August 26th, 2000 Minutes

Called to order at 11:06am by Ken Enenbach.

Introductions of MRC officers were made.

Minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted.

Treasurers report was delayed to start Old Business

Old Business

Mac McKenzie K4CHS was asked to speak about the status of coordination by Ken. Mac stated that most individuals are adhering to the coordination guidelines. He also talked about the lack of 2-meter pairs available around the state and the current waiting list in the Springfield area. He discussed his involvement with the FCC regarding an uncoordinated machine located in Sedalia which was causing interference to another machine sixty miles away. The FCC stepped in and contacted the uncoordinated repeater owner and that system is now off the air.

Mac was asked about a machine in the Springfield area which has been off the air. Mac has been in constant contact with the trustee who seems to have a new excuse every time his machine is reported off the air.

Ken discussed that the FCC has been active in coordination. He has received several calls from the Kansas City FCC office regarding our guidelines and how we handle coordination.

Ken reminded everyone that the Council protects coordinated repeaters from interference caused by uncoordinated machines. The Council protects your machine when the FCC calls and wants to know about reports of interference.

Ken also discussed that at the last meeting some repeater operators from Illinois came to our meeting to request help in dealing with problems with their state coordinators. Ken stated that those problems seemed to be fixed now and that Carl K9VXW was doing a good job in Illinois.

Mike Musick N0QBF asked if the council could help with interference from commercial entities. Ken stated that there is currently no method to bring that up within the ARRL structure. Mac suggested calling the FCC office in Kansas City.

Many attendees made comments that the FCC doesnt take interference by commercial entities against amateur systems seriously.

Mac asked that repeater trustees and contacts keep us informed when they move so that update forms and meeting notices go to the right individuals. Ken stated that if groups want more than one individual to receive meeting notices they should contact Matt Stanley with a list.

Mac asked that trustees keep him informed when their machines are off the air. Council has decoordinated several repeaters this year and repeaters, which remain off the air, will be decoordinated.

New Business

Jim Duncan, KU0G asked that the council change its bandplan to show that APRS now occupies 144.3-144.5 and 446.175. The Council agreed after some discussion to implement the changes on the next bandplan.

Treasurers report was read and accepted.

Ken discussed the status of the Council. He stated that while our state was doing a good job, other states are constantly having problems with other coordination groups trying to take over or huge changes to the 2-meter bandplan like in California.

Ken praised the coordinators and officers for keeping MRC the standard bearer for repeater councils. He then thanked everyone for coming and asked for a motion to adjourn.

Meeting was adjourned at 11:58am.

Submitted by,
Matt Stanley
Secretary
Missouri Repeater Council, Inc.