Held at: 107 Civic Plaza Drive, Taos NM 87571
Potluck started at 5:30pm. Thanks to everybody for bringing food.
Sign in. The meeting began at 6:15 with Donovan (K2AH) presiding
Guest and member introduction with 21 members attending in person.
Approval of May 14, 2025, meeting minutes. Motion was made to approve by Mickey (N5TSV) and seconded by John (W5JHW)
Approval of the Agenda, motion by Mike (KI6KGC) and seconded by Greg (KF5TTO)
Treasurer's Report by Donovan(K2AH): May Deposits of $108.68, consisting of Membership Dues, Kroger Rewards etc. May Expenses of $456.84, consisting of KCEC Internet, SAM Electric, Snacks, ARRL Manuals for the licensing class with a May Ending Balance - $16,452.01. Any questions about the treasurer’s report should be directed to Ed (KF5EIG) who indicated posting the information on the club bulletin board.
President’s Remarks:
a) June will be a busy month, with 2 sets of Town Concerts scheduled on June 21 and 22. The 21st concert will be Allison Krause with Lake Street Dive scheduled for the 22nd. Both are in Kit Carson Park with the gates opening between 5:30 and 6:00 pm. The meeting time at OPD will be around 4:30 for food and the handing out of radios, vests and other equipment. Ending event time of approximately 10:00 pm. We do not do security work, operating as eyes, ears and radios to assist security and the Town of Taos Police. All situations are relayed to TARC who will relay to the appropriate authority.
b) The second concert events will be July 4th, 5th and 6th with Junior Brown, Charlie Crockett and Rober Earl Keen. A discussion was had concerning wrist band colors and process, with Donovan (K2AH) indicating that he would discuss it with Valerie of the Town.
c) June 28th, 2025 will be the ARRL Field Day Event, with the club setting up at Kit Carson Park at 8:00 am at the covered pavilion, continuing until 2:00 pm. All members, friends and family are invited to attend. Primary food will be supplied by TARC, with attendees encouraged to bring food, water etc. Notices will be sent to Town and County elected officials for attendance if they wish, to showcase TARC capabilities.
New Business:
a) FCC licensing test to be conducted Saturday June 14th, as a follow on to the classes conducted by Tim (W5TNM) and David (KJ5DFQ) during the month of May. Tim (W5TNM) updated the club with the class situation. 24 people indicated wanting to take the class, 20 attended the 1st class, with 14 attending the second class. Five people are confirmed for the Saturday test. Test VE’s are scheduled to be present. A discussion was had about the studying portion, with Tim (W5TNM) suggesting using hamstudy.org. Donovan (K2AH) noted that the test was open for folks wanting to stop by and see how the testing is conducted. He indicated that the club holds tests 3-4 times a year. He further explained how folks should set up an account on hamstudy.org to take practice exams, scoring and deficiencies, as well as how the process works with exams. Tim (W5TNM) explained the fee structure for the tests. A discussion was had about taking multiple tests in one session. Tim (W5TNM) updated the membership on the middle school testing. David (KJ5DFQ) who is a teacher at the school is mentoring 5 or 6 students as part of the STEM process. Students have no fees for the licensing process, and TARC will reward them with radios for passing the exam.
Old Business:
a) Grants Update by Keith (KF5FS). No status report as all Grant folks appear to be off for the summer vacation period. Keith (KF5FS) is working closely with the Arroyo Del Norte school under the grant scope.
b) No Social media updates from Darian (NM5DF).
c) No ARES or repeater updates, as Brian (NB5R) was not present. Donovan (K2AH) updated the situation with relocating with KTAO. He also indicated having discussions with the Forest Service about upgrading to a taller tower on Picuris Peak. Tim (W5TNM) clarified the tower and repeater numbers and locations.
d) Technical presentation to be conducted by Mike (KI6KGC) after meeting close, demonstrating a radio, POTA etc.
The meeting was called to a close by a motion from Mickey(N5TSV) and seconded by John (W5JHW).