OPD, 107 Civic Plaza Drive, Taos, NM 87571 Potluck started at 5:30pm. Thanks to everybody for bringing food. Meeting began at 6:20 with Donovan (K2AH) presiding.
- Sign-in with 13 members and one Guest present.
- Guest and Member Introductions, call signs and first name.
- Approval of September 9, 2026, Minutes. A Motion to approve was made by Ed (N6RFG) and seconded by Randy (AG5QC).
- Donovan asked for a motion to approve the agenda with an amendment to include the Town of Taos event and Antarctica update. A motion was made by Keith (K5FS) and seconded by Mike (NM5MK).
- Treasurer’s Report by Ed (KF5EIG) Expense summary, balance.
a. Ed (KF5EIG) noted the club is still solvent with a balance of $17,434.42, with most of the expenses being the normal reccurring expenses. The ledger will be posted on the Shack Bulletin board.
b. A motion to approve the Treasurer’s report was made by Keith (K5FS) and seconded by Mike (NM5MK).
- Donovan (K2AH) made the President’s remarks:
a. The October meeting is the club annual meeting, with nominations and elections of club officers and Board members.
i. Current Officers (4): Donovan, K2AH (Pres), Vacant (VP), Craig, KI5HKU (Secretary), and Ed, KF5EIG (Treasurer). All current Officer positions are termed out.
ii. Current Board (5): Tim, W5TNM (Immediate-Past Pres), Brian (Trustee) multi-term, Keith, K5FS (Grants), David, KJ5DFQ (STEM) and Darien, NM5DF (Events/Maintenance).
b. A motion for the Office of President nomination of Ed (KF5EIG) was made by Keith (K5FS) and seconded by Mike (NM5MK). Ed (K5EIG) accepted the nomination, and the vote of the members was for approval.
c. A motion for the Office of Vice-president nomination of Craig (KI5HKU) was made by Randy ((AG5QC). Craig (KI5HKU) accepted and the vote of members present was for approval.
d. No nomination was made for the Office of Secretary, with the position being held open for the present time.
e. A motion was made by Ed (K5EIG) of Donovan (K2AH) for the Office of Treasurer. Donovan (K2AH) accepted and the vote of members present was for approval. All votes were also cast with two absentee votes from Tim (W5TNM) and Karen (KI5AXU) in the affirmative for the above positions.
f. David (KJ5DFQ) nominated himself to continue as the STEM Board member, and Donovan (K2AH) noted that the Board would need to review the by-laws to confirm that the termed-out position could move forward.
g. Effective January 1, 2027, all elected positions will become effective.
- New Business:
a. ARRL Technician Class, Fall/Winter Dates will be Sat, Nov 14 11:00 to 1:00 for the 2-hour kickoff.
i. There is a test scheduled at 10:00AM.
ii. Sat, Dec 12 10am, test already scheduled if people desire.
iii. Sat, Jan 9 10am; Jan 16 as a snow day backup
iv. Sat, Mar 13, Scheduled Exam.
v. Moving forward, the ARRL will no longer provide supplies for paper testing. All exams will be proctered using Exam Tools, a computer/web-based process. VE processes remain unchanged. Radio spots on the local Radio Stations will be beginning soon.
b. There will be no meeting in December as this is our annual Christmas Party. Last year was held at the County EMS center, and Donovan (K2AH) will check into using this location again. Members are asked to suggest alternative locations.
c. Donovan (K2AH) explained that the Town of Taos has asked for support for the Halloween event to be held at the Town Plaza and Bent street on October 31, 2026. He will send out an email explaining the schedule and needs.
d. David (KJ5DFQ) updated the members of the upcoming Science Fair to be held in late February at the Taos Middle School. Judges will be needed. One of his former students will be stationed in Antarctica from late October through January, and he requested club/member support for HF radio contacts for her from our location. Members discussed the club radio stations, antennas, modes and equipment to support the effort. The initial plan is to use the Club location to assist. Members suggested questions to ask of the student to help with the process.
- Old Business:
a. Donovan (K2AH) requested suggestions for SWAG ideas for members who have participated in Town and other Club events. Greg (KF5TTO) offered to check into some of the suggestions presented.
b. No updates on grants.
c. There was no ARES and repeater update from Brian (NB5R), as he was not present.
- The Business Meeting was closed at 7:22 by a motion from Randy (AG5QC) and seconded by Mike (NM5MK).