OPD, 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.
Sign-in with 16 members and one Guest present.
Guest and Member Introductions, call signs and first name.
Approval of July 08, 2026, a motion to approve was made by Mickey (N5TSV) and seconded by Tim (W5TNM).
A Motion was made to approve the agenda for tonight’s meeting was made by John (WB5Q) and seconded by Greg (KF5TTO).
Treasurer’s Report by Ed (KF5EIG) Expense summary, balance.
a. Ed (KF5EIG) noted the club is still solvent with a balance of $16,451.05, with most of the expenses being the normal reoccurring expenses, with the addition of purchasing new ARRL Technician manuals. The ledger will be posted on the Shack Bulletin board.
b. A motion to approve the Treasurer’s report was made by Mickey (N5TSV) and seconded by Shelia (KI5IPS).
Donovan (K2AH) made the President’s remarks:
a. It was suggested to the club by Mike (KI6KGC) that we might want to set up a booth at the upcoming Taos County Fair on August 22-23. Mike (KI6KGC) explained the process and possible setup configurations. An email will be sent out to the club membership.
b. The club participated in the Fiesta De Taos event again this year. Thanks to members who participated in the vendor load in and out.
c. Donovan (K2AH) gave a recap of the recent Hazmat Event that was put on by the Town of Taos on the 22nd of July. TARC was not an active participant, and observation was somewhat limited. He explained the participants that were present. Tim (W5TNM) explained some of the breadth and likely cost of the event, and possible future events.
d. Donovan (K2AH) made a request to the membership of the need to test and add ARRL Volunteer Examiners (VE’s) to the club, for License Testing. He explained the VE observation structure and exam procedures, as well as applying for VE status with ARRL. For anyone interested, please contact Donovan (K2AH) or Tim (W5TNM).
New Business:
a. There will be a concert on August 22 nd , featuring Thee Sacred Souls. Membership is requested to attend. Ed KF5EIG) will be the club liaison and lead for the event.
b. Donovan (K2AH) requested input from club members on Tech Topics that can be presented at the monthly meetings, as none has been requested this far.
c. Donovan (K2AH) explained a recent conversation with the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) about the possibility of joint exercise with TARC assisting. Tim (W5TNM) explained the contact and request, explaining the possibility of gaining new Licensees from their ranks.
Old Business:
a. Keith (K5FS) gave a Grant update. There appears to be a move from FEMA for larger grants. According to FEMA, potential fires are the number one threat here in New Mexico. Potential earthquakes are a medium risk.
He has personally purchased equipment for the VARAC operating mode, and briefly explained how this technique works, relying on a club in Florida’s recent publishing and his experience.
He explained two technical components that the club needs to explore, before writing a proposal. The first being the need to verify equipment. The second component being finding locations to test, as New Mexico has issues with mountainous terrain. The plan is possibly test on the 20-, 40-and 80-meter ham bands. He further explained the difficulties with the population numbers and locations within Taos County and surrounding counties.
He will develop a plan for the grant and will update the Club at the September meeting. There is an article in the July 2026 edition of the ARRL QST publication. Copies of the article are available for interested members.
There was no ARES and repeater update from Brian (NB5R), as he was not present
Taos County will be holding an Emergency Planning Meeting tomorrow (August 13) and Donovan (K2AH) will plan to attend
The Business Meeting was closed by a motion from Mickey (N5TSV) and seconded by Keith (K5FS).