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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 1998 Second Meeting and Special Meeting
5. Election of Executive Committee members
6. Election of ARRL Foundation Directors
7. Reports by the Officers
8. Reports on Legislative and Technical Regulatory Affairs
9. Receive Reports and Consider Recommendations of the Committees
10. New business
11. Directors' motions
1. Pursuant to due notice, the Board of Directors of the American Radio Relay League, Inc., met in annual session at the Houston Airport Marriott Hotel, Intercontinental Airport, Houston, Texas, on Friday, January 15, and Saturday, January 16, 1999. The meeting was called to order at 8:37 AM CST, January 15, 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
Tod Olson, KØTO, Dakota Division
Rick Roderick, K5UR, Delta Division
Frank Fallon, N2FF, Hudson Division
Lew Gordon, K4VX, Midwest Division
Tom Frenaye, K1KI, New England Division
Greg Milnes, W7AGQ, Northwestern Division
Brad Wyatt, K6WR, Pacific Division
John C. Kanode, N4MM, Roanoke Division
Walt Stinson, WØCP, 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; Larry Price, W4RA, International Affairs Vice President; Treasurer James McCobb, W1LLU; and 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. Vice President Hugh A. Turnbull, W3ABC, was unable to join the meeting because of health reasons.
Also in attendance at the invitation of the Board as observers were the following Vice Directors: Howard S. Huntington, K9KM, Central Division; Jay Bellows, KØQB, Dakota Division; Henry R. Leggette, WD4Q, Delta Division; George Race, WB8BGY, Great Lakes Division; J. P. Kleinhaus, W2XX, Hudson Division; Bruce Frahm, KØBJ, Midwest Division; Mike Raisbeck, K1TWF, New England Division; James E. Fenstermaker, K9JF, Northwestern Division; Jim Maxwell, W6CF, Pacific Division; Dennis Bodson, W4PWF, Roanoke Division; Marshall Quiat, AGØX, 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 Services Manager Richard Palm, K1CE; Technical Relations Specialist Walter Ireland, WB7CSL; and Legislative and Public Affairs Manager Steve Mansfield, N1MZA. Present as a guest of the Board was Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) President Patrick Doherty, VE3PD.
Vice Director Race assumed the seat of Great Lakes Director Dave Coons, WT8W, who had encountered travel difficulties owing to weather and was expected to join the meeting later.
2. Mr. Milnes rose to a point of personal privilege. He stated that he was shocked and saddened over the passing of former Northwestern Division Director Mary Lou Brown, NM7N, who died while in office, December 3, 1998. Mr. Milnes also stated that Mrs. Brown was a friend with whom he worked well as a team, and was an effective ambassador for Amateur Radio and ARRL. The assembly observed a moment of silence in her memory.
3. The assembly observed another moment of silence in recollection of other Radio Amateurs who have passed away since the previous Board meeting, especially Dick Adachi, W6RVS; Jose Alvarez, K2KMO; Harry Angel, VK4HA; Thomas E. (Ack) Atkerson, W4RRW; Ev Ayers, KØZYM; Lenny Babin, WA6CQF; Herman Baker, N6ARP; Alvin Battison, W2IEG; Chris F. Bednarek, K2RAG; Henry Beitler, KA6ELQ; Richard A. Bernstein, KA2YZM; Cliff Betson, ZL1MQ; Howard Bobbitt, WA6BUH; Loretta Bokemeier, KD6OMU; Arnold R. Brilhart, K6GF; Forrest Brower, N7PKQ; Don Brust, W8QCU; Andy Clark, W4IYT; Dick Cole, KO6OF; Donald Coleman, KC7GAM; Clarence Creery, WD6HAY; Nathan Crowe, KE6CIZ; James Dean, KF6DHB; Otto Dedrick, W6NGK; Robert Dow, WB2CJL; Douglas Embrey, KH6JFV; Merv Enos, N6FZS; Eldo Gibbs, W5LL; Roy H. Gregson, W6EMT; John S. Harvey, WB4KIT; Bob Hayes, W7ZYK; Thomas Hori, KH6OS; Homer J. (Joe) Johnson, W5QFU; L.T. Jones, W8RLW; Michael Karp, N2FM; Chuck King, KO4LP; Paul Krugh, N2NS; Leonid Labutin, UA3CR/AB4LZ; Al Libby, KB1FK; Fred M. Link, W2ALU; June Linnehan, KD6LSU; Dave Melarkey, WA7ANA; Clark Magness, NI1U; Charles Michaels, W7XC; Luke H. Montgomery Jr., WA4UDB; Lloyd Novak, AB6SM; Jennifer Nugent, N7TUA; Leslie Nunes, KH6KB; Kenneth E. Palm, AB1N; Edward Peters, WB6MCG; Mary Ann Simmons, KI6TE; Charles R. Sine, W3JIW; Herb Swartz, N6ELV; Milan Terkla, W6RHA; William C. Wells, WA8HSU; Sherman Winings, WB4RDV; Hon Cho Wong, KH6IN; and Roy Young, KA6NKS.
4. On motion of Mr. Race, seconded by Mr. Metzger, the agenda of the meeting was ADOPTED as presented.
5. On motion of Mr. Mendelsohn, seconded by Mr. Kanode, the Minutes of the 1998 Second Meeting and Special Meeting were ADOPTED as printed in QST.
6. Mr. Doherty conveyed the greetings of the Radio Amateurs of Canada, Inc., and thanked the Board for its continuing support.
7. Mr. Metzger conveyed the greetings of the ARRL Foundation, and reported that the Foundation had enjoyed an excellent year. The Foundation reached the $2 million mark in assets for the first time in its history, thanks in part to a large bequest.
8. The Chair opened nominations for four Director members of the Executive Committee for one-year terms. Mr. Kanode nominated Mrs. Craigie. Mr. Roderick nominated Mr. Fallon. Mr. Gordon nominated Mr. Heyn. Mrs. Craigie nominated Mr. Butler. Mr. Stinson nominated Mr. Olson. On motion of Mr. Roderick, seconded by Mr. Race, it was VOTED that nominations are closed. The Chair appointed Vice Directors Maxwell, Bodson, and Quiat as Tellers, who distributed, collected, and tallied paper ballots. The Tellers found that Mrs. Craigie, Mr. Fallon, Mr. Heyn, and Mr. Olson were elected. (Applause.)
9. On motion of Mr. Olson, seconded by Mr. Race, it was VOTED that Mr. Milnes, Mr. Kanode, and Eugene Hastings, W1VRK, are elected as Directors of the ARRL Foundation for three-year terms. (Applause).
10. At this point, the officers reported on their activities during the second half of 1998. President Stafford referred to his written report, which addressed the state of Amateur Radio and his perceptions of the need to inject stimulating, new aspects of the radio art, especially technology. A three-point strategy for meeting this need was introduced. Mr. Stafford's report also addressed declining membership, the need to study the basis for the decline and to identify enhanced membership benefits to stem it. His report also addressed possible changes to the League's strategic planning processes in light of recent experience.
11. First Vice President Mendelsohn supplemented his written report with his recommendation that the organization should prioritize membership development, and position the League's products and services so as to attract young people. Mr. Mendelsohn also reported that the Computer Committee, on which he serves as chairman, has finished its work and seeks to be discharged.
12. Vice President Harrison reported that he is in agreement with his fellow officers on the need to focus efforts on stemming the membership decline as a major organizational objective. Mr. Harrison called for a full effort to win FCC approval of the League's license restructuring proposals. For the future, he recommended that ARRL look to its own resources for facilitating strategic planning.
13. International Affairs Vice President Price supplemented his memorandum on ITU and IARU affairs with a summary of his work on behalf of ARRL and IARU in 1998 and plans for ITU and other meetings in 1999, including the IARU Region 1 Conference set for Lillehammer, Norway, in September. In response to questions, Mr. Price discussed the status of Amateur Radio in other countries and consequent experience of the League's sister societies; and the budget, operations, and election policies of the IARU and its regional organizations. The Board was in recess from 9:53 AM until 10:22 AM.
14. Mr. McCobb, as Treasurer, reported on the composition and performance of the investment portfolio over the past year; the sale of equity securities on which significant gains have been realized; and investment strategies for this year.
15. Chief Financial Officer Shelley referred to his written report, and addressed the League's financial position at year-end, which is generally sound. He expressed concern about the general contraction in Amateur Radio as indicated by fewer new licensees and turmoil in the industry. For ARRL, this has resulted in fewer members and reductions in revenues from sales of publications and advertising, as well as member dues. Offsetting this decrease in revenues during the past year were less-than-planned operating expenses and the realization of gains from the sale of equity securities. Excluding the realized gains, operations produced a roughly break-even result, before any estimated income tax liability, for the past year. The Board was in recess for luncheon from 11:51 AM until 1:23 PM, reconvening with all persons hereinbefore mentioned. Mr. Coons joined the assembly at this time and took his seat for the Great Lakes Division.
16. Executive Vice President Sumner referred to his extensive written report on Headquarters operations in the second half of 1998, and commented on membership development strategies; the membership experience of sister societies; the "Radio Coaches" youth development program; and the results of the public service conference program. Mr. Sumner answered questions on his responsibilities, including membership recruitment, product marketing, electronic publishing, member longevity awards, and volunteer examiner suspension policies.
17. General Counsel Imlay supplemented his extensive written report, noting that the experimental station license sought by the ARRL for the 5 MHz band study had just been issued by the FCC. Mr. Imlay also commented on the striking renewal of FCC enforcement activity; FCC restructuring and staffing; and the League's reply comments and strategies undertaken in the FCC's biennial review proceeding. The Board was in recess from 2:47 PM until 3:15 PM. The Board reviewed a draft petition for rule making for possible joint submission with the National Frequency Coordinators' Council (NFCC), to seek rules requiring that all repeater and auxiliary facilities must be frequency coordinated. A majority of the Board did not find that there was compelling evidence warranting a move beyond the existing rules at this time, but the NFCC was invited to revisit the matter.
18. On motion of Mr. Olson, seconded by Mr. Mendelsohn, it was VOTED at 4:00 PM that the Board sit as a Committee of the Whole for the purpose of discussing personnel matters. The General Counsel and staff were excused from the meeting at this time. At 4:25 PM, on motion of Mr. Olson, seconded by Mr. Kanode, it was VOTED that the Committee arise and report. On motion of Mr. Harrison, seconded by Mr. Mendelsohn, it was VOTED that the report of the Committee of the Whole is adopted. The Board was in recess from 4:25 PM, January 15, until 8:34 AM, January 16, 1999, reconvening with all persons hereinbefore mentioned.
19. At this point, the Chair announced committee appointments as follows:
Administration and Finance: Directors Haynie, Chairman; Stinson, Gordon, Metzger, and Frenaye; Vice President Mendelsohn; and Vice Director Goddard. Membership Services: Directors Roderick, Chairman; Wyatt, and Kanode; Vice President Harrison; and Vice Directors Bellows, and Race. Volunteer Resources: Directors Milnes, Chairman; Coons, and Butler; Vice President Turnbull; and Vice Director Fuller. Election: Directors Metzger, Chairman; Heyn, and Frenaye. Enforcement Task Force: Vice President Harrison, Chairman; Directors Fallon, Craigie, and Heyn; Vice President Turnbull; Vice Director Quiat; General Counsel Imlay; and Field Services Manager Palm. RFI Task Group: Vice President Turnbull, Chairman; Vice Director Bodson; and Lab Supervisor Ed Hare, W1RFI. RF Safety: Vice Director Maxwell, Board Liaison. SAREX/ARISS Working Group: Vice President Harrison, Board Liaison. Public Relations: Dave Bell, W6AQ, Chairman; and Vice Director Kleinhaus, Board Liaison. Industry Advisory Council: Director Stinson, Chairman; and Vice Director Kleinhaus, Vice Chairman. Mr. Mendelsohn assumed the Chair at 9:03 AM.
20. Mr. Mansfield, as Manager of Legislative and Public Affairs, supplemented his written report with comments on the climate on Capitol Hill with the presidential impeachment trial underway, and briefly reported on the outcome of bills of ARRL interest considered in the previous 105th Congress. Mr. Mansfield also reviewed proposed amendments to the League's legislative agenda, to guide his work with the recently convened 106th Congress.
21. On motion of Mr. Heyn, seconded by Mr. Kanode, it was VOTED that the package of ARRL legislative positions, as amended, is adopted.
22. Mr. Ireland, as Technical Relations Specialist, supplemented the written report on technical regulatory affairs with updates on additional Washington office staffing; successful lobbying for changes to the ITU convention allowing for IARU participation in future plenipotentiary conferences; efforts to exempt the amateur-satellite service from ITU satellite cost recovery filing fees; continuing threats to amateur interests from the search for a new frequency for the Global Positioning System (GPS), little LEOs, Synthetic Aperture Radars (SAR) at 70 cm, and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA); and status of efforts to realign the 7 MHz band. The Board was in recess from 9:50 AM until 10:20 AM, with Mr. Stafford returning to the chair at this point.
23. Mr. Gordon, as Chairman, presented the written report of the Membership Services Committee, which studied possible new DXCC entities; the reduced W1AW schedule; adjustments to the QSL bureau fee structure; and the local club eligibility radius for ARRL contests, which was increased. Mr. Gordon also noted a staff proposal for a contest to kick off the new millennium.
24. Mr. Wyatt, as Chairman, presented the written report of the Volunteer Resources Committee, and reviewed committee work on Y2K problems and emergency communications; and a pilot program based on a congressional district liaison field appointment to develop a "grassroots" network for advancing the League's legislative agenda.
25. On motion of Mr. Fallon, seconded by Mr. Butler, it was unanimously that the following resolution is ADOPTED:
WHEREAS, the Radio Amateur du Quebec, Inc., established in 1951, signed a memorandum of understanding in 1978, renewed in 1994, with the Direction de la Securite civile of the ministere de la Securite publique du Quebec; and
WHEREAS, under the memorandum, the RAQI emergency network and its amateur radio operators have unfailingly responded to requests from the Securite civile du Quebec for support communications during emergencies; and
WHEREAS, on January 6, 1998, the Securite civile du Quebec asked the RAQI emergency network to establish emergency communications in the Monteregie region in Quebec when a severe ice storm plunged the region into darkness and cold, with public and commercial telecommunications services collapsing; and
WHEREAS, the RAQI emergency network responded to requests from 10 hospitals in the region that were without communications or electricity, and to requests from the Red Cross for communications between its shelters and the Securite civile center; and
WHEREAS, from January 6 to January 21, more than 700 Quebec amateur operators in the RAQI emergency network provided coverage in more than 60 municipalities, despite being affected by the storm themselves;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that in view of the nomination tendered by the Director, Securite civile du Quebec, the International Humanitarian Award is hereby conferred upon the Radio Amateur du Quebec, Inc., for its profound commitment to civic responsibility as exemplified by its service to the citizenry of Quebec during the 1998 ice storm, by the ARRL Board of Directors convened in annual session, January 16, 1999. (Applause).
26. On motion of Mr. Quiat, seconded by Mr. Frenaye, it was VOTED that staff is directed to recommend to Section Managers, Section Emergency Coordinators, and ARES groups that they enter into special agreements (MOUs), and conduct drills, with public utilities and public safety agencies for the provision of emergency communications should regular communication systems be disrupted by potential problems such as Y2K.
27. Mr. Olson, as Chairman, presented the written report of the Administration and Finance Committee, and the 1999 Spending, Revenue, and Capital Plans. Mr. Olson also commented on the conduct of standing committee business; membership contact travel policy; management reporting practice; and the need for development of data as the basis for future planning.
28. On motion of Mr. Olson, seconded by Mr. Frenaye, it was VOTED that the operating plan for 1999 as presented to the Board is approved.
29. On motion of Mr. Olson, seconded by Mr. Metzger, it was VOTED that the capital spending plan for 1999 as presented to the Board is approved.
30. On motion of Mr. Olson, seconded by Mr. Kanode, it was VOTED that the variances to the 1998 spending plan by the following are approved: Administration and Finance Committee ($928); Enforcement Task Force ($134); President ($2,471); Officers ($8,332); Strategic Planning Steering Committee ($3,072).
31. Mrs. Craigie, as Chairman, presented the written report of the Election Committee, and noted that the eligibility of new Northwestern Division Vice Director James E. Fenstermaker, K9JF, had been certified.
32. Mr. Stafford, as Chairman, presented the report of the Executive Committee, and commented on its review of the bylaws; and a proposed new policy to permit International membership without receipt of QST. To receive QST each month, International members must pay for additional postage. Under the new plan, International members could opt to pay the regular dues rate and to receive instead the annual ARRL periodicals CD ROM, including QST, QEX, and NCJ, along with other membership benefits such as access to the Members-only Web site and reduced DXCC fees.
33. It was moved by Mrs. Craigie, seconded by Mr. Butler, that the second sentence of Bylaw 4 is amended to read: "For members outside the United States, except for International members who elect not to receive QST by mail, the Executive Vice President shall assess such additional mailing costs as are consistent with the postal rates for destinations outside the United States." A roll call vote being required, the question was decided in the affirmative, with all Directors voting aye.
34. It was moved by Mrs. Craigie, seconded by Mr. Heyn, that the second sentence of Bylaw 45 is amended to read: "A copy of this journal shall be supplied each month to every member of the League in good standing, except those International, blind, and family members who have elected a category of membership that does not include receipt of QST." A roll call vote being required, the question was decided in the affirmative, with all Directors voting aye.
35. Mr. Harrison, as Chairman, presented the written report of the Enforcement Task Force, and jubilantly commented that strategies to gain more FCC enforcement action have begun to bear fruit: Changes in the administration and staffing at FCC have resulted in a reprioritization of enforcement. Mr. Harrison reviewed recent FCC enforcement actions and warnings. (Applause). The Board was in recess for luncheon from 12:06 PM until 1:18 PM, reconvening with all persons hereinbefore mentioned.
36. Mr. Harrison, as Board Liaison, presented the report of the SAREX/ARISS Working Group, and commented on the status of the Amateur Radio manifest aboard the International Space Station (ISS); and the last scheduled SAREX mission STS-93, slated for launch in April.
37. Mr. Mendelsohn, as Chairman, presented the final report of the Computer Committee and summarized the committee's accomplishments, which included overseeing a major computer conversion at headquarters, and the implementation of new electronic communication services benefiting the entire organization. Mr. Mendelsohn commended staff for its efforts, and noting that the committee's work had been concluded, called for the committee to be discharged.
38. Mr. Frenaye, as Chairman, presented the written report of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, and commented on the results of the strategic planning session conducted at the close of the 1998 Second Meeting.
39. Mr. Bodson, on behalf of Mr. Turnbull, Chairman, presented the report of the RFI Task Group, commenting on the committee's work with the Accredited Standards Committee C63 meetings regarding EMC issues, and its sub-committees; a new edition of the ARRL RFI Handbook; and efforts to address interference problems stemming from new wireless telephone jacks.
40. Mr. Maxwell, as Board Liaison, presented the written report of the RF Safety Committee, and observed that no significant new information had been added to the body of scientific knowledge since the previous meeting. The committee supported staff efforts on the publication of related ARRL literature; participated in standards committee work; and enjoyed a good working relationship with FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology (OET).
41. Mr. Frahm, as Board Liaison, presented the report of the Public Relations Committee, and thanked the Board for inviting chairman Dave Bell, W6AQ, to address the group on the eve of the instant meeting. Mr. Frahm also commented that electronic mail services had enhanced committee communication.
42. Mr. Bodson, as Board Liaison, Future Systems Committee, reported on the publication of the PACTOR II description, rendering the code as an approved digital mode; the new mode PSK31, which has been described in RadCom, the journal of the Radio Society of Great Britain; and committee work on identifying emission designators missing from Part 97 of the FCC rules.
43. Mr. Stinson, as Chairman, presented the written report of the Industry Advisory Council, commenting that the council solicited and received input from several major Japanese manufacturers for the continuing study of possible industry-wide product standards; and on manufacturers' policies on replacement of detachable control heads for amateur transceivers.
44. Mr. Olson, as Chairman, presented the final report of the 1998 Plenipotentiary Conference Planning Committee, which oversaw the successful and visible Amateur Radio participation in the hosting of the ITU conference held last October, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
45. Mr. Harrison, as Board Liaison, presented the written report of the Contest Advisory Committee, commenting on its consideration of items referred to it by the Membership Services Committee and the field, which included possible changes to the 10 GHz contest operating period, and other ARRL contest rules. Mr. Harrison conveyed the chairman's appreciation for the Board's support of the contest community.
46. Mr. Maxwell, as Board Liaison, presented the written report of the DX Advisory Committee, and commented that no new entities were considered during the second half of the year. The committee assessed membership acceptance of the new DXCC 2000 program and suggestions for improving awareness; and suggested criteria for selecting DXCC field checkers.
47. On motion of Mr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Stinson, it was VOTED that Wayne Mills, N7NG, be appointed DXAC chairman, notwithstanding the Rules and Regulations concerning Advisory Committees, which state in part, the "Chairman will serve in that post for no more than two one-year terms consecutively." At this point, the Chair also announced the appointment of Lew Sayre, W7EW, as CAC chairman for 1999.
48. The Board noted the written report of ARDF Coordinator Joe Moell, KØOV, which addressed his efforts to promote direction finding as a technical, sporting activity within the framework of the amateur service. The report covered the ninth ARDF World Championships, held at Nyiregyhaza, Hungary, September 1-6, 1998, with 32 countries sending their best on-foot foxhunters. The successful U.S. team was led by Dale Hunt, WB6BYU. The report also addressed upcoming activities, including IARU Region 2 ARDF Championship foxhunts as part of the Friendship Radiosport Games (FRG-99) to be held August 10-14, in Portland, Oregon.
49. The Board next moved to consider new business. Mr. Bodson exhibited the new Virginia state motor vehicle license plate incorporating the ARRL diamond logo. The Board was in recess from 2:05 PM until 2:36 PM.
50. The Board next moved to consider Directors' motions. On motion of Mr. Fallon, seconded by Mr. Stinson, it was VOTED that the following resolution is adopted:
WHEREAS, the ARRL was originally named when message handling by radio relay was an innovative and growing activity of amateur radio operators; and
WHEREAS, the breadth of amateur radio activities is adequately characterized no longer by our name; and
WHEREAS, it is important that the name of this organization clearly reflect our focus and purpose--Amateur Radio--to those both inside and outside our organization; and
WHEREAS, we are about to enter a new millennium; and
WHEREAS, the year 2000 is a natural point for change;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Executive Committee is tasked with developing a name change proposal for consideration by the Board at the 1999 Second Meeting.
51. On motion of Mr. Frenaye, seconded by Mr. Milnes, it was VOTED that the ARRL Board accepts the offer from the Boring (Oregon) Amateur Radio Club for the ARRL to become the sponsor of the Kid's Day operating event which has steadily grown in activity over the past few years, and introduced Amateur Radio to hundreds of kids in a creative format.
52. On motion of Mr. Butler, seconded by the entire assembly, it was unanimously VOTED that the Secretary is instructed to cast affirmative votes on International Amateur Radio Union Proposals 229 and 230, to ratify the election of Larry E. Price, W4RA, as IARU President and David A. Wardlaw, VK3ADW, as IARU Vice President for the 1999-2004 term. (Applause).
53. On motion of Mr. Haynie, seconded by Mr. Gordon, it was VOTED that the standing order created in Minute 32 of the 1992 Annual Meeting regarding consignments sent to ARRL conventions and hamfests be rescinded. The Board was in recess from 3:06 PM until 3:20 PM.
54. On motion of Mrs. Craigie, seconded by Mr. Butler, it was VOTED that the "Amateur Radio Technology Task Force" is hereby created. The Amateur Radio Technology Task Force shall be responsible for, among other related things, developing a strategy and plan of work exploring new technologies, assessing their applicability to amateur radio and also developing a plan as to how to incorporate such new technology in the amateur radio service.
The Technology Task Force shall be appointed by the President and shall consist of such members of the ARRL Board of Directors or Officers, ARRL HQ staff and League members who have been actively involved in experimenting with or developing new technologies that may have some applicability to the amateur radio service.
The Technology Task Force may, from time to time, bring proposals to the Board of Directors to further the development and implementation of such new technologies in amateur radio.
The Technology Task Force may meet with other amateur radio organizations involved in experimental work or developing new technologies for the purpose of exploring joint sponsorship of research and/or development.
The Technology Task Force chairperson shall recommend to the President such additional members to the Task Force as reasonably are necessary to carry out the duties and work of the task force. The task force shall report to the Board at the 2000 Annual Meeting regarding the progress of its work.
55. On motion of Mr. Olson, seconded by Mr. Gordon, it was VOTED that the Future Systems Committee shall be reconstituted as the Amateur Radio Technology Working Group. The Technology Working Group shall serve as an adjunct to, and a resource for, the Technology Task Force. The Technology Working Group shall conduct such experiments, research and development regarding newer technologies as requested by the Technology Task Force. The Technology Working Group shall consist of such persons appointed by the President and who are knowledgeable about newer technologies or experimenting with or developing such technologies as may be incorporated into the amateur radio service.
56. There being no further business, those present were invited to make informal closing comments and the meeting was adjourned at 3:58 PM. (Time in session as a Board: 9 hours, 51 minutes; as a Committee of the Whole: 25 minutes; direct authorizations: $14,937.00).
Respectfully submitted,
David Sumner, K1ZZ
Secretary
