Alaska State Fair BoardMinutes
President John Harkey called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm. Present: directors Bruce Bush, Pete Probasco, Charlie Willis, and Carol Kenley; members Larry Longenecker, Kirsten Mason, Dean Phipps, Randy Hobbs, and Amanda Henry; general manager Ray Ritari and recorder Donna Tate. John Erickson was present via teleconference. Bonnie Quill was absent.
Probasco/Willis/MCU: To accept the three sets of minutes and the consent agenda as presented. Accounting Manager, Kirsten Mason gave the financial report, which showed total assets of $4,948,806.66, total current liabilities of $33,029.34, long-term liabilities of $525,371.33, and total equity of $4,390,406.01, as of April 30, 2008. Included in the assets was $942,566.71 in the general checking account. Mason also reported the month and year to date total income, expenses, and net income. It was noted that the amount of loss is less this year than last year even with this year’s concerts’ loss.
General Manager’s Update Ritari referred the directors to his report included in the packet sent to them last week. In addition, he reported he had received the first feedback on the two grant applications the Fair had filed. We will continue the pursuit of grant dollars. The Eckert Family recently sent a $500 check for the upkeep of the Eckert Garden. Ritari has been in discussion with the Fair’s attorney, Mike Zahare, concerning the letter of intent for Alpine Energy and the Etix contract. He has put together wavier language for organizations using our France Equestrian Center facilities which we are in the process of implementing. The 4H has used our facilities for years for their educational and recreational programs and is a part of University of Alaska Fairbanks, a self insured organization. Ritari plans to recommend continuing the use of UAF’s coverage language and look at implementing the attorney’s recommendations with the 4H at a later time. Sponsorship has been secured for most Fair days. Wells Fargo is sponsoring Youth Day and which is the day the Alaska quarter will come out. There will be much diversity in our entertainment this year and we hope to have three fireworks displays. Target will sponsor an elaborate display the first Saturday night. Ritari asked that first thing on next month’s meeting agenda be a tour of Rebarchek property.
Randy Hobbs gave an update on the progress of the cogeneration power plant. Harbert has committed their support for establishing a 5megawatt plant which does not require as extensive approval process as a larger plant requires.
Longenecker suggest that a list be made of businesses to be asked for auction donations and a list of who would ask each business so merchants will be solicited only once. He will be out of state until Tuesday. Henry offered to help with the upcoming Fair auction and also serve on the organizing committee as she has helped with several fundraisers elsewhere. Phipps said he felt donations would be more plentiful if we have a rallying cry. He thinks a 5megawatt energy plant will assist the progression of making the fairgrounds an emergency facility. He questioned whether being a part-owner of the power plant would affect the Fair’s 503(c) status.
Probasco thinks the entertainment program looks ambitious. Bush expressed his appreciation for Ritari’s commitment of cooperation with the Soil & Water District. He said plans for the demonstration farm are on track. Erickson expressed appreciation for Ritari’s work and he is anxious to see a 5megawatt power plant on the fairgrounds. Kenley appreciates opportunity to serve on membership and farm committees. She agrees it wise to tie the fund-raising auction to something particular such as perhaps the Farm Exhibits Building improvement project. Ritari is excited how the Fair is shaping up, complimenting the staff’s hard work. Harkey is excited about power plant possibilities and he too appreciates the staff. He made available the April and May issues of the NICA News magazine, recommending two articles of special interest.
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