as for when they will be taking the decision - noone knows it
but the public comments period is closing February 5th
they may be taking the final decision short after that or maybe 2-3 months later - honestly no idea
so perhaps the best would be that your webmasters email ICANN (via the public comments) late January / early February and should the decision be taken later, then everyone can just email the ICANN board memebrs (or the chairman) directly (not via public comments which will be closed already) LOL