August 2026 Meeting Minutes

David did the pledge, Susan did the prayer.

Roll call: 25 members in attendance

Officer Reports

President Mike Elkins: Steve Webber told Mike he would like to see a bigger Hamfest in Cleveland.

Treasurer Alicia Parham: The treasurer's report was read and passed. 29 current members, 4 life members.

Secretary Chan Patrick: Corrections or additions, passed. Old motions: David Baker made a motion that the club purchase 2 TN07 antennas for the communications trailer for Field Day and emergency communications, price $120–$130 each, motion passed.

VP Bobby Murphy: Went over the Hamfest and all the great experiences. We were short on people. Dale had reached out to Google and got the directions straightened out. Gave accolades to many different people who helped out at the Hamfest. Already filed for the July 17th 2027 Hamfest to be held at McMinn County High School again. All the vendors were happy, especially that we were there to help load and unload. October 10th is Pumpkin Town — we will have a spot to promote ham radio. Possible classes coming up.

Trustee Kevin Cornwell: The UPS at City Hall has gone down and we need to get a new battery; motion made, passed. Still working on the SOP for updating and maintaining repeaters.

Accountant Chrystal Kern: The 501(c)(3) application was rejected due to a change of address and unpaid taxes. Suggested getting a P.O. Box and establishing a permanent address.

Old Business

• Chili supper — end of year activities discussed.

New Business

• Station Equipment: Dale is giving the newest hams everything they need for a new station.
• Lisa Mashburn: Lisa, the custodian at the high school, was given flowers for the great job she did at the Hamfest.
• Silent Key — Ken Burke: Darris talked about the passing of Ken Burke. A silent key ceremony will be held Monday, 8/17/26.
• Don Melton: Susan sent a card to Don Melton's family and read a letter from his wife.
• APRS: Kenny Witt discussed information that will be needed Saturday. Launch APRS Client and have additional information ready — participation is important if needed. Harry will be running a Skywarn net from 1am–4pm. Activity can be viewed at aprs.fi.
• P.O. Box: For a P.O. Box, a small box is $284/year; a 5x5 box would be $168/year. Motion made to get a small, most convenient box, passed.
• Antennas: Antennas were purchased from TN07.
• Chili Dinner: Fliers made for the Chili Dinner on November 7th, 11am–4pm.
• Club Shirts: Looking for a new shirt vendor. Will check with the Cleveland club about who made their shirts.
• Echolink: Echolink is now being broadcast.
• Hamfest Thank You: A thank you was posted on Facebook from vendors. Dale gave a lot of equipment to the club for free.

The meeting was adjourned.

Mike did the closing prayer.