Western Reserve Rowing Foundation Minutes
September 25, 2001
Carnegie-Fulton Library
Roll Call Introductions
Kathryn Kaczmarski-WRRF Tim Marcovy-WRRA
Cathy Petryshyn- WRRA Dave Werner-HOTC, St. Ignatius
Fred Widen-Shaker Pat Monroe-Youth Programs, CSRA
Bob Walton-WRRA Peter J. Gozar-WRRF
Evan Halprin-CWRU Jackie Virant-JCU
Harry Fisher-WRRF Mike Kovaciec-JCU
Approval of Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 6:10.
The minutes from the 8-28-2001 meeting were approved.
Reports from Committees
Boathouse Steering Committee
The new lease with Scranton Development Company is in the homestretch. SDC is creating the final version, which Kathryn K. and Peter Gozar will sign. A signed copy of the new lease will be safeguarded in Tim Marcovy's office.
The Boathouse Planning Process continues, with their next meeting scheduled for October 15, 6:00 p.m. at D'Vine Wine Bar downtown. The goal is to have a written business plan in place by the end of the year.
Youth Programs
No report from Pat, although the new fall programs at Glenville High School and Baldwin-Wallace were discussed. Neither of these programs has joined WRRF, so for now the number of delegates from the schools and WRRA remains the same. The BW program is being run as a recreation class (7 weeks) and Glenville is not yet on the water (they are having transportation problems). If these programs continue into the spring, this issue will be revisited.
Communications
The next issue of The Handle, dedicated solely to the Boathouse Planning Process, will be out in October.
Safety
The new SOP and SQL/CQL regulations are in full force, as of September 23. Tim has announced 6 different test times for CQL test taking. There is a good chance that next year's safety testing will only involve changes to the SOP, and may require only re-briefings.
No safety incidences, other than to report the tub has been damaged due to rowing too far upriver.
Equipment
Tim Marcovy requested a $500-$600.00 allowance to fix WRRF shells, which was granted. Cathy P. brought up the fact that Don never changed the boathouse codes when we said he would, and this caused consternation for some of the member organizations. Kathryn K. will follow up with Don and inquire about timing.
Club Racing Events
HOTC: Was a smashing success! Volunteers were trained this year, and that was attributed to at least some of the regatta's success. One accident required medical attention (someone tore some ligaments or tendons.) Monies have been slated for next year's regatta, giving us an even larger budget. Trophies and cox boxes were won by St. Ignatius (who also received the overall points trophy), Notre Dame, and Michigan State. 30 different organizations participated, including the University of Toledo. The size of the regatta was slightly larger than last year, and we are at our maximum dock capacity. Tim M. successfully obtained a special regulation from the Coast Guard to close the river for this year's regatta-that helped a GREAT deal!
Reports from Member Organizations
CSRA
Have 30+ girls rowing, finished 4th or 5th this past weekend at HOTC. Will attend the Head of the Charles, HOTO, Speakmon.
CWRU
Participated in the HOTC, and will also be at the Licking, HOTO and Speakmon. Currently are looking for and still in need of a head coach for Varsity Crews. Would like to buy a double or pair and possibly an eight next spring. Agreed to come before WRRF again before any equipment is purchased.
John Carroll University
With 50+ rowers, they have their largest program since 1996. Will be participating in the HOTO, Marietta, Elk, maybe Niagara.
St. Ignatius
Needless to say, did very well in the HOTC (also earned men's high school trophy). Going to HOTO.
Shaker
Have 30+ girls rowing; new 8 is in the water; going to HOTO, Speakmon.
WRRA
Have negotiated the settlement with the insurance company for damaged shells; new equipment is on order. May be going to Toledo's Headrace, new this fall (competitive crew). Have 100+ rowers in the Fall Rowing Program.
Cleveland State University
No report
Boathouse Operations Report
Again, Don did not change the locks on Sept. 10, as reported last month. Kathryn K will check in with Don.
Also, the potholes in the parking lot are getting pretty LARGE. Does Don have any plan to fill them? Kathryn K. will let Don know that this is a problem, and ask what plans he might have.
Peter G. reported that we have received the approvals to paint the wooden boathouse. Best bet is to get a small group of people together to do it; all must have signed waivers before climbing on ladders. Platforms/scaffolding was discouraged by a number of individuals, so ladders will be used.
Treasurer's Report
We have not heard back yet from the IRS. Fred Widen, new rep from Shaker, is a tax accountant, so maybe he can help out. Otherwise, Harry said that we are "flush with cash" although we will owe SDC over $7000.00 once the new lease is signed (in back rent, and payment for October).
Old Business
WRRF received one entry into the Head of the Charles. CSRA will send a women's jr. 4+. The HOTC entry package was given to Pat Monroe.
New Business
We need to begin thinking of WRRF officers for 2002. Submit all names to Peter G. or Kathryn K.
Also begin thinking of nominations for the Burning Blade Award for 2001
WRRF delegate list needs updating. Kathryn K. will talk to Jeff Jensen about this.
Announcements
Received mail from Head of the Eagle, Head of the Red regattas. No takers.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
The next meeting is October 30th at 6:00 p.m. at the Carnegie Fulton Library.
Minutes are respectfully submitted by:
Peter J. Gozar, WRRF Vice-President