Chair Steve Mayes called the meeting to order at 09:43.  Introductions were made.  Minutes of Oct 9 meeting were reviewed, a minor correction noted by Pat Buller, then approved.

FINANCIAL REPORT

  OLD BUSINESS

800 MHz IX & Nextel-  The main issue is on-going IX, loss of capacity or communication, in areas where systems from various organizations and Nextel sites are in close proximity.  Testing is on-going with various radios, 8-10 types have been tried.  There is a modification board available for Motorola MTS 2000, which improved performance of that type, can be ordered w/ new units as a no-cost option.  Jon Wiswell reported that Nextel has a dialog set up with people in the NW region to deal with the issues.  Steve Leonard (Nextel) described progress in Multnomah Co, Oregon, and other places.  Nextel will be making a proposal to FCC, to be published perhaps by year-end, to correct IX by various means.  Wiz mentioned another meeting taking place with Nextel within the month, and Leonard plans further tests, but doesn’t have all the equipment for it yet.  DOT is using Johnson radios, which are also having problems, but biggest issues are in the King Co systems area.(Open)

700 MHz Planning Meetings.  Per Pat Buller, meetings are on-going.  Planning committee is underway.  WA State has applied for 700 MHz frequencies available to States.  There was a political level meeting in Olympia on 11/9, but more technical representation is needed.  Interoperability between 700 and 800 MHz is hoped for, but there are problems w/ 700 MHz equipment not being compatible with either 800 or 900 MHz gear, at present.  Per FCC, some 700 inter-op channels are planned.  APCO 25 is to be the standard on 700.  There are still issues w/ Canada pertaining to Line “A” proximity.  E-mail Wiz  or Pat for further info.  Work will continue.  (Open)

Meeting Locations  We plan to stay with the WSP Office location for now.  Others may be considered, into the future.  Jay has the WSP room reserved through June 2002.  (Closed)

WWCIC Secretary Position  Loren Postma will continue temporary coverage as Secretary until Elections are held.  The mailing address for FCC can continue usage, but drop the e-mail address until further decisions.  FCC can’t make any commitment for staff to cover the position, as has been done for the last several years, at this time.  Mike Rothe brought some records information from the FCC office, which was given to Steve Mayes, then to Loren.  Review will continue.  Wiz suggested an e-mail contact be set up for access on the web-site, then to forward to all the Officers.  Alan Robinson will research.  Elections for all Offices will be held in December.  Possible nominations are to be sent to Loren Postma, and/or also taken at the meeting.  (Open)

Security issues-  Agencies are reviewing procedures and contingency plans.  (Closed)

IX on 3.25 MHz-  Pat Buller noted an interference issue on 3.25 MHz, suspecting a cordless phone base unit, and reported the problem to FCC.  It has not yet been resolved.  (Open)

WWCIC Web-site  Alan Robinson got the site going.  He is reviewing further, to get the billing finalized, since the hosting Company changed.  It had previously been billed to Alan directly, for a year ahead, then reimbursed by WWCIC.  Alan will review further.  The attendees want the site working, and again authorized Alan latitude in dealing with what is needed to get reliable service.  (Open)

NEW BUSINESS

Christmas Brunch, Christmas Brunch, Christmas Brunch  J  Steve Mayes will further contact George Bisso.  (Further progress was made on the issue after the meeting)  Result was e-mailed to the members and attendee list of record on Nov 27, announcing further details of a brunch hosted by George, with everyone encouraged to bring along other favorite dishes, potluck style.  We would like to start the meeting at the regular time, get the business completed, then eat and socialize together and enjoy.  Please be on-time, 0930.  Brunch should be about 1100..  Remember to come hungry, you all know the drill.  

Items of Information

Misc-  Brief discussion about the antennas on Seattle’s Columbia Center, and New York events with comm compatibility after the 9/11 attacks, described as being mentioned by Kevin Kearns.  (Open)

FCC Issues / Info-  Steve Houser brought several items from the FCC.  Forfeitures, Benchmark corrections by Verizon, consideration of a Nextel proposal postponed due to the activity after the 9/11 attack, and others.  More info is available on the FCC web-site.  That is found at:  www.fcc.gov .

The meeting was adjourned at 11:05.

Minutes submitted by Loren Postma