MICHIGAN STATE FAIR & EXPOSITION CENTER

AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

March 11, 2009

Pursuant to notice duly given, a meeting of the Michigan State Fair Authority was brought to order by Mr. Mark Gaffney, Chairman, on this date, beginning at 1:47 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

Reverend Loyce Lester, Representing the Business Community

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 Market 

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

Elaine Driker, Former Director, Detroit Orientation Institute @ WSU

Robert Burns, Representing Lisa Webb Sharpe, Director of DMB

Jeff Haarer, Representing Don Koivisto, Director of MDA

Robert G. Porter, Newly Appointed MSF General Manager

**The Minutes were corrected at the April 22, 2009 meeting of the Board of Directors to show that Member Erwin "E.J." Brown was absent at the March 11 meeting of the Board.

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA and APPROVAL OF MINUTES

ON MOTION by Mr. Lester, supported by Mr. DeCock, and carried, to accept today's meeting agenda with one change being made:  Item #4 "Manager's Salary - Closed Session" will be moved to the end of the meeting, under Public Comment.  The MOTION was unanimously passed.

ON MOTION by Mr. Lester, supported by Mrs. Driker, and carried, to approve the minutes of the meeting held on February 4, 2009.  The minutes were reviewed and the MOTION to approve the previous minutes was unanimously passed.

CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS

Chairman Gaffney welcomed everyone to today's meeting of the Board and stated he would hold his comments and questions until later in the meeting because oftentimes these items are addressed and his questions are answered throughout the meeting.  Mr. Gaffney highlighted the agenda and asked the public to please hold their comments and/or questions until the appropriate time noted on today's agenda.  Due to the large turn-out of public participants possibly desiring to speak today, Mr. Gaffney asked everyone to please limit their comments and remarks to 2 to 3 minutes. The meeting was then turned over to Mr. Porter.

MANAGER'S REPORT

Mr. Porter thanked the Governor's office, DMB (the Department of Management and Budget) and the State Fair Authority Board for having confidence and faith in his ability to serve in this challenging position as the General Manager of the Michigan State Fair.  Mr. Porter then reported on the following:

2009 Entertainment Update - Mr. Porter stated he has reviewed a tentative list of entertainers for the 2009 State Fair with various staff members and hopes to soon make an announcement of the complete 2009 Entertainment line-up to Board members and to the public. Negotiations are currently underway regarding bringing in special Motown sounds and Michigan-based entertainers.

MSF Staffing Update - Mr. Porter distributed a copy of a Letter of Resignation recently given to him by Lindsay Calcatera, MSF Marketing Director. Mr. Porter explained that due to the uncertainty of being employed with the State Fair beyond September 30th, Lindsay has accepted a position with a new firm and has turned in her two week notice to the Fair.  Mr. Porter thanked Lindsay for her ability in obtaining a wonderful sponsorship agreement for the 2009 Fair with Little Caesar's Pizza.  Mr. Porter stated the RFP bid process for a new marketing & advertising firm or person for the 2009 State Fair is already in place.  Lindsay has offered her services and assistance in this process to help ensure the transition will be smooth for all parties involved.  Lindsay was a very dedicated employee with great marketing skills, who will be missed by all.  We wish you much success, Lindsay Calcatera!

Mr. Porter stated Pat Boyer, Special Grounds & Entertainment Director and Volunteer & Daily Parade coordinator, stated at the conclusion of the 2008 Fair season that she would not be returning to work with us due to an unresolved contractual matter.  Mr. Porter stated he has been working with DMB and the Attorney General's office for a possible solution. Mr. Porter has offered Pat an opportunity to extend her contract and work with us for this upcoming season.  Mr. Porter has also asked Pat to respond to this offer by the beginning of next week.

Mr. Porter paused to recognize any State Fair staff members in the audience today.

Facility Image & Maintenance - The State Fair welcome sign at the Woodward Avenue entrance was recently defaced with black paint stating the (N) word.  Mr. Porter immediately brought this matter to the attention of MSF Facility Manager, Daryl Love, who had the words removed within a matter of an hour.  Mr. Porter complimented Daryl for his hard work in maintaining and safeguarding the image of Fairgrounds. There were no other issues of this nature found.

Contract Update - A list highlighting special grounds entertainment and the price for each of these events booked for the 2009 State Fair was distributed.  A full 2009 calendar of events for the Fairgrounds was also distributed to each of Board member.  The Shrine Circus has expressed an interest in signing a lease agreement for 2010.  Mr. Porter stated a meeting with the new midway ride provider "NAME" (North America Midway Entertainers) will take place this Friday in the Fair offices. There are some concerns with the midway contract. Mr. Porter and other Fair staff members will discuss with NAME the cost of their ride-all-day wrist bands, marketing & promotions strategies and other items that will ensure a fun and family-affordable 2009 State Fair.

Current Appointments - A section of Senate Bill "1130" was distributed which highlighted the appointments of the Board members.  Recently there were questions raised regarding the re-appointments process.  The language in the Bill states a member of the Board shall hold office until a successor has been appointed by the Governor.  Chairman Gaffney stated re-appointments and appointments for all State Boards have taken a while to be filled with the State Fair Authority Board being no exception.  He added that when considering the Governor's recent decision to abolish the position of the State Fair General Manager and the Authority Board as of October 1, 2009, it is likely there will not be any new appointments added to this Board.  It was further stated that the Michigan State Fair Authority Board would simply be dissolved as of October 1^st should the Governor's executive order issued on February 13, 2009 not be rescinded and her 2010 budget be approved.  It was noted that Robert Burns serves on the Authority Board as a representative for the Director of the Michigan Department of Management and Budget.

A brief discussion was held regarding the present State Fair partners and stake holders leasing various buildings.  DMB Real Estate Division has been reviewing these lease agreements and discussions are taking place regarding the best date to close on facilities.  DMB is currently reviewing an economic development plan for the Fair site.

General Comments - Recently questions were raised regarding State Fair deed restrictions. Mr. Porter received information that the original handwritten deed of the property is being examined and so far, no restriction or reversion clause has been found for the property.

MSF Authority Board Resolution of Thanks for the previous Fair Manager - Chairman Gaffney recommended to the Board that a Resolution of Thanks be offered to the previous Fair Manager, Steve Jenkins expressing appreciation for his hard work and outstanding leadership skills as he served as Fair Manager.  Mr. Gaffney shared with the Board suggested language which could be included in the Resolution. (see attachment A)   ON MOTION BY Mr., Lester, supported by Mrs. Driker, and carried, the Board agreed a Resolution of Thanks should be prepared and a copy forwarded to Mr. Jenkins.  The MOTION was unanimously passed.

OLD BUSINESS

MSF    Authority Board Resolution on The Future of The Michigan State Fair - Mr. Coon read the language recently offered by the Board to be included in a Resolution on the Future of the State Fair.  The Board reviewed the Resolution language as read by Mr. Coon today and made minor revisions and additions.

ON MOTION BY Mr. Lester, supported by Mrs. Driker, and carried, the Board agreed to adopted the Resolution on the Future of the State Fair (see attachment B) and agreed this document should be forwarded to Governor Granholm, the Governor's Southeast Michigan office, the Director of DMB and MDA, the Appropriations Senate, House and Agricultural Committee Chairpersons and various members of the legislature who's district surrounds and borders the State Fair property. The MOTION passed with two (2) abstention votes by Mr. Burns representing DMB and Mr. Haarer representing MDA.

NEW BUSINESS

Public Forum - A brief discussion took place regarding scheduling details for the Public Forum and various members and groups to be invited to attend this special meeting on the future of the Michigan State Fair.  The Board agreed to hold the annual community meeting on Wednesday, April 22^nd at 6:00 p.m., in the Community Arts Bldg.

Vice Chairperson Selection - Mr. Lester recommended Elaine Driker as a nominee for the Vice-Chair position on the Board.  The Board all expressed their strong support of this recommendation.  Mrs. Driker accepted the position.  Congratulations to our new Authority Board of Director Vice-Chair, Elaine Driker.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Chairman Gaffney opened the meeting up for public comment and again asked that each participant limit their remarks 2 to 3 minutes, as to allow time for everyone wishing to offer comments or ask questions today.  

There were many public comments, statements, and remarks offered at today's meeting of the Board.  Statements of strong support for the continuation of the State Fair at it's present location and concerns were expressed as it relates to future developments and the maintenance and security of the Fair site should the land remain vacant for any period of time.  Guest did express their appreciation for the year-round events and activities which take place at the facility.  Some commented and complimented the value of youth programs and family friendly activities, while others questioned the State's reasoning for removing future funding for the Fairgrounds without an alternative development in place.  The public was invited to attend the Neighborhood Advisory meeting scheduled for April 22^nd, at 6:00 p.m. in this same location.

MANAGER'S SALARY

ON MOTION by Mr. Coon, supported by Mr. Albright, and Carried, The Meeting was moved into Closed Session at 4:32 p.m. to discuss the Manager's Salary.

The Meeting reconvened to Regulatory Session at 4:46 P.M.

ON MOTION BY Mr. Coon, supported by Mrs. Driker, and carried, to set the State Fair Manager's salary at $87,500.00 (which is 10% less than what was paid to the previous Fair Manager). ** The Motion passed with one (1) abstention vote by Mr. Albright.

**The Minutes were corrected at the April 22, 2009 meeting of the Board of Directors to read that the Motion passed with one (1) "NO" vote by Mr. Albright.

DATE for NEXT MEETING OF THE BOARD

ON MOTION BY Mr. Lester, supported by Mr. Coon, and carried, to schedule the next meeting of the MSF Authority Board for Wednesday, April 22, 2009, beginning @ 3:30 p.m., in the Administration Building, Conference Room, followed by the Annual Neighborhood Advisory Community Forum at 6:00 p.m., to be held in the Community Arts Hudson Auditorium.

ADJOURNMENT

ON MOTION BY Mr. Coon, supported by Mrs. Driker, and carried, the meeting of the MSF Authority Board was adjourned at 4:49 p.m.