Alaska State Fair Board

Minutes
Alaska State Fair Board of Directors
Board Room on the Fairgrounds
August 14, 2008

President John Harkey called the meeting to order at 7:03pm.  Present: directors Bruce Bush, Bonnie Quill, John Erickson, Pete Probasco and Carol Kenley; members Larry Longenecker, Kirsten Mason; general manager Ray Ritari and recorder Donna Tate.  Charlie Willis was present via teleconference.

Erickson/Probasco/MCU: To accept the July 11, 2008 regular meeting minutes and the consent agenda.  The Oktoberfest Auction Update by Amanda Henry was deleted from the Agenda due to her absence.

Accounting Manager Kirsten Mason reported total assets of $4,762,083.72, total current liabilities of $59,543.39, long-term liabilities of $525,371.33, and total equity of $4,762,083.72, as of July 31, 2008.  Included in the assets was $643,919.66 in general checking account.  Mason also reported the month and year-to-date total income, expenses, and net income. 

Quill/Bush/MCU: To approve the financial report for July 31, 2008.

General Manager’s Update

Ritrari’s report contained information regarding the statehood celebration agenda, grounds improvements, and the health status of Joel Stefansky.  He distributed the Fair’s daily schedule, listed several new items for this year’s Fair, and spoke of future possibilities for fair grounds use.

Action Items

Probasco/Quill:  To approve the recommended design for the Forget Me Not Garden.  Motion was tabled until October meeting to get more information.

Bush/Probasco/MCU: To make Tuesday, August 26, a day to collect funding for the Joe Stefansky family.  Methods to be used will be decided later.

Member Comment

Longenecker said he felt the Stefansky family’s approval should be obtained prior to August 26.  He announced that an account for donations had been established at the Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union for the Stefansky family.

Board Comments

Willis requested that an invitation to the Directors’ Reception be sent to Kenai Peninsula State Fair’s manager, Laura McGinnis, to thank her for permitting him to use her home for teleconferencing tonight’s meeting. Probasco complimented marketing for this year’s publicity.  Bush reported the oats are growing well in the Rebarchek field.  Quill complimented Manager Ritari for his participation at the recent Wasilla Chamber meeting.  She will be out of town the first five days of the Fair.  Harkey expressed appreciation for Longenecker’s improvements to the fairgrounds, especially Raven Hall.  Next board meeting will be September 18.

Kenley/Erickson/MCU:  Adjourn meeting at 9:04 pm.