AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

August 13, 2008

Pursuant to notice duly given, a meeting of the Michigan State Fair Authority was brought to order by Mr. Mark T. Gaffney, Chairman, on this date, beginning at 1:55 PM, in the Administration Building, Conference Room, at the MI State Fairgrounds in Detroit. 

PRESENT:        

Mark T. Gaffney, President Michigan AFL/CIO & Chairman of MSF Authority

Robert G. Porter, Vice Chairman of MSF Authority Board

Pat G. Albright, Owner of Albright Farms

Erwin "EJ" Brown, Executive Director MI Association of Fairs & Exhibitions

Kenneth J. DeCock, Partner of DeCock and Sons LLC/Boyka's Farm Mark

Thomas G. Coon, Ph.D., Professor and Director of MSU Extension

Elaine Driker, Former Director, Detroit Orientation Institute @ WSU, via conference call

Reverend Loyce Lester, Representing the Business Community

Robert Burns, Representing Lisa Webb Sharpe, Director of DMB

Jeff Haarer, Representing Don Koivisto, Director of MDA

Steven R. Jenkins, MSF General Manager

ABSENT:     

Larry Alexander, President, Detroit Metro Visitors and Convention Bureau

Also Present:  

Terri Fitzpatrick, Director, DMB Real Estate Division 

  Ron Salley, Salley's Alley 

 Joellen Gilchrist, SMART (Southeast Michigan Animal Rights Team)

 Valerie Lane Williams, Local resident and supporter of the Fair 

  Shawn Manley, Local resident and supporter of the Fair

  Johnnie Bennett, MSF Secretary      

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA and APPROVAL OF MINUTES

ON MOTION by Mr. Mr. Albright, supported by Mr. Porter, and carried, to adjust today's meeting agenda by placing item #4 "Old Business" under "Public Comment". The adjustment was made to the agenda and the MOTION was unanimously passed.

ON MOTION by Mr. Mr. Porter, supported by Mr. DeCock, and carried, to approve the previous minutes of the July 16, 2008 meeting.  The minutes were approved with the following corrections and addition: On the 1^st page, the word "Expositions" referenced with "EJ" Brown was corrected to read "Exhibitions".  On page #4, second paragraph, under the Financial Report, in the 1^st sentence, the word "stated" will be removed.  Under Old Business, the Motion passed the word "legally" will be included to read, "the Board agreed to extend the RFP for an additional six months and issue a new RFP as soon as it is legally possible."  The MOTION to approve the previous minutes passed unanimously.

CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS

Chairman Gaffney welcomed everyone to today's meeting of the Board and then shared brief comments.

Chairman Gaffney invited the Board to take just a few minutes and review the compiled list of suggested Authority Board "Rules and Procedures" which had been recently created to capture various rules and procedures, formal or informal, to be used as general guidelines for future meetings and business of the Board.  Mr. Albright stated there were a few items on the list that would not fall under the category of either a rule or a procedure i.e. September 2007 - Michigan Farm Bureau and possibly others that were task items which the Board had discussed or completed but were not necessarily a rule or procedure to follow.  ON MOTION by Mr. Porter, supported by Mr. Albright, and carried, the Board agreed to accept today's Rules and Procedures document and include this item on the Agenda at the next meeting of the Board for further review and discussion.  It was agreed that the Board would contact Johnnie Bennett with any added revisions or adjustments and updates and changes would be made.  The MOTION was unanimously passed. 

Chairman Gaffney asked for an update on recent events held at the State Fairgrounds.  Highlighted in this discussion was the Ring of Honor Wrestling which proved to be a very successful event with over 600 spectators in attendance.  Also "Symphony-In-The-Park, a new program was held each Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. at the Fairgrounds. This very nice family oriented program was designed to help build awareness and excitement as it relates to our year-round event center initiatives.  Symphony-In-The-Park concluded on August 2, 2008.  

MANAGER'S REPORT

Mr. Jenkins gave an update on the following:

2008 STATE FAIR UPDATE - We are now seven (7) days away from the Opening Day of our great 2008 Michigan State Fair.  Mr. Jenkins reported the August Auto Cruise-in opened this afternoon and will host many auto related activities and special events at the Fairgrounds over the next few days.  The Board members were invited to visit the Community Arts Building before leaving the Fairgrounds today and see all of the excitement and wonderful activities being promoted by Mr. Doc Watson and Gary Familian of the National Auto Heritage Foundation.  There will also be a Muscle Car and Classic Car show with a special concert featuring the legendary, Chubby Checker, in the Community Arts Auditorium, on Friday evening.  Activities this weekend will also include Big Boy's Giant Drive-In Restaurant.  Negotiations are currently underway and will be pursued to have the more auto related activities in the Community Arts Building throughout the year.      

Mr. Jenkins gave a full review of the concert line-up for the upcoming Fair.   August 24, 2008 will be "Latino Day" at the Fair with Super-Kicker promoting a Bull Riding Competition Rodeo in the State Fair Coliseum. The evening concert on Latino Day will include local music and dance talent by "Youth Under Construction".  On Friday, August 29^th, Vanessa Hudgens has been replaced with "Salute to the Superstars" which will include impersonations of big name celebrities such as Aretha Franklin, Jackie Wilson, the Blues Brothers, Rod Stewart and many others.

Mr. Jenkins was happy to report all 900 Gold Circle Reserve seats for the Alice Cooper concert are now "Sold-Out".  He stated a call has been placed to Star Tickets Plus and there will soon be an additional 200 to 300 reserve seats available for purchase.  Alice Cooper will perform in the State Fair Band shell, on Wednesday, August 27, 2008.

The World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions will perform in the Coliseum over Labor Day weekend.  There will be an additional fee included for both the Lipizzaner and the Bull Riding Rodeo events.

The Michigan Lottery has increased their partnership with the Fair and will soon announce two new scratch-off lottery games. Many fairgoers will have an opportunity of becoming lucky winners of the new "Million Dollar Madness" and "Cadillac Cash" at the 2008 State Fair.

Mr. Jenkins stated Lindsay Calcatera, MSF Marketing Director, was away from the Fair offices today promoting the Fair (pro-bono) at a local Comcast network in Jackson, Michigan. He stated Lindsay continues to do a wonderful job securing free promotions and advertising for the Fair.

Next Monday, August 18^th, WJR Radio, will feature our upcoming MI State Fair on "The Big Story". This show will run for one full hour and will include comments and interviews with Dr. Dan Grooms of the Miracle of Life Birthing Exhibit, Frank Zaitshik of Wade Shows, Jeff Haarer of MDA and Fair Manager Steve Jenkins.  "The Big Show" can be heard on WJR 760 AM Radio on Monday from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Plans are in place for next Thursday, August 21, 2008, the Jewish Federation's exclusive event to be held at the State Fair.  The Federation will hold a semi-private affair from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., just one day before we officially open the 2008 State Fair.  Mrs. Driker gave a brief overview and history of the Jewish Federation's celebration of Israel's 60^th Birthday.  The special event held at the Michigan State Fairgrounds on August 21^st will be the celebration of the conclusion of the 2008 Junior Olympic Maccabi games. Mr. Jenkins stated this event may create greater interest and cause other organizations to consider hosting exclusive affairs at the Fairgrounds for future events.  Spectators and family members wanting to enter the Fairgrounds to watch the judging of the livestock shows on Thursday, August 21^st, will be permitted to enter the Fairgrounds through the Eight Mile gate near the Midway entrance.  There will be ticket-takers scheduled at the Eight Mile Road entrance for livestock exhibitors and spectators.

Mr. Jenkins reported a phone call was received in the Fair office this morning indicating the Governor would no longer be available to participate in our Opening Day Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.  A brief discussion took place regarding possible candidates to consider for The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Opening Day, scheduled for Friday, August 22, 2008, at Noon.  It was agreed that Wayne County Executive, Mr. Robert Ficano would be contacted.  Board members wishing to participate in the Opening Day Ceremonies should arrive @ the Administration Building by 11:30 a.m. for the parade line-up.

The Fine Arts Preview Night will be held next Tuesday, August 19, 2008, beginning at 6:00 p.m., in the Community Arts Building.  There will not be a Preview Night for the 2008 State Fair. 

The Miracle of Life Birthing Exhibit will be featured in the same location as it was last year.  This area will include new attractions such as Grow-A-Pizza and the Salsa Garden and this should help create a more visible and nice Agricultural welcome for our fairgoers.  All agreed this area should be free of display vehicles.  Mr. Jenkins stated vehicles would be on display at the Chrysler Coliseum as well as the Dodge Pavilion.    A brief discussion was held regarding the Miracle of Life Birthing Exhibit.  Mr. Jenkins confirmed there will be plenty of volunteers and skilled livestock participants to assure for another great season at the Miracle of Life Birthing Exhibit.  

FINANCIAL REPORT

Mr. Jenkins gave a brief update on the third quarter financial report on the State Fair.  He stated unfortunately we are down significantly in this year's sponsorship dollars.  He added that we have reduced expenditures in many areas including lights, sound and stage production. Other areas have also been significantly sized down in order to help reduce our expenditures for this fiscal year.  Mr. Jenkins stated our financial outcome for the 2008 State Fair will be greatly determined by how well our media outreach, Fair promotions and added entertainment generates increased gate attendance.

NEW BUSINESS

Paul W. Smith of WJR Radio has agreed to be the announcer at this year's Livestock Youth Auction to be held on Wednesday, August 27^th, in the North Food Court at 12:00 Noon.  Mr. Coon, Mr. Haarer, and Chairman Gaffney all agreed to assist in having someone present at the Livestock Auction to bid on behalf of the State Fair Authority Board of Directors. 

PUBLIC COMMENT

Valerie Williams, a local supporter of the Fair introduced herself again and complimented the Fair Board and manager on how nicely the meeting was conducted today.  She stated she was present today merely out of curiosity. Ms. Williams then thanked the Board for welcoming her to attend and participate in today's meeting.

Joellen Gilchrist, SMART (Southeast Michigan Animal Rights Team) shared information as it relates to the poor and cruel treatment of elephants and wild life animals possibly associated with the circus industry.  She distributed literature to the Board members and asked whether or not she could receive information on where the circus held during the Fair leases/obtains their elephants.  Ms. Gilchrist was instructed to contact the circus management for additional information.  Ms. Gilchrist thanked the Board for their patience and she left the meeting.

Ron Salley stated he attended today's meeting of the Board with hopes of learning whether or not his proposed Salley's Alley Family Entertainment and Recreation Center had been accepted into the future development plans for the Fairgrounds.  Mr. Burns addressed Mr. Salley's question and stated that DMB Real Estate Division would be discussing their recommendations in detail today during the Closed Session of the meeting.  Mr. Burns assured Mr. Salley that he could soon expect a written response from the DMB Real Estate Division, one way or another as it relates to his proposal. Mr. Salley thanked the Board and then left the meeting.

OLD BUSINESS

ON MOTION by Mr. Porter, supported by Mr. Lester, and carried, the Board voted to move the regular meeting of the Board into Closed Session to discuss the RFP's on the State Fair property.  With a roll-call vote of 10-yeas and 0-nays, the regular meeting of the Board was moved into "Closed Session" as allowed by the Open Meetings Act at 3:22 p.m. The MOTION was unanimously passed.

A lengthy discussion was held regarding the recent RFP (Request for Proposal) on the State Fair property. 

With no additional information to be presented during Closed Session, Chairman Gaffney moved the meeting out of Closed Session and the Regular meeting of the MSF Board of Director's reconvened at 4:05 p.m.

ON MOTION by Mr. Albright, supported by Mr. DeCock, and carried, to have the State Fair Authority Board move forward with the recommendations offered today by DMB Real Estate Division to continue with the exploratory discussions with two of the four groups who offered proposals for the State Fairgrounds.  The Board agreed to also have DMB send out a letter of decline to the two groups which were no longer being considered for further discussions.  The MOTION passed unanimously.

DATE for NEXT MEETING OF THE BOARD

ON MOTION by Mr. Porter, supported by Mr. Coon, and carried, the Board agreed to not hold a meeting in September, instead schedule their next meeting in October.

The next meeting of the MSF Authority Board was scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, 2008 beginning @ 1:30 p.m., in the Administration Bldg. @ the Michigan State Fairgrounds.    Please note: The regular meeting of the Board scheduled for October 8, 2008, (the second Wednesday in October) was re-scheduled to Wednesday, October 15, 2008, (same time & same location).

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 4:11 p.m.