ILLINOIS REPEATER ASSOCIATION

 

ILLINOIS REPEATER ASSOCIATION

 

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES

 

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Eastland Suites Conference Center

Bloomington, IL

 

  • Meeting called to order by IRA Vice-President Aaron Collins N9OZB at 10:03 am. Aaron mentioned that Kermit was not able to attend due to medical issues.
  • Aaron welcomed everyone and mentioned that the IRA is bringing elections back into perspective and getting annual meetings back on board. Electronic meetings will be permitted by an amendment of the constitution. This is Aaron’s 20th year with the IRA. He described his various functions throughout his tenure with the IRA.
  • A roll call was conducted by each participant in the room. The directors and officers went first, then the microphone went around the room with everyone introducing themselves, the repeaters they represented, and location of their repeaters.
  • Aaron introduced IRA Former President and Tech Committee Chair Greg K9QI who read a statement from IRA President Kermit W9XA, who had shoulder surgery yesterday and couldn’t attend today’s annual membership meeting. Kermit is recovering well.
  • Will read the treasurer and secretary’s report.
  • Aaron read the Frequency Coordinator and Assistant Frequency Coordinator’s report. Aaron thanked Mike K9KQX, Assistant Coordinator for his assistance. Aaron will be transitioning the coordinator’s position over to Mike.
  • Tech Committee report was given by Committee Chair Greg K9QI. Greg mentioned his professional duties and Part 97 expertise. He went over the proposal of transitioning the two-meter data frequencies over to repeater pairs. This was not in compliance with Part 97 provisions, so it was retracted at that time. There may be further possibilities in the future. Greg asked everyone to be patient as time progresses. Greg mentioned that he had a competent technical committee including Mike AA9VI, Curt W9YNP, and Neil KB9VMR. Greg said that he would take additional members if they so desired and met the qualifications.
  • Aaron said that there are 3 board openings. Al K9SI is retiring at this time, and Mike AA9VI is also stepping down as a director but will remain on the Tech Committee. Director Candidate Steve N9ATO gave a brief description of his background and qualifications. Director Candidate Neil KB9VMR also gave a brief description of his qualifications and duties professionally and personally.
  • A motion has been made to close nominations. Steve WD9CIR will remain a director, Steve N9ATO and Neil KB9VMR will be voted in by acclimation. Aaron declared this motion as no other candidates were made. It was seconded, and passed.
  • Mark WB9QZB asked about the relationship between the other coordinating councils. Aaron said we have an excellent working relationship with “the Metro Corridors.”
  • Greg K9QI publicly thanked outgoing director Al K9SI for almost 2 decades of honorable service to the IRA. Greg said that Al was his “go-to person.” Al was the voice of reason for Greg and others. Al’s commemorative plaque was in production and will be given to Al at a date in the near future. Al gave a brief statement and was met with a round of applause.
  • Greg mentioned that we may not be able to convene in the future at Eastland Suites due to elevated costs. If you have a location where the IRA could meet, please contact Will, Aaron, or any member of the IRA Board with suggestions.
  • Motion to adjourn, seconded, and passed. Meeting adjourned at 11:05 am.

 

 

ILLINOIS REPEATER ASSOCIATION

 

BOARD of DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

(after General Meeting)

 

Saturday, March  23, 2024

Eastland Suites Conference Center

Bloomington, IL

 

  • Meeting called to order at 11 :30 am by V/P Aaron N9OZB.
  • Board and Committee members remained after the general membership meeting in attendance.
  • Position of President appointed is Kermit W9XA, Vice-President  appointed is Aaron N9OZB,
  • Secretary/Treasurer appointed is Will W9WSS.  Elected Directors are Steve WD9CIR, Steve
  • N9ATO, and Neil KB9VMR. and Jerry Seebok N9RBQ.  Moved and seconded.
  • Position of Frequency Coordinator reappointed is Aaron N9OZB, and Assistant Coordinator is Mike K9KQX. Moved and seconded.
  • Chair for Technical Committee is Greg K9QI. Tech committee members are Curt W9YNP, Neil KB9VMR, Mike AA9VI, and Steve N9ATO.
  • Motion to adjourn meeting made, seconded; Meeting adjourned at 11:34 am.