Minutes
Alaska State Fair Board of Directors
Meeting Held on the Fairgrounds
April 14, 2011
Consent Agenda
1. Call to Order: President Harkey called meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Roll Call: Harkey, Kenley, Cimino, Bush, Tracy(via teleconference), present; Erickson, Consenstein; absent.
2.Approval of Mar 20, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes and March 30, 2011 Board Retreat Minutes Hearing no objection, President Harkey approved the Consent Agenda, with the removal of the Retreat Minutes and accepted/approved the Mar 10, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes.
Reports and Information Items
1. Finance Report– Accounting Manager Mason reported balance sheet of reflected total current assets of $1,868,333.62, total fixed assets of $3,969,810.75, with total assets amounting to $5,838,144.07 and total current liabilities of $46,457.35, total long term liabilities of $0.00, total equity of $5,791,686.72 with liabilities and equity totaling $5,848,144.07. She reported total income of $359,315.12 and total expenses of $232,438.18 for March, resulting in a net income of $126,876.94 at 3/31/2011 and year to date income of $97,823.31. Kenley/Cimino/MCU: To accept Finance Report as presented.
2. General Manager’s Report– Ritari reported we’re prepared to go out to bid for new electric pedestals, we’re researching a new Season Pass ticket, Facebook fans now over 16,000, National Geographic has chosen us among 12 state fairs in the nation to highlight in August issue, events at Grandstand are now all sponsored, arrangements for this year’s audit have been made, and location for new beer tent established at Grandstand area to take advantage of Pirates For Hire show and ad lib entertainment which is located in that area. He said Fair’s 75th birthday celebration will consist of birthday cakes with frosting posters of past years, Governor’s picnic set for July again this year, we’re looking for a new FEC coordinator, and the last wind storms caused bleacher and roof damage.
3. Cogen Plant Update– Randy Kaer, Alpine Energy, reported the detailed power price analysis requested by MEA has been delivered and now MEA has requested a a side by side comparison of Alpine Energy and an MEA built power plant at Eklutna electric costs. Randy said Alpine Energy’s cost is fully engineered and fully guaranteed and they now have a long term gas commitment. He reported that a decision regarding power purchase will be made by MEA by end of July for the RCA meeting,
4. Miner’s Update - Ritari updated Board on various discussions and communications with Borough representatives, City of Palmer officials, and Mat-Su Miner’s regarding request for 25 year lease of Hermon Brothers Field.
5. City Taxes/Licenses for Venders - Ritari said City of Palmer has their Economic Development Board looking at City’s entire license and permit policies and fees. He recommended going to City of Palmer web site, learning of fees and permitting policies that now exist and then giving City feedback.
6. Grants Update– Ritari stated that per Bill Allen, Representative Bill Stoltz has championed and supported funding for Native activities at the Fair. Bill Allen also reported all of the Rasmusson Foundation predevelopment funding – Rebarchek Demonstration Farm – is on hold due to lack of resources at present, however our request for monies to re-roof Sheldon Building is still in their system. We are submitting a grant request for bleachers to the Mat-Su Health Foundation. We’re also on Senator Menard’s capital funding list for sewer upgrades, but these monies are in jeopardy due to Legislature’s differences with Governor.
7. Fair Security Staff Accommodations - Ritari reported various options we’re looking into which could also be used at Fairtime and for interim use.
Action Items
1. Approve a New Account to Separate Scholarship Funds from General Ledger. Kenley/Cimino/MCU: To approve Resolution #2011-3 for establishing a separate scholarship fund.
2. President Harkey set up an Ad Hoc Committee to finalize changes to Board Policy, requesting Kenley and Cimino to help.
President Harkey convened meeting at 8:48 pm.