Four Lakes Amateur Radio Club Membership Meeting
September 15th, 2026
Oakwood Village Meeting Room, Mineral Point Rd, Madison
Meeting called to order (no time logged) by Steve W9GZO. Technical difficulties with AV prevented displaying agenda and online minutes. Related to transition to temporary rental space.
Introductions
Steve (W9GZO) – President, Sam (KI5POE) – Treasurer, Tony Brzokowski (call change from KB9ZNB to N9TPB), Ernie (KG9NI), Steve Miller (KB5RCP), Jeff (KE9CQP), Presley Roads (KF8PAN), Monica Livingston (KB9WCX), Wayne, K9OHU, Greg (N9AOA), and guests.
Treasurer’s Report
Checking Account: $3,313.40
Savings Account: $4,178.25
Membership: 74 paid members; $1,664 collected in year-end dues.
Committee Reports & Upcoming Activities
Field Day Review & Planning
- Field Day at Shumacher Farm Park in Waunakee doubled past participation and added GOTA, POTA, Skywarn, ARES, and Meshcore Activity Centers on Saturday afternoon.
- 2027 Field Day planning must be finalized before November 2026 to secure county park reservations.
- No discussion or decisions due to technical difficulties and lack of FD participants for input
MATC Technician Class Initiative: Larry
- Proposal to partner with Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Eastside Campus for a 12-week spring semester Technician License course ending in an exam session.
- Slide deck provided by ARRL; volunteer instructors/Elmers needed.
Event Communications & Volunteering:
- Upcoming volunteer communications support for Bike the Barns (Sept 20) and Badger Challenge (Sept 27). SAG copilot slots available via Jeff (KE9CQP).
Special Interest Groups:
- Mesh Networks: Dustin Westoby chairing the Meshcore interest group. Thomas (online, AC9BJ) clarified FCC Part 97 (unencrypted, >1W) vs. Part 15 (encrypted, <1W) operational rules.
- Fox Hunts & Antenna Builds: Discussion on hosting winter tape-measure Yagi antenna build sessions ahead of next year’s fox hunt.
Meeting Space Discussion
The board is actively searching for a permanent, free/low-cost meeting space equipped with AV capabilities.
Adjournment
Motion to Adjourn: Moved by Larry (KD9VTR) , Seconded by Ernie (KG9NI).
Motion passed unanimously (no time logged).
Taken By: Tony Brzoskowski N9TPB
Transferred to online by: Thomas Murphy WN1C