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Summary Agenda
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 20, and Saturday, January 21, 2006. The meeting was called to order at 8:30 AM EST January 20 with President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, in the Chair and the following Directors present:
Bill Edgar, N3LLR, Atlantic
Division
George R. Isely, W9GIG, Central Division
Jay Bellows, K0QB, Dakota Division
Rick Roderick, K5UR, Delta Division
Jim Weaver, K8JE, Great Lakes Division
Frank Fallon, N2FF, Hudson Division
Wade Walstrom, W0EJ, Midwest Division
Tom Frenaye, K1KI, New England Division
Jim Fenstermaker, K9JF, Northwestern Division
Bob Vallio, W6RGG, Pacific Division
Dennis Bodson, W4PWF, Roanoke Division
Warren G. "Rev" Morton, WS7W, Rocky Mountain Division
Frank M. Butler, W4RH, Southeastern Division
Dick Norton, N6AA, Southwestern Division
Coy Day, N5OK, West Gulf Division
Also present without vote were Joel M. Harrison, W5ZN, First Vice President; Kay C. Craigie, N3KN, Vice President; Rod Stafford, W6ROD, International Affairs Vice President; James McCobb, K1LU, Treasurer; David Sumner, K1ZZ, Executive Vice President/Chief Executive Officer and Secretary; Chief Technology Officer Paul Rinaldo, W4RI; Chief Operating Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B; 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 Price, W4RA; Radio Amateurs of Canada President Earle W. Smith, VE6NM, and the following Vice Directors: Tom Abernethy, W3TOM, Atlantic Division; Howard Huntington, K9KM, Central Division; Twila Greenheck, N0JPH, Dakota Division; Henry Leggette, WD4Q, Delta Division; Gary L. Johnston, KI4LA, Great Lakes Division; Joyce Birmingham, KA2ANF, Hudson Division; Bruce Frahm, K0BJ, Midwest Division; Mike Raisbeck, K1TWF, New England Division; William J. "Bill" Sawders, K7ZM, Northwestern Division; Andy Oppel, N6AJO, Pacific Division; Les Shattuck, K4NK, Roanoke Division; Brian P. Mileshosky, N5ZGT, Rocky Mountain Division; Nelson E. "Sandy" Donahue, W4RU, Southeastern Division; and Edward "Ned" Stearns, AA7A, Southwestern Division. Also present were General Counsel Christopher D. Imlay, W3KD; John Chwat and Eric Heis, KI4NFC, of Chwat and Co., ARRL's Washington D.C. legislative consultant; Field and Educational Services Manager David Patton, NN1N; and Membership Services Manager Wayne Mills, N7NG. Vice Director Dr. David Woolweaver, K5RAV, West Gulf Division, sent his regrets at being unable to attend due to illness.
2. The assembly observed a moment of silence in recollection of Radio Amateurs who have passed away since the previous Board meeting, especially David Batcho, N5JHV; Yardley Beers, W0JF; Ernest D. Brown, W5FYZ; Hugh Cassidy, WA6AUD; William Denk, W3IGU; Bob Dennison, W2HBE; Fred Fish, W5FF; Bruce Fleming, N3EGF; Robert W. "Bob" French II, N8EHA; Jules L. Freundlich, W2JGR; Al Kahn, K4FW; Wayne Kolosik, KI0FE; Ed Marriner, W6XM; Greg Milnes, W7OZ; Sally O'Dell, WB2E; Al Oubre, K5DPG; Joe Prine, N4BU; Erik Roy, TI2NA; Bob Schetgen, KU7G; Bill Seabreeze, W3IY; Paul R. Shafer, KB1BE; Darrell L. Thomas, N7KOR.
3. The President of the Radio Amateurs of Canada, Mr. Earle Smith, VE6NM, delivered his greetings from RAC. RAC has been working diligently on Amateur Radio issues in Canada and continues to work in support of IARU where it can. Mr. Smith noted his appreciation for the help given to him in Mexico at the Federation of Mexican Radio Experimenters convention in Veracruz by Jon Siverling, WB3ERA, ARRL Technical Relations Specialist.
4. Mr. Price, as President of the International Amateur Radio Union, conveyed his greetings to the Board, and commented on the status of IARU's work towards the 2007 World Radiocommunication Conference.
5. Mr. Frenaye, as President, reported on the activities of the ARRL Foundation. During the previous six months, five new scholarships were added to the Foundation's scholarship program, for a total of seven new ones during 2005. The Foundation manages and awards 48 scholarships in all, with some scholarship funds supporting multiple scholarships. He expressed the committee's sorrow over the loss of Board member Greg Milnes, W7OZ, who was a strong supporter and good friend.
6. At this point, the Chair opened nominations for the office of President. Mr. Roderick nominated Mr. Harrison. Mr. Walstrom nominated Mr. Isely. On motion of Mr. Bodson, seconded by Mr. Butler, it was VOTED to close nominations. An election being required, the Tellers distributed and collected the ballots and found 10 votes for Mr. Harrison and 5 votes for Mr. Isely, whereupon the Chair declared Mr. Harrison elected as President (Applause).
7. Mr. Haynie opened nominations for the office of First Vice President. Mr. Bellows nominated Mrs. Craigie. On motion of Mr. Bellows, seconded by Mr. Bodson, it was VOTED to close nominations. The Chair declared Mrs. Craigie elected as First Vice President (Applause).
8. The Chair opened nominations for the office of an additional Vice President. Mr. Isely nominated Mr. Roderick. Upon motion of Mr. Bellows, seconded by Mr. Butler, it was VOTED to close nominations. The Chair declared Mr. Roderick elected as an additional Vice President (Applause).
9. The Chair opened nominations for the office of International Affairs Vice President. Mr. Vallio nominated Mr. Stafford. On motion of Mr. Bodson, seconded by Mr. Bellows, it was VOTED to close nominations. Mr. Stafford was declared elected as International Affairs Vice President (Applause).
10. The Chair opened nominations for the office of Treasurer. Mr. Frenaye nominated Mr. McCobb. On motion of Mr. Bodson, seconded by Mr. Vallio, it was VOTED to close nominations, whereupon the Chair declared Mr. McCobb elected as Treasurer (Applause).
11. The Chair opened nominations for the office of Secretary. Mr. Bellows nominated Mr. Sumner. On motion of Mr. Bodson, seconded by Mr. Isely, it was VOTED to close nominations, whereupon the Chair declared Mr. Sumner elected as Secretary (Applause).
12. The Chair opened nominations for the office of Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Isely nominated Mr. Kramer. On motion of Mr. Bodson, seconded by Mr. Morton, it was VOTED to close nominations, whereupon the Chair declared Mr. Kramer elected as Chief Operating Officer (Applause).
13. The Chair opened nominations for the office of Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Day nominated Mr. Shelley. On motion of Mr. Bodson, seconded by Mr. Fenstermaker, it was VOTED to close nominations, whereupon the Chair declared Mr. Shelley elected as Chief Financial Officer (Applause).
14. The Chair opened nominations for the office of Chief Development Officer. Mr. Isely nominated Ms. Hobart. On motion of Mr. Bodson, seconded by Mr. Bellows, it was VOTED to close nominations, whereupon the Chair declared Ms. Hobart elected as Chief Development Officer (Applause).
15. The Chair opened nominations for the office of Chief Technology Officer. Mr. Frenaye nominated Mr. Rinaldo. On motion of Mr. Bodson, seconded by Mr. Isely, it was VOTED to close nominations, whereupon the Chair declared Mr. Rinaldo elected as Chief Technology Officer (Applause).
16. The Chair opened nominations for the office of Executive Vice President. Mr. Bellows nominated Mr. Sumner. On motion of Mr. Bodson, seconded by Mr. Isely, it was VOTED to close nominations, whereupon the Chair declared Mr. Sumner elected as Executive Vice President (Applause). The Board was in recess from 9:02 AM until 9:32 AM.
17. The Chair opened nominations for Director members of the Executive Committee for one-year terms. Mr. Bellows nominated Mr. Isely. Mr. Roderick nominated Mr. Butler, Mr. Walstrom, Mr. Bodson, and Mr. Morton. Mr. Walstrom nominated Mr. Fallon. Mr. Morton nominated Mr. Day. On motion of Mr. Bellows, seconded by Mr. Morton, it was VOTED to close nominations. An election being required, the Tellers distributed and collected the ballots and found 12 votes for Mr. Walstrom, 12 votes for Mr. Day, 10 votes for Mr. Morton, 10 votes for Mr. Fallon, 9 votes for Mr. Isely, 7 votes for Mr. Butler, and 6 votes for Mr. Bodson, whereupon the Chair declared Mr. Walstrom, Mr. Day, Mr. Morton, Mr. Fallon, and Mr. Isely elected as Executive Committee members (Applause).
18. Mr. Frenaye presented candidates for ARRL Foundation Director. Mr. Fenstermaker was nominated to fill the remainder of term left vacant by the untimely passing of Mr. Milnes, W7OZ. For new three-year terms, Mr. Frenaye nominated Mr. Tom Comstock, N5TC and Mr. Martin Green, K2PLF. Mr. Bellows nominated Mr. Frenaye. On motion of Mr. Bodson, seconded by Mr. Walstrom, it was VOTED to close nominations. An election not being required, the Chair declared Mr. Fenstermaker elected to finish a three-year term, and Mr. Frenaye, Mr. Comstock, and Mr. Green elected for new three-year terms as Directors of the ARRL Foundation (Applause).
19. On motion of Mr. Vallio, seconded by Mr. Isely, the Board APPROVED the following items listed on the Consent Agenda:
20. Mr. Haynie presented his final report to the Board as President. He recapped the highlights of his six years in office, and thanked the Board and the Officers and staff for their support and hard work over that time.
21. Mr. Harrison outlined his written report while emphasizing the importance of the Board's Grassroots effort. He also touched on the topics of membership, band planning and strategic planning.
22. By request, Mr. Stafford, International Affairs Vice President answered questions on his written report. Mr. Stafford also serves as President of IARU Region 2.
23. Mr. McCobb, by request, supplemented his written report with a recap of 2005's investment activities. He noted that ARRL management did not remove any money from the investment portfolio during the year. The Board was in recess from 10:42 AM until 11:05 AM.
24. Mr. Chwat, presented his report regarding Chwat and Co.'s work on Capitol Hill. He commented that in his 37 years of experience in Washington, he has never before witnessed the adversarial and suspicious atmosphere that is present right now. He outlined plans to reach as many lawmakers as possible--both in Washington and in their home districts, and emphasized that he will need the Board members' individual assistance to get this work done. He introduced Mr. Eric Heis, KI4NFC, who has joined Chwat and Co., and will be assisting with ARRL objectives. The Board was in recess for luncheon and a group photograph from 12:07 PM until 1:27 PM, when the Board reconvened with all persons hereinbefore mentioned except Mr. Heis, who left the meeting.
25. By request, Mr. Shelley, supplemented his written report with an overview of ARRL's financial activities during 2005 pointing out that revenues met planned levels while spending was under budget. At this point Mr. Chwat presented a memento to President Haynie commemorating their work together at the Capitol over the last six years. Mr. Chwat departed the meeting at 1:47 PM.
26. Ms. Hobart, by request, presented the report of the Chief Development Officer highlighting the CDO's work involving Ham Aid and CNCS grant funded opportunities.
27. Mr. Kramer addressed questions about items found in the report of the Chief Operating Officer regarding educational course work and contest plaque sponsorships.
28. By request, Mr. Imlay expanded upon the written report of the General Counsel, highlighting the background for and implications of moving forward with filing a petition for encryption of data for computer-to-computer communications on domestic transmissions above 50 MHz.
On motion of Mr. Bodson, seconded by Mr. Bellows, it was VOTED to relieve the General Counsel of the requirements set forth at Minute 29, of the 2004 Second Meeting of the ARRL Board of Directors, which reads:
29. On motion of Mr. Butler, seconded by Mr. Bodson, it was unanimously VOTED that the ARRL Board of Directors instructs the General Counsel, Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President to file a petition with the Federal Communications Commission permitting security of data for computer-to-computer communications on domestic transmissions above 50 MHz at the earliest opportunity.
29. Mr. Fallon, as Chairman, presented the report of the Grassroots Legislative Action Committee. He outlined the need for Directors to fill the positions of Division Legislative Action Chair and the respective State Legislative Action Coordinators.
On motion of Mr. Fallon, seconded by Mr. Weaver, it was VOTED to adopt the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the activities of the Grassroots Legislative Action or Grassroots Fulfillment Committee be overseen and its success be measured by the Executive Committee.
The Board was in recess from 3:14 PM until 3:40 PM.
30. By request, Mr. Huntington, as Chairman, expanded upon the written report of the Technology Task Force, with emphasis on the High Speed Multimedia Working Group's report about the need for encryption in the Amateur Service.
31. Mr. Haynie, as Chairman, delivered the report of the Executive Committee.
On motion of Mr. Walstrom, seconded by Mr. Bodson, it was unanimously VOTED to affirm the following resolution previously adopted by mail vote of the Board:
RESOLVED, that the Bylaws with regard to dues payment and delivery of QST are temporarily suspended to the extent necessary to permit the Executive Vice President, upon request, to maintain membership privileges without charge for the duration of a member's active military deployment outside the ARRL operating territory, with or without the delivery of QST at the member's option.
32. Mr. Day, as Chairman, presented the report of the Administration and Finance Committee.
On motion of Mr. Day, seconded by Mr. Morton, it was unanimously VOTED that the ARRL, Inc. 2006-2007 Plan as recommended by the Administration and Finance Committee is adopted.
33. On motion of Mr. Day, seconded by Mr. Frenaye, it was VOTED that the removal of any securities from custody/safekeeping free of payment must be authorized by the President and Treasurer.
34. On motion of Mr. Day, seconded by Mr. Frenaye, it was VOTED that in the absence of the Treasurer, the President be authorized to implement and complete investment securities transactions for a period not to exceed 90 days.
35. On motion of Mr. Day, seconded by Mr. Frenaye, it was VOTED that James E. McCobb, Jr., Treasurer, is authorized to buy and sell investment securities through Wachovia Securities (Waltham, MA), UBS Paine Webber (Boston, MA), and Morgan Keegan (Nashville, TN).
36. Mr. Bellows, as Chairman, discussed the written report of the Programs and Services Committee. The Board was in recess from 4:41 PM until 8:30 AM, Saturday, January 21, 2006, reconvening with all persons hereinbefore mentioned except Mr. Chwat and Mr. Heis.
37. After the Chair presented several awards to Board members and officers, he yielded the floor to Mr. Harrison, who led discussion about the need and importance for the Board to develop a sound process for HF band planning, with broad participation by the amateur community, in the near term.
38. Mr. Bellows led discussion about the method used to notify Directors of proposed amendments to the Articles of Association.
Mr. Bellows moved, seconded by Mr. Walstrom, that Article 9 of the ARRL Articles of Association be amended to read: "These articles may be amended by a three-fourths vote of all Directors, or, provided due notice of the proposed amendment shall have been placed in the mail to each Director at least thirty days in advance, by a two-thirds vote of all Directors. The Board of Directors may from time to time adopt Bylaws not inconsistent with the Articles and applicable statutes. Bylaws may be amended by a three-fourths vote of all Directors, or, provided due notice of the proposed amendment shall be mailed to each Director at least thirty days in advance, by a two-thirds vote of all Directors. Notices shall be sent by either First-Class mail or electronic mail to the last known address to each Director."
A roll call vote being required with 10 votes required for adoption, the question was decided in the affirmative with all 15 Directors voting in favor.
39. Mr. Bellows continued discussion focusing on Article 11 of the Articles of Association. He described a range of options the Board may consider as it works to update this Article. The Board was in recess from 10:02 AM until 10:19 AM.
40. On motion of Mr. Bellows, seconded by Mr. Vallio, it was VOTED to ADOPT the following ARRL Education Mission and Vision Statement:
ARRL will advance the art and science of radio through education,
(1) by providing instruction and instructional materials to prepare new Amateur Radio operators for licensing as well as to prepare licensed amateurs to upgrade to higher levels of licenses;
(2) by advancing the knowledge of radio science and operating skills among licensed operators through instruction, publications and activities;
(3) by training radio amateurs in the skills needed to provide service to their communities in times of emergency;
(4) by engaging youth in the magic of radio, inspiring them to further personal investigation in the sciences and engineering as well as expanding their horizons to promote global goodwill through contact with cultures around the world; and
(5) by expanding interest and understanding of the science of radio and the application of wireless technology in daily life.
Through its educational efforts ARRL will enrich lives through lifelong learning and achievement and provide service to local communities. ARRL educational outreach's objective is to inspire exploration in radio science and serve as a catalyst for new scientific discoveries and new technologies.
41. On motion of Mr. Bellows, seconded by Mr. Morton, it was unanimously VOTED that the ARRL Board of Directors recognizes and thanks the staff and Board Educational Task Force members for their hard work in creating the ARRL Education Mission and Vision Statement: Mrs. Greenheck, Ms. Birmingham, Mrs. Debra Johnson, K1DMJ, Mr. Mark Spencer, WA8SME, Mr. Joel Hallas, W1ZR, Mrs. Shelly Bloom, WB1ENT, and Ms. Rosalie White, K1STO.
42. At this point, Mr. Harrison announced the committee appointments as follows: Administration and Finance: Directors Frenaye, Chairman; Butler, Vallio, Weaver, Edgar, Vice Director Woolweaver, and Treasurer McCobb. Programs and Services: Directors Bellows, Chairman; Bodson, Norton, Fenstermaker, Leggette, and Vice Director Frahm. Election and Ethics: Directors Bellows, Chairman; Edgar and Leggette. Grassroots: Directors Weaver, Chairman; Fallon, Fenstermaker, Edgar, and Vice Director Woolweaver. Technology Task Force: Vice Directors Oppel, Chairman; Huntington, Stearns, and Chief Technology Officer Rinaldo. Ad-Hoc Scouting: Vice Director Mileshosky, Chairman; Directors Edgar, and Fenstermaker, and Larry Wolfgang, WR1B staff liaison. Public Relations: Sherri Brower, W4STB, Chairperson; Vice Director Birmingham, Board Liaison. Historical: Vice Director Shattuck, Chairman.
43. On motion of Mr. Haynie, seconded by Mr. Isely, it was unanimously VOTED that the following 39 ARRL Standing Orders are deleted: 76, 77, 88, 89, 90, 91, 94, 96, 98, 99, 102, 108, 112, 113, 118, 119, 127, 130, 86-1.56, 86-1.72, 86-1.78, 86-2.52, 86-2.73, 87-1.70, 88-1.33, 88-1.36, 88-1.69, 89-1.93, 89-1.99, 89-1.119, 90-1.48, 90-1.64, 92-1.70, 93-2.15, 94-2.33, 96-1.46, 96-1.86, 99-2.54 and 99-2.61. The Board was in recess from 11:46 AM until 1:06 PM with all persons hereinbefore mentioned except Mr. Smith and Mr. McCobb, both of whom departed the meeting.
44. On motion of Mr. Butler, seconded by Mr. Morton, it was unanimously VOTED that the ARRL Board of Directors has selected Marilou Lozada of WPBT Television as the winner of the 2005 Bill Leonard, W2SKE, Professional Media Award. Ms. Lozada produced a video for the program "New Florida" about the 2004 ARRL Holiday Toy Drive and the emergency communications provided by amateur radio operators in South Florida during disasters (Applause.)
45. On motion of Mr. Isely, seconded by Mr. Frenaye, it was unanimously VOTED that the following motion is adopted:
In view of his 15 total years of ARRL Board service that includes his six years of exemplary service as ARRL President, Jim Haynie, is elected ARRL President Emeritus to take effect upon the adjournment of the January, 2006 Board meeting (Applause and standing ovation).
46. On motion of Mr. Bellows, seconded by Mr. Fallon, it was unanimously VOTED that the 2005 ARRL International Humanitarian Award be given to the team of Ms. D. Bharathi Prasad, VU2RBI; Mr. D.N. Prasad, VU2DBP; Mr. S. Ram Mohan, VU2MYH; Mr. R. Sareth Babu, VU3RSB; and Mr. D. Varun Sastry, VU3DVS. The group's immediate actions and their use of Amateur Radio to render assistance to victims of the December, 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, while on location in the Andaman Islands, are in the highest tradition of Amateur Radio (Applause).
47. On motion of Mr. Bellows, seconded by Mr. Fallon, it was VOTED that the following motion is adopted :
(A) The name of the "ARRL Antenna Case Assistance Committee" shall be changed to the "Amateur Radio Legal Defense and Assistance Committee."
(B) The following criteria, rules, and procedures are adopted for determining whether to fund legal cases relating to Amateur Radio.
(1) To be funded, a case must pertain to Amateur Radio. This may include situations involving Amateur Radio antenna height and placement, interference allegedly caused by Amateur Radio operations to non-Amateur Radio uses and services, interference received by Amateur Radio operations from non-Amateur Radio sources, matters pertaining to RF safety, aesthetics, structural safety, environmental issues, and any other matters found by the Committee to involve and potentially impact Amateur Radio operation.
(2) Case funding shall be limited to cases that will or are predicted to provide precedent that is citable authority or highly persuasive authority for other amateurs to use. A trial court decision typically is not such a case, nor in general are administrative decisions or local board decisions, though there may be exceptions. Federal cases will be preferred over state cases, though the latter are not precluded.
(3) Case funding shall be limited to not more than $10,000 per case, so as to maximize the number of cases that can be funded with the limited money available. Funding is also limited to the amount of the Legal Research and Resource Fund. In special situations in which the Committee feels that additional funding is warranted, the $10,000 limitation may be waived by the ARRL Executive Committee.
(4) The case must have substantial merit on the facts of the case.
(5) The case must present a significant issue of law.
(6) The case must present a question or situation which maximizes leverage of ARRL funds. This includes situations which present, or are predicted to present, some or all of the following characteristics:
(7) There must be some financial participation by the Amateur involved, and/or by the local Amateur community.
(C) In addition to funding of cases, the Committee may also fund the following activities, not to exceed $10,000 per calendar year in total.
(1) Provision of research and background materials, such as books, law review articles, amicus briefs, and the like, to attorneys representing Amateur Radio clients in cases involving Amateur Radio issues.
(2) Support of training for attorneys and other professionals involved in Amateur Radio related issues, to specifically include things such as Continuing Legal Education, classes and seminars.
(D) All decisions on funding made by the "Amateur Radio Legal Defense and Assistance Committee" must be unanimous. The Committee consists of two ARRL Directors, one ARRL Vice Director, an experienced attorney not a member of the ARRL Board, and the League Counsel. Requests and inquiries should be forwarded to the Chairman, ARRL Amateur Radio Legal Defense and Assistance Committee c/o ARRL HQ.
48. Mr. Roderick indicated his intention to introduce a motion to create an Ad-Hoc ARRL National Emergency Response Planning Committee. It was agreed that the motion would be considered later in the meeting
49. On motion of Mr. Fallon, seconded by Mr. Butler, it was VOTED that the ARRL Administration and Finance Committee is directed to study the current rate for Life Membership for those over 65 years of age and report back to the full board at the July, 2006 meeting with any recommendations or changes they might see fit to make in the Life Membership program.
50. On motion of Mr. Bodson, seconded by Mr. Vallio, it was VOTED that the ARRL Executive Vice President and Legal Counsel are directed to prepare a petition for submission to the Federal Communications Commission to delete paragraph 97.311(d) of the FCC rules concerning spread spectrum emissions with the exception of the first sentence, "The transmitter power must not exceed 100 W under any circumstances." This petition shall be submitted to the Executive Committee for approval at their first meeting in 2006 and filed as soon as possible thereafter with the FCC.
51. On motion of Mr. Roderick, seconded by Mr. Butler, the following resolution was ADOPTED:
WHEREAS, the emergency communications resources and organization required for regional, national, and international disasters are markedly different from the more localized disaster experience of the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES); and
WHEREAS, ARRL and its headquarters was necessarily placed into a leadership coordination role in the Katrina response, through initial national-level requests for assistance from served agencies; and
WHEREAS, the unprecedented scope of destruction and devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the 2005 hurricane season taxed the resources and organizational capabilities at all levels of response management, including emergency communications providers; and
WHEREAS, in order to appropriately prepare for future large scale disasters it is imperative that we undertake a thorough evaluation of the response and actions of ARRL, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and the lessons learned with respect to Hurricane Katrina;
THEREFORE, an Ad-hoc ARRL National Emergency Response Planning Committee is established in order to create a comprehensive recommendation for ARRL responses to National/Regional/International disasters. The recommendation shall be presented for consideration at the 2007 Annual Meeting of the ARRL Board of Directors.
Terms of the committee:
1. The committee membership will be appointed by the President in consultation with the Field and Educational Services Manager.
2. The committee members should be exceptionally qualified in amateur radio emergency response and communications.
3. The term of the committee should be limited to such time as the Board acts on its recommendation(s).
4. The committee shall provide interim and final reports to the Programs & Services Committee.
52. On motion of Mr. Harrison, seconded by Mrs. Craigie, the following resolution was ADOPTED:
WHEREAS, the Technology Task Force was created at Minute 54 of the 1999 Annual Meeting and began a process to identify new technologies for the Amateur Radio Service through member input surveys; and
WHEREAS, digital voice, software defined radio, and high speed multi-media technology were identified as the top three technology areas and resulted in the creation of the Digital Voice, Software Defined Radio, and High Speed Multimedia (HSMM) Working Groups; and
WHEREAS, technological development in these areas has produced applications for the Amateur Radio Service and should continue; therefore it is
RESOLVED, that the Technology Task Force is charged with identifying the application of these three technologies to the Amateur Radio Service in 2010 and beyond. In addition, the TTF shall investigate and identify new technologies or concepts that should be considered for development. A final report shall be made to the ARRL Board of Directors at the 2007 Annual Meeting.
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Digital Voice, SDR, and HSMM Working Groups shall report to the Chief Technology Officer and complete work on their original charge by the end of 2006 and file reports to the ARRL Board of Directors at the 2007 Annual Meeting.
53. On motion of Mr. Fenstermaker, seconded by the entire assembly, it was unanimously VOTED to thank staff, especially Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ, for their hard work to ensure the success of this meeting (Applause.)
54. There being no further business, those present were invited to make informal closing comments. The meeting was adjourned at 3:47 PM. (Time in session as a Board: 11 hours, 12 minutes.)
Respectfully submitted,
David Sumner, K1ZZ
Secretary
