The meeting was held in Kanata Room in Sobey's, at the SW corner of Hazeldean and Terry Fox Drive in Kanata.

The following people were present:

NameCall SignPositionMH GridRACWCARC
Barney BakerVA3BGBMemberFN25aiYesYes
Dean DenterVA3CDDMemberFN15wlYesYes
Tom ZinckVA3NFAMemberFN25bhYesYes
Peter JagoVA3PJMemberFN25agYesYes
Bert ZauharVE2ZAZDirectorFN25bkYesYes
Graham IdeVE3BYTMemberFN25chYesYes
Fred ChamberlainVE3CFZMemberFN15vfYesYes
David FrankVE3DMUGuestFN25Yes
Clare FowlerVE3NPCMemberFN25YesYes
Andy HartVE3NVKVice PresidentFN25bhYesYes
John PavelichVE3XKDGuest
Doug LeachVE3XKMemberFN25bfYesYes
Glenn MacDonellVE3XRASecretaryFN15djYesYes
Dale HennigarVE3XZTMemberFN15YesYes
Al PenneyVO1NOPresidentFN24cwYesYes


Opening:
The meeting was opened by President Al Penney(VO1NO) at 19:30 hours. The President noted that this would be the Annual General meeting for 2011 and welcomed one visitor, John Pavelich (VE3XKD).


Secretary's Report:
Secretary Glenn MacDonell(VE3XRA) introduced the minutes of the previous meeting. Moved by the Secretary that the previous minutes as published on the web pages be approved. Seconded by Peter Jago (VA3PJ).

Motion approved.


Treasurer's Report:
The President noted that the Treasurer was unable to attend the meeting but had advised that the club's financial situation had not changed significantly from that reported at the previous meeting.

Webmaster's note: In November, Treasurer Ken Asmus (VA3KA) reported that since the October meeting WCARC gained one new member. The bank balance was $584. A payment of $246 for liability insurance for next year was due to RAC on December 1st, so we will enter December 2011 with a balance of about $338. The only other outstanding expenditure this year was our Christmas party. Membership renewals for the new year begin in January.

Vice President's Report
The Vice President noted that the regular meeting place, Sobey's at the corner of Hazeldean and Terry Fox, in Kanata, had been available and was selected for the meeting because of its proximity to restaurants and easy access from the Queensway. Members briefly discussed the location and agreed that this would be our first choice for future meetings. It is still not possible to book the meeting room far in advance (bookings are usually taken 1 week before the meeting).

Old Business:
None

New Business:
None

General Reports:

Beacons
Doug (VE3XK) reported that the ventilation system for the 6m, 2m, 1.25m and 70cm beacons has been set for winter operation and they continue to work well.
Some members noted that the 900MHz beacon provides a vertically polarized signal and suggested that it would be nice to have horizontal or circular polarization.

Web master's note: Since the 900MHz beacon is not on the air, the importance of polarization seems somewhat moot.

24GHz project
There has not been much progress recently but as the club prepares for the next expedition to FN04xa in June 2012 some members will explore the use of gunplexers for 24GHz communications.

D-STAR
The VA3ODG and VA3AAR repeaters, and all hot spots are working well. The Almonte group was successful in obtaining support though a Trilliam grant and is in the process of expanding their repeater system.

Ottawa Antenna Policy
Glenn VE3XRA reported that City of Ottawa officials had advised in early November that development of the proposed policy was taking longer than originally planned. The original target for a presentation to City Council Committees was the end of November 2011. It is now expected to be considered in February or March. They will advise on changes made as a result of the consultations that WCARC executive members had participated in.

Grid Expedition
The President noted that the club would again participate in the ARRL June VHF QSO Party (June 9-10, 2012) with an expedition to FN04xa overlooking Lake Ontario. Last year saw the greatest participation yet, and included a mix of experienced and new amateurs. He encouraged all members to consider participating and noted that for those unable to participate through the entire period (set up Friday through to tear down Monday) operators able to share the load during the contest or anyone interested in assisting or observing the contest were welcome. More details will be provided as the date nears.

Annual General Meeting - Elections
West Carleton Amateur Radio Club Executives are elected for 2 year term with half of the positions up for election each year. At this meeting elections were held for the positions of Director, Secretary and President.

The results were:
Director: Bert Zauhar (VE2ZAZ) nominated by Graham Ide (VE3BYT). Acclaimed.
Secretary: Glenn MacDonell (VE3XRA) nominated by Graham (VE3BYT). Acclaimed.
President: Al Penney (VO1NO) nominated by Bert (VE2ZAZ). Acclaimed.


Adjournment:
The President Al Penney(VO1NO) stated that there being no further business, the meeting would be adjourned. The meeting was closed at 21:10 hours.

Following adjournment the attendees took part in the annual Christmas Party.