The meeting was called to order by president, Scott Woogen at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Those present by phone were: Scott Woogen, Gregg Trotto, Amanda Jackson, Betsy Brown, Alvin Lineweaver, Terry Kibler, Debbie Warnick and Mike Pearson
MEETING MINUTES: The minutes from the previous Board of Directors meeting held on April 12, 2018 were read and approved as written.
TREASURER’S REPORT: The treasurer’s report as of April 30, 2018 was reviewed and approved as written.
OLD BUSINESS:
Item 1. Board member seat There was discussion concerning filling the board member seat that became vacant when Debbie Warnick took the position of Executive Director. Nominations offered were Charles Robbins and Ryan McLenahan. There was discussion about the qualifications of both candidates. A vote was taken and Charles Robbins was voted in unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
Item 1. Starting time for races The Shenandoah Downs planning committee feels that moving the starting time to 2:00 pm would help get more attendance. It was discussed and agreed that this should be tried this year on all race days. We will recommend that the Friday and Monday races also start at 2:00 pm in order to avoid confusion with paddock schedules, lasix, etc.
Item 2. Owner for a Day The planning committee would like have Owner for a Day races. Owners would be drawn from a pool for a specific race. They would then win whatever purse money their horse won that day. This would mean double purse money would have to be put up for the specific race. It was agreed that this is a good program and that we should support it, possibly every weekend. The VHHA would put up the purse money or possibly split the cost with the VEA. Virginia Harness Horseman Association Board of Directors Meeting Minutes May 17, 2018 Page Two
Item 3. Outrider The VEA would like to hire an outrider for the race meet. There was some discussion about possible candidates. Betsy Brown will follow up with this.
Item 4. Secretary of Agriculture race Mike Pearson commented that the current Secretary of Agriculture would like to have a race against the previous Secretary of Agriculture and possible the Governor. There was discussion concerning double seat jog carts. Scott will talk to the USTA driving school to see if it is possible to borrow theirs.
As there was no further business to be discussed, Scott Woogen adjourned the meeting at 7:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Debbie Warnick Executive Director