Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 7LAH_ECC-FINAL_Minutes_Apr-7-2015 1 ( Emergency Communications Committee: Minutes of April 7, 2015 Park & Recreation Bldg., Los Altos Hills Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road Roll call (9 members + 9 others): P = present, E = excused, no mark = absent Member Call Sign Attendance Jim Abraham, Co-Chair W6EB E Dru Anderson, Secretary KG6LAD P Bob Anderson KC6ZWG P Andy Fawcett KI6MAF P Jim Heintzelman KD6Y P Edwin R Jones, EC W7WPO P Andrew Kirk WB6CLS P Duncan MacMillan KI6VMY P Scott Overstreet, Co-Chair N6NXI P Sam Wood K6MSR P Others Present Call Sign Attendance Gary Waldeck, Council Liaison K6AIR P Ray Egan - associate W6FQY P Burt Raphael - associate KK6GNB P Bob Rowe - associate AF6LD P Neil Katin – associate AI6FI P Bill Lattin - associate KK6PCA P Greg Olsen - associate K6XM P John Pfefferle - associate KJ6CBX P Maynard Stevenson - associate W7MVT P 1. Roll Call. 9 Members, 1 CC Liaison, 8 Associates. Sign-in form collected by Secretary. Co-chair Scott N6NXI called meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. 2. Minutes for March 3 were approved w/minor edits submitted by Duncan and Neil. a. Motion by Bob Anderson KC6ZWG, seconded, & members approved. b. Action: Secretary Dru KG6LAD will submit FINAL corrected MARCH 3 minutes and sign-in sheet to city clerk for posting. c. Note: Agenda reprints at meeting were for March, rather than April. Duncan projected correct agenda with computer. FOR MEMBER REFERENCE: the April agenda is included at the end of these minutes. 3. Public comments from the floor: a. Emergency response talk. Napa Water District Manager: Bob KC6ZWG. Bob and Dru attended an AWWA talk in Burlingame by the manager of the Napa city water department. LAH_ECC-FINAL_Minutes_Apr-7-2015 2 Bob summarized the key points of the talk that were focused on emergency response. The manager noted during her talk that there is not a similar trained volunteer program for the city plan as Bob & Dru described in their questions to her; further, she said there was not a specific plan or process on what to do with spontaneous volunteers who showed up following the recent Napa earthquake. She was interested in the volunteer ham and CERT programs that Bob cited to her as in place in Los Altos hills. Bob noted that Los Altos Hills is fortunate to have had in place for years the ECC and ham communicators trained in emergency response, as well as our CERT-trained volunteers. He said the manager also was disappointed in the FEMA interaction as being tediously bureaucratic. However, she praised the CALWARN organization. Bob, a board member of Purissima Hills WD, reported that PHWD also is aligned with CALWARN. In response to questions, Bob explained that PHWD has a fully documented emergency response plan, which he detailed at an ECC meeting in November. Further, PHWD provides a secure, tank site location for the W6LAH repeater equipment. There was a discussion to find out if Cal Water, the other water service entity for LAH, has an emergency plan and to see if Cal Water, which is a private entity, uses CALWARN. PHWD is a public agency. b. Time to review updates/edits for ECC Operations Manual: Dru KG6LAD.  Dru suggested that it is time to start planning an update to the ECC Quick Reference Guide. It was originally published in hard copies, which were distributed to the EOC – one in radio room, one in the EOC “management room,” as well as copies to the CERT ARK and to Mike Sanders office. ECC members at the time preferred online access and the document was posted to the LAH website http://www.losaltoshills.ca.gov/documents/committees/ECC/ecc_quick_ref_guide_ 2011.pdf.  Co-editors for the first QRG were Dru KG6LAD, Andy Fawcett KI6MAF, and Ray W6FQY. The document contains a wealth of operational detail for the EOC, radio room, and equipment, as well as a detailed frequency list. Scott asked people to review the document for the May meeting to enable plans. 4. Reports: a. SCC EC: Ed Jones W7WPO, EC. Ed said there will be a drill April 18 at Ed Levine Park in Milpitas and that volunteers are needed. Information about this and other volunteer experience and training activities can be found at https://www.scc-ares- races.org/activities/events.php. He noted for those who need, DSW stickers will be provided to those who’ve updated their contact information at the SCC site. Ed reported that work is in progress on getting tactile call signs for the CERT hams for packet. He explained CERT will have mailboxes to use for exchange of messages. b. LAH Town Council: Gary Waldeck K6AIR, council liaison. Gary did not have any city updates but did update status on repairs of AIR repeater and said the 2M and 440 machines are being replaced. He said its location at upper Page Mill Road makes it a little tough to reach the south end of LAH. CERT uses it for repeater needs, but he said things seem to be going well for the CERT hams with the simplex frequency. c. Antenna ordinance status. Jim/Scott. Planning Commission sub-committee work in progress. d. Report: ECC member activity: Ray Egan W6FQY. Ray asked that those who do net control for local net ensure they send him their activity report after the net they conduct. e. Roster review: Duncan MacMillan KI6VMY. Duncan noted most recent roster/net control update is March 12. Watch for subsequent updates as information changes. 5. Old Business: a. Results: ECC annual review at Council 3/31: Jim W6EB/Scott N6NXI.. Scott reported that the annual report presentation, made by Jim, went well, and that the audience applauded following several positive comments from council members. LAH_ECC-FINAL_Minutes_Apr-7-2015 3 b. Results: Council approval of LAH/LAHEG MOU. Jim W6EB/Scott N6NXI. Scott reported that on March 30, the Council approved the MOU with LAH EG, which is a “club”, and not the ECC, and that it provides the emergency ham call equipment for use by the town for emergency preparation and drills. Principle changes were to make the MOU less geographically and equipment specific. 6. New Business: a. Review of member access needs: EOC and Westwind antenna. Scott led a discussion of member access needs and updates to EOC and to Radio Room and Westwind Barn antenna lock-box. He queried who of the members had keys, needed access and procedure reminders. Keys were requested by Bob A., Gary W., and Andy K. Scott reported that the current access code for the EOC alarm will be updated soon. Ray W6FQY said at one time there were adapters in the Westwind box for antenna access. Antenna at Westwind is a Diamond X-50 for 2M and 440, dual band but used primarily for 2M. b. Power source review. Member report on radios types they use; battery resources. Special note: If use W32s, need a count of how many AA battery packs to distribute. Duncan KI6VMY. Duncan distributed batteries and holders to those who requested them. Members listed their radio equipment for mobile and home on a sheet that Duncan will put in readable form. c. Drills plans for summer: “It’s Summer Now! Let’s Get Started.” Scott N6NXI  EOC net control practice. Scott set objective of doing more access training, bringing up EOC radios, and practice with mobile units roaming LAH terrain. He also plans to begin specific training/practice on “directed net” etiquette, and practice of mobile transmitting from various LAH locations. Ed Jones noted he believes he has the map of a prior drill of location coverage and will provide for comparison.  Elect a “Summer Drill Director.” Ed Jones, EC, W7WPO volunteered to be in charge of a summer drill, as long as it corresponds to the county drill set in July. 7. Tech Talk: The “’Good ‘Bones’ of a Ham’s Go-Kit.” Scott N6NXI. Discussion began at 8:02 p.m. a. Review Go-Kit lists: https://www.scc-ares-races.org/activities/events.php; Print outs were available for go-kit lists from the County site, as well as from Gary Waldeck and Andy Kirk. Members discussed some key specifics relative to mobile antenna and mobile units. Dru suggested people carry an updated frequency list, as well as personal photo IDs/DSW IDs. Gary suggested people consider electronic and secure storage of critical ID information. Ed pointed out that the County go-kit list was intended for MAC volunteers who would be going some distance from their home location, so it is more robust that what might be basic kit for LAH area response. He did point out that a lot of thought went into the County list and suggested ECC be sure to check out the list as a guide. Andy K. said he developed his list by following the question “Gosh, I wish I had brought ….” And cited as example ensuring one has a car battery supply as well as extra batteries in the pack.  Dru noted that the ECC QRG includes a thorough list of frequencies that would be good for people to print and carry in their packs. Scott asked that each person read the QRG manual, read the lists, and the suggested go-kit lists presented, and start building go-kit packs for individual purpose/expectation of service.  Greg Olsen brought a diagram of how to make a portable pocket antenna for 2M. Neil Katin cited a reference to the Ed Fong roll-up pole – see additional information provided in the Appendices. Store batteries separately in a plastic bag; and don’t count on rechargeable batteries for emergency response work because they don’t last long and are hard to LAH_ECC-FINAL_Minutes_Apr-7-2015 4 charge in field. Get a plastic tub, attaché case, or what works for you to store your mobile equipment go-kit.  Also: think through “how” to get to your go-kit in an emergency.  Copies of Gary’s, Andy K.’s, and the County list were distributed at the meeting. b. Co-ax cables, connectors, adapters: Review types for suitability to various applications.  Scott led a discussion and demonstrated a box of the various standard connectors hams should be aware of and have on hand. A standard list will be developed for reference, including SMA, BNC, N connectors, UHF connectors, etc., and likely equipment that they fit. Discussion also focused on cables one should carry or determine for one’s go-kit. Again, a list will be developed for carry and outfitting go-kit. As Scott noted, you can’t talk without antenna. He also demonstrated what’s referred to as a “tiger tail” for extending range of an HT. Headsets are a must for any noisy environment.  The group discussed cables and types and the differences among RG174, 8 and 58. c. Antennas suitable for go-kits. Rubber (duck) antenna counterpoise.  At the end of these minutes is information on portable antennas provided by Greg and by Neil. 8. Upcoming: a. May/June: County schedule at: https://www.scc-ares-races.org/activities/events.php b. May/June: PEP, CERT, etc. emergency preparedness - Information: http://www.lahcfd.org/community-programs/public-classes c. May 6: LAHCFD Large Animal Evacuation Team will be holding an exercise starting at 6 pm on May 6th at the LAH Town Arena on Purissima Rd d. May 9: LAH Pathway Run. 0800 - 1100, Westwind Barn. ECC volunteers needed. e. May 9: Annual CERT exercise, Sat. 0900-1300, Foothill ARK/LAH/EOC. Contact Mike Sanders, CERT Emergency Services Coordinator, LAHCFD f. Online: Self-paced, FEMA ICS/NIMS courses, http://training.fema.gov/ 9. Adjourn: At 9:07 p.m., members approved motion by Jim Heintzelman KD6Y to adjourn. Respectfully submitted: Dru Anderson KG6LAD, ECC Secretary. Note: Appendices Next Pages  Greg Olsen K6XM Portable Pocket antenna  Neil Katin AI6FI post meeting information about Roll up J-pole:  April 7 Agenda: For Ease of Reference for April 7 Minutes: LAH_ECC-FINAL_Minutes_Apr-7-2015 5 Greg Olsen K6XM Portable Pocket antenna Neil Katin AI6FI post meeting information about Roll up J-pole: LAH_ECC-FINAL_Minutes_Apr-7-2015 6 FOR EASE OF April 7, 2015 MINUTES REFERENCE: Emergency Communications Committee: Regular Meeting Agenda DATE: Tuesday, April 7, 2015 TIME: 7 p.m. LOCATION: Town Council Chambers. 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 2. Roll Call: Co-chairs: Scott Overstreet N6NXI/Jim Abraham W6EB 3. Minutes: Mar. 3 DRAFT. Dru KG6LAD, secretary. 4. Public comments from the floor: a. Emergency response talk. Napa Water District Mgr: Bob KC6ZWG. b. Time to review updates/edits for ECC Operations Manual: Dru KG6LAD. 5. Reports: a. SCC EC: Ed Jones W7WPO, EC b. LAH Town Council: Gary Waldeck K6AIR, council liaison c. Antenna ordinance status. Jim/Scott. d. Report: ECC member activity: Ray Egan W6FQY e. Roster review: Duncan MacMillan KI6VMY 6. Old Business: a. Results: ECC annual review at Council 3/31: Jim W6EB/Scott N6NXI. b. Results: Council approval of LAH/LAHEG MOU. Jim W6EB/Scott N6NXI. 7. New Business: a. Review of member access needs: EOC and Westwind antenna. b. Power source review. Member report on radios types they use; battery resources. Special note: If use W32s, need a count of how many AA battery packs to order. Duncan KI6VMY. c. Drills plans for Summer: “It’s Summer Now! Let’s Get Started.” Scott N6NXI  EOC net control practice. Access and bringing up EOC radios. Practice with mobile units roaming LAH terrain.  Elect a “Summer Drill Director.” 8. Tech Talk: The “’Good ‘Bones’ of a Ham’s Go-Kit.” Scott N6NXI a. Review Go-Kit lists: https://www.scc-ares-races.org/activities/events.php; Gary Waldeck’s list; others. b. Co-ax cables, connectors, adapters: Review types for suitability to various applications. c. Antennas suitable for go-kits. Rubber (duck) antenna counterpoise. 9. Upcoming: a. Apr/May: County schedule at: https://www.scc-ares-races.org/activities/events.php b. Apr: PEP, CERT, etc. emergency preparedness - Information: http://www.lahcfd.org/community-programs/public-classes c. May 9: LAH Pathway Run. 0800 - 1100, Westwind Barn. ECC volunteers. d. May 9: Annual CERT exercise, Sat. 0900-1300, Foothill ARK/LAH/EOC e. Online: Self-paced, FEMA ICS/NIMS courses, http://training.fema.gov/ 10. Adjournment.