Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Carole Groom, Supervisor, District 2
Subject: Amendment to the Agreement Providing for Management of the San Mateo County Fair and the San Mateo County Event Center
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing execution of an amendment to the agreement with the San Mateo County Exposition and Fair Association providing for its continued management of the San Mateo County Fair and the San Mateo County Event Center, increasing the number of directors on the Association Board of Directors and extending the agreement for an additional five-year term, to December 31, 2030.
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BACKGROUND:
Since 1938 through the present, the San Mateo County Fair and Exposition Association (SMCEC), a non-profit corporation, has planned and put on the annual County Fair and manages the Event Center and its facilities. SMCEC operates and managed the Event Center pursuant to an operating agreement with this Board, the most recent of which was executed August 23, 2018, and is currently in effect through December 31, 2025 (“Agreement”)
DISCUSSION:
The Agreement currently provides that the Board of Supervisors appoints the Directors of SMCEC, and that there are nine Directors with at least one Director from the agriculture community. In order to broaden community representation on the Board, it is recommended that agreement be amended to reflect that the number of Directors is increased to eleven, with at least one Director from the agriculture community.
The current Agreement expires on December 31, 2025. The proposed Amendment would add an additional term of five years, with a term ending December 31, 2030. The additional five-year term would extend the Agreement automatically unless the Board of Supervisors notifies the Association in writing 90 days in advance of December 31, 2025 of its intent to terminate the Agreement on December 31, 2025.
The Association supports these recommendations.
In the current era, many shows and other events booked by SMCEC are for multiyear contracts, which allows for continuity and effective planning, and maximizes the use and revenue generation of the facilities. Extending the Agreement will allow SMCEC to enter into agreements with exhibitors and other entities for shows scheduled beyond the current termination date of the Agreement, while providing the County with the right to terminate the Agreement as of the original termination date of December 31, 2025, with 90-days advance written notice.
The proposed Amendment makes no other changes to the existing Agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to the County.