Oakland County Amateur Radio Public Service Corp (ARPSC)

W8OAK Repeaters – 146.900 MHz/100pl & 444.325 MHz/107.2pl

Weekly 2 meter net 8 pm every Thursday

Hospital Radio Net - 7:30 pm last Thursday of Month

Packet 144.950 MHz/100 baud

W8OAK-3 BBS and W8OAK-7 Ka-Node

APRS – 144.390 MHz   

Web Site: http://wwwarpsc.com

Meeting Minutes for 3 June 2009

            On 3 June 2009 at 7 pm, Larry Hornsby – KB8POD, Emergency Coordinator

(EC) for the Oakland County ARPSC, called the meeting to order in the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC).  The order of business included:

(I). Report from the Emergency Coordinator (EC), Larry Hornsby – KB8POD:

            Recently, District II – North had a Hospital Stimulated Test Exercise (SET) involving Oakland, Macomb, and St. Clair counties whichcounties that used fax communications.  Twenty amateur radio volunteers were involved.  At the Oakland County EOC, Rory Lock – KC8SZR, Michael Smith – N8GUZ, and Larry handled 46 pieces of traffic and 17 messages.   This SET taught us that we needed to do a few things differently.  Those people at the hospitals had to operate with uncomfortably high background noise levels.  At our end, we needed to identify the EOC by its location, i.e. Oakland (County) EOC.   Script changes were made to better answer messages and assure replies.  Overall, Larry was proud of how everyone worked together and that everyone came away with lessons learned.

            Some people think the swine flu – H1N1 may be over, but next fall could see it resurge.  If bad enough, schools, stores, and even hospitals could be closed.  We are currently brain-storming ideas on how to most effectively handle emergency communications.   Planned responses need to cover many variations.  Exposure of volunteers to any infective agent has to be considered and best avoided.  Emergency communications from home could be a major factor.  Everyone needs to be well prepared.    A handheld with rubber duck antenna is not enough.  We need something better for operation at any site including the use of better antennas + mounts fully ready for use.

            Emergency Dispersal Centers may want us there.  This is good, but what if too many people are sick?   Are we ready to use an alternate location if the hospitals want us outside?  Everyone is invited to give us their input.  There are several key persons who should be included with our emergency communications.  They include Lloyd Suter – N2NGQ, AEC; Randy Love – WF5X, Repeaters; and Murray Scott – KE8UM, Equipment Logistics.   Larry is already in conversation with Murray to have portable antennas and radio equipment ready for sudden emergencies.     

             Membership forms for Oakland County ARPSC have changed.  We now have two layers of membership to our ARPSC.  The first is to become a member of ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service).  This requires one to fill out an application and have a valid amateur radio license. 

             The 2nd layer of membership is obtaining the blue stripe Oakland County ARPSC identification card which requires one to (1) fill out an application, (2) have photo made by Steve Iannucci, (3) and pass a Sheriff's background check.  The Oakland County ARPSC card is necessary to get one into the EOC building, because the building is a high security area.  There is certain information required on the application required by the county and Sheriff's Department that we, ourselves, don't want or need, i.e. social security number and driver's license number.  This information will remain with the county and not us.  The rest finally goes to our membership officer, Jim Poehlman – K8ABZ, who then keeps a record.  

             At the same time, one needs to pass an IS-22 class (or grandfathered equivalent IS-2) in order to obtain a RACES Card (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service).   We obtain this from the Michigan State Police.  Basically, the card says you are a secured person and have passed their requirements.  This card gets one through police lines when on an assignment.    Michael Smith – N8GUZ is currently attempting to reach those members which don't have an IS-22 class.  One doesn't need to wait for one of our classes, but can take the course on-line at any time.   Marsha Fleming – N8FE added that if anyone needed help with IS classes, she would volunteer to tutor him or her.    

 (II) Report from Steve Iannucci, Homeland Security Division - Oakland County:

             Our department – Emergency Response and Preparedness (ER&P) is now renamed the Homeland Security Division.  Previous ER&P reported to L. Brooks Patterson, but now our department reports directly to Office of Health Affairs in the Homeland Security.   90% of the work in our office is emergency management.  At this time, required classes for ARPSC members remain the same.  Tracy asked Steve to remind and encourage members to cover hot sirens.  Steve thanks everyone who participated in the recent SET. 

 (III). Report from John Fleming – K8UP, District 2 Michigan Section ARPSC Emergency Coordinator:

             John sees more District II exercises combined with counties from both north and south divisions.    The purpose is to train all the groups to work together.   For instance, volunteers from various counties should help with the bicycle race at Metro Park, whether they live in the county or not.  They get to know us and we them.  That way multi-county participation becomes welcomed by all.   

 (IV). Report from AEC Management Teams:           

            (1). Report from (AEC) Lloyd Suter – N2NGQ, Administration:

             Lloyd recently came back from a recent Alabama meeting, which expressed concerns about a possible future pandemic.  

            (2). Report from (AEC) Rory Lock – KC8SZR, Net Manage and Reports:

            When Mike VanderVeer, Net Manager sends out requests or messages to net controls, Rory requests everyone to respond.  Larry Hornsby – KB8POD mentioned that the nets give useful new information between monthly meetings. A handout was passed to members defining Oakland County ARPSC Skywarn condition colors. 

            Condition Green is used during a thunderstorm watch or a tornado watch.  During Condition Green, check-ins are requested.  Severe weather reports include (1) funnel clouds, (2) winds 40+ mph, (3) tornadoes, (4) severe flooding with water over the curbs, (5) downed power lines.

            Condition Yellow is used during a thunderstorm warning.  During Condition Yellow, check-ins are NOT requested; however stations are encourage to give reports of severe weather.  In addition to the previous 5 reportable items, severe weather reports should include (6) hail one inch in size or larger.

            Condition Red is used during a Tornado Warning.  During Condition Red check-ins are NOT requested; however stations are encouraged to give reports of severe weather.  If any severe weather is to be reported, the previous 6 items should be included, with #2 changing from winds 40+ MPH to 55 MPH.  

            Standby Net may be used when conditions are not currently threatening Oakland County.  However a net control operator is standing by to pass information.

            Useful information includes estimated hail size.  Dime size is ¾ inch in diameter, quarter size is 1 inch, golf ball size is 1.75 inches, and baseball size is 2 ¾ inches.

            Estimating wind speed in miles per hour:

 25-31   Large branches in motion; whistling telephone lines

32-38   Whole trees in motion; inconvenience felt walking against wind

39-54   Twigs break off trees; wind generally impedes progress

55-72   Damage to chimneys and TV antennas; wind pushes over shallow rooted trees

73-113 Wind peels surface off roofs; windows broken; mobile trailers pushed or overturned; moving automobiles pushed off roads.

113-157 Roofs torn off house; weak buildings and mobile homes destroyed; large trees snapped and uprooted

158+     Severe damage.  Cars lifted off the ground. 

             Key telephone numbers are Oakland Co Homeland Security Division: 248-858-5300; APRSC Radio Desk: 248-858-5551; and NWS Spotter Hotline: 800-808-0006. 

              (3). Report from (AEC) Randy Love – WF5X, Repeaters:

            Last week, power to the EOC radios was off for repairs.  Randy will be working to get the APRS machine running.       

             (4). Report from (AEC) Barry Kaufman – WD8JWM, Library:

             More information has come in that needs to be added to manuals.   Larry Hornsby – KB8POD added that scripts for nets and log sheets require different files. This includes information on net control procedures.  Barry asks if anyone has manuals for the radios to please let him know. 

             (5). Report from (AEC) Michael Smith – N8GUZ, Training/VE Testing:

             Anyone interested in a VE testing session, Mike has the latest list through September.  John Fleming reports there is an unlisted session in Southfield on 14 July 2009.  If interested, contact him at john@fleming_photo.com.

             Forty-seven out of 177 active members haven't taken IS-22 or its equivalent.  Please finish this class.  Mike even has IS-22 and IS-700 class manuals published by FEMA and available by request.

             Query?  If 47 people haven't taken IS-22, how many have Oakland County ARPSC badges?  Answer: Some.  Efforts are being made to contact them to resolve this issue.  Various comments included: IS-22 is required to get the RACES card.  We need to know who they are so no one gets lost in the paper work.  Although IS-2 is grandfathered into IS-22, this class has changed in content and is useful for graduates to review once again.  When one passes an IS course on-line, they no longer send out certificates.  Instead you get "class passed."  Be very careful to keep your file address, as it is difficult to recover.

 (V). Report from Specialty Officer/Coordinator Reports:

             (1). Report from Mark Schurig – KC8WPS, Assistant Hospitals:

             Bill Bond – W8WRB expects to be out of the hospital tomorrow.  Last month's Hospital Net had 100% Oakland County check-ins.  Providence Park reported in during the day and Genesis in Genesee County was a no-show.   Jerry Begel – W9NPI is now the new Oakland County Hospital ARPSC Coordinator.  Bill Bond – W8WRB will coordinate District II hospitals.  Hospital volunteer hours are already figured into Oakland County ARPSC database.         

             (2). Report from Murray Scott – KE8UM, Logistics:

            Three cassette tape recorders were given us, but all need new belts.  The manufacturer is out of business, so hope to contact MCM electronics to see if they might have the belts.    Murray will help Larry Hornsby – KB8POD obtain two 100 foot long coaxial cables with UHF connectors to connect to EOC antennas.  Larry did find that Cat-5 cables could be used to connect ICOM IC-2820 radios to a headset.

            (3). Report from Jim Poehlman - K8ABZ, Membership:

            This August, a letter will be sent out to members to update their membership data on our website http://www.arpsc.com.  Be sure to fill out every window or item so that no mistake will be made as to your active-inactive level. 

            Query:  If every question needs to be filled out, why not create the website questionnaire such that it won't submit until all fields are filled out?  Also, if there is nothing to enter in a window, put "none."   Jim will get together with the web master on this.

            (4). Report from Marsha Fleming – N8FE, for the National Traffic System (NTS):

            From Marsha Fleming: Sean Fleming – K8KHZ would like more members on the traffic net.  He volunteered to give a NTS class.  The Southeastern Michigan Traffic Net meets every night on 145.33 MHz/100pl at 10:15 pm and is a good place to listen and learn.  NTS messaging is a clear and specific way to handle messages.  Each one begins by telling you if it is priority or routine, and all are strictly for health and wellness. Traffic net forms can be down loaded from http://www.mi-nts.org.  If you are new to the traffic net, just tell them and they will help you.  Usually, taking a traffic message means making a phone call to someone who more often than not will be delighted with your effort. 

            (5). Report from Gary Sklar -= K8IKW and others, Public Service Announcements:

6 June 2009 Illinois ARES HF emergency test on 3.905 MHz beginning 10:30 am CST (Central Standard Time).

13-14 June 2009 Isabella County International Bike Ride. 

20 June 2009 Midland Swap.  http://www.qsl.net/w8kea/

21 June 2009 Monroe County Swamp.  http://www.mcrca.org/hamfest.htm   

1 August 2009 Metro Beach Cycling Event, called Mind over Matter at http://www.mindovermatter2008.com  

11-12 July 2009 MS Mid Michigan Ride begins/ends at Lake Fenton High School, Linden, Michigan and goes to Michigan State and back.    

            PRB-1 information can be found at http://www.prb1michigan.org.  Gary reports that the U. S. House of Representatives has a new bill, HR 2160 which would remove obstructions to PRB-1.  He asks anyone interested to write a letter to their congressman but pass it to the ARRL lobbyist who will personally go to Congress.   

            (6). Report from Mike Nebel – N3BEL, Sirens:

            Next siren test will be 6 June 2009, with 3 hot sirens in Southfield, Oak Park, and Clarkston.  Since March, 116 sirens have been checked.  Joe Stanley – WU8Y will no longer be available to run the NE net and Mike needs a volunteer to take over his position.  This net uses the USECA repeater. 

            (7). Report from Joe Miller – KJ8O – Special Events:          

            Field Day will be 27 June 2009, starting at 2 pm.  Volunteers are needed and will have at least one hour of operating time.  Operators can have tech to extra licenses.  The 2009 Berkley CruiseFest Parade is Friday night - 14 August 2009 and the Woodward Dream Cruise is Saturday - 15 August 2009.  Volunteers will be working out on the median rather than the sidewalks.  If interested, please email to kj8o@wowway.com.  Joe has a new assistant, Jim Richards – AB8JR.  Congratulations – Jim.

            (8). Report from Gary Bouwkamp – N8HMP – W8OAK Web

            New ARPSC bylaws and the ARES application form are now on the website.

(VI). Other items of Interest:

            Maury Davidson – K8SJD reported that he has more File of Life Forms, but hopes to bring in the wallet size ones in next meeting.   Larry Hornsby – KB8POD passed out a form to members which is "Emergency Reference Information for Amateur Radio Station."  This is for the member's own use.  Randy Love – WF5X applied for and was accepted to the QCWA (Quarter Century Wireless Association).  Maury Davidson – K8SJD also mentioned that the West Bloomfield Library would like us to put on another display.  Maury needs ideas on what to use.             

Respectfully submitted,

James R. Murphy, N8SML

Secretary, Oakland County ARPSC

4 June 2009

Corrected and approved by Larry Hornsby – KB8POD on 7 June 2009