FAR WEST MASTERS BOARD MEETING – MINUTES

7 March, 2009 – Alpine Meadows, CA

Board Members attending: Elizabeth Kennedy, Marcie Pettigrew, Sandy Hogan, Deb Lewis, Don Smith, Marietta Frinnell

Others in attendance: Mike Kennedy, Mark Mirviss

Old Business/topic for discussion and decision: National Age class.

Marietta noted that the major decision to be made concerned whether or not the National Age class (NAC) should be instituted for the upcoming season, and called for a motion on this topic. Elizabeth moved to institute the National Age Class in FWM in the 09/10 ski season. Marcie seconded the motion. A discussion followed:

• Deb summarized issues involving the computer program, noting that a change to the NAC would be less complex both for the ski areas and for her.
• Sandy noted that the suggestion to institute the NAC came as a result of our spring 2006 general membership meeting, and recapped survey results, which took place over two subsequent ski seasons. With 59 responses, 31 favored the NAC, 19 did not (9 others indicated no preference).
• Marietta calculated that the numbers of new awards required would be 13-14 per race, based upon recent race numbers. Marcie, Marietta researched costs and types of awards, indicating that cost doesn’t seem to be a big issue. This topic will be scheduled as an agenda item at the Memorial Day Board meeting.
• Mark has talked to some ski areas re: next year’s race schedule; will introduce the NAC discussing potential costs and benefits, including the positive impact on computer program for their race personnel.

A general discussion ensued, with Don presenting his informal survey feedback from those not supporting the NAC. General discussion indicated that if we don’t try it, we’ll never know if it might encourage new (or returning) racers or not. After discussion, a vote was taken, with 4 for the motion, 1 against. Motion passed. Don asked Marietta as to how her vote would go, if the missing members’ vote would have resulted in a tie. She noted that she would vote “for”, and the motion would pass, in any event.

The Board meeting was adjourned at approximately 3:15 pm.

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Marietta called the General Membership meeting to order at approximately 3:15 pm, and announced the decision made by Board. She noted that the Bylaws allowed for the general membership to vote on Board decisions, and asked if anyone wished to speak against the Board’s decision. A 2/3’s vote is necessary to overturn a Board decision. No one chose to speak.

Marietta read each of the 5 positions on the ballot, asking for additional nominations; there were no additional nominations. The following were elected to the Board: VP-Scheduling: Mark Mirviss; VP-Membership: Marcie Pettigrew; VP-Communications: Ingrid Braun; and two additional Board positions which were added at the fall meeting: Don Smith and Deb Lewis. The general membership meeting was adjourned, followed by scholarship recipient speakers, awards, and raffle.