Alaska State Fair BoardMinutes
President John Harkey called the meeting to order at 7:15 pm. Present: directors Mari Jo Parks, Debby Retherford, Pete Probasco, Bruce Bush, Bonnie Quill, and Charlie Willis; members Larry Longenecker, Dean Phipps, Pam Meekin, Randy Hobbs, and Bill Aube; general manager Ray Ritari and Donna Tate, recorder.
Probasco/Quill/MCU: To accept the minutes and consent agenda as presented except moving report item #5, “Discussion on Fair Event Attendance Policy” to the January agenda.
It was reported that the alcohol license renewal forms have been submitted to the proper authorities. General Manager Ritari gave the financial report, which showed total assets of $5,398,771.70, total current liabilities of $103,215.65, long-term liabilities of $525,371.33, total equity of $4,770,184.72, and total liabilities & equity of $5,398,771.70 as of November 30, 2007. Included in the assets was $1,216,110.07 in the general checking account. Ritari also reported the monthly and year-to-date total income, total expenses, and net income.
Parks/Probasco/MCU: To file the treasure’s report as given. General Manager’s Update Ritari reported much of his recent focus has been on finalizing the 2008 budget. There are significant changes in programming projections which include a winter concert series with nationally recognized entertainers along with local entertainers as approved at the Board of Directors’ retreat this fall. The Fair looks forward to the January meeting with the Statehood Celebration Commission to further develop opportunities for working together for the coming state anniversary festivities. He announced that Alaska Fairs were granted $500 by the IAFE Zone 8 to assist in the Associated Alaskan Fairs meeting. Ritari continues energy negotiations with Hobbs and Fowler, with the Fowler contract to be approved in tonight’s meeting. Mat-Su Convention & Visitor Bureau is a new sponsor for the Cabin Fever Reliever Concert Series to provide cash and discounted services donated by its clientele.
The Manager and Directors Quill, Bush, and Willis, who attended the IAFE convention, reported on the sessions they visited.
The Nominating Committee will meet Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 10:30 am in the board room. The Membership Committee will meet Thursday, January 3, 2008 at 3:00 pm in the board room.
Action Items Parks/Quill/MCU: To approve the 2008 general budget as presented. Probasco/Bush/MCU: To approve the Fowler Coal-bed Methane Gas Lease Contract. Parks/Probasco/MCU: To postpone setting the contribution percentage rate for staff retirement until the January meeting. If it is learned that it must be done prior to year-end, appropriate action will be taken. It was decided that the Rules Committee will meet to prepare an amendment to present for membership approval at the February membership meeting, giving the directors the option to change the date of the annual membership meeting if deemed beneficial to the membership. Rules committee meeting time will be determined at a later time.
The Directors signed a letter to be mailed to Senator Lyda Green (and copied to Governor Palin) thanking her for her participation in securing the $250,000 grant within the 2007 State Capital Budget to be used for improvements on the Farm Exhibits Building. The letter petitioned her to request additional funding within the 2008 capital budget for completion of the project.
Member Comments Phipps was grateful for Quill’s assistance in the Mat Su Visitor & Convention Center sponsorship for the Cabin Fever Reliever concerts. He also encouraged the Directors to examine the tax law changes for non-profits. Aube expressed his concern for the area water wells when Fowler begins drilling. Hobbs is glad the board approved the Fowler contract. Hobbs Industries/Tiqun Energy is moving forward with plans for an area gas-fired co-generation plant which will benefit from the Fowler project.
Board Comments Quill recently returned from her fourth board retreat. Probasco and Parks feel the directors have acted responsibly in examining and approving the Fowler contract. Bush is happier with this year’s budget process with the board being more involved. Retherford strongly supports the cooperation between the Fair and Mat Su Convention & Visitor Center on the Cabin Fever Reliever Series. She encouraged Member Aube to make appointment with Bob Fowler and discuss with him his concerns for the CBM project. Harkey wanted Ritari to know the board supports him going to the January Western Fair Association convention in California.
The meeting recessed at 9:15 pm. The meeting returned to session at 9:25 pm. Quill/Probasco/MCU: To go into Executive Session for contract negotiations and personnel issues. The board approved a bonus for Ritari.
The board came out of Executive Session and returned to its regular meeting at 10:19 pm.
Probasco/ Quill/MCU: To adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 10:20 pm. |