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The Fair Board met in May of 2022 and listened to the railroad group presentation again. <br />The Fair Board still supports the idea, but just not at this location at the fairgrounds for the <br />same reasons as discussed in 2021. Also, due to the amount and type of facility use year- <br />round, the plan is currently not feasible to even construct. The grounds are available 9 days <br />or less during the summer, which is when it would be most usable. It also would be hindered <br />if we are to move forward with several capital facility projects in our improvements plan. <br />Commissioner Wright: What would challenges be during fair? — Kady: it would be a <br />challenge during the weekend due to the large crowds, as well as a safety concern with it <br />going through the area with the crowds, kids, livestock, and vendors. While the train goes <br />very slow, kids will be jumping on and off the train while it is moving too. <br />Commissioner Wachsmith: Have there been any other locations considered? Jim Pendley: <br />no, fairgrounds are the only high-profile place there is and funding would be an issue. The <br />track could be rerouted to accommodate barn expansion. <br />Chair Osiadacz: In other places she's been (like Silverwood) the railway doesn't go <br />through the crowds. Jim P.: they can work around the crowds and not run during the busy <br />times. There is no other route suitable other than the one discussed. <br />Commissioner Wright: Appreciate the work on permitting. Did the Fair Board give the <br />go-ahead to move forward? Kady: The Fair Board was supportive of looking into the project <br />and told the railroad group that a commitment couldn't be made by them at the time because <br />of it needing to go to the Friends of the Fair, so funding for the permit would have to be on <br />the railroad group folks, if they wanted to proceed with the permitting process. There was no <br />financial commitment made by the County (KVEC or Fair Board). <br />Heather: for the capital projects, are the buildings going to be in the same place? Kady: <br />they will stay in the same place in general, but they will have a somewhat different overall <br />footprint. <br />Commissioner Wright: The effort it appreciated. The fairgrounds is not a suitable <br />location with the facility use and crowd control issues. Other areas of the county (Kittitas or <br />South Cle Elum depots) would be good locations. Kittitas would be interested. There are too <br />many issues going on at KVEC. He would be willing to support at a different location. <br />2022-06-27 MINUTES 2 <br />