The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM with 30 people in attendance.

Veronica introduced the Core Group of KendallWatch and welcomed KendallWatch members and first time visitors.
A warm welcome was extended to guest speakers Linda Dorrsett with the Mother Baby Center, and recent CERT graduate Trish.

Veronica stated that KendallWatch is a non-political not for profit community action group and read the KendallWatch mission statement.

Veronica urged everyone to visit the KendallWatch web site at http://www.KendallWatch.us . Veronica updates the website frequently. She also asked members to please update her with new email addresses.

Kathy read the minutes from the November 5th, 2007 meeting.

Veronica gave the Treasurer’s report.

Joyce announced that the UPS Foundation’s United Way Campaign Officer Carolyn Winfrey presented a check for $4,500 to Northwest Youth Services. We thanked Joyce for her continued efforts in this area.
Joyce also informed us that she will begin contacting volunteers and asking for donations for the upcoming KendallWatch Youth Bike Rodeo to be held  May 10th, 2008.

1. Deputy Karb gave a report on our area. He began with an update that the Whatcom Planning Commissioner’s Office has a new enforcement officer, Garrett Feddis.  He is a former police officer.  Deputy Karb said that he will be a great help up in our area with regards to blight properties.
2. Deputy Karb also stated that since his arrival in January 2007, his arrest rate has been 90%. The drug of choice in our area is still methamphetamine. He encouraged us to keep reporting all incidents by calling 911.  Do not wait to call, no matter what time of day it is as 911 will dispatch the appropriate agency.
3. Report stray and nuisance animals to Whatcom Humane Society attention Officer Spain at (360)733-2080.
   
4. Deputy Karb reported a rise in fraud cases in our area. Most likely a “ring”.  He encouraged us to get mail as soon as it is delivered to prevent theft.                                                            
   
5. The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office is offering a Citizens Academy course beginning in March, 2008. The Citizen's Academy was developed to provide a better understanding between citizens and the Sheriff’s office through education. Those who are interested can go to the website www.whatcomcounty.us/sherriff/  to apply.

Recent CERT (Citizen Emergency Response Training) graduate Trish Bagnall gave a brief overview of the course. She enthusiastically encouraged KendallWatch members and visitors to enroll in this valuable course where you      learn skills to take care of yourself, your family, your neighbors, your co-workers and your community in the event of a disaster. For more information please visit www.whatcomcounty.us/dem/educate/cert/cert.jsp or contact   Bob Jacobson at bjacobso@co.whatcom.wa.us

Linda Dorsett with the Mother Baby Center announced a meeting to be held to form a Booster Club to benefit families in our area at the Foothills Visitor’s Center in Maple Falls on January 31st at 7 PM.
The mission of Mother Baby Center is to be Whatcom County’s highest quality provider of health and support services for pregnant and postpartum women, their baby’s and their families. To get involved or ask questions, please contact Linda Dorsett at: 647-1544 ext.108 or Linda @motherbabycenter.org.

Norm presided over the 50/50 drawing. Our portion of $17 went to the general fund with Darin donating his winnings of $17 into the general fund. Thanks Darin!

Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.

Coffee and refreshments were available.

Our thanks to all the members who attended and also for your support.

                                                              Respectfully submitted by Kathy Warner