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OHHA Board Meeting Minutes OHHA Office, Columbus, Ohio October 14, 2008 OHHA President Steve McCoy called the meeting to order at 1 pm, and OHHA General Manager Jerry Knappenberger initiated roll call. The following Directors and employees in attendance: Dr. Tom Adams, Jim Arledge Jr., Greg Bateson, Hugh Beatty Jr., Dr. Scott Booher, Roy Burns, Robert Cain, Dr. Barry Carter, Scott Cox, Senena Esty, Joe Ewing, Kevin Greenfield, Amy Hollar, Don “Skip” Hoovler, William Irvine, Jerry Knappenberger, Suanne Kochilla, John Konesky III, Rick Martindale, Kim Marts, Steve McCoy, Dr. John Mossbarger, William Nibert, Sam Noble III, Ayers Ratliff, Kim Rinker, Dayle Roof, Approval of Minutes Steve McCoy asked for approval of June 17, 2008 OHHA Board meeting minutes. Rick Martindale motioned, Senena Esty seconded the motion to approve the minutes. Motion passed. Financial Steve McCoy discussed finances and cited specifics to solutions that were favorable in regards to current financial statements. John Konesky motioned to approve the financial report/seconded by Suanne Kochilla Motion passed. Steve McCoy introduced Richard Klemp, Vice President Government Relations for Penn National Gaming, Inc. to discuss the cons of Issue 6. Klemp stated that from the horse racing industry perspective, there is nothing in Issue 6 for the horsemen, and added that if Issue 6 passes, it will be very difficult in the future to get any kind of expanded gaming that would be favorable for the horse racing industry. “If it passes, you’ll have a well-funded interest that can work to stop any gaming expansion in the future,” Klemp noted. “We’re looking for unified opposition to Issue 6, and to date have the HPBA, and all seven track on board for our cause.” The OHHA agreed to also support the effort against Issue 6. Motion was made by Skip Hoovler to agree to oppose Issue 6 and was seconded by John Konesky. Information is available at www.noissuesix.com Steve McCoy then introduced OSRC chairman Willie Koester who stated: “We’re certainly in opposition to Issue 6. We’re in favor of gaming, but we’re in favor of the right kind of gaming. We’ve got the best state in terms of horse racing but other states have an incentive that we don’t have. If Proctor & Gamble or Honda left the state, it would be front page news and our industry employees more people than those two companies put together. So we’ve got to push that right now. Ohio is in big-time debut and is a very conservative state. We can’t raise taxes or cut services, so one option is to implement gaming. After November, we’ll need to take a serious look at getting the right kind of expanding gaming here in Ohio.” Insurance Insurance Chairman Dayle Roof provided an update on the insurance program, and stated that the trustees met in July and was able to negotiate only a 5% increase, substantial considering that the national increase is 18 to 19%. Discussion ensued and Dr. John Mossbarger motioned/Senena Esty seconded to approve a membership due increase of $5.00, bringing one year dues to $55 and two-year dues to $100, in order to help offset some of the Third Party Liability insurance costs, beginning with 2009. Skip Hoovler added an addendum to keep the sulky insurance coverage the same as 2008. Motion passed. Nominating Skip Hoovler stated that there is only one seat open and said his committee recommended Betty Shaw in the breeder category. Betty is a breeder and owner from Mt. Vernon, Ohio and very active in the fairs and as a breeder. Suanne Kochilla moved and Dr. John Mossbarger seconded. Motion passed. Sire Stakes Chairman Hugh Beatty, Jr. said that Doug Thomas said there will be a 25% decrease in 2009 Sire Stakes funds. There are three reasons for this, he said. First the tracks will cut 40 days, a 10% decrease: Second, the decline in wagering is responsible for another 10% decrease and third, the government is cutting 5% of the budget for a total of 25%. This means that Sire Stakes races will have four, $16,000 legs with an $80,000 Final. This year’s legs went for $20,000 and the final was $80,000. There are also less nominations due to a decreased number of foals, too. Greg Bateson motioned second by John Konesky. Motion passed. OHHA Banquet Chairman Rick Martindale informed the members that the OHHA banquet will take place on January 17, 2009 at the Marriott Northwest Hotel. Reservation tickets will be $45 and $50 at the door. Master of ceremonies is Dave Bianconi. The OHHA will provide a hospitality suite. It was also announced that the OHHA does not have a recipient for the Terry Holton Youth Award and nominations are encouraged. The first quarter board meeting will take place at the OHHA office on January 16, the day before the banquet. John Konesky motioned/Suanne Kochilla seconded and motion passed. OHHA Issues OHHA President Steve McCoy and General Manager Jerry Knappenberger brought a number of OHHA issues to the table, including the current 2009 racing dates for Lebanon, Scioto, Raceway and Northfield Parks. Other topics included: ADWs, Anabolic Steroids, Delaware activities & hospitality tent, the proposed whipping rule, the Ohio Breeders Stakes, and Thoroughbred breeding issues. Dr. John Mossbarger also discussed the status of the Ohio Equine Coalition and said that a task force is being formed and the summer project has taken longer than expected. Breeders Chairwoman Senena Esty said that the annual stallion auction and stallion directory will continue. Racetrack Reports Current racing dates negations were discussed. There being no further new or old business, Senena Esty moved to adjorn/seconded by Roy Burns. Motion passed. |
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