1. Roll Call Introductions
Kathryn Kaczmarski-WRRF Jackie Virant-JCU
Jeff Jensen-WRRF Pat Monroe-WRRF
Harry Fisher-WRRF Don Saer-WRRA
David Werner-St. Ignatius Caroline Hoepp-WRRA
Tim Marcovy-WRRA Kristen Andrews-CWRU
Linda Lissauer-Shaker


2. Approval of Minutes
The minutes from the 2-29-2000 meeting were approved.

3. Reports from Committees
Fund Raising/Site
Kathryn reported that two-way communication needed to be established between all committee chairs and the growing database of volunteers who have responded to the boathouse brochure.  She will develop a letter to inform all volunteers who responded to the brochure how to volunteer for future events.

Kathryn (via the boathouse voicemail) received a call from Kelly Jordan with QuadPro Management Company.  She and Ron DeGrandis had a meeting with them to discuss the possibility of a permanent site for housing all of rowing in Cleveland.  The site for future development is Marina Bay (also known as Scaravelli's to us rowers).  Kelly and his partners need to do some serious, strategic thinking about the viability of housing a large non-profit rowing organization in this property and will get back to us.  The timetable for development is within the next couple of years.

Jim's Steakhouse property could be up for sale and therefore is a potential site for us.  Kathryn will contact Ron DeGrandis to see what further information he can find out about the availability of this property.

Steve Davis is the new Cuyahoga River Navigator as stated in an article in the 3-24-00 Plain Dealer.  Will try to get him to come to our next meeting.

Youth/New Programs
Pat Monroe, the new chair of this committee, came to the meeting wanting as much information as possible concerning past activities.  He discussed the youth involvement last year, it being two sessions, one 4wk and one 3wk session in the morning and afternoon.  He will start the process to see what kind of interest there will be and if a program will be offered this year.
The program last year generated $10,000 in revenue and $6,000 in expenses.
Will look into a program for disadvantaged kids.  Dave Werner will get to Pat a list of contacts for more specifics on the Church in the City program.
He will be looking for coaches and assistants.  There will be three 8's and two 4's available.
There is considerable difficulty in coordinating a successful disadvantaged youth program, as Ann Rebeck stated.  May look into a program for disabled participants.  
Connections need to be made for someone to work with Pat for a City Crew rowing program.  If an assistant coordinator or willing programs do not surface, we may let this program go for this summer.

Communications
Jeff Jensen and Renee Trivisonno are gathering names for a comprehensive mailing list for the newsletter.  They have roughly 400 names right now.

Four newsletters are planned with the first one scheduled to go out in May.  Member organizations have been asked to report at the April meeting how many newsletters they would like.

Jeff and Renee have met and have come up with many things to put in the upcoming newsletter.  Each member organization will be asked for a brief article for the newsletter.

Renee will contact Bob Gannon to see if he can come to next month's meeting to discuss the new website, www.WRRA.org.

Safety
No safety incidents to report.
Safety certifications are still good for this year until the new test is given.  Specifics should be finalized shortly.  Times and places for the test will be announced.

There is serious concern regarding getting on and off the dock due to the low water level.   Please take extra care when doing so.

Shipping season started on March 28^th.  Freighters will begin to come into and out of the river earlier than usual this year.  Because of the low water level their loads will be less, hence they will be making more trips.

Launch motors are being maintained.  As always, they are a big safety issue.  

More discussions will occur regarding the sharing of launch equipment.

Coxswain training is 4-22-2000.  Where and when will be announced.

Equipment
Shaker needs a launch.  They plan on getting one with the approval given at the meeting by Don Saer, Boathouse Operations Director.

All boats are up and ready to go.

A list needs to be made of the boats that are not being used and should be sold to create more room for storage.  There is one wooden single that could be donated.  Tim Marcovy will work on that.  And there are some damaged boats that should just be discarded.

Club Racing Events
Dave Gilbert of the Cleveland Sports Commission contacted Kathryn regarding holding an Ivy League sprint regatta in Cleveland May 2001. Tim Marcovy will be following up with Dave Gilbert, along with Dave Werner.

Dave Werner is scheduling a meeting at 5:30 before our next one to discuss the Head of the Cuyahoga.  The purpose will be to start discussions regarding who will be responsible for specific duties of the fall event.  Accountability is going to be critical to make this a success.  Every member organization has been asked to bring one representative to this meeting.


4. Reports from Member Organizations
Beaumont
Just got on the water.  They have some interest from some new people; we'll see if they stick it out.  There is concern because 12 current rowers are seniors.
CWRU
On the water, excited about the upcoming season.
John Carroll University
Spring training is Tampa, Fla. was a success.  They raced against some very good teams.
St. Ignatius
St. Ignatius is on the water training.  Their first regatta is scheduled for Saturday April 15^th.
Shaker
Is on the water training.  They got a school bus for transportation for practices.
WRRA
Caroline Hoepp attended her first meeting as the new WRRA president.  Association members are out on the water too.


5. Boathouse Operations Report
Don Saer has drafted a Boathouse operations manual.  It is a very comprehensive manual detailing everything.  It will be posted in the boathouse.  Jeff Jensen will work on getting a copy of the manual for WRRF files.  Don is maintaining all the launch motors.  By April 15^th all combinations and locks to the boathouses will be changing.  Each organization will have a security manager.
Over the past few months many spare parts were either lost or stolen.  There will be two work parties at the boathouse.  April 1^st and 8^th from 11-3.

6. Treasurer's Report
Harry Fisher distributed a very detailed financial statement.  I will keep one in our files if anyone desires it in the future.  

The property insurance lapsed, but we got it paid by the WRRA and we will reimburse them when our coffers have enough cash to do so.  Harry is working with Doug Carlson regarding the transaction.

7. Old Business
The new website is being developed by Bob Gannon, www.wrra.cc.  We will try to get him to an upcoming meeting to discuss our involvement.

CPR training will be discussed at the next meeting and if we should sponsor a rowing exclusive session.


8. New Business
Chris Sheridan was in attendance to discuss the importance of an operations manual not knowing Don Saer has been working on one.  She will work with him to make sure that members review the draft manual and is as comprehensive as possible before being distributed as a final document for boathouse operations.

Katie Shilton from Oberlin College has contacted us about there wanting to start a rowing program.  She will be in attendance at our next meeting to discuss their interest.

9. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:50


The next meeting is April 25^th at 6:15 p.m.  However, there is a 5:30 pre-meeting with Dave Werner to discuss assignments for the Head of the Cuyahoga.  A representative from each organization must be in attendance.

Meeting Place: CPL Carnegie West Branch, 1900 Fulton Road


Minutes are respectfully submitted by:
Jeff Jensen, WRRF Secretary

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