November 21, 2005 HARRA Minutes

Attendees: Bruce Mansur, Audrey Christiansen, Eddie Rodriguez, Jay Roberts, Paul Cooley, Chris Rampacek, Rachel Guenther (on behalf of Geoff), Roger Boak, Randy Carlson, Peter Tyler, Brett Woody, John Phillips, Bob Hoekman, Scott Michelman, Tom Stilwell, Jo Ann Luco, Bill Crich

1. Memorial Park Conservancy—Peter Tyler provided an update on new path development, including last weekend’s section (arboretum to equestrian tunnel). In 2006, the Conservancy is looking to work on bulletin boards and maps for the park. It is looking for feedback as to what should/should not be included. 20 people are needed for 3-4 hours to do new work on the Crestwood trail on the south side of Memorial Drive. The Board will consider having the Tornados do this. On the issue of the Memorial Park Track, Steve Costello has the dimensions of a new track. He will do an overlay onto a picture of the track area and see if it will fit. An issue was raised regarding who has the appropriate authority to use money on the trails as between the Conservancy, the City of Houston, and HARRA. This issue will be taken up at the next board meeting.

2. HPD Safety Presentation—Officer Roberts addressed the incident on the previous Thursday morning where someone came out of the woods at 4:30 a.m. and grabbed a female runner on the west side of the tennis center. The individual was a Hispanic male with a medium build, a mustache and a beard. This report was similar to one about a year ago at the same time of the morning. Officer Roberts reminded all runners to be smart—run with someone or at least run within sight of another runner so you can be heard. If you must run in the dark, run counterclockwise because traffic goes clockwise, increasing the chance you will be seen. He also said there have been many instances of cars being broken into (a Memorial as well as Hermann Park). This frequently happens in the early morning, but sometimes it is in broad daylight. The main areas are the wooded area coming off Westcott, the picnic loop and the pool areas. He reminded everyone not to leave things in your cars while running. He also said there are officers who are assigned full time to Memorial Park. If you see any suspicious activity, call 713-884-3131 (non-emergency) or 911 (emergencies only). Please don’t hesitate to report suspicious activities. The officers are happy to investigate and do it all the time.

3. 30K Race Review—Andy Stewart faxed written answers to the necessary questions, responding affirmatively to all of them. He included contact information for the AED person. Dr. Hoekman was satisfied with this response.

4. 20K Race Recap—No comments.

5. 25K Race Recap—The main post-race complaints were that the race (or at least parts of it) ran out of water and almost ran out of Gatorade. This was the first year with Water Mill as a sponsor. They were sure they had enough water, but this was not the case. The problem was exacerbated by the fact that people were taking longer than 3.5 hours to finish the race. Even though the course closed, water remained available at the finish line.

Two runners went to the hospital—one from the course and the other after crossing the finish line in distress. Fortunately, medical personnel were there to assist.

6. Just for Kids Run—The race is coming along well and will have approximately 400 participants. There will also be 60 volunteers, which meets or exceeds last year’s numbers. Funding will likely be a problem again next year, though. This will need to be addressed at a future meeting.

7. ROTS/Club Competition—Results are updated through the 20K. The web site will be updated after Thanksgiving.

8. River Oaks Water Fountain—Kirksey has done a conceptual drawing of the fountain. There is no information yet on cost, but the drawing is a starting point. We will look into ways of raising money for this project. One possibility is to sell bricks placed around the fountain.

9. Activity Updates:

Newsletter—Doug is not present, but reports that the newsletter is moving along

Membership—Current membership is at 1520. Approximately 70 have joined in the past month. 535 are new members for this year.

Treasury Update—Audrey provided an updated of the group’s financial information.

Website Update—Use of the site has doubled over last year. A major addition has been the map tool. There are now 450 maps of runs across the country, and 500 if private runs are included. The site will be entered in the RRCA convention competition. Scott Michelman has volunteered to review sites from other clubs.

VVIP—Currently planning January events as well as another party in the Park to kick off the spring season.

Member Discount Program—Nothing new to report, but will work with VVIP on January events.

Power In Motion—This was a very successful PIM season. Not only did the final Run With the Saints go very well, but a makeup session was scheduled after the race and everybody still showed up!

10. Open Discussion

The New Year’s Eve Resolution Run has been canceled, but may take place next year.