The meeting was called to order with 12 members and guests present.

Motion to accept the August minutes by Edgar, seconded by Mike (KA8UXQ), accepted.

TREASURES REPORT: Suzanne stated that the old balance stood at $1,035.92. There was $40 in donations bringing the new balance at $1,075.92.

NET: Roger (KI8CL) stated that the average weekly 2 meter check-in count is about 8 to 10 with lighter check-ins the first Tuesday due to EMARC meeting attendance.

It has become apparent that we need to make our 220mhz transceiver able to be directly connected to our battery power so it will continue to operate in the event of a conventional power outage.

CLUB STATION:
We have a couple of new cushioned roller desk chairs to complement our new desks and computers.

WEB SITE: We have a new mirror web site located in Germany. That makes our site simultaneously hosted on three services. We have changed the packet page to update visitors to new information on hf and vhf nodes.

OLD BUSINESS: The subject about equipment insurance was brought up again at this meeting that would protect our expensive repeater in the event of a lightning strike. A motion was made to purchase insurance for the repeater equipment from the ARRL by providing Gene with a check in the amount of $125, by Walt (WA8FPF), seconded by

Paul (KG8OU) approved. Mark (N8EGJ) is to procure a copy of the application for the insurance, deliver it to Dennis (KB8OCG), and then it is to be faxed to Suzanne (KB8GFY) to draft the check. Some discussion was made to table this purchase until the March meeting but it was decided that the lightning season might come too soon to delay this issue.

NEW BUSINESS: We are planning to run a 3" pipe out of the radio room to accommodate coax cables for the antenna and possibly to provide and emergency 110v power line.

Motion to Adjourn: by Walt (WA8FPF), and seconded by Suzanne (KB8GFY), approved.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The 147.300 repeater is still out of operation. We do have the service of the 147.320 and the 444.900 machines in operation in the community. Both machines have been known to occasionally use the 131.8 sub-audible tone.

Next SkyWarn training for the county is to be held February 28^th at 204 Bard St. All amateurs should plan to attend!

Amateur Radio Examinations will be held on April 18^th. After that there will be new License Structures as supported by the American Radio Relay League. Please stand by for further information on this subject. A link to the ARRL is on the ARCARS Web Page www.bignet.net/~arcars that includes some more information.

The Friends of Marconi group meets every Friday at 11:30 am at My Place Restaurant in downtown Port Huron. Everyone is welcome to attend. See the web page http://www.tir.com/~kb8wwe.