*************** The ARRL Letter Vol. 26, No. 30 July 27, 2007 ***************
IN THIS EDITION: * + ARRL Board of Directors Acts on Background Checks, Digital Issues at July Board Meeting * +Available on ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> ==> ARRL Board of Directors Acts on Background Checks, Digital Issues at July Board Meeting The ARRL Board of Directors took action on two pressing matters, background checks and emerging digital technologies, at its second meeting of 2007, held July 20-21 in Windsor, Connecticut. Invited guests included IARU Vice President Tim Ellam, VE6SH, and Radio Amateurs of Canada President Earle Smith, VE6NM. A major concern at this Board meeting was the topic of served agencies and background investigations. The Ad Hoc Background Investigation Committee agreed that pursuing federally recognized credentialing for Amateur Radio volunteers was critical for the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) to function. The Committee chairman, ARRL Atlantic Division Director Bill Edgar, N3LLR, proposed that the Board adopt a policy with regard to Memoranda of Understanding with the various served agencies. The Board adopted a policy that "communications volunteers participating in ARRL-sponsored programs should not be required by served agencies to undergo background investigations of any kind," but notes that criminal background checks--performed by law enforcement agencies--are "generally acceptable." The policy continues, "It is not reasonable for a served agency to require these volunteers to consent to credit checks, mode of living investigations or investigative consumer reports. In negotiating or renegotiating Memoranda of Understanding that commit the League to provide volunteer emergency communications support, the League must be assured that these volunteers will not be required by the partner organization to consent to credit checks, mode of living investigations or investigative consumer reports." Digital communication was another topic up for discussion at the Board meeting. One question was the extent to which D-STAR systems fall within the FCC definition of "repeater." Some repeater coordinators do not consider D-STAR to be a repeater. The Board also thanked existing VHF/UHF frequency coordination groups for their efforts "to promote orderly use of amateur frequencies." The Board requested that such groups "extend their efforts to coordinate digital systems such as D-STAR" and consider the bandwidths actually required for successful operation. In a related action, the Board thanked those involved in digital networks that serve ARES, specifically radio e-mail systems, for creating a system that facilitates Amateur Radio's ability to provide emergency communications. The League affirmed its desire to work with developers of digital systems to improve efficiency, address control issues and enhance compatibility with other users of the Amateur Radio bands. John Chwat and Janet Worthington, KB3PDS, of Chwat & Company, ARRL's Washington, DC legislative consultant, presented the Legislative Relations report. In this session of Congress, the firm hired Worthington, who with more than three years' experience on Capitol Hill, actively advocates on behalf of the League. Chwat & Company has continuously monitored and reported on congressional legislation and activities to the ARRL, and networks ARRL legislative priorities with House and Senate members and staff. They have also conducted targeted lobbying on the key issues of Broadband over Power Lines and antenna placement, assisted in the grassroots networking of ARRL Officers, Directors and members to contact their elected officials, as well as constant monitoring the legislative activities in all 50 states. Chwat and Worthington also work closely with General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, on relevant legislative matters. The report also discussed the status of two bills pending in the US Congress, HR 462 and S1629. In January, Rep Mike Ross, WD5DVR (D-Arkansas), introduced HR 462, the "Emergency Amateur Radio Interference Protection Act of 2007." It calls on the FCC to study the interference potential of BPL technology and report its findings back to Congress. It has been referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet. In June, Senator Mark Pryor (D-Arkansas) introduced S1629, "The Emergency Amateur Radio Interference Protection Act of 2007." This bill is currently pending in the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. The Board also voted to support HR 2743, "The Military Affiliate Radio System Emergency Communications Act of 2007." This bill would permit the continued use of the MARS and SHARES programs of frequency-stabilized Amateur Radio equipment that meets FCC Part 97 technical standards. Otherwise, volunteers in these programs might be prevented from using their regular station equipment. Recognizing the significance of recent FCC actions that included the removal of the Morse testing requirement, the Board set a goal of attaining 30,000 new licensees in 2008, increasing in the following years. With approximately 6,000 licensees disappearing from the ranks of amateurs each year through attrition and non-renewal, the Board recognized the importance of striving to create real growth in the Service. The new licensing regime along with the approaching increase in sunspots can provide the motivation and inspiration for all hams to use to increase the numbers of licensees as well as the interest level of all. The Board decided to ask the Programs and Services Committee to evaluate how the Section Field Organization is governed. In doing so, the Board will request progress reports from the Committee regarding this study, with final results reported to the Board no later than the July 2008 Board meeting. The Rules and Regulations concerning the League's elections were clarified to and amended with regard to "mass communication" of campaign material during Director, Vice Director and Section Manager elections. The Board prohibited "communications by mail, electronic distribution, posting to a Web site, e-mail, hand delivery or any other means of distribution to League members in the particular Division or Section" involved in an election at League expense during the campaign period if the material might reasonably be expected to affect the outcome of the election. At the close of the meeting, President Harrison noted that Director Frank Butler, W4RH, after 50 years of elected service to the ARRL (starting out as Western Florida Section Communications Manager in 1957), was not standing for re-election this October. Everyone present gave him a standing ovation in appreciation of his long service. The next meeting of the ARRL Board of Directors is scheduled for January 18-19, 2008. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For information & discussion about ALL the ham digital modes, including D-STAR, subscribe to the Digital Ham group. Dozens of Files & Links, over 1,200 members and an extensive year-old message log make great resources. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/illinoisdigitalham/ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=list&sid=396545433
