TASMA Chairman, Bob Dengler, called the meeting to order at approximately 13:52 PM.
- Approval of April Board Minutes - The minutes of the April Board Meeting were reviewed. The word "Secretary" was added after the words "Technical Committee" in point 4. Upon motion by Jim Fortney (K6IYK), seconded by Pat Finke (KC6ACL), the minutes were approved (3-0-0).
- Approval of January Board Minutes - The minutes of the January Board Meeting were reviewed. The spelling of KE6QQV’s last name in the list of proposed members of the Technical Committee was corrected to "Lechliter". Upon motion by Jim Fortney (K6IYK), seconded by Pat Finke (KC6ACL), the minutes were approved (3-0-0).
- TC Appointments – Bob Dengler proposed that the following people be added to the Technical Committee:
Mike Marin (KF6RQV)
Gary Belda (K6ENS)
Upon motion by Howard Brown (KG6GI), seconded by Jim Fortney (K6IYK), the appointment of these people is approved (3-0-0).
Bob advised the Board that Mike Marin would be assuming the duties of TC Secretary from Howard Brown.
- Postal Box – Earlier this year, Jim Fortney was advised by the Mail Box, etc., that maintains the Associations mail services, that it will be closing it’s business late this year. In that event, the Association will have to acquire a replacement mail service. It was proposed that after confirming one final time that the current mail service still intends to close, that arrangements be made with the Chatsworth Postal Center to provide comparable services. Jim will take the action and will attempt to obtain the designation "2M" for the PO Box. Upon motion by Pat Finke (KC6ACL), seconded by Jim Fortney (K6IYK), the proposal was approved.
- Test Coordination Procedure – Based upon the discussion that took place at the last General Meeting (April 7th), the Board addressed section "C" of the Coordination Process (RFC-05) and the question of when the Test Coordination period begins and ends. The discussion evolved to identify that there is a Test Coordination period and a Test Conduct period. The intent of the test conduct period is for a time period of sufficient length to allow for adequate testing of the repeater to assure propagation and usage compatibility with existing coordinated systems. The Board recognized that the Test Conduct Period may not begin with the issuance of the Test Coordination notice (e.g. the repeater may not yet be installed in its coordinated location). The Board intends that the test conduct period will commence when the applicant notifies TASMA in writing that the repeater has been put into operation. The test conduct shall continue through the designated period and it is TASMA’s expectation that the repeater shall be operated continuously throughout the period. The Test Coordination period shall continue until the test conduct period is concluded and to the next meeting of the Technical Committee where the TC will vote on termination of the Test Coordination and may grant a final coordination. The Technical Committee may vote to shorten or lengthen the Test Conduct period based on new facts that come to its attention.
Howard Brown (KG6GI) offered to draft a re-write of section "C" for consideration (Note: Subsequent to the meeting, Bob Dengler undertook a re-write himself for consideration which he distributed in July 22.)
- Spectrum Management – Bob presented further ideas on the formation of the Spectrum Management Committee and identified a potential chairman. After discussion the Board decided to table the matter until the proposed chairman could attend a Board meeting and present a comprehensive approach to spectrum management analysis and identifying specific people who would be willing to represent each of the band user groups (e.g.. weak signal, repeaters, digital modes, etc)
- Website & Electronic File Distribution – Jim Fortney noted that the Association is making use of extensive use of remote electronic services (i.e. for Web Site, paper mail distribution, TC case files) and that these services were hosted on systems for which TASMA did not maintain management control independent of current members.
The Association currently has about 110 MB in stored files representing six months of activities. It was agreed that Jim would request a quote from the "artsci.net" host server for a system of up to 350 MB of file space and that could simultaneously host our Web Site. Howard will also search for alternate sources.
- Database Development – A lengthy discussion took place concerning the current state of the Associations repeater database and the evolution toward a more fully integrated system. The Board is concerned since there is currently three independent database files (Web Site, an Excel based version provided to the Board at the beginning of the year and one maintained by the Treasurer derived from a previous ARRL submittal.
The concern is amplified since the Association has an obligation to make an updated submittal to the ARRL in approximately 90 days.
It was decided to set up an in-depth progress review including the Board and the Database Manager to evaluate our progress and identify any work around activity that may have to be accomplished. Bob Dengler agreed to set up this review and the Board requested that it take place within two weeks.
In addition, Howard Brown will provide a report of the attributes that are collected and maintained. Jim Fortney will provide a tabulation of the attributes that are required for TASMA submittals to other organizations.
It was proposed that the Association acquire a copy of the ARRL Repeater Travel CD to assist in the database activity for a cost not to exceed $75. Upon motion by Howard Brown (KG6GI), seconded by Pat Finke (KC6ACL), the proposal was approved (3-0-0).
- Budget – With the year at mid-point, it was decided to evaluate our expenses to date. Jim Fortney provided copies of the YEAR 2001 BUDGET and June 30th Treasurer’s Report (attached).
The newsletter expenses have substantially exceeded budget ($569 actual vs $256 budgeted). At the same time, the Association is unlikely to spend its travel budget ($250 at this point in the year). The newsletter expenses are increased due to higher printing costs, additional pages due to extensive TC activity to be reported, and increased postage rates. However, the Board was of the opinion to continue with the newsletter content as it is a primary tool to communicate with the membership.
Jim Fortney was directed to prepare a revised budget recommendation. Jim requested input from the Board.
Bob Dengler proposed that the Association purchase a license to a shareware program (Pro Audio Spectrum Live) to assist the Technical Committee in evolving and validating repeater technical standards. Upon motion by Jim Fortney (K6IYK), seconded by Pat Finke (KC6ACL), the proposal was approved (3-0-0).
- NFCC Representation – Jim Fortney advised the Board that the Association should appoint a primary and secondary representative to the NFCC. The Board agreed that Bob Dengler will be the primary representative and Bob will determine of Burt Weiner will accept the role as secondary representative. Otherwise Howard Brown will be assigned this responsibility.
Jim Fortney proposed that he notify the NFCC of these appointments. Upon motion by Howard Brown (KG6GI), seconded by Pat Finke (KC6ACL), the proposal was approved (3-0-0).
- Participation on COORDINATION Reflector – The Association has the right to subscribe an arbitrary number of members to the COORDINATION reflector. Bob Dengler will determine which members of the Technical Committee should be subscribed.
- Next Board Meeting - Regarding the date for the next meeting of the Board, currently scheduled for 1 September, this is unlikely to take place due to the three day weekend. A tentative alternate date of 16 September was identified.
- Adjournment - Upon motion by Howard Brown (KG6GI), seconded by Pat Finke (KC6ACL), the meeting was voted adjourned: at approximately 17:33 PM (3-0-0).
Howard G. Brown (KG6GI)
2001 Secretary
