Summary Agenda

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 and Special Meeting
5. Reports by the Officers
6. Reports on Legislative and Technical Regulatory Affairs
7. Receive Reports and Consider Recommendations of the Committees
8. Directors' motions

1. Pursuant to due notice, the Board of Directors of the American Radio Relay League, Inc., met in second session at the Marriott Hotel, Rocky Hill, Connecticut, on Friday, July 16, and Saturday, July 17, 1999. The meeting was called to order at 8:35 AM EDT, July 16, with President Rodney J. Stafford, W6ROD, in the Chair and the following Directors present:

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 Price, W4RA, International Affairs Vice President; James McCobb, Jr., W1LLU, Treasurer; 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.

Also in attendance at the invitation of the Board as observers were the following Vice Directors: Bernie Fuller, N3EFN, Atlantic Division; Jay Bellows, KØQB, Dakota 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; Educational Services Manager Rosalie White, WA1STO; Field Services Manager Richard Palm, K1CE; Technical Relations Specialist Jon V. Siverling, WB3ERA; Legislative and Public Affairs Manager Steve Mansfield, N1MZA; and Special Assistant to the Executive Vice President Dave 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 Jim Abbett, W6PXA; John Allaway, G3FKM; Ken Anthony, W6BK; Henry Bravin, WD6CKP; Orrin "Hank" Brown, W6HB; Jerome J. Burens, Sr., KA6VXI; Robert Page Burr, K1MI; Richard Carlsen, KE6BEM; Ted Cocores, W6CSP; Bart Cooper, W6KFB; Tom Crabe, W4LMW; Gordon Dallas, KD6UQV; Calvin Dempsey, Sr., WA4UQC; John DeWitt, Jr., N4CBC; Avis Dickerson, KA6SJK; Dick Donahue, AA1HF; Tom Downing, WA6HWY; Barbara Ann Edwards, KC4PBB; Tesibel Frey, KC6LVT; Maynard Vance Friend, KH6JAW; Dave Glisan, WB6JJR; J.A. "Doc" Gmelin, W6ZRJ; John Green, KA6AHY; Wilbur Grover, WA6JCF; Frank A. Gunther, W2ALS; Don Haffner, WD6GLQ; Robert S. Hopkins, K6MUP; Jack Hornback, KC6SNR; Rubin Hughes, WA6AHF; Tommy Jackson, KB5OGM; Rolf Lindenhayn, W6PM; Dean Litts, WA6YOV; Jim Luxenberg, WA6Y; Bill Maron, KE6BL; David Marquette, W8DHJ; Ron Martin, W6ZF; Russ McCabe, W6GIP; Dick McKercher, WØMLY; Jack Martens, WB6RHV; George Miller, W6QPQ; Jim Moody, KB6ZO; Charles Newcombe, W7JOS; Marvin Noble, K6LUZ; William Parkinson, K6IMV; Bill Perac, W6JCG; Raymond C. Petit, W7GHM; Roy Post, WA6FUN; George Puzzuole, K8QEW; Robert Reiling, W6JHJ; Frederick W. Rollyson, WB6CNO; Allen Ross, W6JPS; George Roush, WA6HET; Alfred "Sonny" Sacramed, KH7S; Alvin H. Smith, WØPEX; Earle Snider, K6TST; Albert Steffens, W6IWS; Jack Steinert, W3SLD; Terry J. Sterman, W9DIA; Mildred "Mike" Stine, W6KHM; Charles Stone, KD7BNI; Donald L. Stoner, W6TNS; Vergil Strunk, KB6KVI; Will Sulzner, W6TXJ; Naola Van Orden, AA6SX; Clarence Wand, KC6ZCK; Richard Warren, Jr., N7RH; Donald Westcott, WD6EWP; Luther Whitfield, W5TLC; Jack Whittock, KA6NQJ; and Kathleen Willfong, KB6ONI.

3. On motion of Mr. Wyatt, seconded by Mr. Kanode, the agenda of the meeting was ADOPTED as presented.

4. On motion of Mr. Heyn, seconded by Mr. Wyatt, the Minutes of the 1999 Annual Meeting were ADOPTED as printed in QST.

5. Mr. Oelke conveyed the greetings of the Radio Amateurs of Canada, Inc., and thanked the Board for its continuing support. He noted that he is an ARRL Life Member and became involved in organized Amateur Radio through the field organization.

6. Mr. Metzger conveyed the greetings of the ARRL Foundation, and reported that the Foundation is enjoying a good year, having hit the $2 million mark in assets with the receipt of a generous bequest by William R. Goldfarb, N2ITP. Mr. Metzger noted excellent activity in the Foundation scholarship program and thanked the scholarship committee for its efforts.

7. At this point, the officers reported on their activities during the first half of 1999. President Stafford supplemented his written report by noting the appointment of ARRL ARDF Coordinator Joe Moell, KØOV, as IARU Region 2 ARDF Coordinator.

8. First Vice President Mendelsohn supplemented his written report with comments on his perception of the necessity of embracing the Internet as it applies to Amateur Radio. Mr. Mendelsohn recommended further enhancement of the ARRL web site, as an effective conduit for information and revenue.

9. Vice President Harrison referred to his written report, which addressed his assignment as ARRL's representative on the Phase 3D Administrative Council; his attendance at the "Ham Radio" convention in Friedrichshafen, Germany, as a member of the ARRL delegation; and his personal observations on the importance of emphasizing the simple enjoyment that is to be found in Amateur Radio.

10. Vice President Turnbull referred to his written report, which addressed assignments on the Volunteer Resources Committee, Enforcement Task Force, and his service as Chairman of the RFI Task Group. The report also covered his travel on behalf of ARRL, and his concerns for the future of the amateur service, especially regarding membership. Mr. Turnbull thanked his colleagues on the Board for their good wishes and prayers during his recent convalescence.

11. Mr. McCobb, as Treasurer, reported on stock market activity and the allocation and performance of the investment portfolio over the first half of the year; the sale of equity securities on which significant gains have been realized; and investment strategies in light of possible turbulence in the market stoked by election year activity.

12. International Affairs Vice President Price supplemented his written report by noting his election as IARU President effective May 9, 1999, for a five year term, and the election of his predecessor Richard L. Baldwin, W1RU, as IARU President Emeritus. Mr. Price reported on international meetings scheduled for the next six months, including the IARU Region 1 Conference (September, Lillehammer, Norway); Telecom 99, a leading international trade exhibition and technical forum sponsored by the ITU (October, Geneva, Switzerland); and the ITU Conference Preparatory Meeting (November, Geneva) for WRC-2000 preparations. In response to questions, Mr. Price provided status reports on international efforts to secure a 300 kHz wide amateur exclusive band at 40 meters and the scheduling of future World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC). The Board was in recess from 10:17 AM until 10:38 AM. ARRL VEC Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ, joined the assembly at this point.

13. Chief Financial Officer Shelley referred to his written report, and addressed the status of the League's financial position in the face of continuing weakness in the Amateur Radio marketplace. In the first half of the year, the League operated on roughly a breakeven basis, with revenues (especially in advertising and publication sales) and Headquarters operating expenses falling short of forecasts. No major change in activity is expected in the second half. Mr. Shelley emphasized that despite current experience, the League's overall financial position is sound.

14. Executive Vice President Sumner referred to his extensive written report on Headquarters operations in the first half of 1999, and answered questions on preparations for the ARRL 2000 National Convention at Dayton, Ohio; ARRL web site plans; and publication scheduling. Mr. Sumner also presented a progress report on the development of a vision for Amateur Radio and the ARRL for the year 2010 and beyond, and an action plan to meet this vision, in the context of the future telecommunications environment. A final report will be presented at the 2000 Annual Meeting. The Board was in recess for luncheon from 12:06 PM until 1:17 PM, reconvening with all persons hereinbefore mentioned.

15. General Counsel Imlay supplemented his extensive written report with updates on several regulatory matters, including a petition filed with the FCC by the Central States VHF Society seeking rules to protect weak signal interests in several bands; the status of ARRL efforts with intelligent transportation system proponents to accommodate amateur interests at the 5.8 GHz region; an FCC notice of inquiry on ultra-wideband devices and ARRL interference concerns; expected FCC dismissal of longstanding petitions for rulemaking; a non-licensee fined $20,000 for operation in the amateur bands; and remaining issues with the FCC's implementation of the Universal Licensing System (ULS). Mr. Jahnke joined Mr. Imlay in discussing, and answering questions on, the ULS implementation problems. The Board was in recess from 2:52 PM until 3:11 PM. Mr. Jahnke departed the meeting at this point.

16. Mr. Mansfield, Manager of Legislative and Public Affairs, supplemented his written report with comments on the progress of the 106th Congress in the context of the League's legislative agenda. HR 783, the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act of 1999, has been gathering bipartisan support. It appears to have no opposition from industry forces nor from The Hill. There are 89 Congressmen signed on as co-sponsors. However, there is a large backlog of legislation that could interfere with movement of the bill. A new CB-RFI measure largely similar to Senator Feingold's bill of last session has been introduced as HR 2346 by Representative Vernon Ehlers of Michigan. The bill includes exemptions for the amateur service.

17. Mr. Siverling, Technical Relations Specialist, reported on technical regulatory affairs, including the acceptance by the ITU Council of an exemption for the amateur-satellite service from fees associated with satellite network cost recovery; ITU-D funding for Amateur Radio administration courses; efforts to encourage more administrations to adopt and implement the International Amateur Radio Permit (IARP); disaster communications issues, including a proposal for a new manual, and a Preliminary Draft New Recommendation (PDNR) for amateur services in disaster mitigation and relief operations under consideration in an ITU-D study group; continuing "Little LEO" spectrum issues; and the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) issue at 420-470 MHz. Mr. Siverling also reported on ARRL attendance at ITU-R meetings dealing with fixed wireless access (FWA) and out-of-band emission limit issues; and upcoming CITEL meetings in Mexico City, Mexico, and San Diego, California.

18. Mr. Roderick, as Chairman, presented the written report of the Membership Services Committee. He noted a Contest Advisory Committee review of the rover rules and good progress on DXCC Challenge initiatives, including a new DXCC for 20 meters and a DXCC Millennium Award ready to start January 1.

19. On motion of Mr. Roderick, seconded by Mr. Kanode, it was unanimously VOTED that the Executive Vice President direct the study, development and implementation of electronic QSL submissions for ARRL awards.

20. On motion of Mr. Roderick, seconded by Mr. Wyatt, it was unanimously VOTED that in celebration of the 130th birthday of ARRL founder Hiram Percy Maxim, W1AW, which will occur on September 2, 1999, the ARRL will again commemorate the event with the Hiram Percy Maxim Birthday Celebration. The Executive Vice President is charged with the responsibility to carry out this task. The Board was in recess from 4:20 PM until 4:35 PM.

21. Mr. Milnes, as Chairman, presented the written report of the Volunteer Resources Committee, and reviewed committee work on Y2K issues and selection of ARRL award winners.

22. On motion of Mr. Kanode, seconded by Mr. Butler, it was unanimously VOTED that the ARRL Board of Directors selects Barbara Pedersen, KE4JZM, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, as the recipient of the Professional Educator of the Year Award for 1998. (Applause).

23. On motion of Mr. Heyn, seconded by Mr. Butler, it was unanimously VOTED that the ARRL Board of Directors selects Peter Coffee, AC6EN, of Torrance, California, as recipient of the Philip J. McGan Silver Antenna Award. The Board thanks all amateurs who are engaged in public relations efforts on behalf of Amateur Radio. (Applause).

24. On motion of Mr. Heyn, seconded by Mr. Frenaye, it was unanimously VOTED that the ARRL Board of Directors selects Doug Smith, KF6DX, of Sedona, Arizona, as the recipient of the Doug DeMaw Technical Excellence Award for his series of articles, "Signals, Samples and Stuff: A DSP Tutorial," which appeared in the March through September 1998 issues of QEX. (Applause).

25. On motion of Mr. Heyn, seconded by Mr. Kanode, it was unanimously VOTED that the ARRL Board of Directors selects David L. Timoshik, WA6AYI, of Winnetka, California, as the recipient of the Excellence In Recruiting Award for 1998. (Applause).

26. On motion of Mr. Coons, seconded by Mr. Fallon, it was unanimously VOTED that the ARRL Board of Directors selects Elisabeth Price, KC8ALW, of Worthington, Ohio, as the recipient of the Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Award for 1998. (Applause).

27. On motion of Mr. Coons, seconded by Mrs. Craigie, it was unanimously VOTED that the ARRL Board of Directors selects Jerry S. Paquette, WB8IOW, of West Union, Ohio, and Roland Anders, K3RA, of Elkridge, Maryland, as recipients of the Herb S. Brier Instructor of the Year Award for 1998. (Applause).

28. Mr. Haynie, as Chairman, presented the written report of the Administration and Finance Committee, and commented on financial activity in the first half of the year. Both revenues and expenses from operations have fallen short of expectations, and have been running on a roughly breakeven basis. The loss of many major dealers has resulted in advertising revenue shortfalls. The League has realized significant gains from the sale of equity securities. Mr. Haynie emphasized the continuing importance of membership recruitment.

29. On motion of Mr. Haynie, seconded by Mr. Olson, it was unanimously VOTED that the ARRL Board of Directors approves the corporate resolution that establishes an ARRL corporate securities account with A. G. Edwards & Sons, Inc., and identifies Jim McCobb, David Sumner and Rod Stafford as corporate officers having transaction and signature authority on the account.

30. Mr. Metzger, as Chairman, presented the report of the Election Committee, and commented on committee activity in preparation for the upcoming Director elections. The Board was in recess from 5:05 PM, July 16, until 8:37 AM, July 17, 1999, reconvening with all persons hereinbefore mentioned.

31. Mr. Stafford, as Chairman, presented the report of the Executive Committee, and noted the committee's continuing review of the Bylaws, and proposals for amendments. The committee met on the eve of the instant Board meeting to consider the petition for a "West Central Florida" section proposed to be comprised of nine counties of the current Southern Florida section.

32. On motion of Mr. Olson, seconded by Mr. Fallon, it was unanimously VOTED that the following resolution is adopted.

WHEREAS, at Minute 50 of the 1999 Annual Meeting, the Executive Committee was tasked with developing a name change proposal for consideration by the Board at the 1999 Second Meeting; and

WHEREAS, the Committee completed its study of the matter at its May 1, 1999, meeting; and

WHEREAS, the Committee recommends that without changing the name of the organization, the abbreviation "ARRL" should be emphasized in conjunction with the tag line, "The National Association for Amateur Radio;" and

WHEREAS, the Committee also recommends that further discussion of the name change should be deferred until the Board receives Mr. Sumner's report on planning for Amateur Radio in 2010 and beyond;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that these recommendations of the Executive Committee are adopted as ARRL policy.

33. On motion of Mrs. Craigie, seconded by Mr. Butler, it was unanimously VOTED that in accordance with the recommendation of the Executive Committee, the Secretary is instructed to send ballots to the full ARRL members in nine counties of the Southern Florida Section in order to determine their opinion on the creation of a new West Central Florida Section, with the results to be reported to the Board on a county by county basis.

34. On motion of Mr. Olson, seconded by Mrs. Craigie, it was unanimously VOTED that the procedure recommended by the Executive Committee for designating an IARU Secretary in the event of a vacancy is adopted as ARRL policy.

35. It was moved by Mr. Mendelsohn, seconded by Mr. Olson, that Bylaw 3 is amended by deleting the phrase, "or within thirty days of return to the United States from military service in connection with Operation Desert Storm," from the second sentence. A roll call vote being required, the question was decided in the affirmative with all Directors voting aye.

36. It was moved by Mr. Mendelsohn, seconded by Mr. Olson, that Bylaw 13 is amended by deleting the phrase, "and a holder of at least a Technician Class Amateur License." A roll call vote being required, the question was decided in the affirmative with all Directors voting aye.

37. It was moved by Mr. Mendelsohn, seconded by Mr. Olson, that Bylaw 17 is amended by striking the third sentence, which reads: "At least sixty days prior to each annual meeting of the Board of Directors each director shall file with the Secretary a written report on the status of the affairs of the League in his division, together with a statement of his recommendations as to any actions required for the effective administration of the objectives and affairs of the League." On motion of Mr. Butler, seconded by Mr. Heyn, it was VOTED to amend the motion so that Bylaw 17 is amended by striking the third sentence, and substituting therefor the following: "Prior to each annual meeting of the Board of Directors each director shall file with the Secretary a written report on the status of the affairs of the League in his division, together with a statement of his recommendations as to any actions required for the effective administration of the objectives and affairs of the League." Following discussion, on motion of Mr. Olson, seconded by Mr. Metzger, it was VOTED that consideration of the matter is POSTPONED until after the luncheon recess.

38. It was moved by Mr. Gordon, seconded by Mr. Olson, that consistent with the transition to three-year terms of office for Directors, the fourth sentence of Bylaw 24 is amended to substitute "final" for "second." A roll call vote being required, the question was decided in the affirmative with all Directors voting aye.

39. Mr. Harrison, as Chairman, presented the report of the Enforcement Task Force, and commented that FCC enforcement activity is continuing (applause), which has included a crackdown on club call sign hoarding by a few amateurs. An unlicensed individual was recently fined $20,000 for operation and malicious interference on the ten meter amateur band. The committee has updated the Amateur Auxiliary training manual, and drafted an amended FCC/ARRL Amateur Auxiliary implementation agreement.

40. Mr. Harrison, as Board Liaison, presented the report of the SAREX/ARISS Working Group, and commented on the high level of activity in the construction phase of the International Space Station (ISS), on which an Amateur Radio platform will be manifested. Mr. Harrison also noted that the upcoming Space Shuttle mission STS-93 will be the last to carry SAREX. The Board was in recess from 9:35 AM until 10:10 AM.

41. Mr. Mendelsohn, as Chairman, presented the initial report of the Amateur Radio Technology Task Force; commented on its formative efforts including the development of a time line for work product, terms of reference and a mission statement; and announced appointments to the Technology Working Group. The task force has held numerous teleconferences and discussed a possible "technology fair" as a means of acquiring input for task force and working group consideration.

42. Mr. Turnbull, as Chairman, presented the report of the RFI Task Group, and called attention to a supplemental report on relevant staff activity and a proposal for direct ARRL staff/FCC interaction on various RFI issues.

43. Mr. Maxwell, as Board Liaison, presented the report of the RF Safety Committee, and commented on committee concerns over a planned National Cancer Institute study of the health risks of RF exposure. Preliminary contact between the institute and President Stafford has led to a commitment to work with the institute on its study.

44. Mr. Kleinhaus, as Board Liaison, presented the report of the Public Relations Committee, and commented on the committee's selection of Peter Coffee as its nominee for the Philip J. McGan Silver Antenna Award for 1998; a recommendation to change the name of the League's award for professional journalists to the Bill Leonard, W2SKE, ARRL Professional Media Award; and the appointment of two new committee members.

45. Mr. Stinson, as Chairman, presented the report of the Industry Advisory Council, which continues to research ways to promote equipment interconnection standards for amateur equipment. Mr. Bob Brunkow, K7NHE, of ICOM, was appointed liaison to the Japan Amateur Industry Association (JAIA), and is expected to report back to the council regarding the Japanese industry stance on equipment standards. Mr. Stinson also reported that the Technology Task Force has asked the council to help identify promising technologies as part of the task force's studies.

46. Mr. Harrison, as Board Liaison, presented the report of the Contest Advisory Committee, which considered five items regarding sweepstakes rule changes, and the rover rules, referred to it by the Membership Services Committee.

47. Mr. Kanode, as Board Liaison, presented the report of the DX Advisory Committee, and commented that the new DXCC rules were serving the program well. Palestine was added as a new entity to the DXCC list. The Board was in recess from 11:00 AM until 11:20 AM.

48. The Board noted the written report of ARDF Coordinator Joe Moell, KØOV, which covered recent events, including the second annual National Foxhunting Weekend (NFW) on April 17-18, 1999, sponsored by CQ VHF magazine; and programs at the 1999 Dayton Hamvention and ARRL Northwestern Division Convention (SEAPAC-99). Final preparations are being made for the first IARU Region 2 ARDF Championships, to be held as part of the 6^th biennial Friendship Radiosport Games (FRG-99), August 10-14, in Portland, Oregon.

49. The Board next moved to consider Directors' motions. On motion of Mr. Stinson, seconded by Mr. Fallon, it was unanimously VOTED that the following resolution is adopted.

WHEREAS, residential developments are routinely subject to restrictive covenants that limit or preclude the ability of a large and increasing number of amateurs and prospective amateurs to erect ham radio antennas; and

WHEREAS, severe antenna restrictions are contrary to the interests of our members and to the viability of the amateur radio service;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Executive Vice President, utilizing the resources of the General Counsel, specialized counsel, staff and volunteer counsel, as appropriate, is directed to develop and implement strategies to induce developers, and others who have influence in these matters, to relax the restrictive covenant declarations pertaining to amateur radio and/or antennas, so that amateur radio activities might be broadly accommodated.

50. On motion of Mr. Heyn, seconded by Mrs. Craigie, it was unanimously VOTED that the Board of Directors adopts and urges the staff to implement and publicize the availability of the mediation program described in the document entitled "The American Radio Relay League, Inc. Mediation Service, November, 1998" as previously approved by the Executive Committee. Adoption of this mediation program completes the ARRL plan for Alternative Dispute Resolution.

51. On motion of Mrs. Craigie, seconded by Mr. Butler, it was unanimously VOTED that the following resolution is adopted.

WHEREAS, the National Traffic System is celebrating its golden fiftieth anniversary this year; and

WHEREAS, traffic handlers in the National Traffic System have relayed messages across the continent for the benefit of the public and as training for emergency communication operations; and

WHEREAS, the National Traffic System has served as one of the greatest social outlets for its devotees in the history of Amateur Radio, with lifelong friendships having been forged through its nets; and

WHEREAS, the National Traffic System has enjoyed a rich and colorful history, replete with thousands of operators contributing hundreds of thousands of hours to their beloved avocation of traffic handling;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the ARRL Board of Directors, assembled in formal session this day, July 17, 1999, in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, does hereby recognize the historic and benevolent contributions of the National Traffic System and its operators to the ARRL public service program, on the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary.

52. On motion of Mr. Olson, seconded by Mr. Roderick, it was unanimously VOTED that the Executive Vice President, through Counsel, shall submit timely comments to the FCC in response to the Petition for Rule Making, RM-9673, filed by the Central States VHF Society, Inc. The League's comments will contain the following points: (1) The intent of the petition, to protect narrowband, weak-signal communications in the VHF and UHF allocations, is admirable and should be supported; (2) The petition as submitted, however, does not sufficiently establish a basis for the regulatory relief requested; (3) An alternative means of achieving CSVHFS' intent is through expanded educational efforts in support of ARRL band plans; and (4) The League will pursue FCC acknowledgement that VHF and UHF operation in accordance with ARRL band plans is "good amateur practice" and will seek compliance efforts by FCC in support thereof.

53. It was moved by Mr. Fallon, seconded by Mr. Frenaye, that the following resolution be adopted.

WHEREAS, it is important that our members have good legal representation in antenna tower cases;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that members of the bar who are elected ARRL officers, Directors or Vice Directors may, if they so choose, represent members in Amateur Radio tower cases provided they do so "pro bono."

Following discussion, it was moved by Mr. Heyn, seconded by Mr. Kanode, to refer the matter to the Executive Committee, but the motion to refer was LOST. On motion of Mr. Stinson, seconded by Mr. Gordon, it was VOTED to amend the original motion by striking the ultimate part of the resolution, and substituting therefor the following: "NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that pro bono work, including the reimbursement of reasonable expenses, on behalf of Amateur Radio by professionals who are members of the Board including Vice Directors, shall not be construed as a violation of Article 11 of the Articles of Association." Following discussion, on motion of Mr. Olson, seconded by Mr. Milnes, it was VOTED to reconsider referring the matter to the Executive Committee. The question then being on the original motion to refer the matter to the Executive Committee, the same was ADOPTED, with the committee to report back to the Board at the 2000 Annual Meeting. The Board was in recess for luncheon from 12:05 PM until 1:22 PM, reconvening with all persons hereinbefore mentioned.

54. On motion of Mr. Stinson, seconded by Mr. Olson, it was unanimously VOTED that the following resolution is adopted.

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the members to promote VHF-UHF experimentation, enjoyment and activity through the VHF-UHF contest program; and

WHEREAS, the active participation of rovers in the program is an essential part of fostering participation and enthusiasm for the program; and

WHEREAS, the strategies devised by rovers to maximize their scores has, from time to time, altered the scoring dynamic of the program, and the behavior perceived to maximize scores, in ways that might unintentionally result in reduced participation;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the staff is directed, on a periodic basis, to review the effects of the contest rules pertaining to rovers and to make recommendations to the Membership Services Committee for promoting the participation of rovers, and the overall benefits and enjoyment that they bring to all participants in the program.

55. On motion of Mr. Heyn, seconded by Mr. Haynie, it was unanimously VOTED that the ARRL Board of Directors confers the National Certificate of Merit on Nate Brightman, K6OSC.

56. It was moved by Mr. Heyn, seconded by Mr. Haynie, that the Membership Services Committee (MSC) is requested to review the Field Day rules pertaining to packet and APRS operations and develop rule changes that enhance interest in digital communications. The MSC is requested to complete its review in time to possibly implement rule changes for the year 2000 Field Day. Following discussion, the motion was LOST.

57. At this point, the postponed motion was lifted from the table, and on motion of Mr. Mendelsohn, seconded by Mr. Olson, it was VOTED to further amend the motion so that Bylaw 17 is amended by striking the third sentence, and substituting therefor the following: "Directors and Officers are expected to provide periodic assessment with respect to ARRL and Amateur Radio matters occurring within their area of responsibility." Following discussion, on motion of Mr. Stinson, seconded by Mr. Kanode, it was unanimously VOTED to further amend the motion so that Bylaw 17 is amended by striking the third sentence and substituting therefor the following: "At least 14 days prior to each annual meeting of the Board of Directors each director is encouraged to file with the Secretary a written report on the status of the affairs of the League in his division, together with a statement of his recommendations as to any actions required for the effective administration of the objectives and affairs of the League." The Board was in recess from 2:10 PM until 2:30 PM. It was moved by Mr. Metzger, seconded by Mr. Heyn, to postpone the matter indefinitely, but the motion to postpone was LOST. The question then being on the original motion as amended, and a roll call vote being required, the same was ADOPTED with all Directors voting aye.

58. Mr. Stinson rose to a point of personal privilege, and reported a severe case of interference from "wireless modem jack" products to amateurs in the 3510-3540 kHz segment of the 80 meter band, rendering the segment "unusable" in the Denver, Colorado, metropolitan area. To date, the manufacturer has been unable to correct the problem. Mr. Stinson warned his colleagues on the Board of future, similar problems.

59. On motion of Mr. Butler, seconded by Mr. Milnes, it was unanimously VOTED that the president and staff investigate an alternate location for the 2000 Annual Meeting.

60. On motion of Mr. Heyn, seconded by Mr. Butler, it was unanimously VOTED that headquarters staff is requested to study the implementation of an ARRL Web-based member survey capability. Study results will be reported to the Executive Committee before the 2000 Annual Board Meeting.

61. On motion of Mr. Olson, seconded by Mr. Metzger, it was VOTED that sixty days prior to each meeting of the Board, the Officers, led by the President, are directed to identify one or more key issues that should be discussed by the Board at its next meeting. When the topics have been selected, the Directors will be notified in a timely fashion and asked to consider each topic from the standpoint of the status of Amateur Radio within their Division. The Second and Third Vice-Presidents are responsible for collecting comment from each Director and writing a summary report for the Board based upon those comments. The summary reports are to be distributed sufficiently in advance of each Board meeting to allow Directors time to review the report prior to the meeting.

62. On motion of Mr. Gordon, seconded by the entire assembly, it was unanimously VOTED that the staff is thanked for their support of the meeting. (Applause.)

63. There being no further business, those present were invited to make informal closing comments and the meeting was adjourned at 3:54 PM. (Time in session as a Board: 11 hours, 9 minutes).

Respectfully submitted,

David Sumner, K1ZZ
Secretary