ILLINOIS REPEATER ASSOCIATION

 

BOARD of DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

 

Friday, April 17, 2015

DoubleTree Hilton Hotel, Bloomington IL

 

  • Meeting called to order by Vice-President Tim Childers KB9FBI at 9:00 pm. Present for the meeting: Vice-President Tim Childers KB9FBI, Secretary/Treasurer Will Sperling K9WSS, Director Steve Craig WD9CIR, Director Jerry Sebok N9RBQ, Director Al Wolfe K9SI, Director Milt Forsberg K9QZI, Frequency Coordinator Aaron Collins N9OZB, Newsletter Editor Fred Seibold W9FWS, Tech Committee Chairman Greg Buchwald K9QI, Assistant Frequency Coordinator JP Watters KC9KKO, David Schank KA9WXN WAR Chairman, Dave Karr KA9FUR, WAR Frequency Coordinator, Greg Braun N9CHA Secretary of WAR
  • A quorum with Board members present was established.
  • Board members and participants introduced themselves; A total of 13 persons were present according to the sign-in sheet.
  • Motion to dispense of reading of  past minutes; Seconded, voted and carried
  • Greg mentioned that President Bill Kraus KA9FER had triple bypass surgery recently, and is doing well. He was unable to attend these meetings.
  • A lot of material was discussed between Bill and Greg at the hospital prior to the meetings, which will be covered at the membership meeting tomorrow.
  • Whether the ARRL takes batch submissions of repeater directory input will be requested of Dick Isley W9GIG. Kermit Carlson W9XA will be the go-to person for this matter, and clarification.
  • Aaron left his letter open-ended, hoping that the ARRL will place the input as it had been traditionally done in the past.
  • Tim asked that reports from various persons be presented. Will did the Treasurer’s report. Will also explained that Eastland Suites wasn’t available, so we got a similar rate from DoubleTree Hilton Hotel. Costs will be compared, and then it will be decided if we return to Eastland Suites, or remain at DoubleTree Hilton for 2016.
  • Greg wanted to know if annual updates could be done electronically, as opposed to being mailed to save considerable costs. Aaron stated that repeater applications should still be mailed with a hard copy.
  • Will mentioned that maybe to cut costs, not to have the IRA Treasury pay for hotel rooms, or otherwise just subsidize the costs somewhat.
  • Financial issues could be posted on the website, but meeting notice should be mailed via USPS per the constitution. A postcard could suffice, and the newsletter could be on the website; This is all subject to vote and approval by the Board.
  • Motion to accept the treasury report; seconded, and passed (file attached).
  • Aaron read his annual Frequency Coordinator’s report (file attached). Motion to accept Aaron’s report; seconded, and passed.
  • Tech report by Greg; Explained interference and other FCC trends that are relevant and affect us. He just got back from the FCC. Dynamic Spectrum Access is the 3rd generation of the FCC. He went through the history of the FCC, from the 1st and 2nd generation, all the way to current 3rd generation. Spectrum is becoming less available. Ham radio is tied with the Department of Defense. With minimum of interference, certain spectra of frequencies may be available to various services. This is temporary, and may not be permanent. Whether data or voice, the spectrum is being used appreciably. In past, similar to losing 220-222 MHz, but new methods could be more drastic coming up in the future. ARRL had a rep to “Model City,” but it was light for Amateur Radio. “Use it or lose it,” as stated in the past. There could be degradation with least amount of notice. “Do minimum harm,” as opposed to no interference. UHF DOD frequencies could be relinquished and re-used elsewhere. Amateur 420-450 could still be in slight jeopardy close to various coasts, but not so much inland locations. Brazil did something where they took a large part of the spectrum and gave it LTE-based systems. Systems that are used extensively will not be pulled away, including those LTE systems. Pieces of the 144-145 spectrum could “be attractive” to non-amateur services. Especially if the 20 KHz band plan is not used extensively. Sharing for the most part is implied for broadband. First act occurred today; All commissioners agreed to open the 3550-3700 MHz was opened to broadband. In the future it will be spread hundreds of MHz to be less detectable. This could be crucial for defense protection. ARRL Spectrum Defense Fund donation should be considered to be donated as in the past. Chris Imlay does a good job taking our interests in mind for protection. The spectrum shortages occur in the top 15 cities. Otherwise, there is a large amount of spectrum available in the other less-used cities and locations. The League should be using the input from coordinating services such as the IRA and other states. Narrow deviation mode should be considered and utilized. UHF systems going from analog to digital currently have to relinquish one of the two slots per IRA coordination policies. Once this takes place, the UHF system loses its availability to revert back to an analog-only system. Considerable discussion ensued with Greg’s recommendation on how to handle such coordination without an entity “losing” the remainder of its spectrum after going digital. There is more improved technology coming in the very near future, and we should keep all of this in mind and consider utilizing it. PL/DPL/NAC/Color codes shouldn’t be forced on existing coordinated holders, similar to last year. Interstate coordinations should be followed by the existing plan and remain cooperative. Starting now, move forward with the plan, make it voluntary in the future. Coordination by propagation seems to work for WAR, and may be considered however the software is very expensive ($2500.00+). Contours and ratios must be kept in mind for IL and surrounding states. Greg will continue to work on these goals and those of the IRA’s best interests.
  • Tim said that Greg can present what he described above at the membership meeting at his discretion. A vote was taken to have Greg bring his technical discussion at the membership meeting. Seconded, voted, and passed.
  • John Watters said that the database should be looked at more carefully for future newsletter mailings. At this point, 30 newsletters came back out of the 508 that were sent out. USPS can possibly send out mailed notices based on the database given to them by us. We only have to pay, and not do any physical mailings. This will also be considered for the future.
  • It was discussed to have the membership vote on forming a committee to look at and possibly change the bylaws as currently written. This document is over 10 years old, and should be looked at.
  • Steve said that there is a misconception that repeater owners must change their PL tones. This is still voluntary per the IRA. No one has been informed that they had to change their PL tone(s). Even with a recent interference issue, a suggestion was made to change their tone, again, strictly voluntary, not mandatory by the IRA. Greg said that newly coordinated systems will also be encouraged to follow a PL plan, again, not mandatory.
  • Dave Karr wrote a policy for selective access. No carrier squelch, but the rest (PL/DPL/Color Codes) will be voluntary. Extensive discussion ensued on this matter. “Selective access guidelines” may be better wording to use for the voluntary plan. Dave will make the presentation at the membership meeting per Tim. With Dave’s permission, we can publish Dave’s document of the suggested guidelines. Wisconsin adopted this plan in March 2015. Indiana also has a similar access guideline.
  • Greg suggested that “road trips” be taken to confirm that repeaters are still active and on the air. This hasn’t been done in some time, and needs to be done in the very near future.
  • Dave Karr mentioned that narrow banding should be considered by asking the President to form a committee to examine the feasibility of available spectrum usage.
  • Aaron advises that the band plan document needs to be updated (2006). He suggested that we re-farm the 900 MHz plan to use the lowest portion as link frequencies. There are a limited number of 927 MHz frequencies available. A minor error of 147.000 MHz is only ½ there. This is regarding the Galesburg system. The input should go up, and it currently goes down. New ones should go up. Update to coordination guidelines is necessary. SNP frequencies are an example. The language must be corrected.
  • Dave Karr faces 70 cm congestion. He questioned some entries in the current database. Only transmitters had been coordinated. Receive frequencies should strongly be considered. These are pairs, not just a transmit frequency. Another example is the WA9DZO repeater that has some link frequencies currently not in use. VHF repeater out is 146.850, with an active 145.250 input. There are other UHF frequencies that may not even be in use, but it’s not certain. This also includes frequencies in Indiana also.
  • Tim said that elections will have to occur at the membership meeting. President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, & two Board positions. Paper ballots were prepared and will be distributed at the meeting.
  • Motion made to close the Board meeting; seconded, and passed. Closed at 12:05 am 4-18-15.

 

ILLINOIS REPEATER ASSOCIATION

 

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES

 

Saturday, April 18, 2015

DoubleTree Hilton Hotel, Bloomington, IL

 

  • Meeting called to order by Vice-President Tim Childers KB9FBI at 1008 hours; President Bill Kraus KA9FER unable to attend due to surgery & recovery.
  • Introduction of IRA Board, members, and guests went around the room. Total number of attendees according to the sign-in sheet was 44.
  • Minutes from last year’s meeting moved to be accepted as published. Seconded, and passed.
  • Will read the Treasurer’s report (attached). Motion made, seconded, and accepted.
  • Aaron read the Frequency Coordinator’s report (attached). Motion made, seconded, and accepted.
  • Dick Isley W9GIG from the ARRL spoke upon request of Tim. Dick and Kermit worked with Steve Ford of the ARRL who is in charge of the repeater directory which is published by the ARRL. He mentioned that LOTW was being massively improved. The other task of putting the repeater directory compiled was overhauled, and the way it was handled was less than satisfactory for submission of repeater information. A newer and better way of submission is currently being worked on, and should hopefully be improved by the end of this year. Dick said that he will on top of the situation, and will insist that this issue will be resolved by the ARRL in a timely manner. Dick gave a little history of himself, his family, how and why he became an ARRL Director, and his commitment to Amateur Radio. Dick voiced his displeasure of the current situation of the FCC, and its personnel profile(s) of the commissioners. He said that they are all lawyers, and should be comprised of electronic engineers.
  • Greg reported on the Technical Committee. Greg said that he was receiving text messages from President Bill KA9FER, who wanted to know how things were going, and was told it’s going well. Greg spoke about the better use of spectrum, and about a number of topics. Forced sharing of defense spectrum was discussed, mainly in the 3.5 GHz band. He explained the 3rd generation of the FCC’s Dynamic Spectrum Access. This would be making short-term use of spectrum. UHF will be another subject of re-coordination due to its ability to work in-building, with other usage. Greg suggested to make and keep current spectrum active, and protect the spectrum. Yesterday, 3550-3700 was designated by the FCC to Dynamic Spectrum Access. ARRL Spectrum Defense Fund is vital to be supported. He recommended that the IRA consider donating again to the Spectrum Defense Fund. Keep the ARRL reps and Dave Karr “in the loop.” Greg would like to see certain channels aside, and use them to keep the spectrum active. Analog can always be considered as a back-up. It always has, and always will be. PL/DPL/NAC/Color Code makes sense; it’s a voluntary plan, not mandatory. This should be considered when new systems are coordinated. Motion to accept, 2nd, and approve Greg’s report.
  • President’s report – Tim thanked JP Watters for his assistance in this year’s mailing. Fred has requested to retire as newsletter editor.
  • Tim said that elections are due at this meeting (see attached ballot). He and the others gave short descriptions of their respective offices that are seeking re-election. Greg made very positive statements about President Bill Kraus, and how much the organization means to him, and that he desires to be re-elected to the office of President of the IRA. Nominations for various offices were brought up. This includes President, Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, and two Board positioins. A motion for acclimation for election was moved, seconded, and passed.
  • Selected Access Guideline was proposed and discussed in detail by Dave Karr, Frequency Coordinator of WAR (Wisconsin Coordinating Council) which suits our needs. This is once again voluntary, but suggested. Motion for the draft of this plan, seconded, and passed.
  • Spectrum Defense Fund – As done in the past by the IRA. Motion to send $500 to the ARRL, seconded, and passed.
  • Request to present to Dave Karr $300 (instead of the traditional $200) for annual support for frequency coordination software. Motion, seconded, and passed.
  • Tim suggested that a committee should be formed for better spectrum management. Input will be sought. Dave Karr mentioned how to re-farm some of the VHF frequencies available. This is from previous work that has been done by other areas of the USA. Kermit mentioned that the ARRL doesn’t want to be involved in this committee. Greg would like to chair this committee. No motion needed to form this committee as necessary. Dick Isley suggested not publishing until policy is made. Leaks can cause heartaches along the line.
  • By laws need to be re-examined, and changed as a committee sees fit. Mainly changes to mailings, from USPS to electronic emailing. This as one point would save lots of funds for the treasury. Several areas will be explored. Motion to set up a committee, seconded, and passed.
  • Motion to adjourn, seconded, and passed. Meeting closed at 1210 pm.

ILLINOIS REPEATER ASSOCIATION

BOARD of DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

(after General Meeting)

 

April 18, 2015

DoubleTree Hilton Hotel, Bloomington, IL

 

  • Due to Bill KA9FER’s absence due to illness, meeting convened by V/P Tim at 1215.
  • Board and Committee members will remain in their respective offices for the upcoming 2015-2016 year.
  • Fred retired as Newsletter Editor; Milt volunteered to pick up these duties.
  • Assistant Frequency Coordinator appointed as JP Watters KC9KKO.
  • Meeting closed at 1220 hours.