Mr. Hertel reported on the following:

NEW LAYOUT – Mr. Hertel reported that the new layout for the 2006 State Fair is now in stone.  He stated that we are particularly pleased about the positive reaction from the DNR and the Huron Clinton Metroparks Authority (HCMA).  Mr. Hertel stated that now because of the change in the location of the Miracle of Life Birthing Exhibit and the new location of the Petting Zoo, Pony Rides and the Lumber Jack show there will be a tremendous amount of added exposure and activity in terms of Fair participants gathering in this corner of the Fairgrounds and this will be very good for the DNR and HCMA Outdoor Zone-Pocket Park.  Mr. Hertel added that with the new children’s play “Dragon Scales and Faerie Tales” and the new circus activities all taking place at this corner of the Fairgrounds, the Metroparks and DNR will have more of an opportunity to show off Michigan’s environmental education program which includes catch and release fishing, a shooting, safety and archery range.

 

Mr. Hertel was also very pleased to announce that in return for us consolidating the carnival ride area by moving the kiddie-land rides to an area closer to the main midway, Frank Zaitshik, President of Wade Shows has agreed to give us an opportunity to promote one price ride wristbands for all day everyday throughout the entire Fair instead of half day wristbands that are sold only Monday through Friday for certain hours.  Mr. Hertel added that the pay one price ride all day wristbands would also be sold everyday of the Fair including the holiday.  He added that this change along with the official decision, made by the Board at last month’s meeting, to sell seasonal gate admission passes will make the State Fair a great value for everyone.

 

WHAT’S NEW for the 2006 STATE FAIR – Mr. Hertel reported that along with the new location of various exhibits and the new seasonal gate admissions and ride all day wristbands, the new circus attraction and the new children’s play in the Hudson’s Auditorium, we will also have a new walking tree that looks just like a real tree when it’s standing still but then it walks around the fairgrounds amazing and surprising all of the children.  Rodney the Rooster will also drive his little hot rod car throughout the Fairgrounds each day entertaining all of the Fairgoers.  Mr. Hertel was pleased to report that we have a new advertising promotion through the Michigan Lottery Commission.  He stated that a special State Fair promotion will be printed on over 8 million lottery tickets sold before the Fair and the ticket will state that you are already a winner and will carry a special $2.00 off coupon for adult and child admission into the Fair.

 

Mr. Hertel was pleased to announce that this year we will have a double benefit in terms of moving the Fair dates back to the end of summer, which are the traditional Fair dates.  He stated that we did not hold our Fair during the traditional end of summer dates for the last two years and it has been over 10 years since we held our Fair with no school during the traditional dates.  In the past, school has always started during the second week of the Fair, before the Labor Day holiday.  Mr. Hertel was pleased to report that now under Michigan Law, schools won’t begin before Labor Day and we will be able to go back to our traditional dates and won’t have to worry about changing our Fair dates ever again.

 

CONCERT LINE-UP – Mr. Hertel was happy to report that the 2006 State Fair Concert line-up is one of the best we have had in years.  He then gave a detailed overview of the nightly concerts to be held in the Band shell arena and he asked that this information remain confidential until after we hold our 2006 Media Press Conference.

 

Mr. Hertel reported that all of the arrangements have been made and Raven-Symone will be performing at the upcoming State Fair over the Labor Day weekend.  He stated that this is a tremendous opportunity for us in terms of promotions, sponsorships and cost-savings.  Radio Disney has donated a check in the amount of $40,000 to the Fair to pay the expenses of booking Raven-Symone for the upcoming Fair.  Mr. Hertel stated that Raven-Symone appears on the #1 Disney television show “That’s So Raven” every Saturday morning and this should prove to be a very big draw for the Fair.  Mr. Hertel added that this arrangement is really a triple-hitter for us in terms of Raven-Symone is a great act, we didn’t have to pay for anything and Radio Disney will be promoting it for weeks before the Fair.

 

NEW OPPORTUNITY – Mr. Hertel stated that we’ve been approached in the last few weeks by an individual who has a major connection to a nation wide corporation who wants to talk to us about constructing a bowling alley at the Fairgrounds.  Mr. Hertel stated that he has discussed this briefly with Chairman Gaffney and he has also asked many questions of this particular individual concerning his lease proposal for the Fairgrounds.  Mr. Hertel stated that the individual has agreed to come back in for a second meeting with him and at that time he will bring all of the answers to our questions.  Mr. Hertel stated the individual would bring his legal attorney with him to the second meeting, only for the purpose of clarity in communicating the details of his proposed lease agreement.  Mr. Hertel stated that only if it appears that there is a significant willingness in terms of financial commitment, will he then invite the Attorney General’s office and the Department of Management and Budget to come in for a third meeting and then a presentation will be made to the Board members to allow us to then move ahead with the proposed project.

 

Monique Field asked whether or not an attorney from the State should be present at the second meeting.  Iris Lopez offered her help and assistance and stated that she would be happy to attend the meeting.  Mr. Hertel thanked Ms. Lopez and Ms. Field and stated it would be premature at this time for her to join him in the meeting.  Mr. Hertel explained how it is not his intentions or desire in any way to get the Board members and/or the State involved in every time-consuming proposal that is presented to his office because many of these proposals never make it pass the initial meeting due to a lack of funding and commitment.   

 

In response to a question raised by Mrs. Driker, Mr. Hertel stated that even with the present nearby bowling facility located on Woodward Avenue just south of the Fairgrounds, this individual believes his proposal to construct a bowling alley at this site would be a success because of his close association with key personalities and his connection with a big name celebrity.

 

Mr. DeCock questioned what would happen with the new layout should the DDOT plans for a new State Fair entranceway not be completed in time.  He questioned whether or not we would have to contact the Fair exhibitors and move back to our original layout.  Mr. Hertel stated that it is now too late to change things back and we will have to move ahead either way with our new layout of the grounds.  He added that more signage throughout the grounds and maps at the InFAIRmation booths would be used to help direct fairgoers to the various activities and new locations of events and attractions.   Mr. Hertel stated that everyone from the Mayor’s office to the Eight Mile Boulevard Association to his own Fair staff members has been pushing DDOT to get this project done and he has been assured that the project will be complete in time for the opening of the Fair.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

Melissa Rogers reported on the two recent meetings held with the various Commodity Groups.   Ms. Rogers stated both meetings went very well.  The discussions were good and the Commodity Groups were very receptive to the idea of having a greater involvement and participation in the annual State Fair.

 

Mr. Hertel updated the Board on the circumstances with Vascor.  At the last meeting of the Board it was reported that Vascor was threatening to end their parking arrangement with the Fair unless we agreed to put gravel in the unpaved parking lot where the vehicles were being stored.  Mr. Hertel explained how Vascor complained of problems related to the additional expenses it cost the company to have the cars cleaned once they left the Fairgrounds.  Mr. Hertel stated that when the grounds are dry, the cars become very dusty and when it is rainy and wet, the cars are muddy.   He explained how other facilities are parking cars for Ford, General Motors and Chrysler at a reduced rate in order to become even more competitive and possibly become the magnet to bring in more cars to their facility.   Mr. Hertel stated that Vascor brought in an estimation of $135,000 to have the gravel placed on the grounds, but we went out and found a company to do the work for $115,000.  Vascor has agreed to go with the cheaper company. 

 

Discussion was held regarding the negotiated agreement and the specific terms of the agreement between Vascor and the State Fairgrounds.  Mr. Hertel reported that Vascor has an indefinite lease agreement with the Fair, which allows us the opportunity to negotiate and discuss possible long-term usage of the Fair facility with other organizations. 

 

Mrs. Driker questioned whether or not we were able to get any help or a response from the City of Detroit concerning the significant number of lights, which she reported as being out along Woodward Avenue between State Fair and Eight Mile Road.  Mr. Hertel stated that Daryl Love, MSF Facility Manager, has a meeting scheduled with the City of Detroit and at that time we will discuss this and other items that relate to the safety and security of the Fair facility as we prepare to open the Fair to the public on August 23rd.  Mr. Hertel stated that a pre-Fair planning and safety meeting is held every year prior to the opening of the annual Fair.

 

Mrs. Driker expressed concerns regarding the appearance of the outer perimeters of the Fairgrounds as it relates to the maintenance of the grounds and landscaping.  Mrs. Driker stated that it is very important for the first impression, image, and the reputation of the Fairgrounds that we present the facility well and keep up the maintenance of the property inside and outside the grounds.   Mr. Jenkins, MSF Assistant General Manager, explained how the Fair has a very limited number of staff members and also does not have proper work equipment but that more efforts will be done to address this problem.  Mr. Jenkins reported that very soon a church group and a few high school students who have all volunteered their services will come in and help us with the pulling of weeds, grass cutting and planting flowers throughout the Fairgrounds.  Mr. Hertel explained how the same maintenance staff, which cuts the grass and does the landscape work around the facility is the same group of men who paint all of the buildings, repair the stalls and a number of other maintenance related tasks.  He apologized for the appearance of the facility and stated that although we are behind schedule in some areas, we do have plans and are taking necessary steps to address these areas of concern.

ON MOTION BY Mrs. Driker, supported by Mayor Porter and carried, a Motion was passed unanimously to present Fair Manager John Hertel with a special distinguished service award at the Grand Opening of the State Fair or during the Governor’s Day Luncheon.