Regular Board of Directors Meeting SFTL Masters Booster Club
September 6, 2025
10:15 AM
Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center
The regular Board of Directors meeting was called to order at 10:22 AM. Those in attendance and constituting a quorum were:
Present
Erica Weston, Mark Richards, Phil Wenzel, Jody Wesgate, Melissa Scott, and Matt Goracy. Absent: Eddie Tiozzo (but attended telephonically)
Others Present: Coaches Blake Woodrow and Marty Hendrick
Appearance: Christine McCrady (holiday party chair)
Approval of the Agenda
MOTION: Erica moved to approve the agenda for the meeting. Seconded and carried without dissent.
Approval of the Minutes
MOTION: Jody moved to approve proposed meeting minutes of regular Board of Directors meeting dated August 2, 2025. Seconded and carried without dissent.
Ratification
Phil moved to ratify the vote of directors by email of the holiday party date and amount of deposit to secure date and venue. Seconded and carried without dissent.
President’s Report
President Wesgate reported on the status of the team store and other recent activities
Holiday Party Chair Report
Christine McCrady discussed the holiday’s party funding and how this year’s event may charge a higher ticket price, but the value has increased as it is a four-hour event with dinner and a band at a private venue (Coral Ridge Yacht Club). There was a discussion as to whether donations received for a holiday party would decrease donations for alternate needs of the Booster Club. It was also discussed whether holiday party could serve as a fundraising opportunity.
Action Item: Committee and Board to explore methods of fundraising and to determine whether holiday party should be marketed as an annual fundraising event for the Booster Club.
Treasurer’s Report
Matt Goracy reported on balance of Club’s account being low once distributions are made to the City for the June Krauser meet and to Coach Blake for the Skills and Drills clinics. Matt discussed the 5% Stripe distributions for payments made through app and upcoming profits/costs of Fall Classic meet. MOTION: Matt moved for the Board to approve the Meet Director fee of $600 for June Krauser meet. Seconded and passed without dissent.
MOTION: Matt moved for the Board to approve the distribution of the Skills and Drills profits to Coach Blake. Seconded and passed without dissent.
Secretary’s Report
Melissa Scott reported on the necessity to distinguish between the Booster Club’s programming and responsibilities and the City’s programming and responsibilities. She discussed coaches’ roles as advisors to the voting directors, and booster club as a voluntary supplement to the City’s masters swim program. Melissa also commented on Directors’ fiduciary duty owed to the Club’s members. Additionally, an update on Sunday’s team picnic was provided.
Swim Across America Chair Report
Erica reported on Steve Burnes’ behalf. The event is scheduled for Friday October 10, 2025, from 5 to 8 PM. Erica described the fundraising event for cancer, the request for multiple methods of communication including a “save-the-date,” and how Swim Across America covers costs associated with lifeguards, reserving pool space, etc.
Open Business
Membership Survey
Motion: Jody moved to complete and send survey within the next month. Seconded and passed without dissent.
Fall Classic Swim Meet
Discussion: Concern of whether meet was sanctioned was discussed and whether a scheduling conflict with the Grown Up Swim Meet. Coach Blake said could add the meet’s extra day to Pool’s calendar. No report presented from committee. Phil suggested boosting interest in meet by offering a unique medal for all participants.
Action Item: To hold meeting/committee meeting in Mid-October to determine what is needed.
New Business
Kick Off the New Year Party
Discussion: Coach Marty discussed holding a “Kick Off the New Year Party” on January 18, 2026. Concern was expressed that the Board of Directors’ focus had to be on holding the Annual Meeting with elections in January and whether a party would overshadow importance of Annual Meeting participation. It was suggested that a combined date/event of Annual Meeting and party could drive participation and be supported by the Board.
Action Item: To determine a time and location of both Annual Meeting and party.
Coach Blake Retention
Discussion: Coach Marty described City’s failure to approve additional coaching positions, how the age group team afforded a part-time coach in addition to contracted coaches, and how masters swim team fails to fit under the Parks and Rec model. It was discussed how the lack of benefits and insurance deters any longevity in coaching staff. There was some discussion on possibility of seeking grants to attract coaches, etc.
Meeting adjourned at 11:36 AM
Minutes submitted by Secretary, Melissa Scott.
SFTL Masters 