Alaska State Fair Board

Minutes
Alaska State Fair Board of Directors
Board Room on the Fairgrounds
September 10, 2009

President John Harkey called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.  Present: Directors Carol Kenley, Bonnie Quill, John Erickson, Pete Probasco, and Charlie Willis, General Manager Ray Ritari, members Kirsten Mason, Kylie Clark, Rick Miller, and Larry Longenecker.  Director Bruce Bush arrived at 7:20 pm.
August 13, 2009 minutes and the amended consent agenda were approved.  The agenda was amended to include setting dates for directors’ retreat and staff breakfast.

General Manager’s Update

Ritari gave a report comparing 2009 daily income to 2008 daily income by department.  His report also included additional information on finances, entertainment projections, vendor issues, and operations changes.  He feels the reptile exhibit was a real asset to the Fair.

Action Items

Kenley/Quill/MCU: Approve September board meeting date change resolution.
Bush/Probasco/MCU: Approve 2010 Fair dates being August 26 – September 6.
Tentative date for Directors’ Retreat will be October 28 – 29 at the fairgrounds.  President Harkey will have agenda by mid October.
Staff breakfast to be October 2; Kenley will organize occasion.

 Member Comments
Clark expressed concern for vendor problems; Miller complimented management for a great Fair.

Board Comments
Willis said the rodeo filled the bleachers; Probasco was impressed by grounds/garden crews; Erickson felt that week days were slower this year but enjoyed interacting with Fair patrons; Bush thinks this year best for Fair access; Quill spent more time at Fair and appreciates the Fair is safe, clean, entertaining and financially successful; Kenley noted clean grounds and restrooms and feels the Kids’ Maze beautiful; Harkey thinks there was “more bang for the buck” this year.

President Harkey recessed meeting at 8:08 pm.        

The board went into Executive Session at the request of President Harkey at 8:14.  Issues were discussed; no action was taken.

Out of Executive Session; meeting adjourned at 9:16 pm.