Meeting called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Doug Hollowell.
Attendees: Bill Gustavson K6BIL, Bill Ragsdale K6KN, Ken Wilson K6WLS, Greg Kruckewitt KG6SJT, Bob Jordan KI6BZR. Dennis Kelleher KI6HHA, Doug Hollowell KJ6VHE, Rob Brunk N6KIX, John Prenton W6FAQ, Lucille King W6KJX, Gary Matteson WA6TQJ, Lew Harris WB6LEW.
Guest attendees: None.
The minutes for the February 21 meeting were emailed to all Yolo ARES members on March 21, and copies were also distributed at the meeting. A motion was made by John Prenton W6FAQ, and seconded by Bob Jordan KI6BZR, to approve the minutes as distributed. The vote was unanimous to approve the minutes.
Sign in sheets, along with sign-up sheets for net control/practice message and Served Agency equipment checks, were passed around. Members present signed up for nearly all the open spots through the end of May, and we are in great shape. Thank you!
Current Projects
Everbridge – We still have three members who have not created a profile on www.Yolo-Alert.org. Because of this, they cannot be added to the Yolo ARES grouping in Everbridge and receive emergency notifications. Doug will follow up with the following members and encourage them to set up their profile: Bill K6KN, Jerry KG6TEN and Dan KF6HHH.
Activity & Presentation Suggestions – Members were asked for suggestions for activities and for meeting presentation topics. One suggestion previously received was to have a presentation by Dr. Ed Fong, discussing antenna topics. Additionally, Bill Ragsdale submitted a list of proposed activities and it will be emailed to all members when the meeting minutes are sent.
Served Agencies – Doug KJ6VHE, John W6FAQ and Lew WB6LEW tested the 2M and HF radios at Yolo County OES. The 2M radio worked fine, but initially there was a problem transmitting on the HF radio. However, Lew was finally able to check in to the Jefferson Noon Net. In diagnosing what appeared to be a problem with the HF mic, John found that the batteries, used for a backup power source, were leaking and the contacts were corroded. John took the mic home and cleaned the corroded contacts. Since the HF radio mic plug provides 18 volts, no new batteries were installed in the mic.
We are still having problems gaining access at the Davis PD to test their antenna. Dana Carey, from Yolo County OES, has a contact there and she hopes that will resolve the problem.
Upcoming Public Service Events:
Cache Creek Ridge Ride – May 6&7
Davis Double Century Ride – May 20
Field Day – June 24&25
Western States Endurance Run – June 24
Pictures & Identification Badges – Doug brought the ARES ID badge for Rodger Hess KK6OPW, but he did not attend tonight’s meeting. Doug will give it to him at a future meeting.
Format of Monday Net – Doug spoke to the assembled members about changing the format of our Monday net. However, after a good amount of discussion, it became clear that members are happy with the current format, so it will remain unchanged.
Update on AB-1785, the Hands Free Law – Greg KG6SJT updated the group on this law. The previous version of the law contained a blanket exemption for amateur radio operators, but the exemption was not included in the new law. Currently, it is pretty much up to the discretion of each officer whether or not to issue a ticket. There is an online petition attempting to get the law changed, but amateur radio operators need to be aware of the situation. For now, the best advice is to be patient and don’t be argumentative with law enforcement officers. There is dedicated action in progress to change/update this law.
Open Discussion – there were no members with topics to discuss.
Next Meeting - The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 18, at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room at Raley’s, 367 W. Main St., in Woodland. The room has already been reserved.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
