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Doc. #19
In the second half of 1998 the VRC worked with the following topics:
-- The possible impact of the Year 2000 Problem on the ability of the Amateur Radio Service to provide emergency communications for various public service entities. This matter was tasked by the Board in a motion at the July 1998 meeting.
-- Investigation and development of a pilot program for a Congressional District Liaison field appointment to work with the ARRL Congressional Relations Manager.
-- Continuing oversight of FSD, EAD, and ARRL VEC groups including budgets and organization.
The 1998 VRC consisted of Directors Frank Fallon, N2FF; Dave Coons, WT8W; Marshall Quiat, AG0X; Vice President Hugh Turnbull, W3ABC; and Chair Brad Wyatt, K6WR. The staff liaison person was FSD Manager, Rick Palm, K1CE, later joined by ESD (formerly EAD) Manager, Rosalie White, WA1STO.
Summary progress to date on the these topics --
VRC was represented at two Y2K meetings -- one in Spokane, WA, by EWA SM Kyle Pugh, KA7CSP, and the other in Washington DC, by Rick Palm, K1CE. Basic and essential information was obtained on the Y2K problem in both meetings. A potential article for QST has been submitted by Karl Andersen, W6JUA, Southwestern Division, and tentatively accepted -- targeted for the April 1999 issue. Part of the article will be a listing of various URLs and statements from Amateur Radio manufacturers and others about Y2K compliance of their equipment. We also anticipate a possible second article dealing with "how to be ready for a scheduled 'field day' on Jan. 1, 2000". We are also suggesting that local ARES and RACES groups consider negotiating MOUs with their served agencies and others targeted on the Jan. 1, 2000 date and Y2K problems these agencies may encounter. Some relevant documents concerning the emergency communications aspects of Y2K will be distributed at the January Board meeting.
In late October, 1998, Steve Mansfield, N1MZA, ARRL Congressional Relations Manager, prepared and distributed to selected Directors a request to appoint Congressional District Liaison appointees in selected districts. Some progress on these appointments has been made, although it is clear that the selection and agreement to serve process is more difficult than anticipated. It appears that few hams are capable or interested in this activity. The VRC believes that it is in the ARRL's enlightened self interest that such a program be developed to protect our short and long term spectrum interests.
Marshall Quiat, AG0X, represented the VRC, in my absence, at the Nov. A&F Committee meeting to present the VRC position that ARRL must maintain, by some means, the current level of support for Field Services even considering the planned cutback for the 1999 budget. The VRC feels that the support of the Field Services function to the membership as an essential part of the attempt to maintain and/or increase membership in ARRL.
Respectively submitted,
Brad Wyatt, K6WR, 1998 VRC Chair
