The regular January business meeting was cancelled due to snow and ice. The following minutes are from a special meeting on January 19, held at Ledo's Restaurant, to discuss issues related to HQSM-33.
The meeting was called to order at 8:35 pm by Jim Filler.
An informal discussion during dinner took place, covering a variety of topics, mainly related to HQSM-33.
HQSM-33 is currently scheduled for February 6, with the only event being Research and Development. The question is raised whether it is worthwhile to hold the event if only 4-5 people (Jennifer Ash-Poole, Chris Kidwell, Ed Giugliano, Paul Miller, John McCoy) plan to enter. There is no official minimum number of contestants, since this is only a section meet, but we will be limiting the number of points available. We still need at least 3 judges, who need not be NAR members.
John McCoy said that we need more publicity about upcoming events. The calendar for the entire year needs to be distributed as soon as it is decided at the planning meeting.
John also noted that we do not have a section charter yet. More importantly, this also means that we do not have site insurance, so we are not confirmed for access to Middletown Park. The Frederick Parks Dept is sending John a letter in the mail to explain the situation. NAR HQ is still processing section renewals. Our renewal package was received on Dec 15, and mailed on Dec 18.
Jennifer Ash-Poole said that we should go ahead with R&D, either as a contest, or just a "building session" to prepare for NARAM. We could present projects and discuss ways to improve them.
Mary McCoy questioned if it was possible to move the R&D meet to June.
Chris Kidwell noted that it is possible to have both a contest and a building session for those people who do not have a project ready.
Tom Anderson agreed with Chris' comments.
John McCoy suggested that we plan to do building sessions in January and February instead of sport launched that may be cancelled due to bad weather. This also gets around problems of not having site insurance.
Jim Filler summarized the main concerns about HQSM-33: no one was named Contest Director, no contest sanction was applied for, no judges have been called, and the location is not set.
The question was raised whether we should have HQSM-33 on Feb 6 as originally planned. The vote was 4 for, 2 against, 2 abstain. Jim will be the CD and apply for the sanction if approved by Tom Lyon. If not, then it is possible to move it to April or June.
Upon further discussion, it was decided that it would be better if we moved HQSM-33 to June and promote it better in the meantime. This should allow people more time to prepare.
A new proposal was put forth. Jim will prepare a special mailing detailing R&D: what is involved and how to enter. This mailing will be distributed to club members and local hobby stores. At the Feb business meeting Jennifer Ash-Poole and Chris Kidwell will do a presentation on R&D. Chris will present his report from NARAM-40. The Ole Ed swap meet originally planned for the Feb business meeting is moved to the March meeting. At the June 4 business meeting, people should bring in their projects to share and discuss. HQSM-33 will be held at the June 12 section meet. Turn-in will be at 10 am, with judging going on throughout the day. At 4 pm, the contest range will shut down, and oral presentations will be made. The vote was unanimous in favor.
Jim Miers moved that the meeting be adjourned. John McCoy seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 pm.