Alaska State Fair BoardAlaska State Fair Board of Directors Vice-President Bonnie Quill called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm. Present: directors Mari Jo Parks, Debby Retherford, Pete Probasco, and Charlie Willis; members Kirsten Mason, Randy Hobbs, Larry Longenecker and Marc Marlow; non members Randy Kaer and Jim Walker; general manager Ray Ritari and Donna Tate, recorder. President John Harkey was absent, working the Tanana Valley State Fair. Bruce Bush arrived at 7:06 pm. Quill recognized Parks for her “Palmer Citizen of the Year” award.
Parks/Probasco/MCU: To accept the consent agenda as amended. The agenda was amended to include an executive session after the manager’s report and postpone approval of the energy sub-committee minutes to that session.
Accounting Manager Kirsten Mason gave the financial report, which showed total assets of $4,420,544.76, total current liabilities of $62,132.59, long-term liabilities of $615,780.65, and total equity of $3,742,631.52, as of July 31, 2007. Included in the assets was $219,612.85 in the general checking account. Mason reported that there is $100,000 increase in general checking over last year’s amount. She said it appears a Line of Credit will not be necessary before Fair’s opening.
General Manager’s Update Ritari reported the Fair preparations are progressing well and staff feels arrangements are more complete this year than this time last year. The specialty posters arrived today and some last minute programming opportunities are presenting themselves. The vendor department looks good, the parking meeting will be in couple weeks, and Ritari has been busy working with the energy consultant on the energy proposals. The Garden & Arts Festival was a positive event for the Fair, increasing marketing opportunities and public relations. The Fire Marshal is pleased with our actions and plans for code compliance. The bid on installation of a sprinkler system for next year has been received. We hope to use next year’s capital budget, plus use the State’s grant, to cover the costs. The Fire Marshal has pushed final compliance date to 2010. Ritari said he has been busy with public outreach speaking at different organizational meetings and he reports the Farm Family plans are in order.
The meeting recessed at 7:22 pm. The meeting returned to session at 8:00 pm.
Action Items Retherford/Probasco/MCU: Moved to adopt the energy sub-committee’s recommendations as presented and precede forward with due process on both energy projects.
Member Comments Hobbs thanked the Fair for going forward on the energy project. He introduced Randy Kaer as the third partner in the project and recognized MEA’s presence at the meeting. Randy Kaer spoke concerning the project’s benefits to the public.
Board Comments Parks reported hearing positive remarks concerning the Fair. Probasco commended General Manager Ritari’s work to date. He had attended the Pennington County Fair while on his trip. Willis said he was impressed with the special concert posters that are being circulated around town and commended Longenecker on ground improvements. He had noticed a small misprint on the orange parking tickets. Bush feels that media is doing a good job with advertising this year. Retherford is hearing positive remarks concerning this year’s concert schedule. Quill remarked about the increased traffic and activity around the Fairgrounds.
Parks/Probasco/MCU: To adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:22 pm. |