MINUTES FROM THE HOUSTON AREA ROAD RUNNERS ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING

NOVEMBER 19, 2007

The following people were in attendance: Eddie Rodriguez, Tom McBrayer, Bruce Mansur, Gloria Mansur, Ann Hibbert, Randy Carlson, JoAnn Luco, Bob Hoekman, Roger Boak, Jennifer Brown, Audrey Christiansen, and Annie Hadow.

Annie called the meeting to order at 6PM.

Race Recap: Both Koala Luke’s Half Marathon and HMSA Classical races went well. Bob confirmed that there were no medical issues at either event. Tom pointed out that the numbers for the 25K were up this year, which could be due to the race being two weeks before Thanksgiving instead of one. The Half Marathon numbers were down slightly this year.

30K: Annie presented documentation provided by Andy Stewart showing that the 30Kis prepared to meet the HARRA Race requirements. Bob announced that he would not be at the race and that Harry Sokolow will lead the CPR/AED team.

Just for Kids Run: Tom advised that he had done a walk through this morning with the Park Superintendent. The gate will open no later than 6 AM, they will spray for ants where necessary, signs will go up indicating that the Picnic Loop will be closed, and we were told how and where to leave the trash. Erin confirmed via e-mail that she had arranged for a moonwalk, face painting, clowns and the Houston Dynamo mascot to be there.

Treasurer’s Report: Audrey reported that our largest expenses in the past month were for the Kids Run and PIM, approximately $3,700 each. We collected $4,600 in PIM registrations for the fall session. We are up to date collecting the runner’s tax from series races thus far.

PIM: Bob reported that the new sound system works well. (Tom found a system for $283 since the last meeting. Anna approved the expense and PIM purchased.) The PIM program is finished for 2007, although there are several PIM runners taking advantage of an informal maintenance program right now.

Tour de Bayou/ Trails: Roger advised that the Practice for the TdB is over. The TdB will resume again the first Tuesday in April. Numbers were down this fall. Roger also reported that there had been no Trails Committee activity in the past month.

Randy announced that he had spoken to Rick Dewees about Anna’s idea of installing new ¼ mile markers along the west trail. Rick told Randy that we would need to submit a specific request detailing exactly what we are looking for and he would investigate costs, feasibility etc.

VVIP: Bruce reported that he is getting good response from his VVIP database. He advised that he had spoken with the marathon office regarding setting up a table and chairs inside the finish area. This started a discussion about the finisher’s towels. Roger indicated that he would like for someone else to take over ordering and distribution of the towels. The Board discussed the succession, including input from Roger about perceived lack of response to notices about towel distribution in recent years. A suggestion was made to forego the towels this year, with the option to revisit after the race and back order if they are missed.

Tom mentioned that he had been approached by the Sierra Plantation Family Run 5K, who has rented equipment from us in the past and would like to again on April 5, 2008. The race was rained out in 2007 and the Race Director is planning for a rain date of April 12, if needed in 2008. The Race Director asked Tom if HARRA would consider allowing the race to use the equipment free of charge on the rain date if they rent equipment in 2008. The Board discussed the situation. Due to the fact that HARRA could rent the equipment at full price to another race on April 12, it was recommended that we rent the equipment to the race at 1 ½ times the regular rental charge, which would apply to the scheduled date or the rain date. The Board agreed to this and to consider on a case by case basis if this situation arises in the future.

Membership Report: Audrey reported for Erin that we currently have 1400 active members, which is down slightly from this time last year.

Member Discount Program: Gloria advised that she is currently working with Tri On The Run Fitness Center to see if they would like to take part. On The Run is opening a new store in Pearland, which plans to participate. In addition, Fast Track Go Carts is looking into offering a discount.

CPR/AED: Bob reported that he is continuing to have good participation and has had strong teams at all four races this season. Bob announced that he had been approached by the President of the Cornbelt Running Club in Davenport IA about setting up a CPR/AED team after hearing Bob speak at the RRCA Convention in Houston. Bob worked with him and the Cornbelt Running Club will be the second organization in the US behind HARRA to set up a CPR/AED program.

There was no additional business to discuss. The meeting adjourned at 7:15.