GULF WINDS TRACK CLUB Minutes

Board/GWTC Members present: David and Mary Jean Yon, Beth Alexander, Gene and Joy Opheim, Fred and Margarete Deckert, Joe Dexter, Charlie Yates, Bill Lott, Peg Griffin, Mae Cleveland, Keith Rowe, Tom Perkins and Tim Unger.

Mary Jean Yon called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM and quorum was established. The March minutes were reviewed. A motion was made, seconded and passed by unanimous vote to accept the minutes as presented.

NEW BUSINESS: Peg received a thank you card from the FSU Dance Marathon expressing gratitude for our donation of $200, however we did not make a contribution. Joe Dexter later clarified that is equipment rental refund.

REPORTS:

Race Director Coordinator – Charlie Yates reported the 2008 Springtime date will be March 29, which coincides with the Florida State Relays, a major track meet for FSU, but FSU will move their date. Otherwise, he reported things with the race calendar are running smoothly.

Race Director – Although Judy Alexander was unable to attend the meeting, Mary Jean sang praises about the roaring success of Springtime 10K this year. There were large number of race participants, one of the highest ever and the Democrat was charitable in covering the race. The Tallahassee City Commission added a line item in the Tallahassee Police Department budget for assistance with traffic control at Springtime. Mary Jean wanted to make sure a thank you note was sent to them to maintain the good will established. She and Tom Perkins will take the lead on this since Tom was the original point of contact concerning this action. Discussion included other Board members reporting the positive things they heard about the race. Bill Lott picked up the trophy for our float in the parade. There were a couple reports about disappointment of some runners not receiving finishing medals. Someone indicated that Judy has agreed to provide medals next year.

Treasurer’s Report – Gene Opheim reported that the Chenoweth Fund has $18,471, which is $400 less than last month, and the Club has $61,716, which is $1924 more than last month. He believes our income is about where it should be now. The GWTC 30K and Flash 12K race budgets are final, while the Tallahassee Marathon and Springtime 10K still have bills due. He estimates the marathon will earn about $5000. The Club’s charitable donations last year were $15,200. Gene wants to spend a portion of our excess money to promote running. He moved that the president appoint a committee of three or fewer members. The purpose of the committee will be to present ideas at the May board meeting for spending some of GWTC surplus money. The criteria for ideas will follow Article V (General Purpose) of GWTC Article of Incorporation. The motion was seconded and passed by unanimous vote.

Clothing Coordinator – Margarete Deckert reported no sales but she wants to order caps with an embroidered Club logo. She has had several requests for them, since many admire the visors given as Grand Prix awards. The price would be $9.50. Discussion centered on what sort of caps Margarete would order. It was agreed the embroidered cap would sell since it is different from other hats and will be of high quality.

Newsletter – Fred Deckert no report. Fred said 140 people requested a free Fleet Foot at Springtime.

Chenoweth Fund – David Yon reported there are issues with using the Forrest Meadow facilities after 7 p.m. for the Potluck Bash. They will committee may either change the time of the race or move to another location. Capital City Christian Cruisers requested $1500 but the committee recommended $1000 to attend an AAU track meet in Jacksonville. The Kids Triathlon asked $600 to purchase trophies and swim caps. A motion was made, seconded and passed by unanimous vote to approve the committee’s recommendations. Lucy Westfall, the widow of Kurt Westfall, designated the Chenoweth Fund as one of the organizations for donations for those wishing to remember Kurt.

Awards/Grand Prix Committee – Tim for Lisa Unger thanked David and Fred for posting the Application for 2008 Grand Prix Race Schedule. The last date to submit a race for consideration is July 31, 2007. Lisa received several compliments concerning her article detailing why certain races are designated grand prix while others are not.

Racing Team Report – Tim Unger reported his new feather flag was ordered. Also he checked out the new Gate to Gate course which is the next team race event. The post race social will be in a new location with the usual food and beverages.

Website Committee Report – David Yon no report.
Membership – Peg Griffin reported that there are currently 744 members represented by 416 households. There were 15 recruits from the letter she mailed out recently. Another mail out to 140 targets and will find about 60 from Palace for a total of 200. Tom Perkins suggested explaining about membership and trophies for the Summer Grand prix series to encourage future members to join.

Lecture Series – Fred Deckert reported the first lecture with Breeda Willis was a success. A new location for future lectures will be found since there are restrictions on alcoholic beverages at Premier.

Training Committee – Joe for Nadine Dexter reported about 50 people turned out for Boot Camp collecting $690.00. They have a larger number of volunteers able to give the individual touch to the runners that keeps them returning.

Equipment – Joe Dexter turned in 3 checks from races and a final version of the Flash 12K budget. Joe ordered new 1, 2,and 3 mile marker signs for races since they were stolen.

OLD BUSINESS:

There was a motion to adjourn at 9:08 PM, which was seconded and passed by unanimous vote.

The next board meeting will be held on May 9, 2007 hosted by Peg Griffin.

These minutes have been reviewed and accepted by the Board. Beth Alexander, Secretary.