GULF WINDS TRACK CLUB Minutes

Present: July Alexander, Mary Jean and David Yon, Bill Lott, Mark Priddy, Charlie Yates, Gene Opheim, Seeley Gutierrez, Cameron Massa, Terry Massa, Jay Silvanima, Felton Wright, Julie Clark, Robert McDonald, Lisa Cox, Reid Vannoy, Herb Wills, Jackie McDaniel, Bob Braman, Karen Harvey, Pat Plocek, Gary Droze

Judy Alexander called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m. Quorum was established.

The board reviewed the December minutes. A motion was made, seconded and passed by unanimous vote to accept the minutes as presented.

New Business

Judy Alexander introduced and welcomed the new board members. Judy appointed Mark Priddy as co-membership chairman along with Peg Griffin. Mark will attend and vote at meetings and work with Peg to promote club membership. Peg will continue to maintain the grand prix and membership records. In the event that Mark cannot attend a meeting, Peg will attend and vote. A motion was made to approve Mark Priddy as co-membership chairman. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote.

Judy Alexander introduced guests Pat Plocek, Leon County Director of Parks and Recreation, Bob Braman, Head Coach, FSU Cross Country/Track & Field, Karen Harvey, FSU Women’s Cross Country/Coach, and Gary Droze, Head Coach, Maclay Cross Country/Track & Field and Girls’ Weightlifting. The group presented to the board a plan for the creation of a new cross country venue at Apalachee Regional Park. The venue would become a permanent course for high school and college cross country events and for casual running use. Projected completion date for the initial phase is June 2009. Discussion ensued among board members. David Yon made a motion that the Board conceptually support the proposal and contribute $10,000, if there is sufficient funding from other sources to make the entire project workable and the park can be designed and built to a level that would meet FSU and area high school programs’ needs for cross country meets. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Pat Plocek will take this proposal to the Leon County Board of County Commissioners’ meeting and report back to the GWTC Board.

Judy reported that Paula Kiger has requested $150 for the club to have a booth at the Relay for Life this year. A motion was made, seconded and passed with one dissent.

Race Director Reports

Reid Vannoy presented a budget for the 2009 Palace Saloon 5k race. A motion to approve the budget as presented was made, seconded and passed with one dissent. Reid and Herb Wills are working with Peg Griffin on ways to eliminate the finish line issues that occurred last year. Chip timing will be considered for 2010 if problems persist. Reid requested approval to donate half the race proceeds to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Discussion followed as to whether or not the club should donate to more running related causes and fewer non-running related causes. A motion was made that half of the Palace Saloon 5k race proceeds be donated to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, seconded and passed with one dissent.

Mark Priddy, Co-Race Director with Joe and Nadine Dexter, presented a budget for the 2009 Flash 12k/6k race. A motion to approve the budget as presented was made, seconded and passed by unanimous vote.

Treasurer’s Report –Gene Opheim

Gene reported the club has $86,082, which is an increase of $9,119 from last month. The Chenoweth Fund has $15,186, which is an increase of $915 from last month. The triathlon club has $696. He then presented a summary of 2008 budget activity. A total of $69,956 came into the club in 2008. The club had a net income of $14,658. The Chenoweth Fund had a net 2008 decrease of $1,097. Gene then presented the 2009 budget. Total income is projected as $66,901, and total expenses are projected as $65,215 for a net income of $1,686. A motion was made to accept the 2009 budget. It was seconded and approved unanimously. Gene also reported that Turkey Trot netted $23,400. $10,000 was donated to the Refuge House and $3,000 was donated to the Shelter leaving a net of $10,400.

Race Coordinator Report – Charlie Yates

Charlie reported that the calendar is in good order. He has heard from several race directors and needs to consult the FSU schedule before deciding their race dates.

Newsletter Report – Gene Opheim for Fred Deckert

No report.

Lecture Series Report – Gene Opheim for Fred Deckert

Gene announced that a night at the movies featuring “Run for Your Life, the story of Fred Lebow” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. on February 20, at Premier Health and Fitness. Nancy Stedman-Laux is the new lecture series coordinator.

Clothing Report – Gene Opheim for Margarete Deckert

Gene reported that Margarete sold $75 worth of merchandise this month.

Triathlete Report – Robert McDonald

The triathlete club elected board members in December. The officers are: President – Robert McDonald; Vice President – Bobby York; Secretary – Lisa Cox; Treasurer – Amanda Hudson. At Large Directors are: Stephanie Liles, Michael Weyant and Karen Munoz. Current membership is 47, including 8 new members. The triathlete board plans to organize a flat, fast triathlon south of Tallahassee sometime in 2009. A possible venue is Wakulla Springs. Lisa Cox requested a check in the amount of $282 to pay the tri club’s insurance. The amount represents $6 per member.

Equipment Report – Kevin French

No report.

Web Report – David Yon

David reported that Peg Griffin has posted the results for every year the Pine Run was held.

Chenoweth Report – David Yon

Terry Massa inquired about a $1,000 request for the Special Olympics adult and community program. This funding will be used for training and transportation. David will follow up with the Chenoweth Committee on this request.

Membership Report – Mark Priddy

The club closed 2008 with 1,116 members represented by 648 households. Last year at this time, there were 631 members represented by 343 households. Currently there are 722 members, representing 414 households. Peg Griffin sent letters to the 394 members who haven’t renewed their 2008 membership.

There being no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn was made, seconded and passed unanimously at 9:32 p.m.