1. Pursuant to due notice, the Board of Directors of the American Radio Relay League, Inc., met in annual session at the Hartford/Windsor Airport Marriott in Windsor, Connecticut, on Friday, January 17, and Saturday, January 18, 2003. The meeting was called to order at 8:35 AM EST January 17 with President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, in the Chair and the following Directors present:
Bernie Fuller, N3EFN, Atlantic Division
George R. Isely, W9GIG, Central Division
Jay Bellows, K0QB, Dakota Division
Rick Roderick, K5UR, Delta Division
James Weaver, K8JE, 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
Dennis Bodson, W4PWF, Roanoke Division
Walt Stinson, W0CP, Rocky Mountain Division
Frank M. Butler, W4RH, Southeastern Division
Art Goddard, W6XD, Southwestern Division
Coy Day, N5OK, West Gulf Division
Also present without vote were Joel M. Harrison, W5ZN, First Vice President; Kay C. Craigie, WT3P, Vice President; Fried Heyn, WA6WZO, Vice President; Rod Stafford, W6ROD, International Affairs Vice President; James McCobb, W1LLU, Treasurer; David Sumner, K1ZZ, Executive Vice President/Chief Executive Officer and Secretary; Chief Operating Officer Mark Wilson, K1RO; Chief Financial Officer Barry J. Shelley, N1VXY, and Chief Development Officer Mary M. Hobart, K1MMH.
Also in attendance at the invitation of the Board as observers were International Amateur Radio Union President Larry E. Price, W4RA, Radio Amateurs of Canada President Bill Gillis, VE1WG, Past Director/Vice President John Kanode, N4MM, and the following Vice Directors: William Edgar, N3LLR, Atlantic Division; Howard Huntington, K9KM, Central Division; Twila Greenheck, N0JPH, Dakota Division; Henry Leggette, WD4Q, Delta Division; Richard Mondro, W8FQT, Great Lakes Division; Stephen Mendelsohn, W2ML, Hudson Division; Bruce Frahm, K0BJ, Midwest Division; Mike Raisbeck, K1TWF, New England Division; James Fenstermaker, K9JF, Northwestern Division; Robert Vallio, W6RGG, Pacific Division; Les Shattuck, K4NK, Roanoke Division; Warren G. "Rev" Morton, WS7W, Rocky Mountain Division; Nelson E. "Sandy" Donahue, W4RU, Southeastern Division; Tuck Miller, NZ6T, Southwestern Division; and Dr. David Woolweaver, K5RAV, West Gulf Division. Also present were General Counsel Christopher D. Imlay, W3KD; Membership Services Manager Wayne Mills, N7NG; Field and Educational Services Manager Rosalie White, K1STO; Technical Relations Manager Paul Rinaldo, W4RI; Sales and Marketing Manager Dennis Motschenbacher, K7BV; and Special Assistant to the Executive Vice President David Patton, NT1N.
2. The assembly observed a moment of silence in recollection of Radio Amateurs who have passed away since the previous Board meeting, especially Robert E. Baird, W9NN; Arline P. Bender, WA1VMC; Jean Cebik, N4TZP; John R. Douglas, N0ISL; Bill Erickson, WA9TPQ; David Harrell, K0BTE; Paul Knupke Jr., N4PK; Percy Maxim Lee; Thor Lyford, W0QIK; Wilfred W. "Willy" Mank, W1ZX; Steve Mansfield, N1MZA; Camille S. Marie, W3EPR; Edward G "Eddie" Miller, W5EXI ; Alexander Papp, K3AQ; Grady Payne, W5ETA; Ronald S. Raposo, N2JAW; Murphy G. "Murph" Ratterree, W4WMQ; Teresa M. Riviere, WB5CXK; Dan Robbins, KL7Y; A. Prose Walker, W4BW; Robert L. White, W1CW; and Harry J. Yust, W3GU.
3. On motion of Mr. Roderick, seconded by Mr. Bodson, the agenda of the meeting was ADOPTED as presented.
4. On motion of Mr. Fallon, seconded by Mr. Roderick, the Minutes of the 2002 Second Meeting, as distributed, were ADOPTED.
5. The President of the International Amateur Radio Union, Mr. Larry Price, W4RA, offered his greetings to the assembly and supplemented his written report with a summary of the activities of the IARU including an in-depth report of IARU's efforts in the WRC 2003 preparatory process. He outlined the make-up of the IARU observer team for the conference and detailed the upcoming meetings and activities that will be critical to gaining support from administrations for amateur service-related issues at WRC 2003.
6. The President of the Radio Amateurs of Canada, Mr. Bill Gillis, VE1WG, delivered his greetings from RAC. RAC has just concluded a successful membership campaign and Mr. Gillis offered their experience with that effort to the Board.
7. Mr. Frenaye, as President, reported on the activities of the ARRL Foundation. He described the Goldfarb Memorial Scholarship, a new scholarship program that will provide a full college education, and the new Bill Orr, W6SAI Technical Writing Award.
8. The Chair opened nominations for Honorary Vice Presidents. Mr. Bodson presented the nomination of Mr. John Kanode, N4MM, and Mr. Bellows presented the nomination of Mr. Tod Olson, K0TO. There being no other nominations, the Chair closed nominations and appointed Mr. Raisbeck, Dr. Woolweaver, and Mr. Leggette tellers for this meeting. After balloting the Chair declared both Mr. Kanode and Mr. Olson elected Honorary Vice Presidents. (Applause).
9. The Chair opened nominations for Director members of the Executive Committee for one-year terms. Mr. Roderick nominated Mr. Fuller, Mr. Frenaye, and Mr. Maxwell. Mr. Maxwell nominated Mr. Roderick. Mr. Bellows nominated Mr. Fallon. There being no further nominations, the Chair closed nominations. After balloting, the Chair declared Mr. Frenaye, Mr. Roderick, and Mr. Maxwell elected, with Mr. Fallon and Mr. Fuller tied for the fourth seat. A run-off election being required, an additional ballot was tallied, whereupon the Chair declared Mr. Fuller elected to the final Director's seat on the Executive Committee. (Applause).
10. At this time the Chair yielded the floor to Mr. Bellows. On motion of Mr. Bellows, seconded by Mr. Bodson, it was unanimously VOTED that Mr. Frenaye, Mr. Tom Comstock, N5TC, and Mr. Roger Franke, K9AYK, be elected Directors of the ARRL Foundation for three-year terms. (Applause). The Board was in recess from 9:19 AM until 9:35 AM.
11. At this point, the officers reported on their activities during the second half of 2002. President Haynie unveiled a new, professionally-developed Amateur Radio documentary short video, "Amateur Radio Today," narrated by Walter Cronkite, KB2GSD. This video, directed and produced by Dave Bell, W6AQ, will be widely available. The President reported on his trip to Japan and his meetings with JARL officers and staff, and the leaders from some of the major equipment manufacturers. He traveled 79 days in 2002. He intends to make 2003 "The Year of the Member." First Vice President Harrison's report detailed his activities working with leaders in the development of new technologies including high speed multi-media and digital voice. He stressed the importance of working to get the US government behind ARRL's WRC 2003 efforts. Vice President Craigie reported on her guest speaking activities and committee work during the second half of 2002. She stressed the need for ARRL to better understand its constituents and to thoroughly survey the amateur community as the organization moves to increase its membership. Vice President Heyn reported on his committee activities and his work at several conventions and symposiums including the recent Consumer Electronics Show. Vice President Stafford described his work, and that of the IARU Region 2 officers, with respect to WRC 2003 preparations.
12. Mr. McCobb, as Treasurer, outlined the League's investments. The down market continues and the effect of the bankruptcies of Comdisco, Worldcom, and Conseco, although damaging to ARRL's portfolio, was minimized through investment in diverse holdings. He predicted the market will remain unstable for the next couple of years. Mr. Sumner left the meeting at 11:00 AM.
13. Chief Operating Officer Wilson outlined the activities of the Field and Educational Services, Membership Services, Laboratory, Volunteer Examiner, Editorial and Production, Sales and Marketing, and Web/Software Development Departments. The advertising group has been busy adding new clients and new ideas to both QST and other publications. New business software and hardware is installed and in daily use, and will be finished during 2003. Logbook of the World, the electronic awards confirmation system is in early beta testing and will move to general testing in the first quarter.
14. Chief Financial Officer Shelley reported that the League's financial situation is a little better than expected at this point in the reorganization and development plan. He added that the next few years will be challenging but manageable as the ARRL balances its budget. The Board was in recess for luncheon from 12:02 PM until 1:15 PM when the group gathered for a photograph session. At 1:22 PM the Board reconvened with all persons hereinbefore mentioned including Mr. Sumner.
15. Chief Executive Officer Sumner summarized his report. He said that since the unfortunate death of Steve Mansfield, the ARRL has, and will continue, to rely on expanded work by Chwat and Company, ARRL's Legislative relations consultant, to cover Capitol Hill. Mr. Sumner offered a draft update to the ARRL's legislative positions.
16. On motion of Mr. Roderick, seconded by Mr. Bodson, it was VOTED unanimously that the following six positions are adopted en bloc to constitute the American Radio Relay League's official Legislative Positions during the 108th Congress.
Position #1: Consistent Application of FCC Limited Preemption Policy Toward Amateur Radio Antenna Systems.
WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission in 1985 established a limited preemption policy which fairly balanced the Federal interest in protecting and enhancing Amateur Radio Emergency and Public Service communications and the legitimate, reasonable exercise of State and local land use jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, This policy has worked well in the intervening years to encourage reasonable accommodation of Amateur Radio residential antenna systems by municipal land use authorities; and
WHEREAS, Private land use regulations are pervasive and routinely frustrate the Federal interest in promoting Amateur Radio communications, and yet Congress and the FCC have each concluded that FCC clearly does have jurisdiction to preempt or limit private land use regulations to the extent that such regulations frustrate Federal communications policy;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the American Radio Relay League supports non-discriminatory application of the FCC's longstanding limited preemption policy to all types of land use regulations, in order to effectuate the important Federal interest in protecting and promoting Amateur Radio communications;
AND THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the American Radio Relay League seeks Congressional instruction to the FCC to extend its limited preemption policy governing residential Amateur Radio antennas, so that private land use authorities cannot preclude, but must reasonably accommodate Amateur Radio communications in subdivisions and communities.
Position # 2: Support for Federal Preemption of Telecommunications Regulation
WHEREAS, A strong, coordinated national system of telecommunications is in the national interest;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the American Radio Relay League supports measures to improve federal management of telecommunications, including strengthening and improving the ability of the FCC to promulgate and enforce reasonable regulation of transmitter, receiver, and antenna issues, of the resolution of electromagnetic interference, and of operating rules.
Position #3: Radio Spectrum Management by Auction
WHEREAS, The management of allocation, assignment and auction of radio frequencies is a complex technical task;
AND WHEREAS, spectrum auctions were introduced as a means of ensuring fair and timely assignment of licenses, not as a means of generating revenues to satisfy short-term objectives;
AND WHEREAS, Amateur Radio, police, fire and other traditional public service users save lives and property on an entirely non-commercial basis, but lack the resources to participate in spectrum auctions;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the American Radio Relay League believes that spectrum auctions should not be used as a means to offset specific budget items, and that specific spectrum decisions should be made by expert professional agencies and not by Congress;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the American Radio Relay League believes that public service (including Amateur) radio frequency allocations under current US regulations should now be statutorily exempt from auction or reallocation to commercial services, whether on a primary or secondary basis, and that compensatory spectrum should be allocated whenever FCC or NTIA determine that an existing public service frequency must be reallocated to another radio service.
Position #4: Preserve and Protect Amateur Radio Frequency Allocations
WHEREAS, frequencies allocated to the Amateur Radio Service are the technological equivalent of a "national park," where all may enjoy a natural resource for the purpose of experimentation, education and voluntary emergency communications, provided they demonstrate, through testing, that they are responsible users;
AND WHEREAS, allocations to radiocommunication services protect those services against interference from unlicensed transmitters such as Part15 devices;
AND WHEREAS, Americans, through the Amateur Radio Service, may use a limited range of frequencies throughout the radio spectrum, often shared with government services;
AND WHEREAS, an increasing amount of spectrum is subject to possible reallocation to the benefit of private economic interests;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the American Radio Relay League supports measures that would preserve and protect, on a primary basis, Amateur operator access to existing Amateur Radio Service and Amateur Satellite Service frequencies as a natural resource for the enjoyment of all properly licensed individuals, and protect against interference from unlicensed transmitters such as Part 15 devices operating on frequencies allocated to the Amateur Radio Service.
Position #5: Mandatory RFI Standards for Consumer Electronic Devices
WHEREAS, devices that emit radio energy are proliferating dramatically;
AND WHEREAS, Many home electronic devices lack the necessary filtering and shielding to function properly near the types of transmitters commonly found in residential areas;
AND WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to have a robust, interference-free telecommunications environment;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the American Radio Relay League supports requiring the Federal Communications Commission to develop and implement effective mandatory standards for radio frequency susceptibility of consumer electronic devices.
Position # 6: Opposing Restrictions on Radio Reception
WHEREAS, in response to widely publicized incidents there have been some efforts to tighten the laws prohibiting the interception and disclosure of cellular telephone conversations;
AND WHEREAS, laws already exist prohibiting such conduct both in the Communications Act (Sec. 105) and in the "Electronic Communications Privacy Act" provisions of the Criminal Code (18 USC 2510 et seq);
AND WHEREAS, communications privacy in general is better achieved by technological advancement than by law or regulation;
AND WHEREAS, Statutory privacy prohibitions impede technological development and have a detrimental effect on a broad range of lawful radio users including some Amateur operators, volunteer fire departments, emergency medical services and others;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the American Radio Relay League opposes efforts to expand current prohibitions against the reception of radio signals beyond those that already exist, except insofar as such efforts strengthen or clarify existing prohibitions, and are specifically restricted to cellular and PCS services that interface with wireline communication.
17. Chief Development Officer Hobart presented her report. The results of the work of the Development Office exceeded its overall goal for receipts and commitments for the year 2002. The Education and Technology Program reached 40 schools in 2002 thanks in large part to a few extraordinary individual contributions. She also lauded the addition of Debra Johnson to her office.
18. Mr. Rinaldo, Technical Relations Manager, reported on the wide range of activities in which he and his staff at the ARRL's Washington D.C. area office are participating. The Amateur Radio Administration Course, in Nairobi, where he was a guest lecturer, took place under the auspices of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU). The course was a success and also provided a platform of support for the IARU's push for 7 MHz harmonization in Africa. The Board was in recess from 2:45 PM until 3:26 PM.
19. General Counsel Imlay reported on present and upcoming FCC issues including the Omnibus Part 97 rulemaking action. There are items in this proceeding on which the ARRL has not taken positions and he reminded the Board that they should evaluate doing so. Mr. Harrison assumed the Chair at 4:27 PM.
20. Mr. Goddard, as Chairman, presented the report of the Membership Services Committee. Mr. Haynie returned to the Chair at 4:38 PM. Mr. Goddard outlined the committee's work on evaluating the VHF/UHF contests and programs sponsored by ARRL, and related some of the recommendations and actions resulting from this study.
21. Mr. Maxwell, as Chairman, delivered his presentation on the activities of the Volunteer Resources Committee. The group recommends using expanded publicity during National Amateur Radio Week in June, the week prior to Field Day, in order to highlight the value of Amateur Radio volunteer work when sited at Emergency Operations Centers. The Committee also recommends bringing the Amateur Radio Emergency Service and National Traffic System closer together operationally. He reported that over the last six months the committee held two in-person meetings and 17 teleconferences.
22. On motion of Mr. Goddard, seconded by Mr. Maxwell, it was unanimously VOTED to ADOPT the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Hospital Disaster Support Communications System (HDSCS) is a specialized unit of ARRL's Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) located in Orange County, California, and
WHEREAS, over the past twenty two years the HDSCS, led by April Moell, WA6OPS, has maintained a high state of readiness and provided exemplary support to all thirty five acute-care receiving hospitals in Orange County, and
WHEREAS, since 1980 HDSCS has activated in response to:
WHEREAS, HDSCS was activated for five emergencies during 2002, including superb response to the Placentia, CA Metrolink train crash which killed 2 and injured more than 200 passengers, and
WHEREAS, the ARRL has received testimonial statements of profound appreciation for HDSCS from the following:
THEREFORE, the ARRL Board of Directors assembled at their 2003 Annual Meeting, does hereby award the ARRL National Certificate of Merit to the Hospital Disaster Support Communications System of Orange County, California. (Applause.) The Board was in recess from 5:18 PM until 8:41 AM January 18, 2003, reconvening with all persons hereinbefore mentioned.
23. President Haynie opened the session by presenting long-term membership awards to Mr. Mills, Mr. Day, Mr. Patton, and Mr. Sumner. (Applause.)
24. Mr. Bellows, as Chairman, presented his report on the activities and recommendations of the Administration and Finance Committee including the recommended ratification of the 2003 budget plan. He related the progress on several new software and hardware systems being implemented at Headquarters. The committee recommended a technical revision to ARRL's pension plan as a part of the Committee's overall review of ARRL's benefit and insurance programs.
25. On motion of Mr. Bellows, seconded by Mr. Bodson, it was unanimously VOTED that the American Radio Relay League, Inc.'s defined benefit pension plan be amended to continue to comply with Revenue Ruling 2001-62 and the temporary and final regulations under IRS Code section 401(a)(9).
26. On motion of Mr. Bellows, seconded by Mr. Isely, it was VOTED, with Mr. Frenaye requesting to be recorded in opposition, that the American Radio Relay League, Inc., 2003 Plan as recommended by the A & F Committee be adopted.
27. Ms. Craigie assumed the Chair at 9:47 AM. Mr. Stinson, as Chairman, reported that the Election Committee responded to a few complaints during the last Director/Vice Director election as well as a Section Manager election. The committee was able to resolve each issue, but recommends that better efforts be made to compile and record past and future incidents to aid future committees. Mr. Haynie returned to the Chair at 9:55 AM. Mr. Stinson added that the best method for ensuring compliance with election rules is peer pressure on candidates from constituents and other elected officials. The Board was in recess from 10:07 AM until 10:27 AM. Mr. Mendelsohn left the meeting at this time.
28. President Haynie reported for the Executive Committee and discussed its study of ARRL's standing committees. The group provided a list of possible changes for the Board's consideration. He also reported on the possible need for a new standing committee to work on sales, marketing, and membership recruitment/retention.
29. Mr. Harrison, as Liaison, presented the report of the SAREX Working Group. The International Space Station's astronauts have been active on the air as well as installing two additional antennas in August, 2002. The astronauts completed an astounding total of 38 school QSOs, an average of one school per week in which the crews were active. He reported that most ISS crews are licensed--a sign of the success of the program.
30. Mr. Huntington, as Chairman, presented the report of the Technology Task Force. Each of the subcommittees has been extremely active--especially the High Speed Digital & Multimedia group which has spurred activity on 2.4 GHz across the nation. He reported that a highlight of the Digital Voice working group's efforts was a digital voice QSO between two of its committee members that spanned the Atlantic Ocean on 15 meters.
31. On motion of Mr. Harrison, seconded by Mr. Fallon it was VOTED that the General Counsel is instructed to submit to FCC, within the next thirty days, a request to FCC to obtain, on behalf of a specific identified group of amateur experimenters, temporary relief from the automatic power control requirement for Spread Spectrum communication at 2.4 GHz. The experiments will be under the control and supervision of ARRL's High Speed Digital & Multimedia Working Group (HSMM). They will be done at power levels up to 10W total power output and they will be conducted on a non-interference basis to other amateur operations. This relief shall be for an initial time period not to exceed two years in order to permit completion of on-air testing for the purpose of supporting, if necessary, a rules change.
32. Mr. Bodson, as Chairman, presented the detailed written report of the ARRL Electromagnetic Compatibility Committee. He reported some success stories resulting from the ARRL working closely with FCC to assist power companies resolve RFI complaints from amateurs. The RFI complaint caseload remains steady, despite cases being resolved, due to increased public awareness of the ARRL's participation which results in additional complaints from members. The Board was in recess for luncheon from 12:02 PM until 1:00 PM.
33. Mr. Huntington, as Board Liaison, reported on the activities of the RF Safety Committee. The committee monitored seven 'scientific' studies, reviewed the question pool for the Technician Class license, and reviewed RF exposure rates from computer WIFI cards in addition to other projects. Committee members are active in the public arena as well, delivering 14 presentations to Ham clubs and authoring six scientific papers.
34. President Haynie, delivered a brief report from the Public Relations Committee. He noted that the new Chairman of the Committee is Jeff Reinhardt, AA6JR, and the new Board liaison is Dr. David Woolweaver, K5RAV. He thanked the previous Chairwoman, Diane Ortiz, K2DO for her service.
35. Mr. Frenaye, as Chairman, presented the report of the Historical Committee. He reports that ARRL's archivist, Perry Williams, W1UED, a retired 37-year ARRL staffer, has returned to service and is doing a very thorough job of cataloguing historic materials.
36. Mr. Bellows, as Chairman, reported on the limited activities of the Ad Hoc Committee on ARRL Support of Antenna Cases over the last six months. The committee remains ready to review and evaluate requests for assistance.
37. Mr. Goddard, as Chairman, delivered the report of the Industry Advisory Council. Mr. Eric Swartz, WA6HHQ, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Elecraft has joined the committee. The group recommends that ARRL form liaisons with the Japan Amateur Radio League and societies in Europe in order to help address standardization issues and to promote the growth of the Amateur Radio Service worldwide.
38. At this point, the President announced the committee appointments as follows: Administration and Finance: Directors Bellows, Chairman; Fallon, Goddard, Isely, Stinson, Vice Director Fenstermaker, Vice President Harrison, and Treasurer McCobb. Membership Services: Directors Day, Chairman; Bodson, Frenaye, Milnes, Weaver, Vice Director Vallio, and Vice President Craigie. Volunteer Resources: Directors Walstrom, Chairman; Butler, Fuller, Maxwell, Roderick, Vice Director Morton, and Vice President Heyn. Election: Directors Roderick, Chairman; Fuller, and Stinson. Industry Advisory Council: Vice President Harrison, Chairman. Electromagnetic Compatibility: Director Bodson, Chairman; Director Stinson. Public Relations: Jeff Reinhardt, AA6JR, Chairman; Vice Director Woolweaver; Diane Ortiz, K2DO; Rich Moseson, W2VU; Jim McDonald, KB9LEI; Gary Pearce, KN4AQ; Bob Josuweit, WA3PZO; Sherri Brower, W4STB; and David Greer, N4KZ. RF Safety: Greg Lapin, N9GL, Chairman; Vice Director Huntington. SAREX/ARISS: Roy Neal, K6DUE, Chairman; Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, and Vice President Harrison. Technology Task Force: Vice Directors Huntington, Chairman, Raisbeck, and Director Frenaye. Historical: Directors Frenaye, Chairman, Maxwell, Vice Director Shattuck, Treasurer McCobb, Al Cohen, W1FXQ, Charles Griffen, W1GYR, and Perry Williams, W1UED. Antenna Defense: Directors Bellows, Chairman; Fallon, Vice Director Raisbeck, Counsel Imlay, and Jim O'Connell, W9WU. Amateur Radio Interference Assessment: Vice President Harrison, Chairman; Director Maxwell, and Greg Lapin, N9GL.
39. Mr. Day, as Chairman, presented the report of the Ad Hoc Planning Committee. He related that the last ARRL strategic plan was created in 1994, and while that plan is out of date, many of its recommendations were followed and implemented. The Committee studied the value of strategic planning and developed a recommendation for the Board to approve the creation of an updated plan in 2003.
40. On motion of Mr. Day, seconded by Mr. Goddard, it was unanimously VOTED that the following resolution be adopted:
WHEREAS, strategic planning is essential to the continued good health of any organization,
AND WHEREAS, the current ARRL strategic plan has not been updated for some time,
AND WHEREAS, the Ad-Hoc planning committee has unanimously recommended approving the proposal from Mr. Bud Crouch, President of Innovations Plus,
THEN BE IT RESOLVED, that the ARRL accept the Ad-Hoc Planning Committee's recommendation.
41. Mr. Frenaye, as Board Liaison, reported on the formation of the ARRL Ad-Hoc HF Digital Committee. The group expects to issue its first report at the Second Meeting of the ARRL Board in July, 2003.
42. Mr. Frenaye, as Board Liaison, reported that the Contest Advisory Committee did not have an assignment during the last period, but did informally discuss various contest issues.
43. Mr. Frahm, as Board Liaison, delivered the report of the DX Advisory Committee. The committee members did not have a formal project, but informally discussed 'freebanding" issues, the 30 Meter DXCC award and promotion of ARRL operating awards.
44. Vice President Sumner, on behalf of Mr. Joe Moell, K0OV, related the activities of the ARRL Amateur Radio Direction Finding Coordinator. The third major ARDF competition to be held in the USA will take place in Cincinnati in July/August, 2003.
45. Mr. Harrison, on behalf of Mr. Greg Lapin, N9GL, reported on the activities of the Amateur Radio Interference Assessment (ARIA) Project. Mr. Lapin has been busy with investigating the automation of many of the functions in the ARIA test plan, and promoting the project and its need for volunteers to the Amateur Radio public. The Board was in recess from 2:50 PM until 3:05 PM.
46. At this point the Board considered new business. Mr. Fuller yielded the floor to Mr. Stafford. On motion of Mr. Stafford, seconded by Mr. Harrison, it was unanimously VOTED, that the following resolution be adopted:
WHEREAS, the National Association Radioamateurs of Georgia (NARG) has applied for membership in the International Amateur Radio Union, and
WHEREAS, the Executive Committee of IARU Region 1 has examined the application to join IARU of NARG and has determined to its satisfaction that the application meets the Constitution and Bylaws of the IARU,
THEREFORE, it is resolved, that the Secretary of the American Radio Relay League is instructed to cast a vote on behalf of the American Radio Relay League in favor of International Amateur Radio Union proposal #235, concerning the admission of the National Association Radioamateurs of Georgia into the International Amateur Radio Union.
47. On motion of Mr. Stafford, seconded by Mr. Weaver, it was unanimously VOTED, that the following resolution be adopted:
WHEREAS, the Federation of Radiosport of the Republic of Armenia (FRRA) has applied for membership in the International Amateur Radio Union, and
WHEREAS, the Executive Committee of IARU Region 1 has examined the application to join IARU of FRRA and has determined to its satisfaction that the application meets the Constitution and Bylaws of the IARU,
THEREFORE, it is resolved, that the Secretary of the American Radio Relay League is instructed to cast a vote on behalf of the American Radio Relay League in favor of International Amateur Radio Union proposal #236, concerning the admission of the Federation of Radiosport of the Republic of Armenia into the International Amateur Radio Union.
48. On motion of Mr. Stafford, seconded by Mr. Harrison, it was unanimously VOTED, that the following resolution be adopted:
WHEREAS, the Vietnam Amateur Radio Club (VARC) has applied for membership in the International Amateur Radio Union, and
WHEREAS, the Region 3 Directors and Secretary have reviewed the application in the light of the relevant provisions of the IARU Constitution and Bylaws, as well as the relevant provisions of IARU Region 3 and have found the application to be in order and have made a favorable finding with respect to the qualification of VARC,
THEREFORE, it is resolved, that the Secretary of the American Radio Relay League is instructed to cast a vote on behalf of the American Radio Relay League in favor of International Amateur Radio Union proposal #237, concerning the admission of the Vietnam Amateur Radio Club into the International Amateur Radio Union.
49. On motion of Mr. Isely, seconded by Mr. Maxwell, it was unanimously VOTED that the following resolution be adopted:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the ARRL President establish an Ad-Hoc Committee tasked with developing and testing methods for increasing ARRL membership and retaining existing members.
In pursuit of this task, this committee shall draw on the resources already available within the ARRL Headquarters organization, but is expected to use these existing resources in new and innovative ways.
President Haynie then announced the members of the Ad-Hoc Recruitment and Retention Committee: Vice President Stafford, Chairman; Directors Bellows, Day, Walstrom, Vice Directors Greenheck, Leggette, Raisbeck, and Mendelsohn; Mr. Wilson.
50. On motion of Mr. Fallon, seconded by Mr. Goddard, it was unanimously VOTED that the ARRL Board of Directors, in meeting assembled January 18, 2003, expresses its deepest appreciation to all involved in the production of the video program "Amateur Radio Today." This six-minute video persuasively illustrates Amateur Radio's continuing relevance in providing communications in natural disasters and other emergencies. The Board especially thanks Dave Bell, W6AQ, director and producer, Alan Kaul, W6RCL, Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, and Bill Baker, W1BKR, producers; and Walter Cronkite, KB2GSD, narrator.
51. On motion of Mr. Weaver, seconded by the entire assembly, it was unanimously VOTED to thank staff, especially Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ, and Debra Johnson, for their hard work to ensure the success of this meeting. (Applause.)
52. There being no further business, those present were invited to make informal closing comments and the meeting was adjourned at 4:37 PM. (Time in session as a Board: 12 hours, 28 minutes.)
Respectfully submitted,
David Sumner, K1ZZ
Secretary