I don't think it's an open question anymore. As Bob notes, there were no amendments that received the required endorsements. With that said, we have had a great deal of helpful discussion and as Bob also noted, that the ExCom has an opportunity to send out a revised budget in the next few days that will incorporate some of the comments received to date. I'd like to see the following clarified/spelled out in the budget that we put to a vote: * Without creating legal liability for us, those who need to see applications for fee reductions will keep them confidential; * fee reductions will be granted only in limited circumstances and will be reviewed based on a number of criteria, including size of registrar, size of corporate affiliates, geographic location, and whether the registrar is a new member; * fees may be reduced to no lower than $250, but don't have to be as low as $250; and * there should be fee pro-ration for new members. Thanks. Jon ________________________________ From: owner-registrars@gnso.icann.org [mailto:owner-registrars@gnso.icann.org] On Behalf Of Tim Ruiz Sent: Sunday, August 05, 2007 8:42 AM To: Registrars Constituency; RC Voting Members Subject: RE: [registrars] * Formal discussion period on the Budget is now closed. Bob, since the proponent of the original budget motion has not accepted your amendment as friendly, I would assume it is an unfriendly amendment, correct? If that is still an open question, I would encourse Margie *not* accept the amendment as friendly. Also, who endorsed it and could that individual please reaffirm their endorsement. I do not recall seeing it. I know discussion is closed, but with all due respect Bob, if your motion passes it puts the ExCom and RC in an awkward position for the following reasons: 1. It would basically make management of the RC funds a personal responsbility of one or more ExCom members, which is a problem we have been trying to resolve. And we could not move forward with using an ICANN provided account. 2. It vastly reduces the value of having a paid secretariat since he/she would not be able to manage the RC membership and invoicing or otherwise assist the Treasurer in regards to those matters. 3. It puts the ExCom in a situation where they could become legally liable if the information is divulged, even if unintentionally. 4. ExCom members come and go. When they leave the ExCom they cannot commit to forgetting what they know. Are we going to start requiring NDAs of ExCom members? I am sure that would severly limit the members who would be interested in running. I understand the spirit of your motion, but I don't think it is possible to entirely enforce as written, nor should we attempt to. I have not offered an amendment to it because I don't think there is any way to propose it without creating the problems noted above. Finally, I can't really think of a situation where a member trying to minimize the opinions, participation, etc. of a member who paid less to join for good reason would get very far with their effort. I've known most of the regular participants of the RC for several years now and I can't think of one who wouldn't speak up and put a lid on such an effort immediately. I would encourage the ExCom to make an effort to keep dues amount confidential, but can see no good coming from a bylaw or rule that makes it more or less a legal obligation. Tim -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [registrars] * Formal discussion period on the Budget is now closed. From: "Robert F. Connelly" <BobC@awesome-goo.com> Date: Sat, August 04, 2007 10:14 am To: RC Voting Members <votingmembers@registrars.beach.net> Cc: Registrars Constituency <registrars@gnso.icann.org> Dear Members: The discussion period for the Budget is now closed. There was a motion to accept the budget as written by Treasurer Margie Milam. There were at least three endorsements of the Motion. There were no Amendments to the main Motion which received the required one endorsement. The main Motion is in order as originally published. There has been considerable discussion of the Motion. The original proposer of the Motion has the opportunity to incorporate some of the suggestions. The Secretary will publi! sh the ballot on the Motion for inspection and correction on 11 August. The ballot will be opened on 13 August and closed on 23 August. A special note to voting members: Make sure that your voting Email address is in order. To have your vote counted you must follow these protocols: 1. You are able to receive the email at that Email address, no anti-spam for the ballot to hurdle. 2. You must return your marked ballot from your voting Email address, not some alternate Email address. Respectfully submitted, Bob Connelly Secretary of Registrar Constituency P.S. Please forgive me for posting this Email to both the Voting Members list and to the general RC list. The Rules of Procedure specify the RC list, but I want to be sure that all voting members receive at least one copy.