provide “crossing guard” type support for Town Events, but this event being an ad-hoc event was different. A question arose asking as to why the event did not have a permit from the Town. The clarification was that this was not an organized event. No further discussion was had, nor any motion from any in attendance.
A brief discussion was had concerning the upcoming Homecoming Parade with a tally of members who would try and attend. Donovan (K2AH) explained the location of pre-briefing and time being held at noon on Friday, with an email coming out. He explained the parade route and our role. The parade would begin at 1:00 pm, with roads being blocked off.
A thank-you card for a former club member who is now a silent key was passed around for signature. The Widow of this member did donate equipment to the club.
The motion to close the business meeting was made by Ed (KF5EIG) and seconded by Greg (KF5TTO).
