George Bisso called the meeting to order at 9:40.  Minutes of the December meeting were reviewed and approved.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Checking Account Balance:                        $2,841.00

Savings Account Balance:                        $1,242.23

OLD BUSINESS

Washington State Patrol (WSP) Squak Repeater.  Pat Buller reported there is no change in the status of the interference problem on Squak Mountain.  The involved agencies have not had a meeting yet.  George will follow up with The National Weather Service Regional Office in Salt Lake City.  (OPEN)

Interference from Nextel IX.   Jerry Noe stated that the noise level has increased but he can’t determine why.  As activity increases and decreases, interference at the Bellingham St. Joseph Hospital site changes.  The problem is spreading as Nextel adds more sites.   Pat Buller presented the views to APCO frequency coordination and will convey the committee’s concerns that the Nextel problem is political and cannot be fixed technically; it will take change in policy at the Government level.  Denny Anderson will contact Nextel and request their assistance in resolving this problem.   (OPEN)

2000 Joint Meeting With Canada.  Dennis Reanier has not held the first meeting with his ad hoc committee yet. (OPEN)

Letter of Determination from IRS.   Shirley has the Form 1023 (9 pages), Instructions, and related  Publication 557 (55 pages) from the IRS.    Since the reading material and process seem complex, Kurt Kyle volunteered to assist in determining the appropriate action to take.  Steven Mayes will also review the material.  (OPEN)

New Elections for WWCIC Officers.  The following individuals were nominated.  Voting will take place at the February meeting.  Members at Large will be appointed by the new officers. (OPEN)

¨      President:  Steven Mayes

¨      Vice President:  Gerald Broerman

¨      Secretary/Treasurer:  Shirley Perry

NEW BUSINESS

Change to Constitution and Bylaws. 

¨      A motion was made that Article VII, paragraph (1) of the Constitution be changed to:  “ The Secretary Treasurer may serve consecutive terms at the discretion of the Executive Council.”

¨      A motion was made that Article IX, Paragraph (2) of the Bylaws be changed to:  “The Secretary-Treasurer shall transmit notices of special meetings to the membership at least two weeks prior to the date of each special meeting.”

¨      A motion was made that Paragraph (3) be added to Article IX of the Bylaws: “Minutes of the meeting will be transmitted to members one week prior to the upcoming meeting.”

Members will vote on these motions at the February meeting.  (OPEN)  

Dues Assessment for 2000.  After discussion, it was decided the new chairperson should develop a budget based on current and future expenses.  It was moved to table this subject until the new Executive Council takes office and reviews the situation.  (OPEN)

WSP Items of Interest.   Pat Buller just received a microwave license for application that was filed 18 months ago.  The license is only good for 120 days since he didn’t mark the renewal block when he initially filed because, at the time, it was far too early to renew.  (INFO)

Broadcast Items of Interest.  George relayed that Little LEO satellites have caused interference to broadcasting in isolated incidents.   The LEO satellites are competing for the limited spectrum that exists.  (INFO)

FCC Items of Interest.  Dennis Anderson reported on the following FCC issues.   Most FCC documents can be found on FCC's web site:  http:/www.fcc.gov.  If you would like a hard copy, please contact Shirley Perry.  (INFO)

-          Pirates.  Two were shut down recently in the local area--one in Arlington and one in Wenatchee.

-          Low Power FM.  Seems certain to be approved.

Amateur License.  Pat Buller reported on major changes to Amateur rules.  The number of classes will be reduced to three:  Tech, General, and Extra.  The telegraphy examination requirement for all classes will be changed to 5 wpm.  Changes will be effective April 15, 2000. (INFO)

Trunking Protocol.  Wiz will brief the committee on trunking protocol at the March meeting.  His briefing will be first on the agenda.  (OPEN)

Site Standards.  Pat Buller, as custodian of the standards, requested that members review them prior to the next meeting to determine if they should be revised for Year 2000.  A copy is attached.  (OPEN)

WWCIC Website.  Wiz inquired whether downloadable documents should be protected.  The group discussed that it was not necessary.  (CLOSED)

REACT Item of Interest.  J. Fisken was not present; however, copies of his email were provided that reported on an incident of malicious interference to southern California GMRS, law enforcement, and other public service frequencies.  Jack Gerritsen of Bell, California was arrested and charged for violating California Penal Code 636.5.  He is currently out on bail. (INFO)

Lunch at March Meeting.   George will look into providing lunch at the March 14 meeting.  (INFO)

The meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.

Secretary-Treasurer