Skip to content

2026-08 NCARC Meeting Minutes

Roll Call

  • W2FCP - Mike White
  • KA2AUB - Matt Denney
  • WX2CIB - Dave Pechey
  • KF5GPR - Eric Wright
  • W5CF - Larry Mitchell
  • KE2HNH - Steve Hamilton
  • N2ULT - Aaron Hoyt and Family ( Holly and Rex, Virtually through Discord)
  • N2AED - Brian Simons
  • KE2EMQ - Damon Jacobs
  • KE2GKE - Ryan Tuttle
  • KD2QQF - Dustin Cochran
  • KD2QLH - Bob Farrington
  • WB2BAU - George Osier
  • KE2AXE - Al Steel
  • NO8O - Brad Clement
  • NR2V - Virginia Reed
  • John Heady
  • Gaidge Heady

The 13 August 2026 meeting of the North Country Amateur Radio Club meeting was called to order by Dave Pechey (WX2CIB) at 1839L. The meeting was held at the Potsdam Community Room. There were 17 people in attendance, 3 Virtual through discord. 14 voting members present.

Minutes from the previous 9 July 2026 meeting were read.

Motion to accept as read/amended was made by Larry. Seconded by Damon.

Treasurer's Report (NR2V) - $488 in purse, including two new members. Read a prepared statement about transgressions in the club where she felt she was being pushed out of office. Requested a full audit of the books to be performed after the meeting.

President’s Report (WX2CIB) - Read a prepared statement about questions of his character and accusations of dividing the amateur radio club brought forth by ARES club president and statements made by the Treasurer.

Vice President’s Report (KA2AUB) - Noted that part of his position is arranging activities - announced and invited members to the October Brotherhood Camporee/JOTA. Also announced the desire for a POTAcampout involving the club.​

Communications - Loaning Library, Presented Larry (W5CF) and Matt (KA2AUB) with FD Pins, asked for volunteers for FD 2027

Old Business

Carp Tournament Report - Coordinators were very grateful for the amateur radio operators. 3700 lbs of fish were caught by 115 anglers!

Banner - Donation by Mike (W2FCP) and Larry (W5CF) to cover cost, Motion by Larry (W5CF), Second by Brad (NO8O) vote passed. Banner ordered by Matt (KA2AUB), Mike (W2FCP) reimbursed him through paypal.

New Business

  • Open Discussion

    1. Progression of the Club
      1. Deeply nested sub-item (8 spaces)
      2. Apply for DBA
      3. Apply for NFP or NP Status
      4. Apply for ARDC Grants
    2. Increase Dues
      1. Increase would be used to fund club activities and increase community outreach
      2. As an example OVARC charged $20 annual

  • Club Business:

    1. Open Bank Account and Payment Portal <---- Immediate need in order to collect ARRL commissions

    2. ARRL Membership status needed to validate club affiliation

    3. Bylaw addition - Treasurer reports account standings to Secretary NLT 7 days prior to monthly meeting. Expectations of officers, attendance.

    4. W2LCA VE Team - Secretary has reached out to Laurel VEC regional coordinator to inquire about starting a team. Larry (W5CF) is interested

    5. Hamclubonline.com - Will be used to manage club, there are provisions in place for roster, renewals, etc. We need to update email addresses so they can be added to the roster so you have access.

    6. Request to link W2FCP's W2LCA Multi-Mode system to KA2JXI repeater for Nets

      1. The repeater has several dead zones north of Potsdam, this could be used to fill in those dead zones
      2. An alternative would be to install an ASL or Echolink node on the KA2JXI repeater for club use.
      3. Club members would also be able to participate through Echolink, AllStarlink, DMR, and HamsOverIP

Upcoming Events

  • Year of the Club/W1AW - 26 August - 1 September - Contact the NNY Section for arrangements.- September 12 - Saratoga Hamfest
  • October First Saturday - SET simulated emergency test - see QLH if you want to participate
  • September 3rd, Online Technician classes - Free
  • October 24, VE Session
  • W2SLK - Tech Class
  • September 18-20 - Activate Adirondacks

Closing

Motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Larry (W5CF) and seconded by Allen (KE2AXE).

Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 2004 L

Minutes respectfully prepared and submitted by M. White.