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Minutes of the 2008 Second Meeting
ARRL Board of Directors
July 18-19, 2008
1. Roll Call
2. Moment of Silence
3. Courtesies
4. Consideration of the Agenda for the meeting
5. Consent Agenda
6. Consideration of items removed from Consent Agenda
7. Consideration of recommendations of Standing Committees
8. Consideration of additional recommendations as contained in reports
9. Directors’ motions
10. Any other business
1. Pursuant to due notice, the Board of Directors of the American Radio Relay League, Inc. met in second session at the Hartford/Windsor Airport Marriott in Windsor, Connecticut, on Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19, 2008. The meeting was called to order at 9:07 AM EDT July 18 with President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, in the Chair and the following Directors present:
Bill Edgar, N3LLR, Atlantic Division
George R. Isely, W9GIG, Central Division
Jay Bellows, KØQB, Dakota Division
Henry Leggette, WD4Q, Delta Division
Jim Weaver, K8JE, Great Lakes Division
Frank Fallon, N2FF, Hudson Division
Bruce Frahm, KØBJ, Midwest Division
Tom Frenaye, K1KI, New England Division
Jim Fenstermaker, K9JF, Northwestern Division
Bob Vallio, W6RGG, Pacific Division
Dennis Bodson, W4PWF, Roanoke Division
Brian Mileshosky, N5ZGT, Rocky Mountain Division
Gregory A. Sarratt, W4OZK, Southeastern Division
Dick Norton, N6AA, Southwestern Division
Coy Day, N5OK, West Gulf Division
Also present without vote were Kay C. Craigie, N3KN, First Vice President; Rick Roderick, K5UR, 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 Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) President David Goodwin, VO1AU/VE3AAQ and the following Vice Directors: Tom Abernethy, W3TOM, Atlantic Division; Howard Huntington, K9KM, Central Division; Greg Widin, KØGW, Dakota Division; Karl Bullock, WA5TMC, Delta Division; Gary L. Johnston, KI4LA, Great Lakes Division; Joyce Birmingham, KA2ANF, Hudson Division; Clifford H. Ahrens, KØCA, Midwest Division; Mike Raisbeck, K1TWF, New England Division; William J. “Bill” Sawders, K7ZM, Northwestern Division; Andy Oppel, N6AJO, Pacific Division; Patricia M. Hensley, N4ROS, Roanoke Division; Dwayne Allen, WY7FD, Rocky Mountain Division; Martin Woll, N6VI, Southwestern Division; and Dr. David Woolweaver, K5RAV, West Gulf Division. Also present were General Counsel Christopher D. Imlay, W3KD; Membership and Volunteer Programs Manager David Patton, NN1N; and John Chwat of Chwat and Co., ARRL’s Washington, D.C. legislative consultant.
Regrets were received from Southeastern Division Vice Director Nelson E. “Sandy” Donahue, W4RU, at being unable to attend.
2. The assembly observed a moment of silence in recollection of Radio Amateurs who have passed away since the previous Board meeting, especially Rainer Bertelsmeier, DJ9BV; L.B. Cebik, W4RNL; Rod Dinkins, AC6V; Floyd Elder, WD5HDY; Emmett Freitas, AE6Z; Merle Glunt, W3OKN; Johnny Grant, WB6MJV; Tim Hulick, W9QQ; Hein Hvatum, N4FWA; Robert A. “Salty” Kirkpatrick, WA9SLT; Jordan E. Mash, WB2QLP; Hiram Percy Maxim II; Frank L. McCollum, N5FM; Ronald A. Parise, WA4SIR; Laurance L. Priddy, K5LP; Kjell Rasmusson, SM7BAE; Howard Shepherd, W6US; and Edward Thomas, KCØTIG.
3. Mr. Goodwin delivered greetings from RAC. He thanked ARRL staff members for their assistance on various projects, and First Vice President Craigie for attending the most recent meeting of the RAC Board. RAC membership levels are increasing now.
4. Mr. Frenaye, as President, reported on the activities of the ARRL Foundation. He reported that more than 50 scholarships were awarded to students who will be attending diverse and prestigious universities all over the country. He asked the Board members to continue to canvass their respective memberships to find additional candidates, donations, and possibly offer to assist clubs with their own scholarships that may be languishing or difficult to administer.
5. On motion of Mr. Edgar, seconded by Mr. Vallio, the agenda for the meeting was ADOPTED.
6. On motion of Mr. Bellows, seconded by Mr. Fenstermaker, the Board APPROVED the following items listed on the Consent Agenda:
7. Mr. Harrison expanded upon his written report with comments on the pending selection by the FCC of a replacement for Riley Hollingsworth following his retirement.
8. Mr. McCobb updated the Board on the status of ARRL investments in light of economic developments over the first half of 2008. The value of the portfolio has declined but investment income remains steady.
9. Mr. Sumner answered questions about his written report. Board members expressed satisfaction with the work of staff along with some concern that the Technical Relations Manager position of Mr. Rinaldo, who has retired from full-time employment but remains Chief Technology Officer, has not yet been filled. On request, Mr. Sumner briefed the gathering on the status of the IARU’s regional organizations and member-societies, many of which are experiencing declines in membership. The Board was in recess from 10:26 until 10:46 AM. At this time, joining the meeting were Web & Software Development Department Manager Jon Bloom, KE3Z; Sales & Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R; and a group from Fathom, a contractor working for ARRL in a World Wide Web redesign project including President Brent Robertson, KB1PYY; Director of Accounts Kim Mitola; and Account Coordinator Janet Bowler. They gave a presentation highlighting the company’s plans toward the redesign of ARRL’s website. Mr. Bloom and Mr. Inderbitzen and the representatives from Fathom departed the meeting at 11:39 AM.
10. Mr. Kramer answered questions pertaining to his written report including an update of Logbook of the World and reporting formats for various awards and processes. The Board was in recess for luncheon from 12:09 PM until 1:24 PM, when the Board reconvened with all persons hereinbefore mentioned.
11. Mr. Chwat presented the Legislative Relations report. He outlined what was likely to occur in Washington in 2009 with many new senators and congressmen taking office. He believes the timing will be good for ARRL’s legislative agenda. He noted the importance of having individual ARRL members meet their representatives when they are home during various recesses.
12. Mr. Imlay updated the Board with the status of projects under purview of the General Counsel. He answered questions about the status of improvements being sought to the 5 MHz allocation, and about other spectrum especially in the LF band. An issue remains regarding apparently conflicting FCC interpretations of how the Part 97 rules apply to D-Star.
13. Mr. Mileshosky expanded upon the written report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Scouting especially as to the status of a draft memorandum of mutual support between ARRL and Boy Scouts of America. The Board was in recess from 2:37 until 3:00 PM. Mr. Chwat left the meeting at this time.
14. Mr. Harrison gave a brief report on the activities of the Executive Committee. The committee will offer recommendations regarding strategic planning for Board consideration later in the meeting.
15. Mr. Fenstermaker expanded upon the written report of the Administration and Finance Committee. The auditors issued an unqualified opinion on the League’s 2007 financial statements. Changes in pension rules require changes in the League’s 403(b) plan that is open to voluntary employee participation. On motion of Mr. Fenstermaker, seconded by Mr. Bellows, it was unanimously VOTED that the Board of Directors of the ARRL, Inc. formally accept the financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2007, including the auditors’ opinion letter from Haggett Longobardi, a division of J.H. Cohn.
16. Mr. Frahm presented the report of the Programs and Services Committee which covered operating awards, emergency communications and the Volunteer Examiner Coordinator. On motion of Mr. Norton, seconded by Mr. Fallon, it was VOTED that Rule 5 under DXCC Rules, Section III. Accreditation Criteria, be deleted. The rule reads:
5. The presentation in any public forum of logs or other representations of station operation showing details of station activity or other information from which all essential QSO elements (time, date, band, mode and callsign) for individual contacts can be derived creates a question as to the integrity of the claimed QSOs with that station during the period encompassed by the log. Presentation of such information in any public forum by the station operator, operators or associated parties is not allowed and may be considered sufficient reason to deny ARRL award credit for contacts with any station for which such presentations have been made. Persistent violation of this provision may result in disqualification from the DXCC program.
This rule cannot be enforced. In its place staff will create resources and guidelines for QSLing and for QSL managers in order to maintain the integrity of operating awards programs.
17. On motion of Mr. Norton, seconded by Mr. Mileshosky, it was unanimously VOTED that the ARRL Board of Directors selects Jim Fagan, KE7IDC of Tucson, AZ as the recipient of the 2007 ARRL Hiram Percy Maxim Award.
Mr. Fagan is an ARRL Life Member, Arizona Assistant Section Manager for Youth and Scouting, and secretary/treasurer of Tucson Repeater Association. His ham radio activities within scouting include taking and now teaching Radio and Electronics Merit badge courses, hands-on radio demos and kit building, and advising of needed supplies and providing parental notification of an ill Scout at various camps.
Outside scouting, Jim helps with communications for bike races, walkathons and Red Cross drills. He serves as Tucson Repeater Assn. representative to the Arizona Radio Council. He writes a monthly Youth and Scouting article for the ARRL Arizona Section newsletter.
Jim Fagan, KE7IDC, is an active and involved young Amateur and Scout who exemplifies the character acknowledged in conferring the Hiram Percy Maxim Award (Applause).
18. On motion of Mr. Sarratt, seconded by Mr. Fallon, it was unanimously VOTED that the ARRL Board of Directors selects John Stanley, K4ERO, of Rising Fawn, GA as the recipient of the 2007 Doug DeMaw, W1FB Technical Excellence Award for his article: Observing Selective Fading in Real Time with Dream Software, January/February, 2007 QEX.
Mr. Stanley, a ham for over 50 years, earned a degree in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1962, as well as completing six years of graduate school in theology and Foreign Languages. He taught in several universities, and has worked for all of the major religious broadcasters, but spent the majority of his time with HCJB in Quito, Ecuador where he oversaw the use of a 24-element quad antenna for broadcasting on the 21 MHz shortwave broadcast band. While at HCJB he designed and built several transmitters and did major work on the 20 KW unit presently used by HCJB for SSB and DRM broadcasts (Applause).
19. On motion of Mr. Day, seconded by Mr. Norton, it was unanimously VOTED that the ARRL Board of Directors selects Doug Loughmiller, W5BL, of McKinney, TX as the recipient of the 2008 Herb S. Brier, Instructor of the Year Award.
Since 2003, Mr. Loughmiller has worked to bring together the Fannin County Amateur Radio Club and the Fannin County Community Emergency Response Team by creating and teaching ongoing Amateur Radio classes. He also recruits people to the classes and advertises the classes to public and the resulting graduates often join both clubs. His work does not stop there as he mentors his students about the many wide-ranging parts of Amateur Radio, including High Altitude Balloon flights and real world emergency response in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. As a testament to his teaching skills and entertaining and informative methods, his classes are so popular that it is common for licensed amateurs to re-enroll or take the class for the first time as even experienced amateurs come away having learned something from every class (Applause).
20. On motion of Mr. Frenaye, seconded by Mr. Vallio, it was unanimously VOTED that the ARRL Board of Directors selects Dave Bernstein, AA6YQ, of Wayland, MA, as the recipient of the 2008 ARRL Technical Innovation Award.
Mr. Bernstein has written and published the DXLab Suite of Programs for Radio Amateurs that he has placed in the public domain for free use and collaboration. A world-class DXer in his own right, he was one of the earliest logging-program authors to integrate functions for ARRL's Logbook of the World and programs from other developers. His DXLab suite consists of eight programs that cover every aspect of station operation which he supports in a fashion that rivals or exceeds commercial applications and companies. He goes beyond simply supporting DXLab and mentors users in other aspects of programming and Amateur Radio (Applause).
21. On motion of Mr. Edgar, seconded by Mr. Frenaye, it was unanimously VOTED that the following resolution be adopted:
WHEREAS, Walter Palmer, W4ALT, ARRL Delaware Section Public Information Coordinator, has demonstrated outstanding volunteer public relations success on behalf of amateur radio at the local and state levels; and
WHEREAS, his public relations campaigns have helped increase local amateur radio club membership from 27 to 96 members and ARES participation from 1 to over 60 volunteers; and
WHEREAS, he has fostered an environment that significantly increased public awareness of amateur radio through the effective use of radio talk shows, television, and print media; and
WHEREAS, his television script for the Sussex County, Delaware EOC provided public awareness of the effective use of amateur radio in emergency preparedness through its broadcast on the largest TV station in the Delaware market; and
WHEREAS, he expanded amateur radio awareness at the state level by the participation of the Governor of Delaware in the annual Field Day event;
NOW THEREFORE, the ARRL Board of Directors, at the recommendation of the ARRL Public Relations Committee, awards the 2008 Philip J. McGan Memorial Silver Antenna Award to Walter Palmer, W4ALT, Lewes, Delaware (Applause).
22. On motion of Mr. Frenaye, seconded by Mr. Frahm, it was unanimously VOTED that the following resolution be adopted:
WHEREAS, ARRL Laboratory Supervisor Ed Hare, W1RFI, has diligently and skillfully led laboratory staff in studying the detrimental effects of Broadband Over Powerline usage on the Amateur Radio community since 2003; and
WHEREAS, he has performed in an exceptional manner, far beyond the dictates of his job description in conducting field studies of geographically dispersed BPL deployments in his personal HF-equipped automobile and interfaced with local amateurs in many different areas, providing them with reliable, objective technical advice in identifying and addressing harmful interference from BPL systems; and
WHEREAS, his extensive technical studies and solid factual data effectively supported ARRL’s FCC and Court of Appeals submissions, thus contributing substantially to ARRL’s success in causing the FCC’s flawed BPL rules to be remanded to the FCC, which positively impacted our membership and all radio amateurs; and
WHEREAS, Ed Hare has earned the respect of technical representatives in the BPL industry and in industry and standards organizations such as the IEEE P1775 BPL EMC Committee; the IEEE EMC Society Standards Development Committee (Chairman, BPL Study project); and ASC C63 EMC Committee (Chairman: Subcommittee 5, Immunity and Chairman: Ad Hoc BPL Working Group) Ed has contributed to the implementation of advancements in BPL technology, directly resulting in the capability of current generation BPL systems to reduce interference potential to manageable levels;
NOW THEREFORE, the ARRL Board of Directors confers upon Ed Hare, W1RFI, the ARRL Technical Merit Award along with the thanks of our entire membership (Applause).
23. On motion of Mr. Bellows, seconded by Mr. Bodson, it was VOTED that the ARRL Board of Directors creates the Triple Play Award, which is a numbered Worked All States award for working each of the 50 states on voice, CW, and digital modes. The awards will be implemented by January 1, 2009. All 150 QSLs must be exclusively via Logbook of the World.
24. On motion of Mr. Stafford, seconded by Mr. Frahm, it was unanimously VOTED that the following resolution be adopted:
WHEREAS, the consultative process leading to nominations for IARU President and Vice President for the five-year term beginning on May 9, 2009 has been completed in accordance with the IARU Constitution and the policies of the IARU Administrative Council; and
WHEREAS, IARU President Larry E. Price, W4RA had announced previously that he was not available to serve an additional term; and
WHEREAS, IARU Vice President Timothy St. J. Ellam, VE6SH/G4HUA and IARU Region 1 President Ole Garpestad, LA2RR have been found to be suitable qualified to serve as IARU President and Vice President respectively, and accordingly have been nominated for those offices; and
WHEREAS, the IARU Secretary will be circulating proposals to IARU member-societies for the ratification of these nominations prior to the next meeting of the ARRL Board, it is
RESOLVED that the ARRL Secretary is instructed to cast “aye” votes on both proposals.
The Board was in recess from 4:12 PM until 9:00 AM Saturday, July 19, 2008, reconvening with all initial attendees present except Mr. Chwat.
25. After President Harrison presented DXCC Awards to Messrs Day, Patton, Ahrens, and Frenaye, the floor was returned to Mr. Frahm, Chairman of the Programs and Services Committee. He expanded upon the committee’s written final report on the Section Governance Study and survey. Among the observations arising from this study are the need for a staff-generated nomination package for Section Manager candidates that is more complete, similar to that sent to Director and Vice Director candidates, more explanation of the purpose and rules for expense reimbursement, and a general acknowledgement of the difficulty Section Managers have with filling appointments for positions such as Section Government Liaison and Official Observer.
On motion of Mr. Frahm, seconded by Mr. Fallon, it was unanimously VOTED that the ARRL Board of Directors directs staff to implement a nomination package for Section Manager candidates similar to the current board nomination package. The package will include a description of the duties of SM and a listing of resources. It will also include a signed statement attesting not only to the willingness of the candidate to serve, but to serve ethically and uphold the objectives of ARRL.
26. It was MOVED by Mr. Fallon, seconded by Mr. Isely, that the ARRL Board of Directors directs staff to implement a three-year term for the office of Section Manager. Terms will commence January 1 of the year following an autumn nomination and election cycle. Staff may consult the Programs and Services Committee in development of details. An equitable phase-in system will be employed and implemented no sooner than the April 2009 term cycle.
After discussion, Mr. Bodson MOVED, and Mr. Mileshosky seconded, to DIVIDE the question with the first being that the ARRL Board of Directors directs staff to implement a three-year term for the office of Section Manager and the second motion being that the terms will commence January 1 of the year following an autumn nomination and election cycle. The motion to DIVIDE was ADOPTED. After further discussion, the question being on the first part, the motion FAILED. The Board was in recess from 10:28 AM until 10:48 AM.
27. Discussion then proceeded to the second part. Mr. Weaver MOVED to AMEND the second motion to read: “Terms will commence January 1 of the year following an autumn nomination and election cycle. The election of Section Managers in a given Division is to be distributed as equitably as possible between the two cycles.” The motion to amend FAILED. The question being on the original motion, the motion FAILED.
28. On motion of Mr. Leggette, seconded by Mr. Vallio, it was VOTED that the ARRL Board of Directors directs staff to implement an online method for Official Observers to file OO reports which could then be delivered from ARRL headquarters on behalf of the OO. The Board was in recess for luncheon from 12:10 until 1:10 PM, when the Board reconvened with all persons present as hereinbefore mentioned.
29. On motion of Mr. Isely, seconded by Mr. Frenaye, it was VOTED that the following resolution be adopted:
WHEREAS, the ARRL Board of Directors is about to embark on a periodic review and update of the association’s Strategic Plan adopted in October 2006; and
WHEREAS, the Board wishes to invite and encourage members’ input on the future direction and priorities of their national organization;
RESOLVED that the Chief Executive Officer is requested to release the Long Range Goals of the current Strategic Plan to the membership and to solicit members’ comments as a key element of the review process; and
FURTHER RESOLVED that the membership input is to be given initial consideration by the Board at its 2009 Annual Meeting with the objective of completing a review and revision of the Strategic Plan at its 2009 Second Meeting.
30. On motion of Mr. Edgar, seconded by Mr. Frenaye, it was VOTED that the recommendations of the Executive Committee regarding the selection of strategies for inclusion in the 2009 operational plan are adopted.
31. With action on recommendations having been completed, the Chair asked for any motions by Directors.
On motion of Mr. Weaver, seconded by Mr. Fenstermaker, it was VOTED that the following resolution be adopted:
WHEREAS, the Dayton Hamvention® sponsored by the Dayton Amateur Radio Association annually is the largest assembly of radio amateurs in the U.S.; and
WHEREAS, the Dayton Hamvention® Committee chaired by Carl Rose, K8CPR has invited the ARRL to hold a National Convention at the Hamvention® to be held May 15-17, 2009;
THEREFORE, it is moved that the ARRL Board of Directors approve holding an ARRL National Convention at the Dayton Hamvention® on May 15-17, 2009.
32. On motion of Mr. Bodson, seconded by Mr. Norton, it was VOTED that the ARRL Board of Directors establishes an ad hoc study committee to review Part 97 of the rules governing the Amateur Radio Service to ascertain what rule change(s) would be beneficial to promote wideband digital modes while at the same time minimizing potential interference to narrowband modes.
33. On motion of Mr. Sarratt, seconded by Mr. Frahm, it was VOTED that Membership and Volunteer Programs Department staff review results of the three surveys of Section Managers conducted as part of the SM Governance study. Said review will be made in an attempt to identify beneficial and practical modifications to the SM Workbook, SM training seminars, SM-only website and Field Organization processes.
34. On motion of Mr. Norton, seconded by Mr. Isely, it was VOTED that the ARRL will partner with the VanityHQ.com website to get the ARRL Silent Key data that was published in QST included in the VanityHQ website history project in an electronically searchable format. The League will provide whatever past SK data it has in electronic format to VanityHQ, and will update VanityHQ with current information on a continuing basis. Cooperation will include mutually advantageous links and publicity. The Board was in recess from 2:37 PM until 2:51 PM.
35. On motion of Mr. Isely, seconded by Mr. Mileshosky, it was MOVED that the 2009 ARRL Annual Board Meeting be held at a location not normally subject to severe winter weather in January. ARRL staff shall investigate potential meeting venues and present a minimum of three choices to the directors for an electronic vote no later than September 30, 2008. Mr. Edgar requested a roll call vote. The question FAILED with Directors Isely, Leggette, Fallon, Frahm, Fenstermaker, and Vallio voting in favor and the remaining nine Directors voting opposed.
36. On motion of Mr. Mileshosky, seconded by the entire assembly, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, the 2008 Second Meeting of the ARRL Board has been conducted efficiently and effectively due in great measure to the diligence of staff;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board thanks staff and most especially recognizes Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ, for supporting our deliberations and arranging a comfortable and pleasant venue for this Meeting (Applause).
The meeting was adjourned at 3:52 PM. (Time in session: 10 hours, 5 minutes.)
Respectfully submitted,
David Sumner, K1ZZ
Secretary
