August 2010 Minutes

Virginia Racing Commission

MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION MEETING

August 24, 2010

HORSEMEN’S BUILDING
COLONIAL DOWNS
10700 HORSEMEN’S ROAD
NEW KENT, VA

In Attendance
Commission Members:
Peter C. Burnett, Chairman
Clinton Miller, Vice Chairman
Mark Brown
David Reynolds
Stuart Siegel

Commission Staff:
Victor I. Harrison, Executive Secretary
David S. Lermond, Jr., Deputy Executive Secretary
Kimberly M. Carter, Office Administrator
C. Richard Harden, DVM, Equine Medical Director
Joseph Roney, Director of Security & Enforcement
Peggy E. Mason, Permitting Manager
Dennis West, Director of Operations

Attorney General’s Office:
Amy K. Dilworth
__________________________

Prior to the regular monthly meeting, an Informal Fact Finding Conference was held on the subject of the proposed Mulligan’s Sports Grille Satellite Wagering Facility. Race Track representatives stated they have satisfied the statutory requirements and that the VRC staff report had recommended conditional Commission approval. Following a discussion, Commissioner Siegel made the motion to approve. Seconded by Commissioner Reynolds. The motion carried five for, none opposed.

At 9:52 a.m., the regular monthly meeting of the Commission was called to order by Chairman Burnett.

Commissioner Brown moved to approve the minutes of the July 20, 2010 VRC meeting - seconded by Chairman Burnett. The motion carried; three for, none opposed.

Chairman Burnett commented on the Commissioners meeting held in Fredericksburg on August 3, 2010. The meeting’s closed session dealt with personnel matters and was followed by an open general discussion. All matters were handled in compliance with FOIA policies and procedures.

Acting on the recommendation of Mr. Harrison, Chairman Burnett moved to delete the Final amendment to fee schedule 11 VAC 10-50-290 without prejudice to the existing fee schedule. Seconded by Commissioner Brown.

Acting on the recommendation of Mr. Harrison, the Commission unanimously approved the revised list of racing officials for Colonial Downs for the 2010 Standardbred race meet. The motion was made by Vice Chairman Miller and seconded by Chairman Burnett. All were in favor.

Acting on the recommendation of Mr. Harrison, and after a motion by Commissioner Brown and a second by the Chairman, the Commission approved the Stewards/Judges for the 2010 Harness Meet. George Hickman will be the Presiding Judge and will be joined in the stand by Jean Chalk and Ozzie Cole. Deputy Lermond will serve as the substitute.

The Equine Medical Director’s Report was presented by Dr. Richard Harden. Overall, he said it was “a tough meet” but viewed it as ‘a pretty clean meet.” He suggested the controls be tightened with respect to stall management and tracking the horses' location once they arrive on the grounds.

The Executive Secretary commented that the local area ‘fly situation’ was much improved this year. Track President Ian Stewart acknowledged by saying that Colonial Downs took the issue quite seriously.

Ian Stewart gave his update of the recently concluded thoroughbred meet and Darrell Wood laid out some interesting and novel plans for the harness meet.

There being no further business, Tuesday, September 28, 2010 was set as the date of the next meeting to be held at the Horsemen’s Building, Colonial Downs, 10700 Horsemen’s Road, New Kent, VA.

It was moved, seconded, and carried to adjourn the August 2010, monthly meeting of the Commission.