Alaska State Fair Board
Minutes
Alaska State Fair Board of Directors
Raven Hall on the Fairgrounds
February 14, 2008
President John Harkey called the meeting to order at 8:53pm. Present: directors Bonnie Quill, Charlie Willis, Bruce Bush, Pete Probasco and newly elected directors John Erickson and Carol Kenley; members Larry and Linda Longenecker, Randy Hobbs, David, Kirsten, and Connor Mason, Dean Phipps, Nancy Willis, Pamella Meekin, Cheryl Harkey, Tiny DePreist, Mary Ann Probasco, Winston Newby, and his wife and daughter, who are non-members; general manager Ray Ritari and recorder Donna Tate.
Quill/Bush/MCU: To accept the minutes and the consent agenda.
Accounting Manager Mason gave the financial report, which showed total assets of $4,943,355.96, total current liabilities of $34,307.07, long-term liabilities of $525,371.33, and total equity of $4,383,677.56, as of January 31, 2008. Included in the assets was $878,613.02 in the general checking account. It was noted that expenses for the February 16th Cabin Fever Reliever Series concert were reflected on the report but no revenue will show until after the concert.
Probasco/Bush/MCU: To approve the financial report for January 31, 2008.
General Manager’s Update
Ritari reported the full time staff is enlarging by three, which speaks of progression and much activity. He said January’s Cabin Fever Reliever Concert was considered a success but greater success is expected in the future as the public comes to expect quality Fair-sponsored entertainment during winter months. The new 4ft. tall stage adds to the professionalism of the event. //He was approached by a developer wanting to put a steel building on our grounds, the third person within the last twelve months to express interest in our valuable real estate. //The Associated Alaskan Fairs will hold their annual meeting here next week. It is hoped that grounds acts and attraction schedules can be arranged to benefit more than one Fair and thereby share cost. //The summer Garden and Art Show coordinator is not available this summer and we are looking at making some changes for this year’s showcase. //The 2008 Fair is taking shape. Some of the entertainment acts are already booked, Creation Station exhibit probabilities look exciting, a special fireworks display is being arranged, we hope to have a blanket toss and other possibilities are encouraging. //We expect to have a proposal for the 50th Anniversary Commission soon. //He pointed out that a record net operating income of $728,999 was achieved in 2007. //Ritari reported that Tiqun Energy is no longer in existence; Hobbs Industries is now the local representative of Harbert Management who is working on a larger cogeneration plan than previous company presented. More space will be required for the enlarged plant. //He said Bob Fowler expects to file for a drilling permit on Fair property by mid summer after his present project is running to expectations. //Bids are expected soon for the sprinkler system in the Farm Exhibits Building and for the replacement of three electrical pedestals near the log cabin food stands. //A pledge button for donations to the Fair is now on our website.
2008 Admission to Fair Update
The decision has been made to keep parking fees as last year’s. The parking contractor presented an improved parking plan to the Department of Transportation which is hoped to relieve the Fair-time parking pressures. Adult admission cost will also remain the same as last year’s. A definite decision will be made later concerning the youth admission cost. It may be necessary to increase that admission by $1 to help defray the additional event cost in the Creation Station.
State Budget Process
It appears that it would be beneficial to have representatives (possibly Ritari and a board member or two) go to Juneau in an effort to gain support for the Farm Exhibits Project. We need to see the project added to the State Budget again this year.
Hobbs – Power Update
The Tiqun Energy Company is no longer in operation and Randy Hobbs is presently working with Harbert Power Corporation. They are preparing a formal proposal to present to MEA which will meet their new energy requirements. There is to be a meeting with MEA first week of March and he encourages Fair representatives to also attend the meeting. Hobbs would like to see a letter stating the Fair’s support of the Hobbs/Habert project and our interest in working with them.
Probasco/Willis/MCU: Ritari to write letter of the Fair’s support and interest in working with the Hobbs/Harbert project. The letter is to be forwarded to the Board of Directors for review before sending to Hobbs.
Action Items
Probasco/Quill/MCU: To certify the election of directors.
Organization of Board
President Harkey opened the floor for nominations:
Quill nominated Harkey as President.
Quill/Willis/MCU/: to close nominations and elect cast a unanimous ballot for Harkey.
Bush nominated Quill as Vice President.
Bush/Probasco/MCU: to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Quill.
Bush nominated Probasco as Secretary.
Bush/Kenley/MCU: to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Probasco.
Willis nominated Bush as Treasurer.
Willis/Probasco/ MCU: to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Bush.
It was agreed to postpone forming the energy sub-committee until the March meeting.
Harkey formed a membership committee whose members will be: Quill (Chair), Willis, and Kenley. They will work on new membership categories.
Member Comments
Longenecker will be working on the grounds water leak tomorrow. Mr. and Mrs. Newby both spoke in support of the efforts to solve fair-time parking problems and felt that the member-ship writing the governor to request funds for the Farm Exhibit building is positive action. C. Harkey congratulated Erickson and Kenley for their new seat on the board of directors. DePriest spoke in favor of going forward with the Hobbs cogeneration power plant.
Board Comments
Ritari announced that he had received notice of the new laws concerning conflict of interest and feels the Fair will need to make certain they remain in compliance. Bush thinks much ground has been covered this last year for the Fair. Willis said he recently viewed pictures in the Anchorage Daily News files, some of which have never been published. He said anyone can make an appointment with them for viewing. Kenley has great interest in the Fair and is excited about the opportunity to serve as a director. Erickson said he would like to volunteer to serve on the energy committee. Harkey feel the Fair is progressing forward. All of the previously seated directors welcomed Erickson and Kenley to the Board of Directors.
The meeting adjourned at 10:34 pm.