OPD, 107 Civic Plaza Drive, Taos, NM 87571 Potluck started at 5:30pm. Thanks to everybody for bringing food. Meeting began at 6:10 with Donovan (K2AH) presiding.
Sign-in with 13 members present.
Guest and Member Introductions, call signs and first name. A new member, Steven (KJ5PXR) was present for tonight’s meeting, and the member introduction process was explained.
Approval of April 08, 2026, meeting minutes. Motion was made to approve by Mike (KI6KGC) and seconded by Greg (KF5TTO).
Approval of Treasurer's Report by Ed (KF5EIG) Expense summary, balance.
a. Ed (KF5EIG) noted the club is still solvent. The current balance is $17156.11. Most of the expenses for the month were related to the new signs that will be placed at the two repeater sites, and the cost of equipment for the Echo Link node. A motion to approve mas made by Tim (W5TNM) and seconded by Keith (K5FS). The vote to approve was unanimous.
Donovan (K2AH) made the President’s remarks:
a. An FCC test was conducted at the OPD on May 9 th , with one technician candidate passing and receiving his license. Steven (KJ5PXR) who was present at the meeting was congratulated by all.
b. The New Mexico QSO Party was held at OPD on April 11 th . Donovan (K2AH) recounted having made 3 contacts, and other members present recounted their locations and contacts. Mike (KI6CGC) indicated making 10 contacts and explained how he reported these contacts as to award TARC with credits. He will update the club with the certificates when these arrive. Tim (W5TNM) explained how the Rocky Mountain Ham club is involved with the event tabulations. He further explained the process of the RMHC linked network and the work needed to link the existing gaps.
c. Donovan (K2AH) gave an update of the San Antonio Peak (SAM) clean-up repair process. He indicated needing to coordinate with Brian (NB5R) over the dates, and details, including the hanging of the new signs.
d. The upcoming AARL Field Day will be happening on June 27, 2026, from 8:00am to 3:00 pm. Donovan (K2AH) explained having the covered picnic area at Red Willow Park reserved for the club. Glen (KF5OSB) and Daniel (KI5OSA) will be cooking for the event, and members are asked to bring whatever equipment they wish, to participate in the event. The club will be bringing the “shack-in-a-box” for member’s use. Please put the event on your calendar.
New Business:
a. Tim (W5TNM) gave the update for the Pico Balloon Launch with the Taos Middle School. He indicated that they were still attempting to secure funding. September was discussed as a tentative date. Donovan (K2AH) was on the radio today with David (KJ5DFQ) discussing the schedule of the end of year events for the school, including an upcoming foxhunt project on the Ghost Ranch.
b. Donovan (K2AH) gave a brief update on the Taos Middle School upcoming “fox hunt”.
Old Business:
a. A lengthy and detailed update on the Grant situation was made by Keith (K5FS). There is a lot of activity in the grant space, especially as it relates to the federal government, especially related to FEMA. Ed (KF5EIG) proposed that we as a club explore the possibilities of evolving MESH Network technologies. Scottie “Scottie” (N6RFG) explained his interests in these other HAM networking technologies. Mike (KI6KGC) further proposed that as a Club we should hold some technical classes on these various technologies to advance the skillsets of the club’s members.
b. No ARES and repeater update from Brian (NB5R), as he was not present.
a. Technical presentation by Tim (W5TNM) on MESH networking to be conducted after business meeting close.
Net Report (Attendance listed below)
The Business Meeting was closed at 7:53 by a motion from Keith (K5FS) and seconded by Mike (NM5MK).