Alaska State Fair Board

Minutes
Alaska State Fair Board of Directors
Board Room on the Fairgrounds
September 18, 2008

President John Harkey called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm.  Present: directors Bonnie Quill, John Erickson, and Carol Kenley; members Larry Longenecker, Kirsten Mason, Amanda Henry; general manager Ray Ritari and recorder Donna Tate.  Pete Probasco was present via teleconference.  Charlie Willis and Bruce Bush were absent.

Kenley/Quill/MCU: To accept the August 14, 2008 regular meeting minutes and the consent agenda as amended.    Member comments were added to the agenda.

Accounting Manager Kirsten Mason reported total assets of $7,641,366.29, total current liabilities of $145,343.83, long-term liabilities of $525,371.33, and total equity of $6,970,681.13 as of August 31, 2008.  Included in the assets was $3,421,329.68 in general checking account.  Mason also reported the month and year-to-date total income, expenses, and net income.  It was noted that all incurred Fair-time expenses were not reflected on the report.

Quill/Erickson/MCU: To approve the financial report for August 31, 2008.

General Manager’s Update

Ritrari’s report contained preliminary revenue figures for the different Fair departments.  He said two areas of pre-Fair concern, the sewer system and parking issues, showed much improvement over previous years.  He spoke of future considerations between the Fair and the City of Palmer, changes in the equestrian department, negotiations with the Carnival, and reported a good response to the Joel Stefansky fund raiser.

ADA Compliance

The Fair’s compliance with the American Disability Act will be a point of discussion at the Directors’ Retreat.

Auction – Amanda Henry Report

Henry reported that several items have been collected for the Oktoberfest auction.  Another planning meeting will be scheduled the first part of October.  Appreciation was expressed for Henry’s efforts.

Energy Projects Update

It was reported that Fowler’s drilling schedule remains intact.  It was additionally reported that Hobbs said that MEA seems to be reacting more favorably to Harbert’s energy proposal.  Hobbs had expressed appreciation for Erickson’s attendance at MEA’s August meeting.

NIT Land Interest

Northern Industrial Training’s interest in permanent training facilities on the Fair grounds will be a point of discussion at the Directors’ Retreat.  Ritari is to talk with NIT representatives before the retreat.

Carnival Contract Negotiations

Carnival contract negotiations will be a point of discussion at the Directors’ Retreat.

Action Items

It was decided to discuss dates for the 2009 Fair at the Directors’ retreat.

It was decided to have the Directors’ retreat at the Alaska Garden Gate and the date would be decided later.

All are to let Ritari know by the end of the month if they plan to attend Dec 15-18 IAFE Convention at Las Vegas.

Member Comment

Henry said the 2009 Fair dates were already posted on our web site as August 27 – September 7.  Longenecker reported that Joel Stefansky has recently returned to Alaska as a patient at St Elias Hospital in Anchorage.

Board Comments

Probasco walked the grounds early each morning during fair time and was impressed with the grounds so clean and presentable each morning.  Quill was pleased with the improved parking set-up this year.  She reported that for the first time in history, Alaska will have a float in the next Rose Bowl parade.  Erickson said he walked the grounds at evening time and heard comments about the Fair from various patrons.  Kenley was delighted with many positive aspects of this year’s Fair.   Harkey appreciated the visibility of the manager walking the grounds throughout the Fair.

Kenley/Probasco/MCU:  Adjourn meeting at 9:00 pm.