Welcome to the MARC Newsletter a publication of the Michigan Area Repeater Council. This news letter is published quarterly in conjunction with the quarterly business meetings. If you prefer a non-columnized version of this newsletter click here for the wide version.

President’s Update:

Elections were held in September. Three current officers that were up for election retained their current position. Details in the meeting minutes.

Kieth has been working on sending reminders to Trustees who have coordinations that are nearing a past due status, as well as some that are past due. This serves two purposes, first is a reminder to update the TDS, and second to help us maintain accuracy in the MARC database.

If there is a repeater that has been off the air for an extended period, please try to make contact with the Sponsor or Trustee and ask them to update MARC as to the status of the repeater. We also try to make contact with these people when we get reports of a repeater that has been off the air for more than 6 months. Even then, without word from the Sponsor or Trustee, we must wait at least two years from the last updated TDS before we can return the frequency to the pool and reissue a coordinated pair to another entity.

The best way to do this, is by sending email to mail@miarc.com indicating the frequency and the general location as well as if you were able to contact anyone about the status of the repeater.

73, Dan N8WKM

Electronic Meeting Information:

The December 6, meeting is an Electronic Meeting at 1:00pm!

PHONE BRIDGE ONLY:

Use this ONLY if you are only using the phone.
Dial In Number:    712-770-4819
Access Code:      384775#
   1. Dial into bridge using Dial In Number
   2. Enter Event ID
   3. If the meeting organizer is already present,
        you'll be connected. If not, you'll be
        placed on hold until the organizer appears.

WEBMEETING & Phone Bridge:

Using your web browser

   1. Activate your Web Browser
   2. Go To https://join.freeconferencecall.com/marc-meeting
   3. Enter your name and email address
   4. Click the phone icon, you will have a choice to
        select using a telephone or your computer for
        audio if you have speakers and mic.
   5. If you select computer you should connect.
   6. If selecting telephone you will be presented with a number
        to dial and an access code.
   7. When prompted enter the access code followed by the # symbol.
   8. Once the audio connects you will need to press # once again
        and enter the synch code followed by the # symbol.
   9. You should now be connected.
       

Participation in the web-meeting is only needed for things like slideshow presentations, or use of a whiteboard where someone may need to do an illustration. It also allows us the opportunity to display the actual text of a motion for everyone to read. If you are unable to participate in the web-meeting you may still join in on the phone bridge from wherever you are.

MARC Meeting Minutes

Date: September 6, 2025
This meeting took place via internet and phone connection.

Officers:

President: Dan Thompson, N8WKM
Vice President: Keith Armitage, KD8ZSK
Secretary: Roy Watts W8ROY
Treasurer: Roy Watts W8ROY
*Director: Jim Kvochick, K8JK
Director: Tony Griffin, KE8NSU
Coordinator: Dan Thompson, N8WKM
*Coordinator: Jon Blome, NX0H
*Database Manager: Joe,Erlewien, N8CN
Newsletter Editor: Dan Thompson, N8WKM
Statistical Researcher: Keith KD8ZSK

Absent: Indicated by * above
Visitors: No visitors were present.


Note: call signs of board members are not repeated in the minutes as they are listed above.

Meeting called to order by Dan at 1:01 PM

Dan read the highlights from the minutes of June meeting in Roy's absence. Keith made a motion, seconded by Tony, to accept the minutes from the last meeting as presented. The motion passed unanimously.

Dan presented the Treasurer’s report.
A motion was made by Tony and seconded by Keith to accept the report as presented.

Elections

The floor was opened to nominations. Hearing none, the floor was opened for elections.
The Secretary made a motion to retain the three current officers whose terms were up. Motion passed unanimously. In September 2026 the President, Director and Secretary positions are up for election.

Old Business:

Progress on moving towards the new software database has not been made. Dan mentioned that he has been in touch with Indiana, and they have moved to a new platform. Dan to investigate the Indiana project and report his findings. When Jon gets back in town, it is his intention to work on the project himself.

Keith mentioned that we need some assistance on our web page to reflect current staff and other parts of our MARC webpage. Current team to submit photos to Dan for updating our current staff webpage. Tony will search for experienced resources to help us update and maintain our website. Talent needed is for developer that can edit direct in text mode not wysiwyg editor. Site is in cpanel with PHP and HTML.

Another question was asked: Have tracking letters been set? Should KD8ZSK continue to reach out to the repeater owners who are behind in their coordination? Discussion around impact to coordinators and findings so far. Dan supports continuing with 50% of those in arrears. Keith asked how to access MARC spreadsheet tool – Dan will work with Keith to learn the process and assist with user performance issues.

New Business:

There was no new businessbrought to the floor.

Adjournment:

A motion was made by Tony and seconded by Keith to adjourn the meeting.
Meeting adjourned by Dan at 1:53 pm.
The next meeting is December, June 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM

Respectfully submitted,
Roy Watts, W8ROY
Secretary/Treasurer MiARC

Treasurer's Report
For the Period: 08/01/2025 - 10/31/2025

MIARC Funds balance on Aug 1, 2025 $3532.96
Income for the period: $58.34 from dues and interest.
Expenses for the period: $76.12

MARC funds balance on October 31, 2025 $3515.18

Respectfully Submitted,
Roy Watts, W8ROY
MARC Treasurer

Supporting Detail

MARC Funds as of 8/01/2025