August 2010 Minutes

Virginia Racing Commission

MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION MEETING

August 3, 2010

Bavarian Chef Restaurant
Fredericksburg, VA

In Attendance
Commission Members:
Peter C. Burnett, Chairman
Clinton Miller, Vice Chairman
Mark Brown
David Reynolds
Stuart Siegel
__________________________
Chairman Burnett called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m. and made the following statement, “Pursuant to Virginia Code section 2.2-3711(A) (1), I move that the Commission convene a closed meeting for the purpose of the discussion and consideration of the performance of specific employees of the Commission.” The motion was seconded by Commissioner Miller. All were in favor.
Returning from closed session, Chairman Burnett said, “I hereby certify pursuant to Virginia Code section 2.2-3712 that to the best of each member's knowledge, (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under this chapter, and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was convened, were heard, discussed or considered in the meeting by the Commission.” The Commission agreed by unanimous roll call vote.

Commissioner Miller suggested that the commission meet again in a similar closed session to follow up on the issues discussed therein.

The Commissioners then engaged in a brief general discussion of the horse racing industry in the Commonwealth. Chairman Burnett commented on the recently released statistics of the thoroughbred meet. He suggested that the Commission explore legislative changes that could be helpful to the industry. He further suggested that the commission take steps to convince the current administration of the importance of Commission input at the legislature and elsewhere relating to pending bills. Commissioner Miller suggested a meeting with Secretary Cheng be set up for that purpose by Secretary Harrison and that the Chair and Vice Chair attend.

Chairman Burnett reported that Frank Ferguson was evaluating the potential of legislation that would expand commission authority to determine take out, unify commission fees, restore “commission budget first, general fund contribution second” to income distribution, and permit Virginia to join a broadened National Racing Compact.

At 6:52 p.m., there being no further business, it was moved, seconded, and carried to adjourn the August 3, 2010, Fredericksburg meeting of the Commission.