December 2016 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:25998] Just a heads-up (no pun intended)
by Shelley, Barry, N1VXY 08 Dec '16

08 Dec '16

Good afternoon: In advance of the January issue of QST hitting the streets next week, we thought you should be aware that the upside down Kenwood ad on page 152 is intentional. It was done at the request of Kenwood. The ad is also included in another portion of the magazine right side up. Please don't send messages on this to Steve Ford or Deb Jahnke, we expect their in-boxes to fill up with messages from people who don't get it. :) 73, Barry J. Shelley, N1VXY Chief Financial Officer ARRL, Inc. The National Association for Amateur Radio (860) 594-0212 www.arrl.org

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[arrl-odv:25997] Meeting with Senator Nelson's staff
by Mike Lisenco N2YBB 08 Dec '16

08 Dec '16

Hello ODV Chris Imlay, Frank McCarthy and I met on Tuesday morning with Senator Nelson's Chief of Staff along with two Commerce Committee senior attorneys who work for Nelson as he is the ranking minority member of the Committee) We have met with both of the two staff attorneys repeatedly before). We were attempting to persuade Nelson to release the hold he (and apparently he alone) has placed on H.R. 1301 or the composite Senate Bill that includes a number of minor telecom bills that passed the House. I am sorry to have to report that the Amateur Radio Parity Act will not pass this Session. Nelson's Chief of Staff claims in effect that Nelson has heard from an unspecified number of HOAs in Florida who are opposed to the Bill. They can't tell us why there is this alleged opposition to the modified Bill; whether the opposition is based on a reasonable argument; and we have never been told before Tuesday that this alleged opposition exists. Nelson's Chief of Staff could articulate no reason why the current Bill does not accommodate HOAs, protect "contracts" or requires further modification. Quite frankly, it is apparent to both Chris and myself that Senator Nelson had no intention whatsoever of changing his position. We believe that we were sandbagged from the start of the meeting. This despite the fact that Nelson has sent responses to the hams who have contacted him that he appreciates the value of ham radio and the services we provide and that he is open to a reasonable compromise that takes into account the concerns of hams and HOAs. Instead of coming out and saying to our face at the get-go that they wouldn’t let the bill move forward, they first implied that since we’ve only had this bill moving through one Congressional term, that we essentially haven’t been around long enough -- we haven’t paid our dues so to speak. They broached the subject of The Villages, the largest HOA in Florida. We were ready for that. When we informed them that The Villages has a large and very active Amateur Radio club that provides much service to the community, they changed tactics and instead asked if we had contacted any local Florida HOAs, as they were receiving some letters from local Homeowners' Associations. We asked if they had also received the thousands of emails, letters, and phone calls from our members. They said yes and then they quickly changed tactics. They asked if we had contacted all the Florida HOAs and the "Association of Florida Homeowners' Associations" Of course we hadn't; we negotiated a compromise with the only national organization representing HOAs nationwide. We also noted that we had never heard of a Florida Assocation of HOAs. As it turns out, there is no such organization. We asked for contacts for all of the opponents of the current bill. That evening, one of the Commerce Committee attorneys referred us to a lobbyist for the local Florida CAI chapter. This is ludicrous, since we already have an agreement with CAI and a letter from the organization supporting the modified Bill. The bottom line is that they delayed agreeing to meet with us until a time in which we were boxed in with nowhere to go for this year. We are so very close. There are options for us for next year, which the Keelen Group will brief the Board about in January, and we need to continue on our pursuit of this bill, as well as maintain a presence on Capitol Hill as we have developed a brand in Congress. I ask that the Board continue its support of our legislative advocacy for the upcoming year. 73 de Mike - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Mike Lisenco, N2YBB Director, Hudson Division Chairman, ad hoc Legislative Advocacy Committee ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio™ 917-865-3538 n2ybb(a)arrl.org

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[arrl-odv:25990] A&F Committee Minutes 11-12-16
by James F. Boehner MD 08 Dec '16

08 Dec '16

OK, I have to weigh in here. >From what I can tell, the OO program revitalization started with a visit from Laura Smith at HQ, addressed through the executive committee with a plan to present to A&F, as funding for the revitalized program was anticipated. The Programs and Services Committee was never involved in this process. After hearing about the OO revitalization program, I started asking questions, but as far as I know, there was never a formal request for PSC involvement. I presented what I knew to the PSC committee on our recent go-to-meeting. Fortunately, we had Dan Henderson and Brian on the call, who had additional information. Since the OO program is a program of the ARRL, I was under the impression that this would be under the PSC’s jurisdiction, so I was a bit confused as to why it never really ended up on our plate. Expediency is necessary, as this appears to be a golden opportunity. So, if it is the will of the board to direct staff to develop a revitalized program with oversight by Brian, and is approved by the board prior to instituting that program, that is certainly OK, even though it would essentially bypass PSC in the process. Should that path be followed, I just do not want the PSC accused of inaction on this important matter. ’73 de JIM N2ZZ Chair, Programs and Services Committee Director – Roanoke Division Serving ARRL members in the Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina sections ARRL – The National Association for Amateur Radio™ From: arrl-odv [mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org] On Behalf Of Christopher Imlay Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2016 11:16 AM To: Kermit Carlson Cc: Shelley, Barry, N1VXY; Marty Woll; arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:25986] Re: A&F Committee Minutes 11-12-16 Right, Kermit, well, the problem with that is that our plans aren't yet firm as I understand the situation. The EC considered this at its October meeting and Brian Mileshosky and his designees are in the process of developing a plan for the revitalization of the OO program. The A&F Committee asked that the item be brought to them because of the commitment of staff resources that may (or may not) be necessary in the revision of the OO Manual, the vetting of OO volunteers by telephone interview, and the development of new contracts/MOUs with FCC about this program. Furthermore, the PSC clearly has jurisdiction over the OO program and they have not yet been heard from on the subject as far as I know. So while I agree with you that time is of the essence in publishing our plans for the OO program going forward (and in firming up our mutual understanding with FCC), there hasn't been yet a plan presented to the Board and hence nothing to announce publicly yet. 73, Chris W3KD On Wed, Dec 7, 2016 at 10:49 AM, Kermit Carlson <w9xa(a)yahoo.com> wrote: Hello Chris, Marty et al; Just as a point of reference - we do need a consistent and unified message from our Leadership about the OO program. While I was presenting at a local club meeting last night that topic was brought up - and the situation now is that the lack of information has given rise to the dark spectre of speculation rampant on the various lists. It would be very well timed if a well-worded announcement from HQ was penned to calm the volunteers and to help quell the comments about the OO's and OOC's being treated as "mushrooms". While we all recognize a need to cull some participants and redefine the program, a well crafted statement is warranted. We do not need to take ownership of comments by Laura Smith but we do need to speak frankly and openly to our volunteers. 73, Kermit W9XA _____ From: Christopher Imlay <w3kd.arrl(a)gmail.com> To: Marty Woll <n6vi(a)socal.rr.com> Cc: "Shelley, Barry, N1VXY" <bshelley(a)arrl.org>; arrl-odv <arrl-odv(a)arrl.org> Sent: Wednesday, December 7, 2016 9:33 AM Subject: [arrl-odv:25984] Re: A&F Committee Minutes 11-12-16 Marty since I presented these items to the A&F Committee (as well as the EC) I think you are stuck with my responding to your questions. 1. FCC doesn't care how many OOs are in the program. That is up to us. The number offered by Laura Smith was just a suggestion, in response to the concern raised by Dan Henderson, Mike Lisenco and I at the most recent meeting at FCC Gettysburg about the cost and staff burden of vetting of OOs under the revised program. That is a very real concern, and there is an urgent need to vet OOs because we have had ongoing problems with misdirected and overzealous OOs during the entire past history of the program. And no, the suggestion from FCC is not to "fire 500 volunteer OOs". In fact, there are not anywhere near that number of OO volunteers now active; the program is almost moribund, due to (1) FCC's failure to use their volunteer work in the past, and (2) unreasonable expectations that OOs have (which is largely our own fault). The idea is to make the OO program more functional, better trained and with reasonable expectations, and it can be done with fewer OOs than we have on our rosters at the moment. Whether we downsize the program, however is not for FCC to decide but for the Board and management to decide. 2. Writing letters is not "all that Laura Smith is committing to do"; it is all that she is empowered to do on her own initiative without getting further approval from the Spectrum Enforcement Division. You are of course correct that her warning letters to perpetrators does not require the same level of evidence as would be needed in an enforcement proceeding such as an NAL or license revocation or non-renewal hearing, and that is precisely why further approvals are required for direct sanctions. Laura's commitment to base warning letters only on HQ-vetted OO information is an improvement over the past use of OO-gathered evidence. Our investment in the improvements in the OO program benefits the enforcement process because it validates the work of the volunteers. They will see a direct result of their work and it will improve the visibility of FCC enforcement which, according to our longstanding theory, improves deterrence. There will not be a situation in which we can have OO evidence used in FCC enforcement proceedings. That is a given. Some rule violators will respond to Laura's warning letters. Some won't. If they don't, the process goes on using OO-gathered information as a shortcut for FCC's own evidence gathering. Viewed another way, Marty, we have no choice here. Suppose we don't revitalize the OO program according to those of the recommendations offered by FCC that we feel are appropriate? What we are left with is a surgically gutted FCC Field Office system that has no ability to help with Amateur Radio enforcement, pirate broadcasting, or anything else any longer. Laura Smith therefore, now newly back on the job after being taken off of Amateur enforcement for most of this past year and a half, will have no ability to do her job for us (whether or not you believe that she is willing to do so with our help). The Board has made it abundantly clear that improved enforcement is a primary goal for our organization. We believe that Laura Smith, now back full time on Amateur enforcement, needs a revitalized OO program in order to do her job. And so in that respect we have an identity of interest with her because in January, 14 more field offices are going to close. We can launch a new OO program that is not moribund, or we can fiddle while Rome burns. 3. Nelson's continued opposition to our Bill is most likely due to a big money donor real estate developer whispering in his ear, but we don't know for sure. There is much to report about this due to a meeting that Frank McCarthy, Mike Lisenco and I had with Nelson's Chief of Staff and the minority Commerce Committee staff yesterday morning. Mike will likely report to the Board on that soon. But the bottom line is that CAI is not to blame as far as we can tell. Nelson's people have been far, far less than forthcoming with us and our latest meeting with them was infuriating to say the least. But CAI has nothing to gain by actively supporting our amended Bill, and we are told that Nelson is not at all interested in any of the bills that were batched with H.R. 1301 and sent to the Senate by the House. There is also information that the Democrats are furious about the opposition to the reappointment of Jessica Rosenworcel as an FCC Commissioner. So there is the not-so-sweet smell of politics in the air on this as well. Hard to find one cause to blame, but it is easy to pin it on Nelson. There is no other opposition known. Our Bill is, in fact, as you well-stated the problem, too insignificant to get Senate Floor debate time. That simply won't happen. So unanimous consent in the Senate is and always has been our only option this time. Likely, this Friday will be the death knell of all legislation that isn't passed by UC by then. There are other options for next year, including an FCC authorization bill because the continuing resolution is very short this time and authorization legislation will have to be taken up early next year. That would be a must-pass vehicle if we could attach to that. Frank McCarthy has a bunch of other ideas as well, if we have to go through this process again and if the Board is willing to do so. Hope this helps. If you need details on the OO program revitalization I would be happy to send the memos that I presented to the EC on the subject at the EC's recent meeting. 73, Chris W3KD On Tue, Dec 6, 2016 at 9:06 PM, Marty Woll <n6vi(a)socal.rr.com> wrote: A reading of these minutes leads me to a couple of questions. Referring to page 3 of the A&F minutes, if it is intended that all OO contact would go through ARRL to the FCC, why would the FCC care how many volunteers are in the program? Are we going to fire 500 volunteer OO’s? Further, if all Laura Smith is committing to do is write letters, an action that does not, I presume, require the same level of evidence as would be needed in a trial or hearing, how will our investment in the enhanced training benefit the enforcement process? Referring to page 4, if Sen. Nelson is still opposed to our bill, does that suggest that CAI signed onto the compromise with a wink and a nod in the Senator’s direction or that there is another factor beyond CAI at work? Is the bill too insignificant to be brought up for a voice vote on its own such that we must rely on the process of unanimous consent? Marty N6VI From: arrl-odv [mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@ reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> ] On Behalf Of Shelley, Barry, N1VXY Sent: Tuesday, December 6, 2016 1:16 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:25982] A&F Committee Minutes 11-12-16 Good Afternoon: Attached, for your information, are the minutes from the Administration and Finance Committee meeting held on November 12, 2016. 73, Barry J. Shelley, N1VXY Chief Financial Officer ARRL, Inc. The National Association for Amateur Radio (860) 594-0212 www.arrl.org <http://www.arrl.org/> ______________________________ _________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/ mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv <https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv> -- Christopher D. Imlay Booth, Freret & Imlay, LLC 14356 Cape May Road Silver Spring, Maryland 20904-6011 (301) 384-5525 <tel:(301)%20384-5525> telephone (301) 384-6384 <tel:(301)%20384-6384> facsimile W3KD(a)ARRL.ORG _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv -- Christopher D. Imlay Booth, Freret & Imlay, LLC 14356 Cape May Road Silver Spring, Maryland 20904-6011 (301) 384-5525 telephone (301) 384-6384 facsimile W3KD(a)ARRL.ORG

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[arrl-odv:25987] FW: Gladys Munoz NP2BY Silent Key
by Doug Rehman 08 Dec '16

08 Dec '16

Gladys was the XYL of KP4 SM Oscar Resto, KP4RF. She had been diagnosed with a very fast growing cancer earlier this year. Doug K4AC -----Original Message----- It is with much sadness that I report to you the passing yesterday of our dear friend Gladys Munoz NP3BY, wife of ARRL Puerto Rico Section Manager Oscar Resto KP4RF. A teacher at Marcelino Canino Middle School, Gladys was a physist and educator who brought science, space exploration, electronics, and amateur radio to her students. Gladys shared her love for these things with her husband of 34 years. Together they led the NASA Puerto Rican Space Consortium and each year helped countless young scientist to launch their first rockets into space. In an act reminiscent of the movie "October Sky" the university students launching their rocket in August from NASA's Wallops facility christened their vessel "Gladys Munoz" in honor of their mentor. Please keep Oscar in your thoughts and prayers. daily edventures | “There’s no reason middle school students can’t work on aerospace projects.” – Gladys Munoz, Puerto Rico

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[arrl-odv:25993] A&F Committee Minutes 11-12-16
by James F. Boehner MD 08 Dec '16

08 Dec '16

Rick, Yes, Brian did mention that we would have involvement going forward. But, I did want to indicate that the reason we have not been heard from is that we have not had formal involvement up to this point. We all do look forward to be involved going forward, and realize that expediency is necessary. Thanks for making that point. ’73 de JIM N2ZZ Director – Roanoke Division Serving ARRL members in the Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina sections ARRL – The National Association for Amateur Radio™ From: k5ur(a)aol.com [mailto:k5ur@aol.com] Sent: Thursday, December 08, 2016 12:42 AM To: jboehner01(a)yahoo.com; w3kd.arrl(a)gmail.com; w9xa(a)yahoo.com Cc: bshelley(a)arrl.org; n6vi(a)socal.rr.com; arrl-odv(a)arrl.org Subject: Re: [arrl-odv:25990] A&F Committee Minutes 11-12-16 Jim: I thought that Brian mentioned in the PSC meeting that I plan to have someone from PSC and from A&F as reps on this project to assure the bases are covered. I'll do that in a few weeks once we see how new committee assignments line up. 73 Rick - K5UR ... -----Original Message----- From: James F. Boehner MD via arrl-odv < <mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org> To: 'Christopher Imlay' < <mailto:w3kd.arrl@gmail.com> w3kd.arrl(a)gmail.com>; 'Kermit Carlson' < <mailto:w9xa@yahoo.com> w9xa(a)yahoo.com> Cc: 'Shelley, Barry, N1VXY', N1VXY' < <mailto:bshelley@arrl.org> bshelley(a)arrl.org>; 'Marty Woll' < <mailto:n6vi@socal.rr.com> n6vi(a)socal.rr.com>; 'arrl-odv' < <mailto:arrl-odv@arrl.org> arrl-odv(a)arrl.org> Sent: Wed, Dec 7, 2016 11:34 pm Subject: [arrl-odv:25990] A&F Committee Minutes 11-12-16 OK, I have to weigh in here. >From what I can tell, the OO program revitalization started with a visit from Laura Smith at HQ, addressed through the executive committee with a plan to present to A&F, as funding for the revitalized program was anticipated. The Programs and Services Committee was never involved in this process. After hearing about the OO revitalization program, I started asking questions, but as far as I know, there was never a formal request for PSC involvement. I presented what I knew to the PSC committee on our recent go-to-meeting. Fortunately, we had Dan Henderson and Brian on the call, who had additional information. Since the OO program is a program of the ARRL, I was under the impression that this would be under the PSC’s jurisdiction, so I was a bit confused as to why it never really ended up on our plate. Expediency is necessary, as this appears to be a golden opportunity. So, if it is the will of the board to direct staff to develop a revitalized program with oversight by Brian, and is approved by the board prior to instituting that program, that is certainly OK, even though it would essentially bypass PSC in the process. Should that path be followed, I just do not want the PSC accused of inaction on this important matter. ’73 de JIM N2ZZ Chair, Programs and Services Committee Director – Roanoke Division Serving ARRL members in the Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina sections ARRL – The National Association for Amateur Radio™ From: arrl-odv [ <mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org?> mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org] On Behalf Of Christopher Imlay Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2016 11:16 AM To: Kermit Carlson Cc: Shelley, Barry, N1VXY; Marty Woll; arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:25986] Re: A&F Committee Minutes 11-12-16 Right, Kermit, well, the problem with that is that our plans aren't yet firm as I understand the situation. The EC considered this at its October meeting and Brian Mileshosky and his designees are in the process of developing a plan for the revitalization of the OO program. The A&F Committee asked that the item be brought to them because of the commitment of staff resources that may (or may not) be necessary in the revision of the OO Manual, the vetting of OO volunteers by telephone interview, and the development of new contracts/MOUs with FCC about this program. Furthermore, the PSC clearly has jurisdiction over the OO program and they have not yet been heard from on the subject as far as I know. So while I agree with you that time is of the essence in publishing our plans for the OO program going forward (and in firming up our mutual understanding with FCC), there hasn't been yet a plan presented to the Board and hence nothing to announce publicly yet. 73, Chris W3KD On Wed, Dec 7, 2016 at 10:49 AM, Kermit Carlson < <mailto:w9xa@yahoo.com> w9xa(a)yahoo.com> wrote: Hello Chris, Marty et al; Just as a point of reference - we do need a consistent and unified message from our Leadership about the OO program. While I was presenting at a local club meeting last night that topic was brought up - and the situation now is that the lack of information has given rise to the dark spectre of speculation rampant on the various lists. It would be very well timed if a well-worded announcement from HQ was penned to calm the volunteers and to help quell the comments about the OO's and OOC's being treated as "mushrooms". While we all recognize a need to cull some participants and redefine the program, a well crafted statement is warranted. We do not need to take ownership of comments by Laura Smith but we do need to speak frankly and openly to our volunteers. 73, Kermit W9XA _____ From: Christopher Imlay < <mailto:w3kd.arrl@gmail.com> w3kd.arrl(a)gmail.com> To: Marty Woll < <mailto:n6vi@socal.rr.com> n6vi(a)socal.rr.com> Cc: "Shelley, Barry, N1VXY" < <mailto:bshelley@arrl.org> bshelley(a)arrl.org>; arrl-odv < <mailto:arrl-odv@arrl.org> arrl-odv(a)arrl.org> Sent: Wednesday, December 7, 2016 9:33 AM Subject: [arrl-odv:25984] Re: A&F Committee Minutes 11-12-16 Marty since I presented these items to the A&F Committee (as well as the EC) I think you are stuck with my responding to your questions. 1. FCC doesn't care how many OOs are in the program. That is up to us. The number offered by Laura Smith was just a suggestion, in response to the concern raised by Dan Henderson, Mike Lisenco and I at the most recent meeting at FCC Gettysburg about the cost and staff burden of vetting of OOs under the revised program. That is a very real concern, and there is an urgent need to vet OOs because we have had ongoing problems with misdirected and overzealous OOs during the entire past history of the program. And no, the suggestion from FCC is not to "fire 500 volunteer OOs". In fact, there are not anywhere near that number of OO volunteers now active; the program is almost moribund, due to (1) FCC's failure to use their volunteer work in the past, and (2) unreasonable expectations that OOs have (which is largely our own fault). The idea is to make the OO program more functional, better trained and with reasonable expectations, and it can be done with fewer OOs than we have on our rosters at the moment. Whether we downsize the program, however is not for FCC to decide but for the Board and management to decide. 2. Writing letters is not "all that Laura Smith is committing to do"; it is all that she is empowered to do on her own initiative without getting further approval from the Spectrum Enforcement Division. You are of course correct that her warning letters to perpetrators does not require the same level of evidence as would be needed in an enforcement proceeding such as an NAL or license revocation or non-renewal hearing, and that is precisely why further approvals are required for direct sanctions. Laura's commitment to base warning letters only on HQ-vetted OO information is an improvement over the past use of OO-gathered evidence. Our investment in the improvements in the OO program benefits the enforcement process because it validates the work of the volunteers. They will see a direct result of their work and it will improve the visibility of FCC enforcement which, according to our longstanding theory, improves deterrence. There will not be a situation in which we can have OO evidence used in FCC enforcement proceedings. That is a given. Some rule violators will respond to Laura's warning letters. Some won't. If they don't, the process goes on using OO-gathered information as a shortcut for FCC's own evidence gathering. Viewed another way, Marty, we have no choice here. Suppose we don't revitalize the OO program according to those of the recommendations offered by FCC that we feel are appropriate? What we are left with is a surgically gutted FCC Field Office system that has no ability to help with Amateur Radio enforcement, pirate broadcasting, or anything else any longer. Laura Smith therefore, now newly back on the job after being taken off of Amateur enforcement for most of this past year and a half, will have no ability to do her job for us (whether or not you believe that she is willing to do so with our help). The Board has made it abundantly clear that improved enforcement is a primary goal for our organization. We believe that Laura Smith, now back full time on Amateur enforcement, needs a revitalized OO program in order to do her job. And so in that respect we have an identity of interest with her because in January, 14 more field offices are going to close. We can launch a new OO program that is not moribund, or we can fiddle while Rome burns. 3. Nelson's continued opposition to our Bill is most likely due to a big money donor real estate developer whispering in his ear, but we don't know for sure. There is much to report about this due to a meeting that Frank McCarthy, Mike Lisenco and I had with Nelson's Chief of Staff and the minority Commerce Committee staff yesterday morning. Mike will likely report to the Board on that soon. But the bottom line is that CAI is not to blame as far as we can tell. Nelson's people have been far, far less than forthcoming with us and our latest meeting with them was infuriating to say the least. But CAI has nothing to gain by actively supporting our amended Bill, and we are told that Nelson is not at all interested in any of the bills that were batched with H.R. 1301 and sent to the Senate by the House. There is also information that the Democrats are furious about the opposition to the reappointment of Jessica Rosenworcel as an FCC Commissioner. So there is the not-so-sweet smell of politics in the air on this as well. Hard to find one cause to blame, but it is easy to pin it on Nelson. There is no other opposition known. Our Bill is, in fact, as you well-stated the problem, too insignificant to get Senate Floor debate time. That simply won't happen. So unanimous consent in the Senate is and always has been our only option this time. Likely, this Friday will be the death knell of all legislation that isn't passed by UC by then. There are other options for next year, including an FCC authorization bill because the continuing resolution is very short this time and authorization legislation will have to be taken up early next year. That would be a must-pass vehicle if we could attach to that. Frank McCarthy has a bunch of other ideas as well, if we have to go through this process again and if the Board is willing to do so. Hope this helps. If you need details on the OO program revitalization I would be happy to send the memos that I presented to the EC on the subject at the EC's recent meeting. 73, Chris W3KD On Tue, Dec 6, 2016 at 9:06 PM, Marty Woll < <mailto:n6vi@socal.rr.com> n6vi(a)socal.rr.com> wrote: A reading of these minutes leads me to a couple of questions. Referring to page 3 of the A&F minutes, if it is intended that all OO contact would go through ARRL to the FCC, why would the FCC care how many volunteers are in the program? Are we going to fire 500 volunteer OO’s? Further, if all Laura Smith is committing to do is write letters, an action that does not, I presume, require the same level of evidence as would be needed in a trial or hearing, how will our investment in the enhanced training benefit the enforcement process? Referring to page 4, if Sen. Nelson is still opposed to our bill, does that suggest that CAI signed onto the compromise with a wink and a nod in the Senator’s direction or that there is another factor beyond CAI at work? Is the bill too insignificant to be brought up for a voice vote on its own such that we must rely on the process of unanimous consent? Marty N6VI From: arrl-odv [mailto: <mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> arrl-odv-bounces@ reflector.arrl.org] On Behalf Of Shelley, Barry, N1VXY Sent: Tuesday, December 6, 2016 1:16 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:25982] A&F Committee Minutes 11-12-16 Good Afternoon: Attached, for your information, are the minutes from the Administration and Finance Committee meeting held on November 12, 2016. 73, Barry J. Shelley, N1VXY Chief Financial Officer ARRL, Inc. The National Association for Amateur Radio (860) 594-0212 <http://www.arrl.org/> www.arrl.org ______________________________ _________________ arrl-odv mailing list <mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org <https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv> https://reflector.arrl.org/ mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv -- Christopher D. Imlay Booth, Freret & Imlay, LLC 14356 Cape May Road Silver Spring, Maryland 20904-6011 <tel:(301)%20384-5525> (301) 384-5525 telephone <tel:(301)%20384-6384> (301) 384-6384 facsimile <mailto:W3KD@ARRL.ORG> W3KD(a)ARRL.ORG _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list <mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org <https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv> https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv -- Christopher D. Imlay Booth, Freret & Imlay, LLC 14356 Cape May Road Silver Spring, Maryland 20904-6011 (301) 384-5525 telephone (301) 384-6384 facsimile <mailto:W3KD@ARRL.ORG> W3KD(a)ARRL.ORG _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl- <mailto:odv@reflector.arrl.org> odv(a)reflector.arrl.org <https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv> https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv

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[arrl-odv:25982] A&F Committee Minutes 11-12-16
by Shelley, Barry, N1VXY 07 Dec '16

07 Dec '16

Good Afternoon: Attached, for your information, are the minutes from the Administration and Finance Committee meeting held on November 12, 2016. 73, Barry J. Shelley, N1VXY Chief Financial Officer ARRL, Inc. The National Association for Amateur Radio (860) 594-0212 www.arrl.org

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[arrl-odv:25981] Parity Act update
by Mike Lisenco N2YBB 02 Dec '16

02 Dec '16

Good Afternoon ODV - On Wednesday, Chris Imlay, Frank McCarthy (TKG) and I met with Senator Blumenthal’s staff. Our purpose was to ask for the Senator, the co-sponsor of the Bill in the Senate, to intercede on our behalf directly with Senator Nelson. The meeting went well and his staff told us that they would recommend to the Senator that he do just that. We hope to know the results of that ‘ask’ next week. Chris and I have a meeting with Senator Nelson’s Chief of Staff this coming Tuesday morning in our effort to shake the bill loose. I’ll let you know how that goes next week. As the current Session of Congress winds down, the parties are choosing their new leadership. Congressman Greg Walden, W7EQI, was elected as the incoming Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the committee of jurisdiction. This is a move up from his term as chair of the Communications and Technology subcommittee. Should the Parity Act not make it through this year, we will need to continue to have his support as we move forward in the 115th Congress. Finally, the latest numbers from the second email campaign are as follows: 47,422 messages total 1,814 messages to Nelson Thanks to all who asked their membership to participate. Your help is greatly appreciated. Have a great weekend. 73 de Mike - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Mike Lisenco, N2YBB Director, Hudson Division Chairman, ad hoc Legislative Advocacy Committee ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio™ 917-865-3538 n2ybb(a)arrl.org

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[arrl-odv:25980] IN-Newsletter Dec 2, 2016
by Pereira, Carla 02 Dec '16

02 Dec '16

[ARRL logo-and-logotype black gold vertical] IN-Newsletter Vol. 41, No. 42 December 2, 2016 Covers the period November 12 - November 25, 2016 Upcoming In-Person Meetings and Events West Central Florida Section Convention December 09 - 10, 2016 @ Tampa, FL Logbook Study Committee January 18, 2017 @ Newington, CT Administration & Finance Committee Meeting January 19, 2017 @ Newington, CT New Director and Vice Director Orientation January 19, 2017 @ Newington, CT Annual Board Meeting January 20 - 21, 2017 @ Windsor, CT Chief Executive Office Reported by Tom Gallagher, NY2RF A press release was issued on November 16 announcing that ARRL partner RFinder<http://www.rfinder.net/>, the creator of a web and app-based directory of Amateur Radio repeaters worldwide, will supply all data for the 2017-2018 ARRL Repeater Directory. Talking points were provided to Officers, Directors and Vice Directors the week prior to the release. Planning and preparations have begun for the Annual Board Meeting in January, 2017. Development Reported by Lauren Clarke, KB1YDD Contributions as of October 31, 2016 Diamond Club Spectrum Defense Education & Technology Legislative Issues Advocacy Misc. Unrestricted $279,983 $154,618 $162,639 $48,063 $85,709 ARRL received a $100,000 planned gift from the John J. Bryant, III (K9QLS) Charitable Remainder Unitrust, established in 2000. Per the Agreement, this gift will be placed in the ARRL Endowment and the interest used to support a variety of ARRL initiatives. Education Reported by Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Teacher Registration Instructor Registration Graduation Kit Requests License Class Listings 3 15 3 20 Debra Johnson reviewed 25 proposals submitted to the ARISS program during the fall proposal window and conducted a review committee session with 3 other reviewers. The committee selected 12 proposals to move forward to the next step in planning to host an ARISS contact during the July-December 2017-time period. Debra also attended the ARISS international partners annual meeting in Houston TX on Nov. 15-18. Her role was to represent ARRL, one of the founding US partners of the ARISS program, and ARRL's interests in the educational outreach of the ARISS program. Rosalie White, K1STO, ARRL's appointed volunteer delegate to the ARISS working group and Secretary of ARISS International, also attended. The international partners celebrated the dedication and contributions of volunteers who have sustained it over the challenges of the past 20 years. Debra was one of 50 plus participants from the US, Europe, Japan and Russia. ARISS benefactors, CASIS (Center for Advancement of Science in Space), represented by Dan Barstow, KA1ARD, and JVC Kenwood, represented by Phil Parton, N4DRO and engineer, Shin Aota JL1IBD, also participated in meetings. The meeting was organized along several tracks, which included presentations and discussion of the following: * Hardware discussions to finalize designs for the Kenwood D710 radio and interoperable radio system, which includes a new power supply for the ISS * A review of fundraising efforts in the US * A phase 1 strategic planning session identifying goals for a new 3-5-year plan * A review of educational outcomes with reports from each of the regions. Parton announced plans to include a donation offer that would benefit the ARISS program with an ad for its new HT in the February issue of QST. ARISS Contacts Two telebridge contacts with astronaut Shane Kimbrough KE5HOD were successful during the period. Both were made via station W6SRJ: with Col*legi Asuncion de Ntra. Sra., Barcelona, Spain on Nov. 17 and with Salesian High School in Wroclaw, Poland on Nov. 25. Field Organization Reported by Steve Ewald, WV1 Leona Adams reports that the following Section Managers have been nominated to run for new terms of office in their respective sections: Wyoming - Section Manager Jack Mitchell, N7MJ, of Cheyenne; Iowa - Section Manager Bob McCaffrey, K0CY, of Boone; and Kentucky - Section Manager Alan Morgan, KY1O, of Paris. Steven Wood, W1SR, of Tucson, Arizona, has been nominated to run for the Arizona Section Manager's position, therefore, there will be a three-way race in Arizona this winter. As previously reported in the IN News, Virgil Silhanek, K7VZ, and Rick Paquette, W7RAP, have also been nominated to run for the office of Section Manager. The nomination deadline for this particular Section Manager election cycle is Friday, December 9, 2016, and the new terms of office are scheduled to begin April 1, 2017. Steve Ewald served as a host to Northern New Jersey Section Manager Steve Ostrove, K2SO, who visited Headquarters for the first time on November 16. Steve, K2SO, met with staff members and learned more about the resources and services that ARRL provides. Lab Reported by Ed Hare, W1RFI Product Review Bob Allison worked with a major Amateur Radio manufacturer to resolve a dynamic range issue with a review transceiver. It tuned out that the manufacturer unknowingly had a (small) production run with a questionable component. Thanks to the lab's measurements, the manufacturer was able to identify the problem and find a resolution. The affected transceiver is on its way back and will be retested, with test results completed on time for the review. Bob Allison performed Two-tone Third Order Intermodulation Distortion Dynamic Range (3 IMD DR) retesting of a high performance HF/VHF transceiver. Initial measurements indicated good 3 IMD DR, but were not up to the manufacturer's specifications. The manufacturer was notified and the problem was resolved at their end. The product review unit was shipped to the manufacturer, a component change was made and the unit was shipped back to the Lab, all done very quickly. Test results were as expected, with thanks from the manufacturer. Bob also worked on a QRP transmitter kit, already completed by the reviewer. It had issues, which Bob notified the manufacturer of. Modifications were suggested, after which the transmitter complied with FCC emission requirements. Bob determined that the kit's keying sideband asymmetry was a result of improper loading of the transmit crystal; the manufacturer was notified and vowed to make improvements to the circuit. Bob is currently testing a HF/VHF mobile transceiver and three other items in different stages of testing. Radio Frequency Interference Mike Gruber met with EMC Committee Chairman Kermit Carlson for lunch to discuss RFI matters. Joe Carcia tested a pair of AFCI breakers at W1AW. The breakers reportedly tripped at the complainant's station but did not trip at W1AW. These were Square D breakers - not Eaton breakers which had been problematic a few years ago. There is a strange case of RFI in Tucson, AZ. Initially it started as a power line noise complaint, however, the utility determined the source to be a nearby AT&T facility. AT&T then investigated and found the source to be a utility pole. The noise does not sound at all like normal power line noise. Mike discussed his conclusion with AT&T. They agree that something seems amiss and are willing to work with the utility to find and fix the problem. Industry Contact Ed Hare just returned to HQ after a 2-week marathon of industry meetings. The first was a meeting of the ANSI accredited C63(r) EMC committee meeting in Costa Mesa, CA. At this meeting, Ed was asked to provide one of the Working Groups developing standards for wireless charging devices with antenna modeling, showing how field strength decays with distance for a number of radiator types (small loops, small dipoles, etc.) Ed was also elected to again serve as the Chair of C63(r) Subcommittee 5, developing standards for immunity levels and test methods. Ed also attended the IEEE EMC Society Standards Development and Education Committee and Board of Directors meetings in Phoenix, AZ. At the standards meeting, Ed reported to the group on progress on the power-line noise standard that is being developed under the leadership of Mike Gruber. This standard is nearing completion and will be ready for IEEE ballot in early 2017. The standards committee also approved new projects, one on near-field measurements, another on absorber characteristics and a third on passive intermodulation. Ed has served as a Director-At-Large on the EMC Society Board of Directors for the past three years. His term expires at the end of the year, and he had decided not to seek another term on the Board, instead concentrating on the development of standards. Ed chose to run for the officer position of the EMC Society Vice President of Standards. There were two other qualified candidates for the position. Ed was the successful candidate, elected to serve a two year term, beginning on January 1, 2017. Both of these appointments are major success stories for Amateur Radio and ARRL, ensuring that not only does Amateur Radio have a seat at this important industry tables, but the contributions of Amateur Radio are valuable enough that League staff are elected to sit in seats at the head of the table. Operating Zack Lau has now confirmed 50 National Parks on the Honor Roll and 400 Park Units on the National Parks on the Air Leaderboard. Thanks to everyone that worked us as W1L at Race Point Lighthouse on Cape Cod. The weather was surprisingly good, although our Buddipole blew over in the wind and was broken beyond repair. New parts have been ordered. Two stations simultaneously operated at the Keeper's dwelling on 40 meter CW and 20 meter SSB. Below is a photo of all the operators: Bob Allison-WB1GCM, Kathy Allison-KA1RWY, Matthias Zapatka- AJ4BB, and Mike Gruber-W1MG. [DSCF2145][W1L Operators][DSCF2081][DSCF2083] Media & Public Relations Reported by Sean Kutzko, KX9X PR Manager Sean Kutzko has begun interviewing video freelancers, to begin work on video content creation for social media. Social media intern Michelle Patnode has agreed to a part-time position at ARRL. Michelle will be working around 20 hours a week, beginning mid-December. Kutzko is also continuing work with the Production Department to begin cross-promotion of QST content on social media platforms, to drive readership to the magazine. Assistant to the CEO Carla Pereira has begun co-hosting ARRL Audio News with Kutzko. Welcome aboard, Carla! The 5,200 members of the National Parks on the Air (NPOTA) Facebook group have been the catalyst for a push to reach the one million QSO mark for NPOTA by December 31. NPOTA activity has spiked as a result, with an average of 25,000 NPOTA QSOs a week being uploaded to Logbook of the World since early November. As of December 1, there are 927,000 NPOTA QSOs in LOTW. Projects currently being worked on by PR Department: Mark Twain special event operation ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Initiative (ongoing) 1BCG commemorative special event (December 11). Membership Reported by Diane Petrilli, KB1RNF A membership mailing to 40,000 lapsed and never members was sent Friday, November 18, 2016. The last membership mailing for 2016 will be sent December 9, 2016. A Thanksgiving-themed membership e-mail has been sent. Others for Black Friday and Cyber Monday have been prepared and will be sent later in the month. An e-mail was sent to current and lapsed ARRL members as a final push for the Amateur Radio Parity Act. Production/Editorial Reported by Becky Schoenfeld, W1BXY The January 2017 issue of QST is at the printer. Alli has begun circulating a draft for the PDF manual that will help our readers navigate the new digital QST. As she adjusts permissions on the website, please alert her if any web pages are restricted that should not be. She will be gathering analytics for the website to send out next week. Radiosport Reported by Norm Fusaro, W3IZ DXCC Paper/Fieldcheck Processing Time 2-3 Weeks Logbook Processing Time 1-2 Days Regulatory Information Reported by Dan Henderson, N1ND Planning and preparations have begun for the Annual Board Meeting in January, 2017. Sales and Marketing Reported by Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R Jackie Ferreira prepared publication promotions for the Thanksgiving holiday, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The campaigns were promoted by email, Facebook, Twitter, and on the ARRL website. A campaign promoting the 2016 ARRL Handbook was mailed to a targeted group of members and customers just before the Thanksgiving holiday. A series of campaigns promoting ARRL publications and products is being finalized for December. These promotions will reach members and other prospective customers via email and through a mix of our e-newsletters, news outlets, and social media. Yvette Vinci prepared a reminder emailing to members with a summary of "What's trending" in December QST, taking advantage of some early analytics shared by Allison McLellan. The notification was sent to 120,784 members on Monday, November 21. Working with Steve Ford and some of the editors, titles were committed for a handful of new publications which will be introduced next year: Ham Radio from Indoors (January 2017), covering tips and techniques to get on-air when an outside antenna is not an option; Grounding and Bonding for the Radio Amateur (April 2017), a book covering good practices for electrical safety, lightning protection, and RF management; The ARRL Low Frequency Handbook (April 2017), and More Arduino Projects for Ham Radio (July 2017). Warehouse Supervisor Steve Capodicasa reported that a very large order placed by a major reseller on Tuesday before Thanksgiving was picked-up by the dealer's carrier the very next day - 2 pallets worth of boxes! Allison McLellan, Diane Petrilli, and Bob Inderbitzen attended a webinar about maximizing returns from digital and social media, sponsored by the Media & Content Marketing Association. There was significant focus on techniques for growing email lists - and then developing, and interacting with, the audiences to grow membership and sales. A summary of responses to our postcard included in The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual has led to some changes to the next version of the postcard. In the next version, we will ask how Amateur Radio supports the book owner's interest in other activities including radio electronics, science, DIY, astronomy, professional interests, public service, personal safety, emergency communications, and others. W1AW Reported by Joe Carcia, NJ1Q Thanks to Sean Kutzko, KX9X, for operating W1AW for a few hours in the ARRL November Phone Sweepstakes. He made 178 QSOs on 80 meters. Joe processed four (4) Qualifying Run certificates and five (5) endorsements. He processed regular QSL card requests. He updated the qualifying run and weekly QST web source web pages with current data. He also updated the web Morse code practice files and their archives. Joe corrected an issue with the W1AW 2-meter WL2K RMS Packet system. He continues testing the ARISS azimuth and elevation rotators. (Since testing began, the rotators have performed with no issues.) Joe, along with Bob Allison, took the Lab ENG van to a local Ford Dealership to have it thoroughly inspected (both safety and mechanical). Scott worked on slow and fast code practice texts for the upcoming week. He also processed VUCC certificates and endorsements. Hamfest/Member Contact/ARRL Representative/Meetings/Vacations Bob Allison 12/01 - 12/02 PTO " 12/26 - 12/30 PTO " 11/28 - 12/02 PTO Joe Carcia 12/02 PTO " 112/07 - 12/08 Meeting with Dr. Joe Taylor, K1JT, and FEMA's Ted Okado, Princeton University, NJ " 12/09 PTO Steve Ewald 11/28 - 12/06 PTO Jackie Ferreira 12/27 - 12/30 PTO Steve Ford 12/22 - 01/02 PTO Norm Fusaro 11/28 - 12/02 PTO " 12/22 - 12/27 PTO Tom Gallagher 12/07 Lunch meeting with State Representative Gary Byron, State Capital Building, Hartford " 12/08 Meriden ARC Christmas Party (as guest of Dr. Edward Snyder, Yale's W1YU) " 12/09 Fairlawn ARC 60th Anniversary Celebration, Fairlawn, NJ " 12/14 - 01/03 PTO Scott Gee 12/23 - 12/27 PTO " 02/20 - 02/24 PTO Perry Green Medical Leave Dan Henderson 12/05 - 01/04 Medical Leave Gail Iannone 10/07 - 01/09 Sick Leave Debra Johnson 12/19 PTO " 12/23 PTO Sean Kutzko 12/08 - 12/12 West Central Florida Section Convention, Tampa, FL " 12/22 - 12/30 PTO Lisa Kustosik 12/15 - 12/16 PTO " 12/22 - 12/23 PTO Carla Pereira 12/23 PTO Diane Petrilli 12/05 - 12/08 PTO Barry Shelley 12/02 PTO Sincerely Compiled by, Carla Pereira, Assistant to CEO

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[arrl-odv:25979] Handling member queries while N1ND is out on medical leave
by Henderson, Dan N1ND 02 Dec '16

02 Dec '16

Pardon the interruption... As some of you know, I will be out of the office after today until sometime the first week of January on medical leave. In my absence, inquiries for the areas at HQ I cover will be handled as follows: Questions about FCC Part 97 rules- Direct to the ARRL Lab (x214) Questions about FCC licensing / reciprocal operating - Amanda Grimaldi in the VEC (x251) Volunteer Counsel / Consulting engineer questions / referrals - Dave Patton (x272) Problems with governmental antenna ordinances or Homeowners Association issues (problems with existing ordinances or covenants) - Dave Patton (x272) Questions concerning the Amateur Radio Parity Act - Mike Lisenco - his contact email is n2ybb(a)arrl.org<mailto:n2ybb@arrl.org> or phone number is 917-865-3538 (This would include question along the lines of "what is happening with that bill in Congress". You need to ascertain if it is about the pending legislation, which go to Mike, or if it is an issue with an existing ordinance, which go to Dave). Questions related to the Amateur Auxiliary/OO program, on-the-air interference - Steve Ewald (x265) Any other questions should be forwarded to Carla Pereira at x242. So I will be up to speed as quickly as possible when I return, if you do reply to someone via email please Cc me on the response. Thanks in advance. Everyone have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Dan Henderson, N1ND Assistant Secretary - American Radio Relay League, Inc. Regulatory Information Manager ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio 860-594-0236 dhenderson(a)arrl.org<mailto:dhenderson@arrl.org>

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