In attendance were Roger Boak, Debra Kempler-Smith, Debbie Reeves, Mercedes Tarley, Bill Smith, Barbara Shepard, Victor Aguirre, John McCleery, Joe Sellers, Randy Carlson, John Phillips, Lance Phegley, Will Lindgren, Richard Campbell, and Camille Yarbrough.

Roger Boak called the meeting to order and asked for any corrections to the February minutes. There were none. He then introduced Lance Phegley of Runner Triathlete News who explained the value and procedure for on-line registration for races, membership application, and merchandise sale through RunnerTriathleteNews.com. The on-line service will charge a fee per registrant which can come out of the race entry fee (paid by the race) or added to the entry fee and paid by the registrant. Lance is currently working on an on-line commerce section where HARRA merchandise could be sold. On-line membership application and renewal could also provide convenience to HARRA and the members..

Mercedes Tarley presented the VVIP, Volunteers Very Important Performers, budget of $1550. The budget parallels that of the runner of the season and the Spring Challenge, including awards for various levels of performance and a grand prize to be drawn at the completion of the volunteer period. It was agreed that recognition of volunteer efforts was important and the budget was unanimously approved.

Jerry Smith will include ballots for the annual elections printed on special paper, difficult to reproduce, in the April issue of Footprints. There will be one ballot per newsletter and for each family membership additional ballots will be mailed for each family member on record. Ballots can be returned by mail or put into the HARRA box at Memorial Park by May 15. Joe Sellers confirmed that the annual awards party would be held on Saturday, June 5, 1999, from 3 to 6 p m. He reviewed the cost of permits to hold the party in Memorial Park: $200 for a closed-use permit and $300 in deposits. Randy Carlson reviewed the catering possibilities, and after some general discussion it was decided that it would be better to hold the party under an air-conditioned roof. Bubba’s at the Park was determined as the best venue. HARRA will provide the catering for the party for members who RSVP by May 15. All others must pay $6.25 at the door. Beverages will not be included.

The board voted to contribute $250 toward the cost of Ed McKenney’s (RRCA Southern Region Director) trip to the RRCA convention as has been done in the past two years.

Barbara Shepard announced that 89 people have signed up for the spring Power in Motion training session. She projected a total participation of 150 with 28 coaches. Andy Stewart will recommend PIM to his triathlon training group for the running portion of their training.

Camille Yarbrough reviewed the Road Race Management committee meeting held February 25. The most significant outcome of the meeting was the decision to propose to HARRA that it take over the popular Bayou City Classic 10K for 2000 in the absence of Baker Hughes. Camille presented the proposal, reminding the board that the Bayou City race had been in existence since 1976 and had been in the hands of LDR, HARRA’s predecessor before Baker Hughes stepped in to host the race during the 1990's. It was proposed that HARRA hold the event as one of its contributions to the running community and contribute any proceeds over the cost of the race to improvements for runners in Memorial Park, or other high-use running areas. Attendees responded enthusiastically expressing a number of ideas for the race. The board then voted unanimously to hold the race in March of 2000.

In other business, Will Lindgren reported that the Baytown Heat Wave will return on the 4^th of July, 1999.

The meeting was finally adjourned at 8 p m.