MINUTES FROM THE HOUSTON AREA ROAD RUNNERS ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING

OCTOBER 15, 2007

The following people were in attendance: Bob Hoekman, Tom McBrayer, Audrey Christiansen, Annie Hadow, Roger Boak, Beth Leibo, Anna Helm, Jennifer Brown, Randy Carlson, JoAnn Luco, and Joe Carey.

Anna called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.

USA 10 Miler Recap: Bob observed that there were 2 porta potties at the 5 mile mark this year.  He spoke with Jay, who told him that they’d have more next year, probably at around 2.5 miles, 5 miles and 7.5 miles. Also, Bob said that there were no visible EMT’s at the finish, but Jay confirmed that 2 were there and agreed to have them be more visible in the future.

Just for Kids Run: Anna is sending Chris an electronic copy of the application to produce and distribute. Pre-registration and packet pickup coordination are still needed. Anna is working with Sarah to get registration information on the website. Anna is looking for someone to be in charge of food. Anna will follow up with Bruce to recruit volunteers.

Membership Cards: Beth announced that the cards are close to being ready. The plan is to distribute them at Luke’s and at the Half Marathon. Beth also mentioned the get together to choose the artwork for the new bridge on November 7. Luke’s is looking into having a fun run at Memorial Park next spring.

Footprints: Anna reported for Jon. The proofs for the November issue are in. With the upcoming holidays, please pay attention to submission deadlines. The next deadline is November 25.

Membership: Anna reported for Erin that we currently have 1315 active members.

Treasurer’s Report: Audrey advised that we collected about $5,600 for membership and $1,700 for PIM in October. Our larger expenses were for Footprints and Memberize. We are up about $5,000 over this time last year.

Website: No update.

Tour de Bayou/Trails: Roger announced that the Practice for the Tour is in full swing. Turnout has been fairly light; 70 finishers for stage one and 40 for stage two. The next one is tomorrow at White Oak Bayou. Roger will order the marathon towels so that they will be available on marathon day if there will be a volunteer with them during and after the race. We need to determine how many to order.

Memorial Park Trails: Bob attended the most recent Memorial Park Conservancy meeting where it was announced that the Park Superintendent suggested putting up split rail fences with gates at every trail entry point so that the trails could be closed off.  The decision to do this is pending.  

PIM: Jack has made a request to purchase a PA system for PIM since he has been borrowing Katy Fit’s. Bob researched prices for the PA system Jack is looking for and the cost is about $1,000. Tom advised that we have a PA system in inventory but it’s not what Jack wants. The Board agreed that the purchase is something to consider in the future. Bob expressed that he thinks it’s a good idea.

VVIP: No report. Anna believes that all of last year’s awards have been distributed.

CPR/AED: Bob announced that we have had excellent teams at the races so far. The CPR/AED team has about 75 active volunteers right now. Bob has trained 15-18 this fall.

Further Business:

JoAnn is looking for volunteers for the 25K.

Annie raised that we should consider any implications from having Luke’s produce and distribute the HARRA membership cards, given that other running stores in town take part in the Member Discount Program. The Board discussed. Anna agreed to ask Luke’s to give the membership cards to HARRA to distribute.

Tom made a request to replace one of our two printing stopwatches. One has already failed and he feels we need backup for the existing one. The cost is $309. Annie moved that we buy a new stopwatch. Anna seconded. The Board approved the purchase.

Anna suggested that we consider donating ¼ mile markers for the new trail that runs from the entrance to the asphalt track on the west side of the park. Randy informed us that we will need to make a proposal to Rick Dewees for him to consider. Anna agreed to follow up with Randy.

There was no additional business to discuss. Anna adjourned the meeting at 7:55.