Opening Remarks

VE3ODR noted that a new PA had been installed in the .85 repeater and that the 440 and 6m machines were back on the air.  Several complaints about the broadcast quality of the voice making the ID announcements were heard in the background.  A plea for a “YL voice” was made.  Volunteers welcome.

Adoption of Minutes – 28 Nov 06 General Meeting

VA3QT noted that the proceedings had been posted on the LSRA website.  There being no additions or corrections, it was moved by Len VA3LM, seconded by Tom, VE3THR, that the minutes be adopted as published on the website.

Decision:  Carried

Treasurer’s Report

Darrell, VA3DG, reported a current balance of $889.95.  A detailed transaction report was provided to the Secretary for filing (Annex A).  Art, VE3UZE moved its adoption, seconded by VE3THR.

Decision:  Carried.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

 No report was available for FY 2006.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

The Secretary reported 37 members including 3 Life Members and 3 members past due on membership dues.  The Treasurer reported that he only had 32 members listed but it was then determined that his count did not include the three life members.  Jim VE3LIC volunteered to contact Life Member Bill VE3FWM for the purpose of obtaining current contact information.  A membership list is attached at Annex B.

It was moved by VE3UZE, seconded by VA3LM, to adopt the membership report.

Decision.  Carried.

Secretarial Note:  Anyone with contact information for VE3EFW Erwin Walter please inform the secretary.

ASSOCIATION STATUS REPORT

VE3ODR provide an overview of the current Association status.  Much of it focused on the tower project reported on below, which has been the major focus to the exclusion of some other very necessary activities.  Bob emphasised that should the tower project be successful a significant amount of membership support would be needed to prepare the new site and move equipment from the old one.

Bob also noted that as a result of the “Big Chill” exercise held in the Tay Township, Penetanguishene, Midland, Tiny Township area there appeared to be a new appreciation for the role that AR could play in emergency communications.  He noted that MLA Garfield Dunlop at a recent OARC event had commented that the ham community was not promoting itself enough and he reiterated his support for what the Association is attempting to achieve at LSR, and emergency communications in general.

Strategic Planning Committee

See Item 7.2

Tower Replacement Project

The President introduced the topic by noting that an overture had been made to Rogers Cable late last fall with respect to the possibility of LSRA acquiring the Rogers’ tower adjacent to the VE/VA3LSR site.  Following an emergent Executive Meeting held 27 March, the Secretary representing the Association met with Rogers officials in Richmond Hill on 12 April.  Rogers indicated that they were interested in such a transaction.

Ian, VA3QT, amplified with some of the data about site operating costs, etc. obtained from Rogers.  He advised that he had also been in contact with the Profac lease manager about renewing the current site lease and gaining advice on the best way to proceed with the possible transfer to the Rogers site.  Ian noted that what was really taking place was the assessment of two options: renewing the LSR lease or acquiring the Rogers tower and the latter also involved two scenarios.

Option 1 – Renew the current LSR lease.

The five-year lease is due for re-negotiation this October.  There will be a marginal cost increase following the formula that has been applied in previous renewals - $25.00.  The true cost increases are the essential upgrading of the tower, shack, and equipment including the AC supply bus and backup DC power system.  The tower is at the end of its life and has reached the point where its safety is questionable.  VA3LM is prepared to donate a used 120-foot self-supporting tower but there are backhoe, concrete, and additional costs involved.  The shack itself needs a major refit, and when all is considered a major labour input from the membership is required.

Option 2 – Acquire the Rogers Tower.

While the acquisition cost will in all probability be fairly minor, this tower occupies a significantly larger footprint and lease cost is based in part on footprint.  Rogers also pays for electricity (cost unknown because it’s paid at Rogers corporate level).  Assuming no commercial operation associated with the tower, we would only need 3^rd party liability and that cost would remain the same whichever location is the final decision.  The main cost associated with acquiring the Rogers tower was the future liability for taking the tower down should the Association wish to abandon it, which would be substantial.  However the tower is relatively new (est. 15 years), has been regularly inspected and maintained, and if acquired a number of microwave dishes and TV antennas would be immediately removed significantly reducing wind loading.  In a worst-case scenario it would have considerable salvage value.  The conclusion therefore is that the risk factor is low.

At the emergent Executive meeting Ian had indicated that there was a commercial operator who was prepared to acquire the tower from Rogers and host LSR gratis.  The executive had instructed Ian that this was to be the first choice.  Rogers subsequently made it clear that they were only prepared to turn the site over to a non-profit/non-competitive entity such as the LSRA.  Several attempts by both Ian and the commercial entity to arrange a meeting with Rogers to explore the “non competition” definition have met with no response.  We are left to conclude that Rogers is not prepared to entertain a review.  The remaining option is to obtain the site ourselves.

 An extensive discussion had taken place during Ian’s report.  Following a call from the floor for a vote VA3LM moved that LSRA acquire the tower, seconded by Jim VE3LIC.  The President called for discussion and there were no further points raised.

Decision.  Carried unanimously.

Membership, Repeater, Digital, Auxiliary Committees

As noted above, these committees have been in abeyance awaiting a conclusion to the tower decision.

Fundraising Committee

VA3QT reported that a New Horizons grant application was in progress.

Any Other Business

VE3GIH advised that he had deposited with the Secretary for temporary safe keeping a 4-bay Sinclair VHF antenna donated by the Richmond Hill Fire Service

APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS FOR FY 2007

Held over to the next general meeting.

DATE OF NEXT GENERAL MEETING

The President advised that the next general meeting will be held in September with an annual meeting to be held in November.

MOTION TO ADJOURN

The business of the evening being complete, it was moved by Dave VE3ILA, seconded by Ray VA3RPW, that the meeting be adjourned.

Decision:  Carried.

VE3ODR thanked everyone for coming out and adjourned at 2020 hours.

Secretarial Note:  The cost of the room rental was $25.00 and an Association cheque was left with the bartender.  $27.15 was collected “in the hat” to offset the cost.