September 27 2012 approved minutes
Darrell Aubertine, Trustee
Joseph Angiolillo, Esq. Trustee Executive Director
Keith Hamilton, Trustee Mike Mullaney
MINUTES
Agriculture and NYS Horse Breeding Development Fund
Board of Trustees Meeting
NYS Racing & Wagering Board Offices
Schenectady, NY
Sept. 27, 2012
Present: NYSR&WB Chairman & ANYSHBDF Chairman John Sabini;
Deputy Commissioner Matt Morgan, NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets,and Trustee Keith Hamilton. Audience included: NYSR&WB staff members Kristen Buckley, Ron Ochrym, Robert Feuerstein, Brian Barry, Thomas Casaregola and Lee Park; Harness Horse Breeders of NYS Executive Director Betty Holt, Blue Chip Farms President Michael Kimelman, and Mike Mullaney.
The meeting was called to order at 1:10 PM.
Agenda Item # 1. Public Comment:
Chairman Sabini called for public comment. None was offered.
The Chairman then commented on four recent items of industry importance:
· detailing activity at the Sept. 24 Morrisville Yearling Sales, where 152 yearlings were sold for an average of $8,813;
· crediting host track Yonkers and the HHB’s Betty Holt with “doing a great job” for their roles in the Sept. 22 “Night of Champions;”
· praising the contributions of John Cashman Jr., a Hall of Fame inductee and “a giant in this industry,” who passed away the day of the “Night of Champions,” and
· notifying the public that the NYS Comptroller’s office is in the preliminary stages of auditing the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund.
Agenda Item #2 Executive Session:
Chairman Sabini asked for a motion for the board to enter executive session to discuss a personnel issue with the Fund and asked that his counsel, Robert Feuerstein, Mr. Ochrym and Mr. Casaregola be included.
Motion made by Trustee Hamilton. Seconded by Trustee Morgan. All in favor.
Executive session commenced at 1:15 PM
Executive session concludes with return to public session at 1:23 PM.
Agenda Item #3 Appointment of Executive Director:
In public session, Chairman Sabini reviews executive-session topics of personnel and monies owed.
The Chairman announces the candidacy of Mike Mullaney as Executive Director of the Fund,
discussing his qualifications. The Chairman offered the resolution as motion, seconded by Trustee Hamilton. Mr. Mullaney accepted, to which the Chairman reiterated the Fund’s importance and role in carrying out Gov. Cuomo’s goals of “providing economic development for every corner of the state.”
Chairman Sabini then praised Mr. Casaregola’s role in smoothly carrying on the Fund’s business through the weeks in which the Fund operated without an executive director. The Chairman said Mr. Casaregola has “done a crackerjack job” and without him “this whole thing may not have run very smoothly.”)
Agenda Item #4A Final Payment for Tim Gordon:
The Chairman discussed final payment for Tim Gordon, the Fund’s past Executive Director. The Chairman asked that a motion be made to pay Mr. Gordon $2,411.86. The motion was made by Trustee Morgan and seconded by Trustee Hamilton. The vote was unanimous.
Agenda Item #4B Morrisville Equine Drug Program Payment:
Also discussed was a year-old bill from the Morrisville Equine Drug Program, citing work done during the Sire Stakes of 2011. As it was an older bill, the Chairman raised the topic and asked for a motion that the $44,000 bill be paid. The motion was made by Trustee Morgan and seconded by Trustee Hamilton. The vote was unanimous.
Agenda Item #5 Finger Lakes Overpayment:
Finger Lakes Race Track had overpaid the New York State Thoroughbred Development Fund $25,000, money due the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund. An agreement authored by Chairman Sabini, to the satisfaction of the three parties, would send that $25,000 to the Fund. Motion to approve was made by Trustee Morgan and seconded by Trustee Hamilton.
Agenda Item #6 Additional Business:
Chairman Sabini then asked if there was any additional business that the trustees cared to discuss, to which Trustee Hamilton raised his concern that, in the absence of an executive director, there were pressing matters that need prompt attention. Chairman Sabini said that he, Mr. Ochrym and Mr. Casaregola had briefed Mr. Mullaney on issues such as the HHB contract and the race schedules and that Mr. Mullaney was aware that “the train was moving.”
Chairman Sabini declared the meeting adjourned at 1:34.
Agriculture & New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund
90 State Street, Suite 809 Albany, New York 12207
(518) 436-8713 518) 426-1490 fax
www.nysirestakes.com
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MEETING MINUTES 11/30/2011 (Not Approved)
MINUTES (Not Approved)
Agriculture and NYS Horse Breeding Development Fund
Board of Trustees Meeting
Yonkers Raceway at Empire City Casino
Yonkers, NY
November 30, 2011
Present: NYSR&WB Chairman & ANYSHBDF Chairman John Sabini, NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets Deputy Commissioner Matt Morgan, Trustee Joseph Angiolillo, Trustee, Keith Hamilton, ANYSHBDF (Fund) Executive Director Tim Gordon, Audience included: NYSR&WB staff members; Kristen Buckley, Ron Ochrym, Robert Feuerstein, and Brian Barry, Robert Galterio of Yonkers Raceway, horsemen George Casale and Michael Kimelman, and Harness Horse Breeders of NYS members David Hanson, Betty Holt and Joseph Spadaro.
The meeting was called to order at 12:12 PM.
Agenda Item # 1. Public Comment:
Chairman Sabini called for public comment. None was offered.
Agenda Item # 2. Minutes of Last Meeting of November 1, 2011:
Motion to approve minutes of November 1, 2011 made by Trustee Hamilton.
Seconded by Trustee Morgan. All in favor.
Agenda Item #3. Consideration of vendor contracts:
Chairman Sabini asked for a motion for the board to enter executive session to discuss a management issue of the Fund and asked that Chairman’s counsel Robert Feuerstein and Harness Horse Breeders of New York State representatives David Hanson, Betty Holt and Joseph Spadaro be included.
Motion made by Trustee Morgan. Seconded by Trustee Hamilton. All in favor.
Executive session commenced at 12:14 PM
Motion to exit executive session and return to public session made by Trustee Angiolillo. Seconded by Trustee Hamilton. All in favor at 1:07 PM.
In public session Chairman Sabini recognized the presence of Bob Galterio of Yonkers Raceway and thanked him for his hospitality. Chairman Sabini also thanked everyone for their patience while the board was in executive session discussing a contractual mater - agenda item #3 – contract with the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State.
Motion to adopt a Single Source Provider Resolution deeming Harness Horse Breeders of New York State made by Trustee Hamilton. Seconded by Trustee Morgan. All in favor.
Motion to accept the proposed 2012 contract as amended on pages 8,9, and 12, made by Trustee Morgan. Seconded by Trustee Hamilton. All in Favor.
Motion to amend the 2012 Fund budget by $80,000. increasing the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State contract from $140,000. to $220,000. Motion made by Trustee Hamilton. Seconded by Trustee Angiolillo. All in favor.
Agenda Item # 4. Sire Stakes Race Conditions:
Chairman Sabini thanked all those who came together to work on developing the new 2012 New York Sire Stakes conditions including the race tracks and Mr. Galterio, the horsemen and Mr. George Casale, and Blue Chip Farms’ Mr. Michael Kimelman.
Chairman Sabini also thanked Racing and Wagering Board Executive Director Ron Ochrym and Director of Racing Officials Brian Barry. Fund Executive Director Gordon and Chairman Sabini spoke highlighting some of the advantages of the new conditions and schedule for the Sire Stakes, Excelsior Series / State Fair Races, and County Fair Races. Betty Holt and Michael Kimelman also commented.
Motion to adopt a resolution approving Sire Stakes #53 (Foals of 2011) conditions, and The Excelsior Series / State Fair Races 2012 conditions, and the NYSS Fall Harvest Races 2012 conditions, and NYSS County Fair Races 2012 conditions made by Trustee Angiolillo. Seconded by Trustee Hamilton. All in favor. Cairman Sabini reiterated that this item was important and again offered thanks to; Fund Executive Director Gordon, track management from around the state, Harness Horse Breeders of NYS, horsemen, and breeders as represented by Michael Kimelman, for uniting efforts
Agenda Item #5. Adopt Fund Lobbying Policy:
Chairman Sabini advised the Board that the Authorities Budget Office (ABO) requires that Fund establish a Lobbying Policy and asked Executive Director Gordon to comment on the proposed policy and Gordon obliged.
The Lobbying Policy of the Fund is as follows:
The Agriculture and NYS Horse Breeding Development Fund
Lobbying Policy
November 30, 2011
The Fund will implement a policy to maintain a record of all lobbying contacts made with the fund. Each time a lobbyist contacts a Fund member, officer or employee, a record of the contact will be made, to include recording the date and time of the contact, the identity of the lobbyist and a summary of the contact.
The responsibility for maintaining the record of contacts will be with the Fund’s Executive Director. Individuals contacted by a lobbyist will advise the Executive Director.
These records will be maintained for a period of 7 years.
Motion to accept the proposed Fund Lobbying Policy made by Trustee Morgan. Seconded by Trustee Hamilton. All in favor.
Agenda Item #6. Old Business:
Chairman Sabini asked if there was any old business for discussion. There was none.
Agenda Item #6. New Business:
Chairman Sabini asked Executive Director Gordon to advise the board of a request received by the Fund from Goshen Historic Track for $75,000. to assist in reconstruction and roof repairs on the grandstand and Gordon obliged. After learning that the funding was not part of the adopted 2012 Fund budget Chairman Sabini stated the belief that the adopted budget should stay in place at the present time but the board could consider the request moving forward (in the future).
Trustee Morgan spoke on the possibility of providing a grants to the state’s forty four agricultural fairs through the New York Association of Agricultural Fairs totaling $90,500. Chairman Sabini asked that the group make a request in the form of a proposal that could be considered in 2012.
Chairman Sabini asked if there be any other business to come before the board. No additional business was brought forth and Chairman Sabini wished all a happy holiday and declared the meeting adjourned at1:35 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tim Gordon, Executive Director
Meeting Minutes 11/01/2012
MINUTES
Agriculture and NYS Horse Breeding Development Fund
Board of Trustees Meeting
NYS Racing & Wagering Board Offices
Schenectady, NY
November 1, 2011
Present: NYSR&WB Chairman & ANYSHBDF Chairman John Sabini, NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Darrel Aubertine, Trustee Keith Hamilton, ANYSHBDF (Fund) Executive Director Tim Gordon, Audience included: NYSR&WB staff members; Kristen Buckley, Ron Ochrym, Robert Feuerstein, Brian Barry, Thomas Casaregola and Lee Park. Harness Horse Breeders of NYS members David Hanson, Betty Holt and Joseph Spadaro.
The meeting was called to order at 1:43 PM.
Agenda Item # 1. Public Comment - Chairman Sabini called for Public Comment:
None was offered.
Agenda Item # 2. Minutes of Last Meeting of June 30, 2011:
Motion to approve minutes of June 30, 2011 made by Trustee Hamilton.
Seconded by Trustee Aubertine. All in favor.
Agenda Item #3. Financial Statement was accepted without comment.
Agenda Item # 4. 2012 Fund Budget
Motion to approve 2012 Fund Budget made by Trustee Aubertine.
Seconded by Trustee Hamilton. All in favor.
Agenda Item #5. Revised Fund Mission Statement
Chairman Sabini advised the Board that the Authorities Budget Office (ABO) had requested a revised mission statement from the Fund which the Fund provided and was accepted by the ABO but required Board approval.
Chairman Sabini read the revised mission statement read as follows:
The mission of the Agriculture and NYS Horse Breeding Development Fund and the New York Sire Stakes is to promote agriculture through the breeding of horses. To that end the Ag Fund directs the state’s premier harness racing program designed to stimulate the breeding, buying and racing of standardbred horses in New York State. The New York Sire Stakes is the nation’s oldest harness racing program of its kind. We believe that these goals can best be accomplished by supporting educational programs, equine research and supplementation of racing purses at NYS pari-mutuel tracks, County Fairs and the Goshen Historic Track. Our authority accepts that by accomplishing our mission we will improve the economic wellbeing of the Empire State, keep agricultural lands in service producing products of value, preserve open space and increase employment opportunities throughout the whole of New York State.
Motion to approve Revised Fund Mission Statement made by Trustee Hamilton
Seconded by Trustee Aubertine. All in favor.
Agenda Item #6. Establishment of Fund Performance Measures.
Upon request of Chairman Sabini Executive Director Gordon spoke on the performance measures stating that the measures were requested by the ABO to replace the Fund’s existing narrative on performance with new performance measures that include specific measurable standards.
The Performance Measures of the Fund are as follows:
-Assure the fund’s programs have a positive impact on the breeding and racing aspects of the NYS standardbred industry by improving the economic factors such as employment and employment growth. We will work with NYSDOL to track this information in conjunction with the annual trends in Sire Stakes purses distributed.
-Create state and local economic impact benefits through programs supporting breeding farms. This will be measured by an annual comparison of the number of mares bred to stallions standing in NYS.
-Maintain competitive economic breeding conditions relative to other states as measured by the average price for NYS sired yearlings as compared to the average price of all yearlings at sales in Harrisburg, Lexington and Morrisville.
-Chart the performance of NYS standardbreds as measured by earnings and results in Grand Circuit, Breeders Crown and other nationally significant races.
Motion to approve Fund Performance Measures made by Trustee Aubertine.
Seconded by Trustee Hamilton. All in favor.
Agenda Item #7 NY Sire Stakes Race Conditions
Chairman Sabini Stated that the 2012 NYSS Race Conditions required further review by
NYSR&WB Counsel Robert Feuerstein and NYSR&WB Director of Racing Officials Brian Barry and suggested that the agenda item be tabled until an upcoming Board meeting within a few weeks. Trustee Hamilton commented that some tougher qualifying standards had been omitted and should be revised on NYSS 53 and thanked Brian Barry, Ron Ochyrm, Harness Horse Breeders of NYS and Tim Gordon for their work on the new conditions. Executive Director Gordon gave a description of some of the condition changes being considered. Chairman Sabini asked for comments on the conditions from HHB president David Hanson who mentioned the concept of a refundable starting fee for the finals.
Agenda Item # 8. Grant Request
4-H Program Budget Request - By application dated October 18, 2011, the New York State 4-H Foundation, Inc. requests annual grant monies for 2012 in the amount of $75,723 to support the statewide 4-H Youth Development Horse Program. PROPOSED MOTION: Based on the written request and Section 332 (1)(b). of the New York Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law, the Board grants final approval in the amount of $75,723.
Motion to approve 4-H request made by Trustee Aubertine.
Seconded by Trustee Hamilton. All in favor.
Request for funding by the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Goshen, NY for $50,000. in support of programs and education. This grant includes $15,000. That was approved by the Board on June 30, 2011.
Motion to approve Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame request made by Trustee Hamilton. Seconded by Trustee Aubertine. All in favor.
Chairman Sabini asked for a motion to adjourn. Motion made by Trustee Aubertine. Seconded by Trustee Hamilton. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 2:14 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tim Gordon, Executive Director
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