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1. Roll Call
2. Moment of Silence
3. Consideration of the Agenda for the meeting
4. Approval of the Minutes of the 1999 Second Meeting
5. Election of Officers
6. Election of Executive Committee
7. Reports by the Officers
8. Receive Reports and consider recommendations of the committees
9. Directors' motions
1. Pursuant to due notice, the Board of Directors of the American Radio Relay League, Inc., met in annual session at the Memphis Marriott East Hotel, in Memphis, Tennessee, on Friday, January 21, and Saturday, January 22, 2000. The meeting was called to order at 8:36 AM CST, January 21, with President Rodney J. Stafford, W6ROD, in the Chair and the following Directors present:
Kay C. Craigie, WT3P, Atlantic Division
Edmond A. Metzger, W9PRN, Central Division
Jay Bellows, K0QB, Dakota Division
Rick Roderick, K5UR, Delta Division
George Race, WB8BGY, Great Lakes Division
Frank Fallon, N2FF, Hudson Division
Wade Walstrom, W0EJ, Midwest Division
Tom Frenaye, K1KI, New England Division
Greg Milnes, W7OZ, Northwestern Division
James Maxwell, W6CF, Pacific Division
John C. Kanode, N4MM, Roanoke Division
Walt Stinson, W0CP, Rocky Mountain Division
Frank M. Butler, W4RH, Southeastern Division
Fried Heyn, WA6WZO, Southwestern Division
Jim Haynie, W5JBP, West Gulf Division
Also present without vote were Stephen A. Mendelsohn, W2ML, First Vice President; Joel M. Harrison, W5ZN, Vice President; Hugh A. Turnbull, W3ABC, Vice President; Larry E. Price, W4RA, International Affairs Vice President; James McCobb, W1LLU, Treasurer; David Sumner, K1ZZ, Executive Vice President and Secretary. Chief Financial Officer Barry J. Shelley, N1VXY, was present in his capacity as an officer of the Corporation.
Also in attendance at the invitation of the Board as observers were the following Vice Directors: Bernie Fuller, N3EFN, Atlantic Division; Howard Huntington, K9KM, Central Division; Twila Greenheck, N0JPH, Dakota Division, Henry Leggette, WD4Q, Delta Division; Gary Johnston, KI4LA, Great Lakes Division; J.P. Kleinhaus, W2XX, Hudson Division; Bruce Frahm, K0BJ, Midwest Division; James Fenstermaker, K9JF, Northwestern Division; Robert Vallio, W6RGG, Pacific Division; C. Dennis Bodson, W4PWF, Roanoke Division; Marshall A. Quiat, AG0X, Rocky Mountain Division; Evelyn Gauzens, W4WYR, Southeastern Division; Art Goddard, W6XD, Southwestern Division; and Coy Day, N5OK, West Gulf Division. Also present were General Counsel Christopher D. Imlay, W3KD; Publications Manager Mark Wilson, K1RO; Membership Services Manager Bill Kennamer, K5FUV; Field and Educational Services Manager Rosalie White, WA1STO; Technical Relations Manager Paul Rinaldo, W4RI; Legislative and Public Affairs Manager Steve Mansfield, N1MZA; and Special Assistant to the Executive Vice President David Patton, NT1N. Present as a guest of the Board was Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) President Ken Oelke, VE6AFO.
2. The assembly observed a moment of silence in recollection of Radio Amateurs who have passed away since the previous Board meeting, especially Eugene Aber, K7NIJ; William A. "Bill" Adams, W6BA; Lemuel H. Allen Jr, W7JMH; Jack Andersen, N7DHX; D.G. "Arv" Arvidson, K0DIA; Kenneth Bale, W7VCB; Ray Bishop, KB7HNQ; Douglas A. Blakeslee, N1RM; Thomas Buckner Jr, WB7RFL; Alfred Burke, W3VR; Harold S. Burns, W1KVX; Arturo Carou, LU1AHC; Robert A. Cerasuolo, W6IJZ; Charles G. Compton, W0AF; Martin Cordes, KL7IR; Lawrence Cullom, W6CRP; William Deatherage, WA7SCN; Dan Dietz, WM6M; James L. Dionne, K1MEM; Alan M. Dorhoffer, K2EEK; Colin C. Dumbrille, VE7NN/VP9C; James Eckersley Jr, K2IXE; Lorraine Evans, KA1KQY; Quinn C. Farabee, N5OWQ; Raymond J. Feeley, K1CSB; Robert R. Funck, KB5GQ; Anthony Grebenc, W7HEC; John Griffin, KL7AMH; Frederick Oliver Hammond, VE3HC; Tim Hannasch, N0PQH; Charles J. "Chod" Harris, WB2CHO; King Hassan II, CN8MH; Robert Hecksher Sr, W4CYU; Michael D. Heimlich, N5AJW; Myron "Mike" Hexter, W9FKC; Ruby Hoskin, W7QME; Russell Hustad, WA7SQU; Ozzie Jaeger, W6AD; David Johnson, W7HV; Joseph Johnston, K3VXU; Richard L. Johnston, WA4KUB; Percy Kassner, WA7PRD; Hiram L. "Hi" Kennicott, W9RBD; Frank Koval, W8RSW; Win Kratz, KB0KK; Paul Letsinger, W6SYL; William Long, W3EIV; James Masterson, W7PSO; Martha McGranahan; Polly M. McNutt, W8UOI; Alan Merrill, W1FYR; Ed Moory, W5BDR; Rebecca B. Nathanson, K8NFP; Jerry Nichols, W7AXN; Ernest W. Pappenfus, K6EZ; Robert A. Payne, K1BFG; Hayward "Nap" Perry, W4DHZ; Earle E. Pollock, WA6OSQ; Barkley Poorman, W7MMW; Dale Repp, W0IZ; Charles Robinson, W4WTX; Leslie Schmarder, WA2AEA; Clarence "Steve" Schultz, W0CHJ; Jean Shepherd, K2ORS; Richard Skinner, W7MSP; Francis Sloat, W7AHK; Helen Tanner, K6GJJ; John Tanner, K6EJF; James Titus, W7BOO; Oscar Morales Tur, CO2OM; G. "Sulu" Venkatesalu, VU2GV/A22GV; Julio Vera-Cruz, D44BC; Tom Wagner, W7KCA; Ken Weber, K7CLL; Rosemary Willis, KF6EKP; John Wilson, WA3CQT; Paul M. Wilson, W4HHK; and Dave Winter, W2AUF.
3. On motion of Mr. Kanode, seconded by Mr. Metzger, it was VOTED to approve the agenda for the meeting.
4. On motion of Mr. Haynie, seconded by Mr. Heyn, the Minutes of the 1999 Second Meeting were ADOPTED.
5. Mr. Oelke conveyed the greetings of the Radio Amateurs of Canada, Inc., and thanked the Board for its continuing support. He noted that the RAC's upcoming Board meeting in Cornwall, ON, will include invitations to ARRL and IARU officers.
6. Mr. Metzger conveyed the greetings of the ARRL Foundation, and reported that the Foundation enjoyed an excellent year while surpassing the $2 million mark in assets, and noted the kick-off of new scholarship programs.
7. At this point President Stafford introduced several new members of the Assembly, and new Directors and Vice Directors from the just concluded election including Mr. Bellows and Ms. Greenheck from the Dakota Division, Mr. Race and Mr. Johnston from the Great Lakes Division, Mr. Walstrom from the Midwest Division, and Mr. Maxwell and Mr. Vallio from the Pacific Division.
8. Following the introductions, the Chair appointed Mr. Wilson, Ms. White, and Mr. Patton as Tellers. The Chair opened nominations for the office of President. Mr. Heyn nominated Mr. Haynie. Mr. Race nominated Mr. Mendelsohn. On motion of Mr. Frenaye, seconded by Mr. Kanode, it was VOTED to close nominations. The Tellers found 9 votes for Mr. Haynie and 6 votes for Mr. Mendelsohn, whereupon the Chair declared Mr. Haynie elected as President. (Applause).
9. The Chair opened nominations for the office of First Vice President. Mr. Haynie nominated Mr. Harrison. On motion of Mr. Fallon, seconded by Mr. Kanode, it was VOTED to close nominations. The Chair declared Mr. Harrison elected as First Vice President. (Applause).
10. The Chair opened nominations for the office of an additional Vice President. Mr. Kanode nominated Mrs. Craigie. Mr. Frenaye nominated Mr. Fallon. Mr. Stinson nominated Mr. Quiat. Upon motion of Mr. Butler, seconded by Mr. Kanode, it was VOTED to close nominations. The Tellers found 8 votes for Mrs. Craigie, 4 votes for Mr. Fallon, and 3 votes for Mr. Quiat, whereupon the Chair declared Mrs. Craigie elected as an additional Vice President. (Applause).
11. The Chair opened nominations for the office of an additional Vice President. Mrs. Craigie nominated Mr. Kanode. Mr. Stinson nominated Mr. Quiat. Mr. Frenaye nominated Mr. Fallon. On motion of Mr. Butler, seconded by Mr. Race, it was VOTED to close nominations. The Tellers found 9 votes for Mr. Kanode, 3 votes for Mr. Quiat, and 3 votes for Mr. Fallon, whereupon the Chair declared Mr. Kanode elected as an additional Vice President. (Applause).
12. Mr. Mendelsohn took the Chair and opened nominations for the office of International Affairs Vice President. Mr. Butler nominated Mr. Price. Mr. Price declined the nomination citing his present post as President of IARU and his voluntary commitment to the IARU Administrative Council that he would not serve as an officer of either a Member Society or Regional organization at the same time. Thereupon, Mr. Haynie nominated Mr. Stafford. On motion of Mr. Race, seconded by Mr. Kanode, it was VOTED to close nominations. Mr. Stafford was declared elected as International Affairs Vice President. (Applause). Mr. Stafford returned to the Chair.
13. The Chair opened nominations for the office of Treasurer. Mr. Metzger nominated Mr. McCobb. On motion of Mr. Haynie, seconded by Mr. Butler, it was VOTED to close nominations, whereupon the Chair declared Mr. McCobb elected as Treasurer. (Applause).
14. The Chair opened nominations for the office of Secretary. Mrs. Craigie nominated Mr. Sumner. On motion of Mr. Heyn, seconded by Mr. Race, it was VOTED to close nominations, whereupon the Chair declared Mr. Sumner elected as Secretary. (Applause).
15. The Chair opened nominations for the office of Executive Vice President. Mr. Kanode nominated Mr. Sumner. On motion of Mr. Butler, seconded by Mr. Walstrom, it was VOTED to close nominations, whereupon the Chair declared Mr. Sumner elected as Executive Vice President. (Applause).
16. The Chair opened nominations for the office of Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Haynie nominated Mr. Shelley. On motion of Mr. Metzger, seconded by Mr. Frenaye, it was VOTED to close nominations, whereupon the Chair declared Mr. Shelley elected as Chief Financial Officer. (Applause).
17. The Chair opened nominations for Honorary Vice President. On motion of Mrs. Craigie, seconded by Mr. Kanode, it was unanimously VOTED that the following resolution is adopted.
WHEREAS, Hugh A. Turnbull, W3ABC, has served the American Radio Relay League, Inc., for twenty years as Vice Director (1980-82), Director (1982-1996), and Vice President (1996-2000); and
WHEREAS, he has served the League diligently in his home Division, as a member of many Board committees including the Executive Committee, and as a member of the ARRL delegation to two IARU Region 2 conferences; and
WHEREAS, his leadership and devotion to duty have earned both the respect of the Board and the admiration of the membership; and
WHEREAS, since becoming a Radio Amateur in 1932, he has endeavored always to live by the Amateur's Code;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the League and Amateur Radio, the Board of Directors of the ARRL hereby elects Hugh A. Turnbull, W3ABC, to the position of Honorary Vice President, this 21st day of January, 2000.
Mr. Turnbull was given a standing ovation.
The Board was in recess from 9:24 AM until 9:50 AM.
18. The Chair opened nominations for Director members of the Executive Committee for one-year terms. Mr. Roderick nominated Mr. Fallon. Mrs. Craigie nominated Mr. Butler. Mr. Bellows nominated Mr. Heyn. Mr. Fallon nominated Mr. Frenaye. On motion of Mr. Kanode, seconded by Mr. Roderick, it was VOTED to close nominations, whereupon the Chair declared Mr. Fallon, Mr. Butler, Mr. Heyn, and Mr. Frenaye elected as Executive Committee members. (Applause).
19. At this time Mr. Metzger was invited to offer nominations for Directors of the ARRL Foundation. Mr. Metzger yielded to Mr. Bellows. Mr. Bellows nominated Mr. Frenaye, Mr. Tom Comstock, N5TC, and Mr. Roger Franke, K9AYK, for three-year terms. Mr. Kanode requested the floor and announced his resignation as a Director of the Foundation in view of his election as a Vice President of the ARRL and the fact that a majority of the Directors of the Foundation must be Directors of the ARRL. Whereupon, Mr. Race nominated Mr. Bellows to complete the balance of Mr. Kanode's term. On motion of Mr. Stinson, seconded by Mrs. Craigie, it was VOTED that nominations are closed and Messrs. Frenaye, Comstock, Franke, and Bellows are elected as Directors of the ARRL Foundation. (Applause)
20. At this point, the officers reported on their activities during the second half of 1999. President Stafford began his report with his comments regarding the FCC's recently released Amateur Radio Restructuring Report & Order, FCC 99-412. The President also stressed the organizational importance of updating the strategic plan. First Vice President Mendelsohn's report covered his concerns over the need for better membership recruiting as well as the vital importance of the ARRL's World Wide Web presence. Vice President Harrison reviewed his work with the Central States VHF Society and the need to revisit band planning efforts. Vice President Turnbull reported on his work with several committees and is concerned that the growing number of Amateurs is not reflected in the ARRL membership rolls. International Affairs Vice President Price outlined the framework of International Telecommunication Union and described how the ITU has changed to reflect modern communications with the result that private telecommunications entities have greater influence than in the past. Mr. Price also outlined preparations for the upcoming WRC 2000 in Istanbul. Vice President Harrison assumed the Chair from 11:20 AM until 11:40 AM at which time the assembly recessed for lunch followed by a group photo session.
21. The Chair reconvened the meeting at 1:32 PM with all persons hereinbefore mentioned present, whereupon Mr. Price continued with his report. He described the status of the anticipated review of the international radio regulations that govern the amateur and amateur-satellite services, the United Nations Pactor system, UN special event station 4U0G in Geneva, and a possible callsign assignment for the International Space Station, and offered a short treatise on the UN administration of East Timor. The Board was in recess from 2:40 to 3:03 PM.
22. Mr. McCobb, as Treasurer, reported on stock market activity and the allocation and performance of the investment portfolio over the last year. He also reported on the sale of equity securities on which significant gains have been realized, and the use of some of the proceeds to fund operations within the organization; and the need to declare losses on two investments.
23. Chief Financial Officer Shelley referred to his extensive written report, and addressed the League's financial position and the continued ability of the League to "hold its own."
24. At 3:25 PM, First Vice President Mendelsohn assumed the Chair and yielded the floor to Executive Vice President Sumner who began his report with a brief analysis of the FCC's recently released Amateur Radio Restructuring R&O. Mr. Sumner related that while the ARRL's proposal to the FCC was not adopted as fully as the Board would have preferred, the fact that thousands of Amateurs are now studying intensely to upgrade should be considered a positive occurrence. Mr. Sumner described why he takes exception to the term "dumbing down" which has been often used to describe the FCC's action. Among other things he cited the fact that the written examinations for the two license classes eliminated by the FCC, the Novice and the Extra Class, had the highest pass rates. Mr. Stafford returned to the Chair at 3:31 PM. Mr. Sumner's report then shifted to the League's ongoing study of the possibility of incorporating electronic QSLing and confirmation into the present and future awards programs. At 3:58 PM First Vice President Mendelsohn again assumed the Chair. The Board was in recess from 4:10 PM until 4:30 PM at which time Mr. Sumner addressed other topics in his report including VEC issues, auxiliary operation with regard to Kenwood Corporation's "Sky Command" system, and an excellent example of good Amateur Radio exposure with the Alan Kaul, W6RCL-created and NBC-produced television piece that appeared on NBC Nightly News and featured ARRL members Jeff Reinhardt, AA6JR, Steven Reinhardt, K6SJR, and Tree Tyree, N6TR. Mr. Stafford returned to the Chair at 4:40 PM. Mr. Sumner completed his report with a brief discussion of the 2000 ARRL National Convention to be held in conjunction with the Dayton Hamvention, and a description of his proposal to implement an ARRL Certification Program to continue the ARRL's long tradition of providing training and learning opportunities.
25. First Vice President Mendelsohn rose to a point of personal privilege, at which time he delivered his departing comments with recommendations for future ARRL consideration and action, and recapped his fond memories of 17 years of service. (Standing ovation). The Board then recessed from 5:57 PM until 8:32 AM on January 22, 2000, reconvening with all persons hereinbefore mentioned, except Mr. Mendelsohn.
26. General Counsel Imlay supplemented his written report with a review of the relationship between the ARRL and the FCC; the present situation regarding the 2300-2305 MHz band; legal requirements for petitions for reconsideration of FCC rulemakings; low power FM broadcast stations; and PRB-1 enhancement. During the course of discussion the Board was in recess from 9:48 AM until 10:04 AM.
27. Mr. Mansfield, Manager of Legislative and Public Affairs, supplemented his written report with comments on the progress of H.R. 783, the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of 1999; vehicular cellular phone use and possible legislation against such; and methods and recommendations to assist ARRL officers interact with elected officials.
28. Mr. Rinaldo, Technical Relations Manager, proceeded to report on spectrum management issues; a productive trip to Bangalore, India to participate in the ITU-R Task Group 1/5 on Unwanted Emissions; Telecom 99 in Geneva; and preparation of the ITU's Disaster Communications Handbook.
29. Mr. Roderick, as Chairman, presented the report of the Membership Services Committee. He noted that the MSC agrees with the DX Advisory Committee's recommendation of no changes to the DXCC Yearbook. He also discussed the present backlog of DXCC applications--which is no worse than last year at this time, and the impending move to replace the DXCC Field Representative program with a different program that utilizes "Card Checkers" who are selected by DX clubs and Section Managers.
30. On Mr. Roderick's motion, seconded by Mr. Kanode, it was VOTED that the current DXCC Field Representative program be terminated effective March 31, 2000, with thanks to all DXCC Field Representatives who participated, and replaced with the enhanced DXCC Card Checking program effective April 1, 2000.
31. Mr. Milnes, as Chairman, presented the report of the Volunteer Resources Committee including a recommendation for the International Humanitarian Award.
32. On motion of Mr. Butler, seconded by Mr. Heyn, the following resolution was ADOPTED unanimously:
WHEREAS, Ed Petzolt, K1LNC answered a radio call for help from a missionary in Central America; and
WHEREAS, he used his home Amateur Radio station to provide communications for a life-threatening situation caused when heavily armed gunmen kidnapped four missionaries from the jungles of Northern Guatemala; and
WHEREAS, he established and maintained contact with a missionary-Ham who had escaped; and
WHEREAS, for the next seven hours, Ed Petzolt was the only link between the hostages and the outside world; and
WHEREAS, he used Amateur Radio to handle innumerable phone patches between the missionary and U.S. authorities in the U.S. and Guatemala; and
WHEREAS, through Ed Petzolt, the U.S. Embassy's security officer was able to obtain the coordinates and request assistance from the Guatemalan military and police forces; and
WHEREAS, Ed Petzolt was said to be directly responsible for saving the four hostages; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Embassy security officer cited Ed Petzolt, K1LNC, as the "real hero" of this crisis,
NOW, THEREBY, BE IT RESOLVED that in view of the nominations tendered by Joe Shenette, K1WPO, John Clews, KD4EC, and Bud Palmer, KC4LCD, the International Humanitarian Award is hereby conferred upon Ed Petzolt, K1LNC, for his tireless efforts to aid hostages seized in the jungles of Central America.
BE IT SO RESOLVED, by the ARRL Board of Directors convened in annual session, January 22, 2000.
33. On motion of Mr. Race, seconded by Mr. Butler, it was unanimously VOTED that the Board authorizes a Club 2000 Achievement Awards Program to reward the accomplishments of ARRL Affiliated Clubs. Implementation will be contingent upon award funding by the ARRL Foundation.
34. On motion of Mr. Butler, seconded by Mr. Heyn, the Board unanimously VOTED to allow VHF/UHF specialty clubs to appoint Awards Managers for the VUCC program only. Mr. Harrison assumed the Chair at 11:20 AM.
35. Mr. Haynie, as Chairman, presented the written report of the Administration and Finance Committee and cautioned that new programs will have to find new funding. The League needs to supplement standard income streams using grant money, therefore the organization will need to hire someone with grant writing expertise. A new telephone system that includes voice mail is necessary at Headquarters. Mr. Haynie also related the Committee's observation that advertising revenue for 1999 was down; that the employees' pension plan needs improvement; and that World Wide Web site enhancement is also necessary.
36. Mr. Stinson discussed the Web site initiative and the report written by Mr. Jon Bloom, KE3Z that included estimates of the funding necessary to fulfill such an initiative.
37. On motion of Mr. Stinson, seconded by Mr. Frenaye, it was VOTED that the ARRL 2000/2001 Plan, as amended to include the ARRL Web Site Initiative, is approved.
38. On motion of Mr. Frenaye, seconded by Mr. Stinson, it was unanimously VOTED that the following Internet/Web privacy policy is approved:
PRIVACY POLICY. The ARRL's use of the Internet and the World Wide Web facilitates the operation of ARRL for the benefit of the membership. Members are best served when information they and others supply via the Web site is kept strictly confidential. It is therefore the policy of the ARRL that no user-supplied individual information shall be divulged to any third party without the user having explicitly authorized such use. In particular:
(B) No use of supplied email addresses will be made unless the user opts in to the specified use, and the user may change these options at any time via the Web site. Exceptions: Transactions initiated by the user, such as catalog orders or submission of a contest log, may result in a direct email response limited to the topic of that transaction. In addition, ARRL may contact individuals from time to time on a one-to-one basis concerning ARRL membership status or organizational policies.
(C) No information about individual use of the Web site (tracking information) will be supplied to any third party. Aggregate information (e.g., counts) may be supplied.
(D) No third party tracking system (e.g., tracking banner ads) will be allowed to operate on the Web site.
(E) Descriptions of the use of collected information will be made available on the Web site. This information will be readily available and of sufficient detail to make clear how ARRL is using personal information, whether collected explicitly in submitted forms or implicitly via "cookies" or machine addresses.
39. On motion of Mr. Frenaye, seconded by Mr. Stinson, it was VOTED that the following over-budget expenses for 1999 are approved: Enforcement Task Force, $605, and Officers, $9,929. Mr. Stafford returned to the Chair at 11:47 AM.
40. On motion of Mr. Haynie, seconded by Mr. Kanode, it was VOTED at 11:54 AM that the Board sit as a Committee of the Whole for the purpose of discussing personnel matters. The General Counsel and staff were excused. At 12:30 PM the Committee of the Whole arose and reported to the Board. On motion of Mr. Kanode, seconded by Mr. Stinson, it was VOTED that the report of the Committee of the Whole is adopted. The Board was in recess for lunch from 12:30 until 1:21 PM.
41. At this point, Mr. Haynie announced the committee appointments as follows: Administration and Finance: Directors Stinson, Chairman; Metzger, Bellows, Fuller, Vice Director Goddard, Vice President Harrison, and Treasurer McCobb. Membership Services: Directors Roderick, Chairman; Frenaye, Day, Walstrom, Heyn, Vice Director Leggette, and Vice President Kanode. Volunteer Resources: Directors Race, Chairman; Milnes, Maxwell, Bodson, Fallon, Vice Director Gauzens and Vice President Craigie. Election: Directors Butler, Chairman; Race, and Day. Enforcement: Vice Presidents Harrison, Chairman; Stafford, Craigie, Directors Heyn, Bellows, Fallon, General Counsel Imlay, and Field and Educational Services Manager White. Industry Advisory Council: Director Stinson, Chairman; and Vice Director Goddard. RFI Task Group: Director Bodson, Chairman; and Lab Supervisor Ed Hare, W1RFI. Public Relations: Dave Bell, W6AQ, Chairman; President Haynie, and Vice Director Kleinhaus. RF Safety: Vice Director Huntington, liaison. SAREX/ARISS: Vice President Harrison, liaison. Technology Task Force: Vice President Harrison, Chairman; Directors Maxwell, Frenaye, and Technical Relations Manager Rinaldo. President's Roundtable: Director Fuller, liaison.
42. Mr. Metzger, as Chairman, presented the report of the Election Committee. The committee oversaw the ballot counting for the terms of office for Director and Vice Director that began on January 1, 2000.
43. Mr. Stafford presented the Executive Committee report and yielded to Mr. Heyn, who opened discussion regarding a proposed amendment to Article 11 of the Articles of Association. No action was taken.
44. Vice President Harrison, as Chairman, presented the written report and discussion regarding the Enforcement Task Force. FCC enforcement is working well, and according to the FCC's Riley Hollingsworth, the ARRL is responsible for creating the increase in enforcement--which will continue into the foreseeable future. Mr. Hollingsworth will be invited to a future Board meeting to discuss enforcement activity.
45. Mr. Harrison yielded the floor to Ms. White to deliver the report of the SAREX Working Group. The Group is presently concentrating on equipping the International Space Station with NASA providing $140,000 for equipment testing.
46. Mr. Harrison then presented the Interim Report of the Technology Task Force on behalf of the Chairman, First Vice President Mendelsohn. The Task Force's Technology Working Group, chaired by Mr. Rich Moseson, W2VU, received over 150 proposals regarding new technology for Amateur Radio in the 21st century. The proposals fell into nearly 30 different topic areas with the majority found in (1) high-speed digital; (2) digital/digitized audio; (3) RF LANS/WANS; and (4) "Ham Internet."
47. Vice President Turnbull, as Chairman, presented the written report of the RFI Task Group. The group believes that the increase in FCC enforcement may provide some relief, if handled carefully, from various unintentional radiators such as power distribution systems, neon signs, welding operations, and cable modems. In the case of radiation from modems, there has been modest improvement where they were part of the carrier's installation. In those cases where the devices are individually owned, they are hard to trace and user cooperation can be expected to be very difficult to achieve.
48. Mr. Maxwell, as Board liaison, reported on activities of the RF Safety Committee, chaired by Dr. Greg Lapin, N9GL. The committee is making an effort to locate and rewrite obsolete RF safety-related text in ARRL publications. The group also had a lively discussion regarding a "news story" on ABC television's 20-20 television newsmagazine that pertained to RF safety and the use of cellular phones. The program included interviews of experts who really were not experts in the field of RF safety, and overall left the committee members convinced that the show was an excellent example of sensationalist journalism lacking any scientific basis.
49. Mr. Kleinhaus delivered the Public Relations Committee report for which he is the Board liaison. The committee is satisfied with the hiring of a professional PR firm to handle the restructuring news.
50. Mr. Stinson, as Chairman, reported on the activities of the Industry Advisory Council. Mr. Paul Middleton, KD6NUH, of Kenwood, has joined the committee. The Japan Amateur Industry Association (JAIA) has agreed to share its existing standards with the IAC. The U.S. market is now the largest market for Amateur Radio products in the world, so JAIA is quite receptive to ideas emanating from IAC and ARRL concerning ways to further stimulate the market in the U.S., including technology, interconnection, and software standards.
51. Mr. Fuller presented the report from the President's Roundtable for which he is Board Liaison. The group is concentrating on fund raising and development activities and recommends that the ARRL add a qualified development officer/capability to the staff. Additionally the Roundtable members developed a proposal to create a one-page brochure for insertion into shortwave, scanner and family radio service equipment packaging. The brochure should briefly explain Amateur Radio/licensing and provide information on ARRL membership.
52. Vice President Harrison reported on the Contest Advisory Committee's activities as submitted by its Chairman, Lew Sayre, W7EW. The major issue involved the possibilities for changing the exchange in the ARRL International DX Contest. No changes were recommended.
53. The Board was in recess from 2:36 PM until 3:00 PM, at which time Mr. Kanode reported on the activities of the DX Advisory Committee. The status of Macau (XX9) is as of the meeting undetermined, as is East Timor. If China receives a call sign block from the ITU for use in Macau it will remain as a DXCC country. The DXCC Yearbook will not have a format change. The Chesterfield Islands DXCC qualifications issue has been sent to the DXAC for review.
54. President Stafford presented the report of the ARRL ARDF Coordinator, Joe Moell, K0OV. Later this year the ARDF World Championships will be held in Nanjing, China, and the ARRL is expected to receive a formal invitation to send a team to this event.
55. Mr. Bellows reported on the creation of, and activities of, the Ad Hoc Antenna Case Assistance Committee. This committee was formed by President Stafford at the December 4, 1999 Executive Committee meeting in Irving, TX. Directors Fallon, Bellows, and General Counsel Imlay were appointed. Since April 1983 the ARRL has not funded individual antenna cases. The Executive Committee found good reason to depart from this policy with regard to an appeal to the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Persin v. Seminole County, Florida. This was largely due to the main issue in this case and its timing, and the ability to take advantage of some useful language in the otherwise disappointing FCC order denying PRB-1 clarification. The Ad Hoc Committee was formed to review the policy and to decide whether to recommend changes. The committee's preliminary conclusion is that it may be time to begin funding a small number of cases in Federal Courts of Appeal. The committee will further refine its recommendations for a final report at a later time.
56. Mr. Roderick announced to the assembly that representatives of seven local radio clubs had invited Board meeting attendees to join them for an informal gathering after the close of the meeting.
57. At 3:19 PM the Board next moved to consider Directors' motions.
58. On motion of Mr. Butler, seconded by Mr. Kanode, the Board VOTED unanimously to instruct the Secretary to cast an affirmative vote on IARU Proposal 231, concerning the admission to membership of Association des Radio-Amateurs de Nouvelle-Caledonie.
59. On motion of Mr. Heyn, seconded by Mr. Butler, the Board VOTED unanimously to amend Standing Order 114 to read: "A monthly award consisting of the cover from QST, properly mounted and engraved, shall be made to the person or persons contributing the best article for the particular issue as determined by membership response. The Executive Vice President is to assess membership response primarily by survey on the ARRL Members Only Web site or similar means."
60. On motion of Mr. Haynie, seconded by Mr. Heyn, the Board VOTED unanimously to authorize Ms. Rosalie A. White to sign checks on behalf of the Executive Vice President.
61. On motion of Mrs. Craigie, seconded by Mr. Bellows, the Board VOTED to instruct the Executive Vice President to file comments consistent with longstanding ARRL policy, opposing a waiver requested by Kenwood Communications Corp. that would permit auxiliary operation in the 144-148 MHz band by users of Kenwood's Sky Command System.
62. On motion of Mr. Bellows, seconded by Mr. Fallon, the Board voted unanimously to ADOPT the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Tod Olson, K0TO has served the ARRL and the Dakota Division with distinction and honor as ARRL Dakota Division Vice Director from 1976 to 1982 and as ARRL Dakota Division Director from 1982 to 1986 and from 1994 to 2000;
AND WHEREAS, in addition to his service as a Division Director, he has served, with distinction, 4 years as International Affairs Vice President;
AND WHEREAS during the course of his 20 years of service on the Board he has been a member of numerous ad hoc committees, every standing committee and has been Chair of the Administration and Finance Committee on two occasions;
AND WHEREAS, his ideas and efforts were instrumental in many of the ARRL's most successful activities during his tenure on the Board, including the electronic publication of League materials and the Members Only Web page;
AND WHEREAS throughout his superior service on the ARRL Board of Directors, Tod Olson has maintained the highest standard of honor, integrity and devotion to the ARRL and Amateur Radio;
NOW THEREFORE in recognition of his many contributions and years of dedication and service the Board of Directors of the American Radio Relay League hereby elects Tod Olson, K0TO, as Director Emeritus this 22nd day of January, 2000. (Applause).
63. On motion of Mr. Roderick, seconded by Mr. Race, the Board VOTED unanimously that the President review the current relationship between the ARRL and the FCC, and provide the Board of Directors at the July, 2000, Board of Directors meeting, with a report on that relationship. The report should include: recommendations for any changes in strategy or policies; a review of the recent FCC Report and Order regarding license restructuring and action to take in response to the FCC Report and Order; and a feasibility study on the addition of ARRL personnel in Washington D.C., with the specific responsibility for Washington D.C., relations.
64. Mr. Fallon rose to a point of personal privilege to note the generous contribution of $1,000 from the Garden State Amateur Radio Association to the ARRL Fund for the Defense of Amateur Radio Frequencies.
65. On motion of Mr. Maxwell, seconded by Mr. Kanode, the Board VOTED unanimously that the ARRL Certification Program is established.
(B) The ARRL certification program is dedicated to the memory of Ethel M. Smith, K4LMB, and shall be funded initially through the Ethel M. Smith Exceptional Merit Stipend.
(C) The Executive Vice President is authorized to increase staffing by one person for the purpose of hiring one fulltime manager/coordinator to support this effort.
66. On motion of Mr. Kanode, seconded by Mr. Fallon, the Board VOTED unanimously to present the 1999 Bill Leonard, W2SKE, Professional Media Award to Mr. Jeff Holland of the Monroe, NC Enquirer Journal for his story "Ham Radio Enthusiasts Believe Hobby Will Continue to Cast its Magic Spell."
67. On motion of Mr. Stinson, seconded by Mr. Heyn, the Board VOTED unanimously to file a petition asking for partial reconsideration of the FCC license restructuring decisions requesting the FCC to: (1) Maintain records that indicate whether a Technician class licensee has passed a Morse code exam and is qualified for Novice/Technician Plus HF privileges; and (2) Stipulate that any amateur who provides proof of having passed a FCC-recognized Morse code exam prior to April 15, 2000 shall be entitled to credit for the Morse code exam element.
68. On motion of Mrs. Craigie, seconded by Mr. Butler, the Board VOTED unanimously to approve the following events as ARRL conventions: Georgia Section Convention at the Atlanta Hamfest, June 2-3, 2000; and the Maryland State Convention at the Baltimore ARC Hamfest, March 31-April 1, 2001.
69. On motion of Mr. Bellows, seconded by Mr. Race, the Board VOTED unanimously to ADOPT the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the ARRL has, for many years, mailed new Amateurs invitations to join the ARRL including materials and brochures showing the benefits of League membership;
AND WHEREAS, the ARRL Members Only Web Page has been one of the most popular membership benefits among new Technician and Technician Plus Amateurs who are League members;
AND WHEREAS, the exposure to the WebExtra web page for a limited period may help to convince new Amateurs of the value of ARRL membership;
NOW THEREFORE, the staff is directed to study the feasibility and benefit of offering limited and temporary access to the ARRL Members Only Web Page as part of the ARRL mailings to new licensees.
70. On motion of Mr. Roderick, seconded by Mr. Maxwell, the Board VOTED unanimously that the Membership Services Committee, with the aid of the Membership Services Department, shall develop a program for increasing knowledge of, and interest in, the A-1 Operator's program. Special attention should be paid to a program that would be attractive and useful to Technician class operators.
71. On motion of Mr. Maxwell, seconded by Mr. Heyn, the Board VOTED unanimously to create the ARRL Historical Committee. The purpose of this committee is to develop a plan for storage of historical artifacts and archival material related to Amateur Radio, and to explore means for future public access and display of such material. A preliminary report shall be submitted to the Board at the July 2000 meeting, with the final report submitted for the Annual Meeting in January 2001. Mr. Haynie announced that the committee would consist of Directors Frenaye, Chairman; Maxwell, Legislative and Public Affairs Manager Mansfield, and a yet-to-be-named member from outside the Board.
72. On motion of Mr. Kanode, seconded by Mr. Milnes, the Board VOTED unanimously that the ARRL shall file an application with the FCC to become a club and military recreation station call sign administrator.
73. On motion of Mr. Stinson, seconded by Mr. Butler, the Board VOTED unanimously that the Membership Services Committee is requested to examine the power limits for SSB operation in the QRP entry category and adjust the rules as deemed appropriate.
74. On motion of Mr. Frenaye, seconded by Mr. Walstrom, the Board VOTED unanimously to ADOPT the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the ARRL and the National Association of Radio and Telecommunications Engineers, Inc. (NARTE) share the common objective of furthering technical investigation and advancement of knowledge in modern telecommunications, and
WHEREAS, a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations has been proposed in the furtherance of a mutually beneficial relationship,
NOW, THEREFORE, be it
RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of the ARRL, in meeting assembled, this 22nd day of January, 2000, that the President of the ARRL is hereby authorized to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with NARTE.
Mr. Harrison assumed the Chair at 4:15 PM.
75. On motion of Mr. Kanode, seconded by Mr. Heyn, the adoption of the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the ARRL petitioned (RM-8737) the FCC to make greater use of spread spectrum (SS) technologies, and
WHEREAS, the FCC, in response to the ARRL petition, adopted a Report and Order (WT 97-12) that removed the restrictions in the Amateur Radio Service that limit the SS emission types (e.g., spreading codes) that amateurs may transmit, and
WHEREAS, the FCC believes that the changes identified in the Report and Order will allow Amateur Radio Service licensees to experiment with additional SS emission types, allow Amateur Radio operators to develop innovations and improvements to communications products and develop new communications technologies, facilitate the ability of the Amateur Radio Service to contribute to the development of SS communications by allowing amateur stations to transmit and experiment with SS technologies currently used in consumer and commercial products, and promote more efficient use of spectrum allocated to the Amateur Radio Service,
RESOLVED, that the ARRL Board directs the Executive Vice President and the General Counsel to file a petition at the appropriate time with the FCC to permit Spread Spectrum emissions in the 219-220 MHz band.
But, after discussion, the motion was LOST.
76. On motion of Mr. Stinson, seconded by Mr. Fallon, the Board VOTED unanimously that the matter of interference to Amateur stations from Phonex products radiating on approximately 3,525 kHz is referred to the RFI Task Group who shall report to the Board at the next meeting.
77. President Stafford returned to the Chair at 5:00 PM.
78. On motion of Mr. Haynie, seconded by the entire assembly, it was unanimously VOTED to recognize and thank Mr. Mendelsohn for his long years of dedicated service to the ARRL. (Applause).
79. On further motion of Mr. Haynie, seconded by the entire assembly, it was unanimously VOTED to thank staff, especially Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ, for their hard work to ensure the success of this function. (Applause).
80. There being no further business, following informal comments of those present the Board adjourned sine die at 5:27 PM. (Time in session as a Board: 13 hours, 8 minutes; as a Committee of the Whole: 36 minutes; direct authorizations, $10,534).
Respectfully submitted,
David Sumner, K1ZZ
Secretary
