I calmed down and decided to do some real research into the whole Arena Issue and Cal Expo. The lack of published "facts" regarding any goings-on on a new Arena got my curosity. So I went to the CalExpo web site and reviewed the minutes of all CalExpo Board of Directors Meeting for all of 2008. Cal Expo officially began the "Arena" situation in September 2007 with a press release.
The first mention of anything to do with Cal Expo and a new arena in 2008 appeared in the Cal Expo Executive Committee meeting minutes for 21 May 2008 that can be found at this link:
http:///www.calexpo.com/PDFs/Meeting%20Notices/minutes/5-21-08_Minutes.pdf
Also present at this meeting in addition to the board and staff were:
Gov. Pete Wilson, The Bingham Group
Gregory Clark, The Bingham Group
NBA Commissioner David Stern
John Moag, NBA
In the published minutes for this Executive Committee Meeting was the following that I have summarized to key points. The text by Gov Wilson and David Stern in quotation marks" " are verbatim from the minutes.
There is also a separate section of the CalExpo web site at
http://www.calexpo.com/html/nba_arena.asp that puts all NBA Arena related info in one place. It is interesting to note that the "Media Advisory" announcement about this 21 May meeting was released on May 20, one day prior to the meeting. Of most interest might be the "Recent News Coverage" section. The link "NBA letter to Cal Expo" is broken however. hmmm.
*************************************************
Cal Expo Board meeting, 21 May 2008
7. Update on Arena negotiations with the NBA
1. Real Estate committee, Bingham Group and NBA reps will review status of the negotiations concerning a proposed project for the development of a new integrated fairgrounds, sports, entertainment and mixed use complex at the Cal Expo property. (Proposed Project)
2. Board to hear public testimony and consider approval/disapproval of "Letter of Understanding" LOU with the NBA.
- purpose of the LOU is for the parties to commit to a more formal process for continuing negotiations concerning the "Proposed Project".
- to avoid an misunderstanding, the LOU is not a commitment by either party to go forward with the "Proposed Project".
There are three critical issues which will need to be addressed if the Board approves the LOU:
- What does the project look like?
- How is the project financed?
- The search for a development partner(s)
What the project does not do is:
- Start construction
- Bind either party.
Gov Wilson (Bingham Group) spoke about enhancements project would bring and stated the parties must work on a site plan and find a developer. He also stated "there is no guarantee that the project will happen". Further indicated that traffic is a problem and maybe the proposal identifies solutions to the problem
Commissioner Stern of the NBA addressed the Board:
"NBA appreciates support from Sacramento and NBA is committed to Sacramento. Proposal will bring new life, is model for urban living and can be built without new taxes. Next steps are:
1. agree on site plan
2. develop a partnership with the City, County and State to address infrastructure costs and entitlements
3. Find a developer"
Stern concluded by saying, "In the end, the parties may not be successful in developing the project, but we would be foregoing a great opportunity if we didn't try".
Members of the public in attendance were unanimous in their support for the LOU.
The meeting was adjourned shortly after.
*******************************************************
Cal Expo - Executive Committee meeting minutes June 26, 2008
MATTERS OF INFORMATION
Director Perez-Cook arrived 10:15am
b. Property & Real Estate Update
A discussion ensued on "next steps" on the NBA's proposal. (That was it!! No notes, no info about what specifically was discussed nor what came from the discussions. Guess that is normal!?)
The Executive Committee Adjourned at 10:35am
***************************************************************
Next meeting , September 25, 2008 is a "Retreat & Meeting" suggesting the public may not be involved or it may be more difficult for public attendance.
The next regular meeting is October 24 and December 12. Meetings appear to be at "The Cal Expo Clubhouse, Cal Expo Sports & Satellite Wagering Facility".
Also of interest is a News Release on September 28, 2007 "Cal Expo Board unanimously Agrees to Begin Arena Discussion with the NBA". In May 2008, 8 months later, David Stern made his first appearance on behalf of the NBA that I'm aware of. VW21 reminds us of the unproductive delays caused by the city in this same matter.
The minutes for the July and August Board meetings have not been published on-line as of 6 Sept.
In Summary:
Things are moving on the Arena issue. It is difficult to know how quickly or how much time will be needed to a construction start. Two similar statements made by Gov. Wilson and David Stern respectively bother me however, necessary tho' they may be from the two attorneys:
- "there is no guarantee that the project will happen"
- "In the end, the parties may not be successful in developing the project, but we would be foregoing a great opportunity if we didn't try".
In the 3rd-4th year of Arena discussions, Cal Expo seems to have begun this summer to be addressing the issue head on. The State Fair will likely delay board activities on this until the Fair is over in late September. But the process will be at best a long one with so many unresolved issues. Board members admit it will take "years" to do. Wonder how many that would be? I wonder how long the Maloofs can afford to wait? or not to wait.....
And finally, it likely is premature for the public to get involved until their is a "Proposed Project" in place and a site plan.
