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:

The September meeting this year has many things to talk about. Also, will be the elections for new officers. More information on this can be found below.

Recently, Kieth has been sending out some notifications to Trustees who have one or more overdue TDS. The response has been good, and I am sure a little overwhelming at times for Joe.I would like to take a moment to address this issue and stress why it is important to get these things done, and done in a timely manor.

The TDS is the primary means of keeping and updating our records. With each TDS that is received, we not only update the data in the database as needed, but we also file the TDS for reference. The MARC volunteers can not possibly talk to every Trustee, or remember what someone told them about this repeater or that repeater, the TDS is a document that provides that information.

MARC has a set of rules that every coordinator must apply whenever a coordination is issued. These rules are to help assure that we are making good and sound decisions. If we have no data to use, we have to assume that there is nothing to be concerned about. This is why we keep a databse. While we have documents stored and other records, history of changes and such, the primary databse, where the coordinators get their data for issuing new coordinations is a single record for each repeater.

On average, it takes about 10 minutes to fill out a TDS. There are 525,600 ninutes in each year and it only takes about 10 minutes of that to keep your TDS up to date. Honesstly, you spent more time than that deciding on what your last radio purchase would be. When the TDS is not updated for a certain length of time, MARC has no choice other than to assume that you either no longer are interested in maintaining the coordination, or as is happening more and more, the repeater is either no longer being maintained and is off the air or, the Sponsor of a coordination has become an SK.

I have worked on a number of repeaters, and obviously know a lot of people who own and maintain repeaters. Rare is the situation where a year goes past that a visit to the repeater site is not needed. The TDS is just another one of those tasks that needs to be done.

I have heard "I don't understand why I have to fill out a TDS, nothing has changed.", however in discussion we discover that some things have changed. Taking the time to fill out your TDS is not only taking the time to update your coordination, but also a reminder about things that have changed. Please, take a few minutes to update your TDS.

73, Dan N8WKM

Electronic Meeting Information:

The September 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: June, 2024
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: Jeff Oberg, KB8SXK
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: None


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

Meeting called to order by Dan at 1:12 PM

Motion to suspend with the reading of the minutes and Treasurers report and accept them as printed in the newsletter made by Jon, seconded by Keith.Motion Carried.

Old Business:

Jon, Reported on the status of the new web based reporting tool.

New Business:

Keith reported on some trends he has noticed in MARC activities. There was a discussion about these things and why they might exist. Jon added some things about the coordination work he was doing. Discussion also took place about getting all of the DOG resolutions put into the bylaws to make it easier to locate information all in one place.

Adjournment:

Motion to close the meeting made by Keith, seconded by Jon, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 1:43pm.
The next meeting will be held electronically on September 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM

Respectfully submitted,
Dan Thompson, N8WKM

2025 MARC Elections

Each year, MARC Elections selects three of the 6 officers for a 2 year term. This year, the offices open to election are Vice President, Treasurer and one of the directors. Currently the office of Treasurer is being filled by Roy, W8ROY who has also been doing the job of Secretary. The currtent Vice President is Keith KD8ZSK.

In order to vote, one must be a paid member of MARC. If you are unable to attend the meeting but still wish to vote, you may fill out a ballot and send it to the MARC US Post Office mail address. You may find the 2025 ballot on the website to fill out and mail to us. Mailing information can be found on the ballot.

Treasurer's Report
For the Period: 05/01/2025 - 07/31/2025

Marc funds balance on May 1, 2025 $3,506.32
Income for May, Jun, Jul. $28.32 from dues and interest.
Expenses for May, Jun, Jul. $1.68

MARC funds balance on July 31, 2025 was $3,532.96

Respectfully Submitted,
Roy Watts, W8ROY
MARC Treasurer

Supporting Detail

MARC Funds as of 05/01/2025