Houston Area Road Runners Association

Board Meeting

May 17, 2004

 

 

Members present:

            Audrey Christiansen, Bill Dubinsky, John Phillips, Randy Carlson and Tom McBrayer.

 

Others Present:

            Paul Cooley, Bill Smith, Steve Costello

 

Meeting called to order at 6:07

 

Reading of the minutes: Minutes had been distributed, but due to lack of quorum at the beginning of the meeting were deferred until the next meeting.   

 

Reports of Directors and committees:

 

John Phillips introduced Steve Costello to the board to discuss the Memorial Park Conservatory and their request for assistance in ways to help obtain funds for improvements to the Memorial park trail system. Steve discussed some of the changes that are in the offing and put forward the idea of having a run that would specifically target proceeds to trail development. Luke's Locker made a proposal to for the run solely for the benefit of the park. According to the proposal, Luke's would run the race, but they need a non-profit organization to actually put on the race. On discussion of the background to the proposal, we were told that the proposal originated in response to a Parks and Recreation Department request of Luke's to become a little more community minded in lieu of the benefit they derive from their weekly presence in the park.

 

Steve suggested that instead of a new race, could Luke's work with an existing race such as the Bayou City Classic and run the race. It was pointed out that most of the existing runs targeted their proceeds already, such as the BCC which raises funds specifically for a trail fund.  Randy suggested two races, the newly proposed Woodlands Ten Miles for Texas and the Park-to-Park run. But Randy also raised the point that HARRA has raised $42K for the Parks which has not been used yet as matching funds. Steve indicated that those monies are targeted for the second phase of development.

 

John Phillips also pointed out that HARRA had been running the BCC and would derive no benefit from having Luke's involvement in the management of the race.  He then suggested that a popular race was the Moonlight run which might be worth resurrecting.

 

Steve indicated that his other request at this point was to obtain help in identifying a race director and was open to any suggestions for organizations to help with this activity. At this point there was a discussion of cost/benefits of putting on a race, difficulties in finding sponsors and what clubs the Conservatory might contact for assistance.

  

Treasurer – Audrey Christiansen

            There was not much activity ion the past month. A few new memberships was about it. As far as the banquet, the catering bill was $6.90 per dinner. This was okayed by John. John would contact Jerry and help get the word out about the banquet. He was also arranging for a prize for the club with the highest turnout.

 

V.P. Road Race Management – Randy Carlson

Randy has been keeping an eye on the Memorial Park running surface and talked to Parks management (Rick Deweese)            about the poor condition of the trail and lack of upkeep and maintenance. Plans are to have it repaired with out the need for HARRA funds.

Randy raised an issue for consideration by the Board of HARRA. There are several attempts to resurrect runs, however the mechanics of putting on such an event may prove to be overwhelming for some of the groups trying to do so. Ten Miles for Texas and the Park-to-Park runs fall into this category, as well as a cross country event that was proposed for the spring series.  He felt that one of the roles of HARRA should be to help these people put on such event by offering substantive advice and information on the entire process. He cited a course for race directors that was offered locally several years ago. There is a document with all of that information which may be helpful and Randy will try and make that available.

Finally, Randy felt that HARRA should make some effort to recognize past contributions of service to the organization.

 

Equipment – Tom McBrayer  

            The season is winding down. Spring rentals were pretty good this year and more consistent than the fall rentals. Tom also expressed some concern about the arrangements with some of the running stores and equipment for races. In some case, they provide equipment in competition with HARRA. He cautioned about the possible problems of HARRA teaming up with some of these stores for the management of races. 

           

New Business

            John opened a discussion on the lack of involvement of club representatives with HARRA, and particularly the lack of candidates for board positions. This has plagued HARRA for a couple of years now and has made it difficult to maintain and enact other programs. He proposed that if this problem persists, the next board might consider restructuring the board such that each club elect a member to the board. The board would then elect their own officers from within their members.

 

            John also indicated that Memorial Park Running Club agreed to put on the Kids Run next year. If acceptable to the next board, he suggested an increase in the amount of money they receive for their efforts.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Bill Dubinsky