SEMARC ANNUAL MEETING

JANUARY 14, 2008

 

Attendees & Guests: Richard Roberts (N0UC), Steve Howard (AB0XE),

Burnell Hanson (KA0GX), Vern Reiter (WA0KRL) (Karol), Skip Jackson (KS0J), Karl K. Eriksen (WA2DEE), Diane I. Eriksen (N0XYB),

Don Nelson (KF0UU), Pete Sigtermans (N0FKC) Gary Esler (WK0X) (Sue)

Dave Glas (W0OXB), Dan Franz (WD0GUP) (Michael, Maddie, Jeremiah),

Jerry DeHaven (WA0ACF), John Thomas (W3FAF), John Regan (KA0HYR), John Dean (K0JDD), Noel Westlind (KC0ZXT), John Harvard (KC0UHY), Roger Kamps (KB0HUZ), James Boyd (KC0QCO) (Jane)

 

Annual Meeting called to order at 6:50p by President Richard Roberts following dinner in the Banquet Room of Old Country Buffet, Woodbury.

 

Roberts (N0UC) introduced James Boyd (KC0QCO) and John Regan (KA0HYR), two members of the Ad hoc Committee exploring scholarships to provide background for discussion.  Roberts introduced three questions for discussion and votes as follows: 1.) Does SEMARC wish to fund scholarships?  2.) If yes, does SEMARC wish to combine efforts with SARA (Stillwater Amateur Radio Association) in establishing and awarding scholarships?  3.) Will members fund the scholarships? 

 

On question 1: Roberts announced a majority voting in favor (by show of hands) of SEMARC establishing scholarships.  Comments and concerns: Will receiving and disbursing funds for scholarships affect our 501C3 status? No.  Are we required to reimburse the scholarship selection committee? No.  Can we establish scholarships on a graduated basis? First year=one; second year=two; third year=three etc.?  Yes, possibly.  Will the scholarship process provide for consistent annual awards?  Consistent funding has always been one of the goals. Will scholarship monies be clearly earmarked? (Concern is once collected, such funds will “disappear” into the operating budget).  Checks will need to state (on memo line) “for SEMARC Scholarships.”  Accounting will need to be developed to ensure such funds are clearly delineated and totals reported.

 

On question 2: Roberts announced a majority voting in favor (by show of hands) that SEMARC combine efforts with SARA (Stillwater Amateur Radio Association) in establishing and awarding scholarships. –continued-   

SEMARC Annual Meeting, 1-14-08 -2-

 

Question 2, scholarships: (continued) concerns and comments:  Dave Glass (W0OXB), immediate past president, SARA, said initially each club, SEMARC and SARA, could designate their individual scholarships for their respective school districts: SARA=834; SEMARC=833. 

 

Glass said due to current disparities in each club’s membership totals (SARA=130, SEMARC=30) SARA for the immediate future might fund two $250 scholarships in District 834 while SEMARC might fund a single $250 scholarship in District 833.  One of the first responsibilities, he said, is putting some hard numbers with these proposals.  Roberts noted that by both clubs combining their scholarship efforts, we would achieve more impact in promoting them in local media.  He also noted SEMARC could collect monies initially for one time awards.

 

Roberts moved, Gary Esler ( WK0X) seconded a motion that Glass, Greg Widin (K0GW), John Regan (KA0HYR) and Boyd serve as a Standing Committee on Scholarship Development.  Such committee to serve for two years with Boyd as chair and report back to the general membership by the April 29 meeting.  APPROVED.  Roberts asked for volunteers to serve on the club’s program committee: Skip Jackson (KS0J), Dan Franz (WD0GUP) and Vern Reiter (WA0KRL) agreed.

 

Roberts announced voting results for the 2008 officers as follows: for the offices of Vice-President: Steve Howard (AB0XE), Treasurer: Dennis  Ackerman (KB0OQQ), Secretary: John Thomas (W3FAF), Trustee: Pete Sigtermans (N0FKC) and President: Richard Roberts (N0UC).  Roberts handed out corrected ballots for Member at Large voting: (first year of two year term) candidates: James Boyd (KC0QCO) and Pat Story (W0MCQ). 

 

Roberts presented “President’s Honor Roll” certificates for “Outstanding Service to SEMARC During the year 2007” to Ackerman, Boyd, Geoff Ernst (WB0OND), Esler, Franz, Howard, Sigtermans and Pat Story (W0MCQ).

 

January 7, 2007 minutes and Bernie Hanson, treasurer (KA0GX), club checking balance end 2007 $1,583. APPROVED.  Roberts moved, Sigtermans seconded motion to spend $60 on club caps. APPROVED. These minutes true and correct, respectfully submitted, James Boyd, secretary.