GULF WINDS TRACK CLUB Minutes

for June 12, 2024, Hosted by Jerry and Jackie McDaniel

Voting Members Present: Jerry McDaniel, Jeanne O’Kon, Judy Alexander, David Yon, Elizabeth Kamerick, Tom Perkins, Debbie Peters, Robert McNeal, Beverly Harrell, Tina Bahmer, Robert Skrob. Voting Members Absent: Peg Griffin, Herb Wills, Mark Priddy, Jennifer Hay, Allen Blay, Mary Jean Yon, Mark Tombrink. Non-Voting Members Present: Bill Lott, Lauren Stanley, Chris Stanley, Lisa Unger, Charles Kelly.

I. Opening and Introduction: Jerry McDaniel called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

The minutes from the May 8, 2024 meeting were approved as written.

II. Announcements from Officers: Jerry announced that Jennifer wants everyone to send her information for Running Shorts that will be sent out to members periodically. Jerry recognized David Yon regarding his attendance, in Jerry’s stead, at the Miccosukee Greenway Committee. While the ad hoc meeting focused on the road crossings, David contributed comments on maintaining the canopy roads and natural scenery. Jerry will be attending another meeting and may be interviewed by WCTV regarding the recent flooding.

III. Old Business/Race Closeouts:

a. Springtime Tallahassee 10K/5K/1m Budget Closeout: Jerry reported about 1600 were registered and there were 1383 finishers with great weather. There was about $20,000 in net revenue. Proceeds of $3,569.81 will be given to NAMI and $8,192.44 to Holy Comforter School, with $9,531.25 going to GWTC. Regarding the status of track construction at HCES, the school has identified a contractor to dig the holding pond adjacent to the track and is awaiting approval from the City to move forward. Motion to approve the budget closeout was made and seconded. Motion passed.

b. Palace Saloon 5K Budget Closeout: Bill Lott reported that there were1428 registered with 1253 finishers. The net operating revenue was $18,828.92. Proceeds of $5,400.00 will be given to the UF Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, and $5,000.00 will be given to First Tee Tallahassee. The amount of $9,316.92 goes to GWTC. Motion was made and seconded to approve the budget closeout. Motion passed.

c. Summer Track Revised Budget: Bill Lott pointed out that the previous budget that was presented to the Board was insufficient to cover the increased cost of venue rental, including timing, food and drink, and t-shirts. Motion was made and seconded to approve the increased budget proposal of $4,000. Motion passed.

d. Marathon contracts needing signatures: Jerry had a meeting with Felton and Bonnie Wright regarding the Marathon, and he is concerned that contracts need to be taken care of now. Jerry requested a motion be made to allow him to sign the needed contracts on behalf of GWTC in advance for the marathon. Motion was made and seconded to allow Jerry to sign these contracts. Motion passed. Bonnie forwarded a Marathon budget that will be sent to Board members for approval after this meeting. Tom Perkins has already turned in permitting paperwork with the City of Tallahassee for the Marathon.

e. Townhall Meeting on June 15 Update: A Townhall Meeting for all club members will be held on June 15 at 3:30 at Momo’s on Market Street. Jerry called this meeting because is often asked several questions by club members such as: Why do we hold so many races? Why do we have so many board members? Why do we hold so much money? Jerry and others plan to talk about things like an Overview of GWTC, Youth Running, Group Runs, and other Core Activities. Board members suggested other topics to discuss, including the status of the club as a nonprofit, the cost of the holiday party, the dedication to youth running, and the amount of money given to charitable organizations each year.

f. Policy for On-site Vendors at GWTC events: David Yon will work on a policy for on-site vendors for club events.

g. Posts to RunSignUp: Robert Skrob will contribute to the development of a policy about emails sent out to club members using RunSignUp.

h. Junior Women’s Club Meeting: Rebekah Mayfield has reached out to the Junior Women’s Club about their meeting on Sept. 4th. Jeanne O’Kon, Judy Alexander, and Lisa Unger volunteered to speak to the group about GWTC. The members are interested in possibly volunteering with GWTC and want to know more about the club.

IV. New Business:

a. Annual Awards Report/Grand Prix Summary: Lisa Unger reported on the 2023 Annual Awards ceremony and provided a budget. The committee spent $5023, not including the social side of things. An updated Grand Prix policy was presented. For the 2024 competition season, scoring for children ages 0-9 will remain based on participation only in at least three Youth Grand Prix events. Youth ages 10-14 will be scored based on regular competitive
Grand Prix scoring in at least three Youth Grand Prix events. Youth Grand Prix events include One Mile and 5K races. In addition, she reported on changes in the Grand Prix eligibility for awards because of the new volunteering requirement for competitors ages 15 and up. A Google Doc is on the webpage to validate the volunteerism. It is an honor system for the first year and the kinks will be worked out. The Grand Prix Committee will determine if those eligible for Grand Prix awards are members in good standing at the end of the year. Motion was made and seconded to approve the revised Grand Prix policy. Motion passed. David Yon registered an objection to the Youth Grand Prix schedule being limited to One Mile and 5K distances.

b. Miller Landing Madness 8K/5K/3K Budget Proposal: Bill Lott reviewed the budget proposal, pointing out that it is not a Grand Prix race this year. Runners ages 18 and under run free. The Chenoweth Fund will receive direct donations this year. The race is a canned food collection for Second Harvest. The awards are largely donated. Motion was made and seconded to approve the budget proposal. Motion passed.

c. Breakfast on the Track 1M Budget Proposal: Chris and Lauren Stanley presented the budget proposal as first-time race directors. The race registration fees are being raised this year. Felton has assisted them with the budget preparation. Singlets will be offered this year. Motion to approve the budget was made and seconded. Motion passed.

V. Reports:

a. Treasurer’s Report: Peg sent a report stating that as of May 31, 2024, net assets are $288,704.54. Net income as of that date is $59,755.31. Peg is working with committee chairs in drafting a budget for 2024-25, and plans to finalize and present the budget at the July meeting. Anyone who has not yet responded with their projections is asked to do so as soon as possible so the budget can be finalized. Lastly, the legislation that will exempt GWTC from being required to register with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was signed into law and will go into effect on July 1, 2024. At that time, Peg will prepare the required application for exempt status for GWTC.

b. Triathlete Club: Nothing to report.

c. Race Director Coordinator: There will be a meeting of the race directors on July 7th.

d. Newsletter: The deadline is July 20 for the July/August issue of the Fleet Foot. e. Membership: Robert McNeal reported that the number of members currently is 1297 (1174 last year at this time) with 729 family membership (675 last year at this time).

f. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Nothing to report.

g. Education and Lecture: Mark Tombrink sent a report stating that he is working with Jennifer Hay on a possible workshop to be presented by a master’s student in sports psychology on “Your inner monologue matters.” August 8 may be a possible date with a possible location of Bowden’s in College Town.

h. Website: Nothing to report.

i. Chenoweth Fund: Pot Luck Bash was successful.

j. Merchandise: Debbie Peters reported that if a member orders an item online, the member can pick up the item at Monogram Art at 2522 Capital Circle N.E., Suite 6.

k. Equipment: Bill Lott reported that the large (165 quart) ice cooler in the storage unit has been repaired. Three new hinges, two new latches, and two new lid straps were installed. There are no other equipment issues to report.

l. Chip Timing: During May, one non-Club race (Tails & Trails Half Marathon/10K/5K/1M) and one Club race (Summer Trail Series Race #1 – Cadillac Trail) were chip timed. For June, one non-Club race (Monticello Kiwanis Club 5K Watermelon Run) and two Club races (Great Potluck Bash 4-Mile Prediction Run; and Summer Trail Series Race #2 – Redbug Trail) will be chip timed. Scheduled to be chip timed in July are one non-Club race (Kiwanis Firecracker 5K) and one Club race (Summer Trail Series Race #3 – Swamp Forest Trail).

m. Grand Prix: See report under “New Business.”

n. Social: Tina reported that the Pot Luck went well because of a team effort. The food was well-liked and most of it was consumed. The budget has money left over for the rest of the year. The Holiday party will be on December 7th.

Meeting adjourned: 8:20 p.m.

 

Contact us for information about GWTC or additions to the website.
Submit race results (preferably in Excel) here.
Gulf Winds Track Club, P.O. Box 3447, Tallahassee, FL 32315