Chairman Tim, VE3UO, welcomed everyone present, and introductions were made around the room.  Given the attendance and participation at the meeting, this did not take much time.  (Readers might note that in relation to repeater populations, there was much better representation from Cornwall, Brockville and Belleville than from the Ottawa/Gatineau area.)

Tim thanked Mike VE3FFK, for making the arrangements for the use of the room at Carleton once again.

There were no adverse comments on the minutes of the Spring 2004 meeting.  Correction needed for one callsign was noted.  (This has been corrected - Secretary).

Martin, VE2ZVL, Frequency Coordinator, was unable to attend because he was off hunting deer.  You can see Martin's progress on the french language version of the SLVRC web site at <http://www.slvrc.org/francais/>.

There is no map of the Council area on the web site as yet.  This project is underway, and a map may burst forth sometime soon.  Reports from repeater sponsors in almost all instances give the Council approval to locate systems on the map by Maidenhead Grid.

Last year (2003) was the year for full Technical Information Reports.  In 2004 and 2005, 'No Changes' reports are permitted only for those systems for which there have been no administrative or technical changes since the last full report.  All other systems must file a full report.  Reports for 2004 are coming in quite well (they were due by the end of October).  There has been a positive response to the short report form that Graham, VE3BYT, has put on the web site for 'No changes' situations.  Where appropriate, this form may be used in 2004 and 2005.

A report has been submitted from Kevin, VE3RCN, for frequency coordination of a 6 Meter beacon in Kingston.  

Graham (VE3BYT) noted that the West Carleton Amateur Radio Club 33cm beacon in Ottawa is on the air at 903.370 MHz.  This beacon is located close to Pinecrest Road and the Queensway in the west end of Ottawa.  Reception reports may be sent to <ve3byt@rac.ca>.

Graham will endeavor to put information on the web site listing all propogation beacons operating in the area of the SLVRC.  As beacons are fixed-frequency systems, reports should be sent to the SLVRC for new beacons proposed or under construction for frequencies above 29 MHz.

There was discussion of the requirement from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that users of its towers and other facilities must carry extensive insurance coverage.  It appears that the insurance Radio Amateurs of Canada will provide to all of its members (and to clubs, given certain requirements are met) should satisfy the CBC with respect to insurance.  Certain CBC fees may apply, however.

Tim noted that there had been an inquiry from Noel Beardsley, K8NB, Frequency Coordinator of the UPARRA (Upper Peninsula of Michigan), asking if we knew who coordinated frequencies in Northern Ontario.  We let him know that there is no coordination council in N. Ontario.  Several years ago we (SLVRC) had offered association with us, or even coordination services.  There was no interest shown by northern groups for those proposals.

Jack, VE2CV, gave the Treasurer's report, indicating that the Council has $1990.30 in the bank.  This includes dues paid this year, the cheque from ARRL as compensation for our information to list in the Repeater Directory, and a debit for computer supplies for Martin.  

Jack noted that there are only 14 individuals or groups that have paid dues for 2004.  These 14 include three new members.  Those who paid dues for 2004 are:
     VE3IRO     VE3IWJ     VA3LGA     VA3LTP     VE3PGC     VE3QAR     VE3RLR
     VE3RVI     WB2RYB    KC2JDB     KC2JDC     KC2JIF       VE3RIX      VE3TJU

Jack will provide a record of who has paid dues to support the Council over the years.  
Graham will endeavor to post this information on the web site.

Pete, VE3PPD, noted that recently there had been intentional interference on a repeater being used in a Simulated Emergency Test.  (This is an impressive act - interfering with volunteers training to prepare for an emergency situation.  Someone must be proud.  Secretary)

System Reports:

Next General Meeting:  The Spring 2005 General Meeting will be held in April or May.  The date and location are under consideration.  It may be possible to hold this in conjunction with a fleamarket activity.

The meeting was adjourned at about 14:10.

Graham, VE3BYT - Secretary.

Please advise me of any errors or omissions in these minutes.  <graham@igs.net>