Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutKittitas Valley Event Center Barns & Bloom Pavilion Project-Kitt CoKITTITAS COUNTY Kittitas County Lodging Tax Grant Program for Tourism-Related,Large-Scale Municipality-OwnedCapital Projects APR 1 4 Submission Deadline:April 14,2017 Kittitas County Commissioners 205 W 5th Avenue,Suite 108,Ellensburg,WA 98926 Phone:509-962-7508 Lodging Tax Grant Program for Tourism-Related,Large- Scale,Municipality-Owned Capital Projects Background Kittitas County imposes a lodging tax assessed on the sale or charge made for furnishings of lodging according to RCW 67.28.180 and RCW 67.28.181.In accordance with the tax and Washington State law,a Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC)has also been established. The committees'purpose is to advise and recommend to the Board of County Commissioners how excise taxes on lodging should be allocated to support tourism which in turn generates revenue. Uses According to Law: RCW 67.28.1816 states the following: Lodging tax revenues under this chapter may be used,directly by any municipality or indirectly through a convention and visitor bureau or destination marketing organization for:...(c) Supporting the operations and capital expenditures of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by a municipality... Definitions included in state law which should be considered in any application requesting funding include: 1.Tourism means economic activity resulting from tourists,which may include sales of overnight lodging,meals,tours,gifts,or souvenirs. 2.Tourism promotion means activities,operations,and expenditures designed to increase tourism,including but not limited to advertising,publicizing,or otherwise distributing information for the purpose of attracting and welcoming tourists; developing strategies to expand tourism;operating tourism promotion agencies; and funding marketing or the operation of special events and festivals designated to attract tourists. 3.Tourism-related facility means real or tangible personal property with a usable life d three or more years,or constructed with volunteer labor that is:(a)(i)owned by a public entity;...and (b)used to support tourism,performing arts,or to accommodate tourist activities. Grant Program Description This grant program is one component of an overall strategy to enhance the economic value of tourism in Kittitas County.The intent of the program is to develop and implement a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)for developing tourism-related,large-scale municipality-owned projects throughout the County which contribute to that strategy. Kittitas County Tourism Infrastructure Plan: As the basis for developing this grant program and the CIP,the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)adopted the Kittitas County Tourism infrastructure Plan.The plan includes,among other things,an inventory of tourism-related facilities across the County,an evaluation of potential tourism opportunities,goals for guiding tourism development,and a list of prioritized actions for implementation.The plan was created with the assistance and input of various tourism-related interest groups from across the County through a process of open meetings, tourism surveys,open house events,focus group meetings and data research. Municipality Ownership: In order to be eligible for funding under this program,projects must be owned by a municipality in Kittitas County.Projects may be privately developed,but must be transferred to municipality ownership at completion.Proof of ownership and/or transfer agreements may be a requirement of any funding award and reimbursement request. Application Process: Projects seeking funding assistance within this grant program must complete each step of a four-step grant process. Figure A: The intent of the process is to create the CIP with potential projects which are eligible under state law for receiving lodging tax funds.The list will be prioritized based on criteria derived from the Kittitas County Tourism InfrastructurePlan.Projects must successfully navigate through each step of the process to remain in the CIP.The CIP will be updated through this application process at least once every five (5)years. The CIP is managed by the County's LTAC,with assistance from County staff and a Technical Review Team (TRT)and as approved by the BOCC,through the four-step process described above in Figure A.The TRT is an advisory body made up of 5 to 7 members to include volunteers with industry experience and technical knowledge in planning,design,and development of projects.Although the TRT may also include County staff,it is not intended to duplicate other county or city permitting,planning,or project compliance processes.Its scope is to assure that the CIP strategic intent is met,that information provided in the project application remains current and is accurate,and to advise the LTAC of the applicant's completion of each project requirement at each step.All members of the TRT are appointed by the BOCC. Steps 1 and 2 determine a project's eligibility for funding consideration.Projects are eligible for funding consideration in Steps 3 and 4 of the process.However,it should be noted that completion of Steps 1,2,and/or 3 is not a guarantee of future funding.Projects which become eligible for funding consideration must compete with all other eligible projects as funds become available.All funding decisions are subject to recommendation of the LTAC and approval by the Board of County Commissioners.Awards may be authorized for projects which have completed Steps 1 and 2 annually as funding allows,and may include consideration of how a project ranks in priority with regard to all other eligible projects,project readiness,and other factors as determined by the LTAC.All eligible projects which have completed Steps 1 and 2 of this process will be notified each year when funding is available,the amount of funding,and the process for funding decisions.It is the intent of this process that project funding will be considered annually. It is not the intent of this process to be the sole funding source for any non-countyowned project and some county-ownedprojects.Strict minimum matching fund commitments will be required from all non-countyowned projects as well as from some county-ownedprojects (see page 7 "Matching Funds Requirements". Each step of the process is illustrated in figure 2 and further described as follows: Step 1 --Application for CIP Project List Applicants must first apply and be approved to be included in the program's CIP.In order to generate the program's CIP,the County will request project proposals at least once every five years.To facilitate this process,the County's LTAC will create an application form to use in evaluating proposals.Applicants must fill out the form and submit it to the LTAC.The LTAC will review the proposals and make recommendations for creating the list of projects for the program's CIP to the Board of County Commissioners.All applications will be rated and ranked according to the rating sheet included in this packet.The Board of County Commissioners will make the final decision to approve or reJect the list. Step 2 -Feasibility Analysis Applicants whose projects are included in the program's capital improvement plan shall propose a scope of work to determine overall project feasibility.The scope of work will be included in a Step 2 agreement between the applicant and the County.The LTAC shall manage all agreements and will submit the proposed Step 2 agreement to the TRT for recommendation. The LTAC and the TRT may recommend modifications to the scope of work for project feasibility requirements as necessary.Feasibility requirement may include,but are not limited to,long term operations and management plan,site evaluations,funding mechanisms,market analysis, business plan development,etc.The LTAC's and TRT's recommendations shall be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for final approval.No funding will be included in Step 2 agreements. Step 2 agreements will be reviewed at least annually by the LTAC and the TRT to assess progress and review compliance.The LTAC and the TRT may meet more frequently if needed and/or requested by the applicant.Applicants who do not meet Step 2 agreement requirements within the timeframe outlined in the agreement will not continue in this program or remain on the CIP. Step 2 agreement amendments,including the addition of requirements,modifications of existing requirements,or time extensions shall be reviewed by the LTAC and the TRT. Recommendations from the LTAC and the TRT shall be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for final decision. Applicants must complete all Step 2 agreement requirements prior moving to Step 3 in this process.To be considered complete,an applicant must request a review for completeness from the LTAC and the TRT.The LTAC and the TRT shall review the Step 2 agreement requirements and submit a written recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners for approval. If a project is accepted as part of the County's CIP and at the time of acceptance it has completed feasibility analysis and requirements,a Step 2 agreement may not be required. Applicants may be granted a waiver from the Step 2 agreement requirement by making request to the LTAC and the TRT for review of complete feasibility work and requirements.The LTAC and the TRT shall review the waiver request and supporting documentation and submit a recommendation to the BOCC.The BOCC shall have the final authority to accept or reject the recommendation. Step 3 -Design and Permitting Applicants whose projects meet all the requirements of their Step 2 agreement shall propose a scope of work for final project planning,design and permitting to the LTAC for approval.The scope of work will be included in a Step 3 agreement between the applicant and the County. The LTAC will submit the Step 3 agreement to the TRT for recommendation.The LTAC and the TRT may recommend modifications to the proposed scope of work for final project planning, design and permitting requirements necessary.The TRT shall limit its review to assuring completion of project design,planning and permitting requirements;its function is considered non-duplicative of other county and city permitting,planning,and project completion requirements and it shall have no authority to make recommendations or decisions with regard to funding. The LTAC shall consult annually with county financial staff as directed by the County Auditor and shall consider all eligible Step 3 and Step 4 agreements along with available funding resources.The LTAC shall provide a written recommendation for funding eligible Step 3 and Step 4 agreements to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration.The recommendation shall include which agreements to fund,the funding amount for each,and a written explanation for the recommendation.The recommendation shall also include a listing of the currently eligible projects requesting funding which are not included in the recommendation.Applicants will only be held to the timeframe requirements included in Step 3 and Step 4 agreements if adequate funding is awarded.The Board of County Commissioners shall either accept or reject the recommendation from the LTAC. Step 3 agreements will be reviewed at least annually by the LTAC and the TRT to assess progress and review compliance.The LTAC and the TRT may meet more frequently if needed and/or requested by the applicant.Applicants who do not meet Step 3 agreement requirements within the timeframe outlined in the agreement will not continue in this program or remain on the CIP.However,projects may reapply to be placed on the CIP during the next project application cycle. Step 3 agreement amendments shall be reviewed by the LTAC and the TRT Recommendations from the LTAC and the TRT for amendments shall be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for final decision. Applicants must complete all Step 3 agreement requirements prior moving to Step 4 in this process.To be considered complete,an applicant must request a review for completeness from the LTAC and TRT.The LTAC and the TRT shall review the Step 3 agreement requirements and submit a written recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners for approval. If a project is accepted as part of the County's CIP and at the time of acceptance it has has completed design and permitting,a Step 3 agreement may not be required.Applicants may be granted a waiver from the Step 3 agreement requirement by making request to the LTAC and TRT for review of design and permitting work and requirements.The LTAC and TRT shall review the request and supporting documentation received and submit a recommendation to the BOCC.The BOCC shall have the final authority to accept or reject the recommendation. Step 4 --Project Construction and Closeout Reporting Applicants whose projects meet all the requirements of the Step 3 agreement shall propose a scope of work for a Step 4 agreement for project construction and closeout to the LTAC and TRT for approval.The LTAC will submit the step 4 agreement to the TRT for recommendation.The LTAC and the TRT may recommend modifications to the proposed agreement as necessary.The TRT shall limit its review to assuring completion of project construction and closeout;its function is considered non-duplicative of other county and city permitting,planning,and project completion requirements and it shall have no authority to make recommendations or decisions with regard to funding. The LTAC shall consult annually with county financial staff as directed by the County Auditor and shall consider all eligible Step 3 and Step 4 agreements along with available funding resources.The LTAC shall provide a written recommendation for funding eligible Step 3 and Step 4 agreements to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration.The recommendation shall include which agreements to fund,the funding amount for each,and a written explanation for the recommendation.The recommendation shall also include a listing of the currently eligible projects requesting funding which are not included in the recommendation.The Board of County Commissioners shall either accept or reject the recommendation from the LTAC. Step 4 agreements will be reviewed at least annually by the LTAC and the TRT to assess progress and review compliance.The LTAC and the TRT may meet more frequently if needed and/or requested by the applicant. Step 4 agreement amendments shall be reviewed by the LTAC and the TRT.Recommendations from the LTAC and the TRT shall be submitted to the Board of county Commissioners for final decision..Recommendations from the LTAC shall be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for final decision. Upon project completion,all step 4 agreements must be submitted to the LTAC and TRT for a review of completeness.The LTAC and TRT shall meet as needed to review project completeness for Step 4 agreements.The LTAC and TRT shall submit a written recommendation regarding their finding of project completeness to the Board of county Commissioners for acceptance and final project closeout. Matching Funds Requirements: All non-countyowned projects require matching funds of at least 50%of total projects costs. Matching funds may be in the form of cash or verifiable in-kind contributions.At the time of funding considerations (Step 3 and 4),applicants will be required to provide proof of matching funds. County-owned projects which are located within another municipality or are located on publicly-owned property which is owned by an entity other than Kittitas County shall also be subject to the same 50%matching funds requirements as described above.County-owned projects which are located in unincorporated lands and which are not located on land which is publicly-owned by an entity other than Kittitas County are not subject to any matching requirements. Figure 2 Tourism Capital Large-Scale Projects Grant Process -fonfonns WRh KatitastauntyToudsm lufrastructure Plan -Projectcanbetornpletedwahin5µms •Rank among top ten project proposals submitted Agreement proposed by •Matching funds secured, the applicant and approved .Project budget approved by the TRT &BOCC ·Other requirements as determined Agreement proposed by •Project desîgn completed the applicant and approved •Pennits secured &siteatquired by the LTAC,TRT&BOCC •Ploject budget &timellneapproved •Other requirementsas determined Agreement proposed by -Project construction the applicant and approved -Ribbon<utting/grand opening by the LTAC,TRT &BOCC ·Finai reporting &grant closeout ·0therrequkementsasdetermined Application Definitions: Below is a list of terms and phrases which have a specific meaning within this application.It may be helpful for you to review these as you prepare responses so that a better understanding of the reviewer's expectations may be obtained. Capital Asset is any type of property that has a useful life longer than one year and is valued at over $5,000. Construction or "Hard"Costs are the direct contractor costs for labor,material, equipment and services;contractor's overhead and profit,and other direct construction costs.These costs do not include the compensation paid to architects,engineers,or consultants,the cost of land,rights-of-way,or other similar costs. Large-scale,as it relates to projects which may be eligible for being listed on the County's CIP for tourism infrastructure as well as potential funding through this grant process,are projects requesting funding of $50,000 or more. Matching Funds is the amount of funding your organization has secured and is contributing to the project.This includes both direct and indirect support.Direct funds can be in the form of cash funding from your organization or funding secured elsewhere but dedicated to the project such as other grants,loans,donations,etc.Indirect funding support includes in-kind support like labor,volunteer support,supplies,and services which directly relate to the project,including those supplied by your organization and others.A combination of direct and indirect support may be utilized as matching funds. Municipality is a city,county,or town. Real Property is fixed property,principally land and buildings. Soft Costs are cost items in addition to the direct construction cost.These generally include architectural and engineering,permits and fees,financing fees, constructioninterest and operating expenses,leasing and real estate commissions, advertising and promotion,and supervision. A Tourist is defined as a person traveling away from their place of residence or business and staying overnight in paid accommodations;to a place fifty miles or more one way from their place of residence or business for the day or staying overnight;or from another country or state outside of their place of residence or their business. SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS Please return ONE COPY of the entire original application and answers to narrative questions to: Kittitas County Commissioners Attn:Lodging Tax Grant Application 205 West 5th,Suite 108,Ellensburg,WA 98926 Applications must be received no later than 5:00 PM,TBD or postmarked no later than TBD. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered.Applications may not be changed or amended by the applicant after the deadline for submission Schedule: •Application deadline TBD •Oral presentations of proposals to LTAC and LTAC recommendation TBD •BOCC deliberation and decision TBD Project Management: As discussed in the grant process section of this application packet,successful applicants shall be required,as a condition of inclusion in the County's CIP for tourism infrastructure and any funding award (as available),to enter into a contract.The contract may include,but not be limited to,the specific conditions or deliverables the applicant must meet in order to continue to progress through each step of this process,the specific amount of any award if a project becomes eligible for funding and what it may be used for,all reporting requirements associated with this funding,payment terms,and any and all other appropriate terms of the funding.Kittitas County will be the contracting agent for all approved projects. All funds awarded under this program will be available in the form of reimbursable grants.The funds for capital projects will be available for reimbursement as of the date of the contract and will remain available for the term defined in the contract.Any unexpended funds will be returned to the Lodging Tax account made available for re-appropriation.All requests for reimbursement shall be made to the Kittitas County Auditor's office at the following address: Kittitas County Auditor Attn:Lodging Tax Grant Funds Reimbursement 205 W 5th,Suite 105 Ellensburg,WA 98926 For specific information and requirements regarding the reimbursement process,please contact the Auditor's office at 509-962-7504. Project Reporting Requirements for Tourism-Related Facilities: State law requires that all recipients of Lodging Tax revenues must submit a report to the municipality describing the actual number of people traveling for business or pleasure on a trip: A.Away from their place of residence or business and staying overnight in paid accommodations; B.To a place fifty miles or more one way from their place of residence or business for the day or staying overnight;or C.From another country or state outside of their place of residence or their business. A report form will be provided as part of the contract for receiving funds.We ask that you provide this information within 60 days after your project is complete. Applicant Eligibility: This grant process for lodging tax funds is available only for large-scale tourism capital projects which are municipality-owned.All applicants must be a municipality in Kittitas County.One capital project is allowed per application.There is no limit to the number of applications a municipality may submit per cycle.Projects must be compatible with the Kittitas County Tourism Infrastructure Plan as a low, medium,or high priority to be eligible for inclusion in the CIP. Other Information: Insurance:As part of its contract for performance,a municipality may require contractors to maintain liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 or more and name the municipality as an additional insured on its liability insurance policy. Application Form:This packet will be available on Kittitas County's website as a word document and as a pdf.It can also be obtained directly as a hard copy or in digital format by contacting the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners office at 509-962-7508.Kittitas County's website address is: www.co.kittitas.wa.us. APPLICATIONFOR TOURISM-RELATED,LARGE-SCALE MUNICIPALITY-OWNED CIP LISTING Applicant Information Name of Municipality:_Kittitas County Mailing Address:_205 W 5'"Avenue,Suite 108 Ellensburg,WA 98926 Contact Person and Title:Jill Scheffer,Director,Kittitas Valley Event Center Phone:509-962-7508 Email:_¡ill.scheffer@co.kittitas.wa.us Project Title:_Kittitas Valley Event Center Barns and Bloom Pavilion Project Project Location:_Kittitas Valley Event Center,901 E 7th Ave,Ellensburg,WA 98926 Application Requirements X 1.The project qualifies for lodging tax funds as a capital expenditure of a tourism- related facility owned or operated by a municipality. N/A 2.If this application is not from Kittitas County,the municipality's lodging tax advisory committee (or equivalent)has been informed of the project and endorsed it.A letter from the municipality is included. X_3.Lodging tax capital project funds are not being substituted for other funds that are already secured or applied for (if applicable). X_4.A completed project budget is included in the application. X 5.A detailed 8 ½X 11vicinity map that clearly shows the location of the project is included. Tourism-Related,Large-Scale Municipality-Owned Capital Project Narrative 1.Project Description:Please describe the project in detail.Indicate the major work to be completed,any milestones that need to be overcome in order for the project to move forward,and include a comparison of existing and proposed conditions. This project will include four elements: Element 1:The constructionof a new livestock/multipurpose barn structure at the Kittitas Valley Event Center and improvements to the existing Bloom Pavilion.The overall intent of the project is to improve the usability of the facility,to increase to livestock-holding capacity overall by increasing space and stalling flexibility,to improve accessibility,and to improve safety. Element 2:The existing "Clockum"barn,which is undersized and inefficient,directly to the east of Bloom Pavilion will be torn down.In its place will be constructed a new "lean-to"structure, approximately 10,000 square feet in size.The structure will be solid-walled but primarily open inside with no obstructions,thereby allowing maximum flexibility of use and temporary stalling configurations to accommodate varying breeds and sizes of livestock.The interior will also be designed with accessibility and proper drainage in mind.The exterior of the new structure will be designed to blend with the character and design of the existing barns on site. Element 3:Bloom Pavilion will be upgraded to improve ventilation,accessibility,and heating will be added.In addition,openings will be added to allow pass-through access between Bloom Pavilion and the new structure.The footing surface in Bloom Pavilion will also be replaced and aesthetic improvements will be made to blend the appearance of Bloom Pavilion with the new structure and existing livestock barns. Element 4:Also included in this project is the construction of new livestock cleaning facilities. Current livestock cleaning facilities are located across from the livestock barns and Bloom Pavilion.This forces animals and their handlers to cross a very busy travel corridor during large events in order to utilize the washing facilities.In addition,the current facilities are poorly constructed and lack proper drainage infrastructure.This is an important upgrade that will improve the safety of the animals,their handlers,and those utilizing the travel corridor behind Bloom Pavilion and the livestock barns. 2.Kittitas County Tourism Infrastructure Plan:Please explain how the project meets the Goals and Actions in the Kittitas County Tourism Infrastructure Plan as adopted.Also, describe the specific county tourism infrastructure needs the project addresses and how the project directly increases tourism.Explain how the improvements will promote tourism in Kittitas County and indicate specifically how the improvementswill directly increase economic activity resulting from tourists. This project speaks directly to several goals contained within the Kittitas County Tourism InfrastructurePlan.First,this project seeks to satisfy tourists in congruity with Goal 4.We know that the use of the Event Center facilities continue to grow each year.We also know that the needs of the users continue to change and evolve.Livestock is larger and more diverse today than what the facility was originally designed to handle.This creates capacity and safety concerns.In addition,consumers are more selective about environmental conditions like air quality,cleanliness,heating and cooling,footing,health and human safety,and accessibility. Without improvements,our facility would not be responding to the demands of our clientele and would likely lose tourism-related bookings while being at a significant disadvantage in attempting to attract new bookings.These changes will also help to make the facility more flexible,making it more attractive to booking larger and more diverse events to attract even more tourists. This project also is in line with Goal 5:Involve the Community.The Kittitas Valley Event Center is a tremendous local resource to Kittitas County and represents the strong agricultural base within our culture.There are many local businesses and community groups that continue to partner in the development and operation of this facility and that tradition continues with this project.Tourist visitors who attend an event at the Kittitas Valley Event Center will likely brush shoulders with locals utilizing the facility simultaneously for a separate or related reason. Finally,the project also benefits the community significantly as is the intent of Goal 6.This project provides upgrades to a long-standing facility,improving usability,flexibility, accessibility,and safety for all.With these improvements it will also make the Event Center more competitive in attracting and retaining tourism-related events that will bring economic activity into the county which directly supports local businesses and the overall economy. This project implements Action 4 under the Agricultural Tourism category,and is an existing component of the Kittitas Valley Event Center Master Plan. The web-based visitor surveys conducted as part of the Kittitas county Tourism Infrastructure Plan identified specific areas of information that,if provided to visitors,would be most likely to result in additional visits.Information about agriculture-based tourism activities received one of the highest ratings for likely resulting in visitation (60%).In addition,62%of the original visitor survey respondents listed agritourism as a major or minor reason for visiting Kittitas County in the first place.79%of those surveyed listed event attendance as the major or minor reason for visiting,many of which take place at the Kittitas Valley Event Center.We already know that this facility is an important component in the County's tourism infrastructure portfolio.This project promotes tourism in the county and increases overall tourism by enhancing and modernizing a portion of an important facility that will make it more attractive to new users and events while providing expansion opportunities and retention for current events that attract tourists. These improvements will increase economic activity from tourists.The Kittitas Valley Event Center is already an important economic driver for tourism in the County.The Kittitas County Fair and the Ellensburg Rodeo are the single biggest events in the County each year with over 60,000 attendees.These events continue to grow in attendance and in revenue each year,both of which directly contribute to overnights stays,revenue to local businesses,and sales,lodging and admissions tax revenue.In addition,the Event Center use throughout the rest of the calendar year continues to grow.In 2016 a total of 1,605 rooms were booked at the facility. While this does include numerous local meetings and events,it also includes many events that drive tourism like the NW Gourd Festival,the Miss Rodeo Washington Pageant,the Washington State High School Rodeo,the Northwest Fly Fishing Show,and regional meetings that find our central location convenient. 3.Real Property:If real property acquisition is a component of the project,please explain. Include any information of property already secured or evidence of the ability to secure the real property. There is no real property acquisition component of this project. 4.Coordination:Please explain how this project has been coordinated with other jurisdictions as well as affected stakeholders.Please include letters of support from stakeholders. This project has been coordinated with several groups of stakeholders.To begin with,the development and adoption of the Kittitas Valley Event Center Master Plan included numerous outreach efforts and robust involvement by the general public.These efforts included voter surveys,focus group meetings,the inclusion of a citizens advisory committee,open public meetings with the Board of County Commissioners,open house events,consultation with the Fair Board and the Rodeo Board,and final adoption through a public hearing. The actual design of this project included the creation of an additional stakeholder committee which included a member of the Board of County Commissioners,two members from Kittitas County 4H clubs,a member of the Fair Board,and county staff.The final design was adopted by this stakeholder committee. 5.Studies:Please attach any feasibility or other studies that demonstrate linkages between the proposed project and the anticipated tourism impacts.Also please include your operations/maintenancestrategy and other plans for long-term project sustainability (how the facility or facilities will be operated and maintained over at least five years following completion). The Kittitas County Event Center Master Plan is attached for your reference. Current designs are also included for your reference. Kittitas County currently owns and operates the Kittitas Valley Event Center.A director, support staff,and maintenance staff is currently in place.The facilities proposed as this project currently exist on the site and are already operated and maintained by county staff.This project will simply replace and/or improve those existing facilities and we anticipate that they will actually reduce the maintenance burden through increased efficiencies and more easily maintainable construction materials and overall design.Existing revenue models are in place to pay the ongoing costs associated with operation and maintenance and it is believed these improvements will enhance those revenues. 6.Project Readiness:Please provide a detailed project schedule,including milestones necessary for completion as mentioned in question 1 above.On the schedule,indicate items completed and exactly where in the schedule the project is at this time.Be sure to include expected completion date. Project Schedule: 1.Adoption of the Kittitas Valley Eventer Center Master Plan a.Completed 2016 2.Creation of the Barns Project Advisory committee a.Completed January 2017 3.Design Contract a.Issued January 2017 4.Construction Documents a.In process 5.Agency Review a.May 2018 6.Bidding/Contracts a.June 2018 7.Shop Drawings a.September 2018 8.Construction a.Fall 2018 through Spring 2019 9.Substantial Completion a.Spring 2019 10.Final Completion a.Spring/Summer 2019 7.Applicant Certification:Please sign below in agreement with the statement of certification. Certification is hereby given that the information provided is accurate and the applicable attachm ts are complete and included as part of the application package. urther c fy t t the application thresholds are met at the time of application. Signature of Official Representative Title Date i Kittitas Valley Event Center Barns and Bloom Pavilion Project Budget Funding Sources Lodging Tax Funds Request $872,950.00 Other Grant Funds State Capital Budget Appropriation Request $750,000.00 Other Local Government Funds County-funded contribution $122,950.00 Total Available Funding $1,745,900.00 Project Expenses Construction Allowance $1,500,000.00 Includes: Demolition of Clockum Barn and Wash Racks Survey and historic evaluation included Construction of structure on east side of Bloom Pavilion 10,000 square feet with metal roof and 1 hour fire wall Concrete floor with trench drain Provide large opening in east wall for access to Pavilion Provide general lighting Sky lights included Replace interior footing Improvements to Bloom Pavilion Add heating Improve ventilation Cut large opening in east wall for access to barns to the east Replace roofing Reseal panel joints Provide new exit door at west wall Add fire hydrant as requested by KVFR Two new wash racks Provide concrete slab with trench drain Provide ten hose bibs Locate one wash rack on the east side of the new structure and one 'on the east side of the Draft Horse barn Soft Costs Design,construction documents,bidding &constructionadministration $147,000.00 Survey $4,400.00 Historic Evaluation of Clockum Barn $3,000.00 Other contract costs for architect $11,500.00 Permitting $30,000.00 Project management $50,000.00 Total Project Costs $1,745,900.00 Ratings criteria and Score Card Tourism-Related,Large-Scale,Municipality-OwnedCapital Projects 1.Criteria:Kittitas County Tourism Infrastructure Plan Points Possible:60 Score Awarded: How closely does the application Up to 20 points Comments: meet the goals to further geotourism opportunities as Awarded: presented in Section 6 of the Plan? How closely related is the High =20 Comments: application to the high,moderate,Moderate =15 or low priority Action Tasks Low =10 contained in Section 7 of the Plan? Awarded: How effective will the project be Up to 20 Points Comments: in directly promoting tourism and increasing economic activity Awarded: resulting from tourists? 2.Criteria:Stakeholder Support Points Possible:10 Score Awarded: Has the applicant clearly described Up to 10 points Comments: how the project is being coordinated with other interested Awarded: parties?Are the stakeholders supportive? 3.Criteria:Project Readiness and Feasibility Points Possible:30 Score Awarded: Can the project be completed Yes =10 Comments: within 5 years?No =0 Awarded: Has the applicant clearly Up to 20 points Comments: articulated a feasible long term maintenance and operations Awarded: strategy for the project? Total Score Awarded: Bloom Pavilion and Barns .A -9 / . .• Bloom A - Pavillon e .1 inch =208 feete•4 . £7 4. M * '-I -- Aytt I ¯I- I -L.. -i .. r-_--- I II i ddition Addition North ALSC02242017 4) 20 -0-20'-0'20'-0¯20 -0'20'-0'20 -0 20 -06 20'-0¯20'90"20'.0*20 -D*20'-0°22 -0* ADD sTooP a sTAIRs @ EXISTINÒ DOOR EXISTING BUILDilgG EXISTING HOSE BIB TO REMAIN17'-6'244'-0"2 -8" M -OPEN END EXISTING SLIDER TO BE NEW S'Wx 10'H 12'-0"W - REMOVED,REPLACED WI OVERHEAD OVERHEADOVERHEADCOILINGDOORCOILINGDOORCOILIÑGDOOR12STATIONS 3-0 EACH .-8-0"Wx10'-0"H --SWING NEW ADDIT10N OVERHEAD COILING .WAS .1 HOUR FIRE RATED DOORIALIGNED W/ CMU WALL EXISTING OPENINGS IN .r Î v v i ATTLE BARN ATTI.E i i i i E.E WASH -to 2 6 STATIONS @6-0"EACH F.XIgiWÑt)Cľ¾Á N Kittitas County Bloom Pavilion Addition Addition Floor Plan 0 20'40 60' 02/24/2017 ALSC L' I -| | I III m Pav ionn ddition Addition South ALSC02/24/2017 MMME si ge l 1I mæPaCv n ddition Addition North Entry ALSC02/24/2017 Kittitas County Bloom Pavilion Addition Addition Looking North 02/24/2017 ALSC I I I I L r i i i I i I _______--___--'-¯ Kittitas County Bloom Pavilion Addition Addition Looking South ALSC02/24/2017 t i - _._ 13 8 .I ,1 mæPaCv n ddition Horse Wash ALSC02/24/2017 2016 Kittitas Valley Event Center Master Plan .1 Kittitas County Commissioners Paul Jewell,District 1 Gary Berndt,District 2 Obie O'Brien,District 3 Kittitas Valley Event Center Paul Jewell,Commissioner Mickey Webb,Director Patti Johnson,Support Staff Kittitas Valley Event Center Advisory Committee Dave Adams,Rodeo Board Charlene Andrews,Central Washington University Brad Case,City of Ellensburg Mark Crowley,4-H FJ Buck Dawson,Event Center Neighborhood Melanie George,4-H Kathleen Horner,Upper Kittitas County Resident-at-Large Bill Lowe,Rodeo Board,Ag Community Becky McDowell,Fair Board Amy McGuffin,Kittitas County Chamber and Business Community Matt Morton,City of Cle Elum Jeff Whitney,Lower Kittitas County Resident-at-Large Greg Zempel,Fair Board Consultants Tom Beckwith FAICP,Beckwith Consulting Group Eric Hovee,ED Hovee &Company Stan Lokting AIA,ARC Architects Terry Reckord FASLA,MacLeod Reckord PLLC Introduction 1 History of the Fair 1 ,History of the Rodeo 1 Facilities 5 Inventory 5 Current use and functional deficiencies 8 Prospects 12 Fair and Rodeo attendee survey 12 Market influence area 13 Kittitas County resident survey 14 Finance and management 19 Operating income and expenses 19 .,,Sources of income 19 Lodging tax revenue 20 Implications 20 Funding options 21 Management options 23 Next steps 25 Goals and objectives 27 Labor Day Weekenct Objectives 27 Master plan elements 30 Livestock barns 30 Rodeo arena 31 Vendors and food court 31 Exhibition hall and indoor arena 32 a •Bowling alley,parking lot,Wilson Creek 33 .Development costs 35 Voter survey 37 Respondent characteristics 37 Goals 37 Improvement projects 38 Financing options 42 Management financing options 43 Concessionaire and developer agreements 43 Management options 44 Economic enterprise 45 Master plan impacts 45 Appendices A:Committee assessments A-1 B.1:Comparable rodeos B.1-1 B.2:Comparable fairs B.2-1 B.3:Comparable rodeo/fair developments B.3-1 C:Repair and replacement (R&R)costs C-1 D:Fish &Wildlife Habitat Conservation Area D-1 E:Fairground utilization trends E-1 F:Fair capital funding/management options F-1 G:Development cost estimates G-1 H:Design/delivery options H-1 I:Fair attendee handout survey I-1 J:Resident fair survey J-1 K:Voter plan evaluation survey K-1 4 Introduction Kittitas County Fair Native Americans,cowboys,and ranch hands of both sexes to compete and to demonstrate their mastery of essential livestock From the first organized Kittitas County Fair in 1885 to the modern management skills. five-day event held each Labor Day weekend,the fair has always been about agriculture.From its inception by local farmers and This event evolved over time into an annual street fair with ranchers the fair has showcased the best that Kittitas County has to exhibition rodeo events.A 1923 infusion of $10,000 from the state offer.With the building of the rodeo arena and the first permanent enabled organizers to conduct Washington's first official rodeo. buildings on the fairgrounds in 1923,the beginnings of the Many of the rodeo's original competitors had participated in bi- permanent location for the weekly "Sunday Rodeos"west of Ellensburg near the town of Thorp. combined County Fair and These loosely organized competitions drew as many as 300msoTreRodeotookhold.Now,each spectators.It was this interest as well as income potential and a Arawevon,.I year,as in 1923,desire to honor the already-waning romantic notion of the Old West Ve e imua agricultural exhibits and that prompted local townspeople to sponsor the event.Kittitas County Fair,competitions,a four-day Rept 900 se ort :ad :88 -rodeo and a gathering of M.vir c,.,Yakama Indians takes place. The Fairgrounds Historic · District is listed on both the Washington State and National Registers of Historic Places and includes some structures built over 75 years ago.A permanent Heritage Center is now housed on the _- Fairgrounds,showcasing all the different groups that made Kittitas County the place it is today. Ellensburg Rodeo Yakama Nation tribal people gathered for hundreds of years on the Kittitas plains,and this gathering was a forerunner of the Ellensburg rodeo.The Ellensburg rodeo had its modern origins in a local 1885 reunion of veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic. Ellensburg held its first rodeo on September 13,1923 when Ellensburg townspeople gathered to participate in a Western rodeo. The event became an annual celebration of both the town and me B-/-we Western culture. Rodeos combine community celebration with the opportunity for The Ellensburg Rodeo opens every Labor Day weekend along with hair. the Kittitas County Fair.The Ellensburg Rodeo has grown from a They tried to feed all participants,with a ton of meat,some local competition among ranch hands to the professional event of bread and more. today with over 500 contestants and prize money in excess of They ran out of food and had to buy all the food from every $250,000.Within the Pacific Northwest the Ellensburg Rodeo is local store. second in size only to the Calgary Stampede in Calgary,Alberta,and The businessmen laughed at their mistake,as their wallets shed is considered to be one of America's top 25 rodeos.a tear. The agenda changed in the next 12 months,the fair resumed The Spot Beneath the Hill (Shwoowtookpama)again,next year. 1917 through 1919 was canceled,because of World War One. The Native Americans gathered here,at the spot beneath the With family at war,who could have a fair and still have any fun? hill.The 1920 fair resumed,in a vacant woolen mill they say. Their spirit continues on today,and like tradition,always will.Which is now the Boise-Cascade Building.And stands proudly, With a twist of fate and progress,each year we return to gather still today. here.After World War One,the county's first extension agent became We come to compete and enjoy displays,at the spot we hold so involved. dear.W.Leonard Dave was his name,now their problems would be The first recorded fair took place in 1885.solved. With the re-union of Civil War Vets,who were happy to survive.The 1920 and 21 fairs were a success in every way. The Grand Army of the Republic Vets would re-unite in the They were getting better,every year,which continues on today. summer air.In 1922,Davis would drum up interest on permanent grounds. In conjunction with their re-union,they would hold a county The movement would spread like a prairie fire and grow leaps fair.and bounds. The fair took place near Leonhard's bridge,in a grove,one mile The Ellensburg Evening Readers Editor,Clifford Kaynor,joined from town.the crew. The event lost money,but the county knew that would never With leaders like this behind the wheel,things are easier to do. slow them down.A committee was formed from county agents,parks department After that,they met in different spots,and their enthusiasm and even two schools. grows.From businessmen's clubs and the farm bureau,this committee The 1906 Street Fair displayed exhibits,in downtown store would have all the tools. windows.A second committee was formed as well this team would search The First Annual Kittitas County Fair was held in 1912 with for a permanent site. pride.With Senator McCauley,Davis and Kaynor,they knew that They had no official fairgrounds,they took their problem on in things would get done right. stride.Six sites were found to fit the bill,but there was one more In 1914 a huge tent was used for all exhibits until dark.problem at hand. All the games and races were held at the location of the old ball The state would not allow any counties to purchase,or to own park.land. In 1915,The Harvest Festival was held in place of the fair.Senator McCauley introduced a bill for the state to change their Which left 50 local businesses scrambling and pulling out their tune. 2 The bill was passed the very next year,in the early days of ©4-7-1999 June.Edward R.Cook Then the county purchased 18 acres it was bought within the (reproduced on the Kittitas Valley Event Center website with week.permission from the author) They obtained the spot beneath the hill,which was crossed by Wilson Creek. With the land obtained,the county knew,there was a job to do out there. A motion was made and agreed upon,to add a rodeo to the fair. So the county planned a workday,they'd need 500 men at least. With 200 horses and four tractors,while the women would provide the feast. On June 14th 1923,every business and office closed its doors. At the spot beneath the hill they met,to begin the county's chores. Businessmen and farmers worked side by side in the heat and dust that day. The amount of work completed out there,was unbelievable they say. The county came together as one it was a time all should remember. Some smaller teams completed more jobs before opening day in September. And still today the county unites to put on this Labor Day weekend show. Two committees work hard all year to put on this fair and rodeo. Throughout the years good times were had,the memories linger still. So join us friends,as we gather again,at the spot beneath the hill. 3 CENTER North I arking I o Northuviot s... I d'ioM li 4.p. Armory re. Ild.:- I I II|L IN I li tw 9 . In 11 r.I II I 20 (I hit II. N a .r.ti ••i n I ,a 1 1 Bht IdiiI fl baiglienb•t.LiivingenikaiN It i I .1,jf 1.4 4,lt. 4 Facilities Inventory and East 6th Avenue past the City of Ellensburg's Kittitas Valley Memorial Pool and Memorial Park.All local streets provide parallel Kittitas Valley Event Center is located on 21.0 acres between parking and the section of East 6th Avenue in front of the Kittitas University Way/East 10th Avenue/Vantage Highway on the north Valley Memorial Pool provides angled parking. and East 5th Avenue on the south,North Popular Street on the west and North Alder Street on the east near downtown Ellensburg. The site is bounded on the west by the City of Ellensburg's --- Memorial Park and Kittitas Valley Memorial Pool,on the west and ·•'¯ south by older single-family residential neighborhoods,on the east by a 50 to 60 foot high bluff occupied by Ellensburg's Reed Park, the VFW Hall,single-family residential neighborhood,and city water tower,on the northeast by Shady Brook Mobile Village,and to the - north across University Way/East 10th Avenue by the Central Washington University (CWU)campus. Kittitas County owns most Event Center land including street rights- of-way that were vacated by the City of Ellensburg.The Ellensburg Rodeo Association owns lands under the Posse Barns at the nhertheast edge of thde sitepe swellEaassp tions of the property under The Ellensburg Rodeo Association owns lands to the northeast .---Eg V north of Iron Horse Trail and the irrigation canal off East University Way that the Rodeo uses for horse trailers,horse pens,and rodeo ,**' participant parking.The Rodeo also utilizes a City of Ellensburg Service access is provic ed by a perimeter ane exten.ing from a property and KXLE Radio station grounds across East University livestock barn entrance at East 5th Avenue along the east boundary Way for parking during the Rodeo.at the bluff's edge north around the outside of the arena perimeter track and cattle holding pens and across Iron Horse State Park and Vehicular access is provided from the main arterial roadways into the irrigation canal to the Ellensburg Rodeo Association's holding Ellensburg from East University Way on the north and then by East pens and trailer parking lot to East University Way. 8th Avenue,East 9th Avenue,and North Alder Street controlled by traffic signals located at North Chestnut and North Alder Streets.Bicycle access is provided on all local streets and pedestrian access by sidewalks on all local streets as well as a stairway and trail from Local city and neighborhood access is provided from North the top of the bluff on North Poplar Street right-of-way to East 4th Chestnut Street,a city arterial,by way of East 7th Avenue and by a Avenue. one-way local street loop on East 5th Avenue,North Poplar Street, 5 Wilson Creek flows year-round,flooding at times during the rainy then north on North Maple Street through Central Washington season and spring snow melt,southward as a daylight creek under University. University Way and through the site along the east boundary to south of East 8th Avenue then through an underground pipe to Fair entrance gates and ticket offices for the general public are south of the South Grandstand,then by covered culvert past the located in a former single-family house located on East 8th Avenue livestock barns to resume as a daylight creek at the west edge of and a security operations building located on East 6th Avenue for Bloom Pavilion,then in a culvert from North Poplar Street to North locals and neighborhood residents.Rodeo entrance gate and ticket Chestnut Street,then as a daylight open creek continuing south office is separately located in Western Village on East 8th Avenue through Ellensburg toward the Yakima River.across from the north grandstands. Buildings were constructed in the 1920's,1930's,and 1950's except for Bloom Pavilion that was built in 1978.The south and west arena grandstands were completed in 1927 and are listed on the historic register. Buildings and structures Square feet Armory ???? Office -security 1,806 Superintendent Building 700 Shop 1,800 Bloom Pavilion 28,800 .Fine Arts Building -Teanaway Hall 3,458 r ·_Home Arts Building -Umtanum Hall 8,400 4-H &FFA Building -Colockum Room 9,100 4-H Office &Scale 875 Gazebo 900 Frontier Village (7 structures)13,125 Grandstands -North,West,and South including 46,775 Manastash,Heritage,Naneum,Tanecum Rooms Grandstands -East ????? Iron Horse State Park Trail (John Wayne Trail)is a 1,612-acre park Western Village 1,296 that was once part of the path of the Chicago-Milwaukee-St.Paul-South Grandstand Beer Hall 1,034 Pacific Railroad.More than 100 miles of trail extends from Cedar Behind the Chutes Beer Hall 5,525 Falls to west Ellensburg city limits than again from North Alder Gold Buckle 5,525 Street at the fairground edge east to the Columbia River.Subtotal 123,594 Swine Barn 2,800 Bonneville Power Administration (BPA)transmission lines share an Cattle Barn 10,000 alignment with the Iron Horse State Park corridor and extend west Draft Horse Barn 9,500 from North Alder Street to North Maple Street in the fairgrounds,Light Horse Barn 4,250 6 Dog,Poultry,Rabbit Barn 1,500 The Rodeo arena is 328 feet by 179 feet or 58,712 square feet,not Directors Tie Stall Barns (2)8,000 including the outside track,and able to be split into 164 foot x 179 Posse Barns (2)8,100 foot sections.The grandstands are 80,000 square feet and rated for Subtotal 44,150 9,800-seat capacity. Office area restrooms 950 4-H office area restrooms 484 South grandstand restrooms 1,508 Buckaroo grandstand restrooms 420 Calf chutes area restrooms 400 Subtotal 3,762 All total 171,506 Bloom Pavilion is 120 feet by 240 feet or 28,800 square feet with outside walls 25 feet high and the center ridge 35 feet high.The riding area is 90 feet by 190 feet enclosed with metal panels with a cattle or horse lane on the west side and portable bleacher seating on the east side. Buildings Rough stocks are housed in portable panels configured to hold horses and bulls between the north edge of the perimeter track and East 8th Avenue.Rough stock horses and bulls are transported to 4ggg the pens by long semi-truck hauled trailers that enter from the east on Vantage Highway/East University Way then loop North Alder Street to East 8th Street to Poplar Street and north back to University Way and then back east to Vantage Highway.Western 4-11/FFAStore-Beer /SulldingsHalls.3.380 g,gyg 'Rough stocks are shuttled back and forth between the rough stock Guebo,900 holding pens across the perimeter track and the arena chutes using Frontier portable runways.Cattle are herded around the perimeter track and vinage,13,125 housed in a holding pen adjacent to the west grandstand,and returned through a chute at the east end of the arena into holding pens.Horse riders enter the arena on the perimeter track at the west end between the west and south grandstands. 7 On-site RV exhibitor hookups and fair attendee parking is provided the wash racks were located at the ends of each barn to avoid on unimproved grounds between University Way and East 8th possible conflicts with service vehicles. Avenue year-round and north on Central Washington University parking lots across University Way and north off North Alder Street Some horses are housed in the light horse barn during Fair in order during the Fair and Rodeo.In some previous years,the Fair to meet state requirements for fairgrounds funding.However,the operated a shuttle service between the farthest lots located on horse fair activity is separately scheduled weeks before the Fair and North Alder Street and the main Fair and Rodeo entrances on East Rodeo due to the limited capacity available for horses and livestock 8th Avenue.in the horse barns,Bloom Pavilion,and the exterior arenas and tracks for equestrian showing and warm-ups.The dual horse andCurrentuseandfunctionaldeficiencieslivestockfairsareburdensometo4-H exhibitors who show in both and limiting to fair-goers looking for the widest variety of horse and During the Fair and Rodeo,Bloom Pavilion -is temporarily livestock exhibitions and 4-H participants. sectioned with portable panels to provide 2 small show arenas with portable bleachers and pens for overflow stalling of cattle and other Additional and more flexible stalling barns with configurable stall small animals.Colockum Barn,which is the narrowest and lowest panels,interior show and warm-up arenas,and wash racks and height historic barn,is configured to house swine with temporary other supporting spaces need to be constructed to accommodate chutes connected to the show arenas in Bloom Pavilion.The historic future growth in livestock and horse showings and to be able to cattle,draft horse,and light horse barns are used as designed recombine both events into the main Fair.Outdoor arenas also need originally as the wooden partitions cannot be altered.The historic to be provided,even if temporarily during Fair,to meet show and poultry and rabbit barn is used for dogs and any other compatible warm-up needs. small animals.Animal wash racks,sawdust,and waste Food vendors and an entrainment stage -are located in the grass piles are located across the areas adjacent to Wilson Creek's covered culvert between the perimeter service lane from livestock barns,the south grandstands,and Teanaway and ·the barns.Umtanum Halls.Vendors are provided water and power from a series of temporary r;This arrangement is no utility hookups in the longer workable.The barns green space. do not have stalling capacity a or flexibility to accommodate While this arrangement growth in 4-H livestock or .has worked relatively the continuously changing ..successfully in the past, ratios between swine,cattle,horses,and small animals and foul.the configuration limits While the historic wooden barns are aesthetically pleasing,the the number of vendors, interior wooden partitions severely limit possible uses.The barns fair-goer entertainment could accommodate considerably more stalling capacity and seating,and eating areas,and the potential amenities possible from flexibility if the wooden partitions removed and the barn's historic the open green space.The configuration also inhibits access to the shells kept intact.The livestock barns would also provide a livestock barns and the potential use of the open space for considerably safer management environment for 4-H exhibitors if temporary arenas and warm-up areas. 8 The carnival -is located in Memorial Park with portable fencing rough stock chutes,and the newest open air steel east grandstand panels erected around the park for security and access control.and seating located on top of the original race track next to the Carnival rides are provided power through a series of temporary Golden Buckle. electricity cables. Concrete seating was developed around the arena perimeter at the While this arrangement has worked relatively successfully in the lowest edge of the grandstands to provide box seating and for past,the configuration limits the number and visibility of the rides,handicapped. creates noise for adjacent residential uses,and limits opportunities for flexible entertainment or fair-goer seating and eating areas.The northwest and north (Buckaroo)grandstands are accessed from Western Village by walking across the perimeter track and then by The carnival operator would like to move the carnival to the north stairs to the north and northwest grandstands,and by an outer edge of the event center adjacent to East University Way to improve perimeter walk to the Golden Buckle.The south grandstands are visibility and functional layout provided the ground surface were accessed from stairs located on the south side of the stands in the paved or landscaped to avoid dust in the equipment and the rides fairgrounds and by an elevated walkway over the perimeter track were not located to interfere with the BPA overhead transmission from the west grandstands.The new east grandstand is accessed by lines.walking across the cattle exit chute or by walking through the fairgrounds and then from the south grandstand entrances. Fair vendor booths -including car,tractor,boat,and other open air displays are located along the central corridor extending south from The historic wooden grandstands need to be retrofit to provide seat East 8th Avenue between the Armory and perimeter arena track to backs for comfort,low maintenance composite materials for seats, Bloom Pavilion.Vendors are provided power and some water safety handrails for the steep stairs,and wider,more visible hookups from temporary and permanent hookups located in the elevated connecting aisles between the north,northwest,west,and center of the roadway.south grandstands.The elevated walkway over the perimeter track entrance between the west and south bleachers is unsafe and needs While this arrangement has worked relatively successfully in the to be replaced. past,the configuration limits the number of booths,booth sizes, access aisles,functional operation,and aesthetic image.The Restrooms and concessions are in ground level buildings located corridor could accommodate more booths were the area to be behind the northwest bleachers requiring rodeo-goers to walk up improved with accent paving,utility hookups,street trees and and down the stairs for convenience and comfort.Restrooms and cover,and a theme-based vendor marketing strategy.Concessions in the south grandstand are located on the ground level on the south side of the building facing the fairgrounds requiring Too many of the vendors market items that are available anywhere rodeo-goers to exit the ticketed seating area for access,and rodeo rather than western,Native American,fair,or other items unique to personnel to monitor exit and entry. the Fair and Rodeo. Rodeo stalling barns -include 2 historic wooden Tie Stall barns Rodeo arena grandstands -include the historic covered wooden located between Wilson Creek and North Alder Street and adjacent northwest and west grandstands and seating over the cattle chutes,Western Village and the perimeter track,and 2 historic wooden the historic covered wooden south grandstands and seating over Posse barns located south of Wilson Creek and the east perimeter the meeting rooms,restrooms,and Heritage Center,the covered service road.All 4 barns are configured with wooden partitions and north steel grandstands (Buckaroo Stands)and seating over the 9 some include access to outdoor stall areas.All 4 barns are located and North Alder Street.Mature trees align portions of Maple Street within Wilson Creek's buffer area.but otherwise the parking areas are nondescript lacking drainage, curbing,walkways,landscaping,and other remedial improvements, Yakama Indian Village -is located inside the bend in Wilson Creek on the east side of North Alder Street between Iron Horse State Park In general,the parking areas are not functionally defined nor easily and East 8th Avenue managed for traffic access or parking capacity configurations.The outside the ticketed lots nondescript function and appearance reflect poorly on what controlled boundary of should the front door to the Event Center. the Fair and Rodeo.The Yakama conduct The parking areas,if better defined and possibly expanded within performances,operate logical boundaries of the Event Center,should be able to provide vendor stalls,and camp sufficient parking capacity for activities other than during the Fair overnight in traditional and Rodeo.The Event Center site even if expanded,however,will teepes.In years past,the never be able to provide the peak parking requirements necessary Village has been located during the Fair and Rodeo.The Fair and Rodeo will always depend in numerous sites inside on off-site parking arrangements with Central Washington the Fair boundary.University (CWU)which,given the low density,sprawling nature of the university campus,should continue to be available. The current site is too small to accommodate Village activities, particularly performance and vendors.The current site is not Armory -following the transfer to Event Center ownership and improved with signage,seating,utilities,restrooms,and other retrofit project,provides Event Center administration offices,2 amenities and conveniences.The Tribe would like a permanent medium sized conference and training rooms,and the central large location with enough capacity to expand the performance area,assembly space. vendor booths,and teepe camping as well as improved visibility and amenities.The well-equipped and furnished Armory meeting spaces accommodate a wide variety of activities and events but lack RV hookups -are provided by permanent water and power outlets kitchen services,a bar,stage,and other entertainment features with for food vendors in the grass area between Teanaway and Umtanum which to host major parties,celebrations,banquets,and special Hall and the livestock barns,for fair vendors in the vendor corridor events. from East 8th Avenue to Bloom Pavilion,and for Fair exhibitors in an RV lot located between East 8th and 9th Avenues,and North Frontier Village -includes 7 homestead,blacksmith shop,saloon, Maple and Alder Streets.schoolhouse,general store,and other outbuildings and equipment collected,moved,and reassembled on site by volunteers.The The hookups are old,above ground standards that limit flexible use historic buildings are well preserved,furnished,hosted,and of the areas for other activities and for newer,longer RV rigs.The interpreted during Fair by volunteers. hookups do not provide cable or wifi service. Volunteers have options on more historic buildings including a On-site parking areas -are grass,dirt,and gravel surfaces located church that could be moved to the site.The current configuration, between East 8th Avenue and East University Way,and North Maple however,is somewhat cramped and lacks a central performance or and North Alder Streets accessed from East 8th and 9th Avenues 10 entertainment space and focus.The layout could be reconfigured to provide access to the Event Center and define the western edge of provide more open space and allow additional structures.the future boundary.The building includes a commercial kitchen, bar,meeting room,store,and the space originally devoted to the Western Village -is 2 buildings located at the intersection of East bowling alleys and pins equipment. 8th Avenue and North Alder Street that function as the ticket booth and entrance to the Rodeo grounds.The western building houses The structure is generally sound though in need of roofing the ticket booth,offices,and a meeting room with bar.The eastern improvements and the removal of the bowling alley and equipment. building houses public restrooms and a series of retail tenants.The building's open interior space is larger than any other buildings in the Event Center,and with the kitchen and bar,could support the The buildings are in good condition and the Rodeo Association major parties,celebrations,banquets,and special events not easily indicated a desire to possibly expand or extend the buildings to accommodated in the Armory or other buildings on the fairgrounds. include Rodeo administration offices and the Rodeo Hall of Fame. Shady Brook Mobile Village -is a private property located between East University Way on the north and Iron Horse State Park on the --south,and North Alder Street on the west and the irrigation canal to the east.The property includes commercial uses fronting onto East -University Way (Last Chance Saloon).The County owns 2 residential .....lots located at the southeast corner of the site.Wilson Creek flows .south from University Way through the property. The property is not well maintained and includes a large number of derelict and deteriorating singlewide mobile homes and lean-to structures configured in in close quarters and directly abutting Wilson Creek. The County has made an offer on the mobile village portion of the property and is currently conducting due diligence on the condition of the site and the assistance that would be necessary and appropriate to relocate the low-income tenants. Bowling Alley -and parking lot located at the corner of East 9th Avenue and Poplar Street were recently acquired by the County to 11 Prospects Fair and Rodeo attendee survey 0 1 2 3 4 5 41%15%15%10%4%15% A handout survey was conducted of Fair and Rodeo-goers during the 2014 event that included a limited number of questions to Survey respondents were asked where they stayed during the Fairdeterminethecharacteristicsoftheattendeesandtheirbehaviors-and Rodeo. The handout survey was completed by 1,105 attendees·Home Friends Hotel/motel Campground Survey respondents were asked how many times they attended the 38%46%9%7% annual Fair and Rodeo.Survey respondents were asked the zip code of their permanent 0 1 2-5 6-10 11-15 16-20 21+residence which was generally transcribed to match thej following9%13%24%16%9%6%23%locations. CA,ID,NV,OR West WA Central WA East WASurveyrespondentswereaskedwhatdaystheyattendedthe4.4%27.1%63.5%4.3%annual Fair and Rodeo for which they could indicate more than one day. Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday / 31%43%56%38%26% Survey respondents were asked what the primary attraction was that they came to see for which they could answer for more than one attraction. Rodeo Livestock Crafts/photo Carnival Other -y- 55%32%23%25%20% Survey respondents were asked how many people were in their party.to, 0 1 2 3 4 5 6+wonit Children under 12 55%17%16%6%2%1%2% Teenagers 13-19 69%15%9%4%2%1%1% Adults 2%12%49%14%10%3%9%L Survey respondents were asked what age group they are in..1 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+ 18%15%17%16%29%15%y. Survey respondents were asked how many nights they were staying Commtiniljf fg|rs (Ci US Highways during the Fair and Rodeo.Q County/regíonalímit/todeos g interstate Highways 12 Market influence area $250,000 in 2014,and the introduction of extreme bull riding events. There are 17 county fairs operated in the State of Washington that are comparable and/or competitive with the Ellensburg County Fair.Fair and Rodeo attendance fluctuated over the years with a low Washington State Fair in Puyallup generates the largest attendance number of attendees in 2004 at 63,574 and a high in 2011 of with over 1,000,000 fair-goers in 2014 ranked the 14thin the US 73,544.Attendance in 2014 was an estimated 71,000 persons due to attendance volume and 10th in the US due to content.ranking the Event Center 12th in attendance statewide. Evergreen State Fair in Monroe is a close second in Washington with an attendance of 761,871 in 2014.Fair &Rodeo attendance Washington State Fair Attendance in 2014 Fair Location Attendance t'* Washington State Fair Puyallup 1,000,000 '""I Evergreen State Fair Monroe 761,871 Clark County Fair Ridgefield 269,269 ..,e Central WA State Fair Yakima 269,253 NW Washington Fair Lynden 196,642 Spokane County Fair Spokane 188,070 Benton County Fair Kennewick 117,000 , Spring Fair in Puyallup Puyallup 102,090 SW WA Fair Chehalis 92,650 Walla Walla Fair Walla Walla 80,000 Kitsap County Fair Bremerton 78,000 Kittitas County Fair Ellensburg 71,000 Grant County Fair Moses Lake 68,289 .nis ano;ni,n 2,....,,,,7 s.,..,.... Grays Harbor Fair Elma 65,641 King County Fair Enumclaw 60,886 The Event Center's market influence area is defined by majorCowlitzCountyFairLongview56,474 transportation corridors including I-90,US-2,and US-12 to the west Source:IAFE Director 2014 and CarnivalWarehouse.com and east,and I-82,I-182,and US-97 to the north and south.I-90 is the most likely major market corridor since the Attendee Survey The Ellensburg Rodeo is in the Columbia River Circuit that includes indicated 27.1%at least came from western Washington and another 31 rodeos located in Washington,Oregon,Idaho,and Montana.A 4.3%from eastern Washington.Central Washington'63.5%share ofnumberofrodeosareconductedconcurrentwithcountyfairsinattendees,by comparison,came from Yakima,Kittitas,and ChelanLynden,Moses Lake,Kennewick,Walla Walla,Puyallup,Spokane,Counties as well as an extended draw from Grant,Douglas,and and Yakima.Ellensburg and Kennewick conduct 5-day schedules Benton. while the other rodeos are conducted for 2-4-days each. The Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM) The Ellensburg Rodeo attracts national rodeo competitors as well as develops population projections by county based on birth,death,regional contestants due to the amount of prize money offered,and net migration rates. 13 2015 2020 2030 2040 22%. Kittitas 42,592 45,255 50,567 55,436 King,Grant 2,198,604 2,212,892 2,398,364 2,557,187 The Event Center can expect to increase its annual Fair and Rodeo Snohomish,2,139,488 2,270,938 2,528,903 2,750,333 attendance by similar percentages over the forecast period if its Pierce,Chelan,activities and programs remain attractive to event-goers and Yakima,Douglas,competitive with other Washington fairs and rodeos,and its Benton facilities increase capacity,functionality,and amenities Total 4,380,684 4,529,085 4,977,834 5,362,956 accordingly. Source:Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM)Kittitas County resident survey Market influence area population sonnano A web-based survey was conducted of Kittitas County residents that included a more extensive series of questions concerning their attendance,behavior,and priorities for master planning the Event"""""""Center,The survey was completed by 514 residents. acuegan Survey respondents were asked what age group they are in. .18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+ /5%13%21%22%25%13% Survey respondents were asked what household income they have. 2000 e $20-$30-$50-$75- <$20,000 29,999 49,999 74,999 99,999 $100,000+ inoueuo 2%7%17%21%18%34% Survey respondents were asked what education level they have. 1966 isla inn 1999 on inn too iom imo i¯m anon avio aos talo sean Grade High Technical Some Bachelor Graduateum""'""""""school school school college degree degree 0%9%5%27%37%21% =Kittitas County's population will increase from 42,592 persons in 2015 to 55,436 persons by 2040 or by 12,844 persons or 30%.Survey respondents were asked how many times they attended the •King and Grant County's population will increase from annual Fair and Rodeo and for other events the rest of the year. 2,198,604 persons in 2015 to 2,557,187 persons by 2040 or by 0 1 2-5 6-10 11-15 16-20 21+ 358,583 persons or 16%%.Fair &Rodeo 14%13%20%12%9%6%26% •Snohomish,Pierce,Chelan,Yakima,Douglas,and Benton Rest of the year 19%10%26%16%6%8%14% County's population will increase from 2,139,488 persons in 2015 to 2,750,333 persons by 2040 or by 610,845%persons or 29%.Survey respondents were asked what events they attended during All 9 County's population will increase from 4,380,684 persons the annual Fair and Rodeo for which they could select all that in 2015 to 5,362,956 persons by 2040 or by 982,272 persons or applied. 14 Never Some Regular Always Survey respondents were asked how much they typically spent at 4-H/FFA livestock barns 17%20%22%41%Ellensburg business establishments during the annual Fair and Food vendors 16%21%27%36%Rodeo. Rodeo competitions 20%28%18%35%$0 $25 $50 $75 $100 $150 $200+ Frontier Village 20%30%22%27%Restaurant/bar 37%16%17%6%13%5%5% 4-H/FFA crafts/photos 23%29%21%27%Gasoline/fuel 38%27%14%8%9%1%2% Western Village 24%28%22%26%Other 90%2%0%0%3%1%2% Open category crafts/photos 24%30%23%24%Hotel/motel/RV 96%0%1%0%0%0%1% Rodeo entertainment 26%31%18%24%Parking 72%20%4%1%2%0%0% 4-H/FFA showmanship 30%35%14%21% Outdoor performers 23%34%27%16%Survey respondents were asked to rate the quality of the following Main carnival 36%35%16%13%existing facilities that are ranked by the highest percentage give Children's carnival 44%32%14%10%the poorest rating. poorest poor average good best Survey respondents were asked what activities they attended Tent camping areas 34%32%27%6%1% during the rest of the year for which they could select all that Public parking on site 33%32%23%10%1% applied.RV camping areas 25%32%33%9%1% Never Some Regular Always Posse Barns 23%30%32%13%3% Other equestrian,rodeo 45%29%14%12%Bloom Pavilion trailer 21%38%30%9%1% Meetings,conferences 44%35%16%5%Public parking off site 21%35%29%13%2% 4-H/FFA livestock shows 59%24%11%5%4-H/FFA livestock trailer 19%36%31%13%0% 4-H/FFA equestrian events 59%26%9%5%Rodeo trailer loading 16%32%37%14%1% Weddings,anniversary,parties 42%47%9%3%North grandstands 14%26%37%21%2% Charity and fundraising 41%45%11%2%West grandstands 14%25%36%22%3% Commercial events 55%38%5%2%Public restrooms 14%24%39%20%3% Festivals 47%44%8%1%South grandstands 13%20%34%29%5% Car,boat,RV shows 79%19%1%1%Wilson Creek 13%17%50%17%4% 4-H/FFA livestock barns 12%22%36%25%5% Survey respondents were asked how much they typically spent on Yakama Village site 12%22%44%19%3% activities and vendors during the annual Fair and Rodeo.Street access to the site 11%33%33%20%3% $0 $25 $50 $75 $100 $150 $200+Fair tree cover 10%23%38%24%5% Entry fees 26%36%17%6%7%2%7%Main carnival 10%23%46%19%3% Purchases 35%23%16%6%11%2%6%Bloom Pavilion arena 10%21%37%28%5% Food 17%24%26%11%13%4%5%Rodeo arena 10%18%31%33%8% Entertainment 57%15%11%3%5%4%5%Information centers 8%20%44%24%4% Other 79%6%3%3%3%3%4%Children's carnival 7%26%46%18%3% Carnival 54%20%14%5%5%1%1%East metal grandstands 7%14%34%37%9% Fair/Rodeo entry gates 6%22%38%30%4% 15 Grandstand meet rooms 6%17%42%29%5%Creek through fair grounds Western Village 6%14%31%34%15%Construct additional and 23%29%29%13%7% Frontier Village 5%15%34%33%14%larger outdoor performance 4-H crafts building 4%16%45%28%7%stages Food vendor area 4%16%47%28%4%Add trees and landscaping in 16%24%30%24%6% Performance stages 4%15%48%29%5%the food vendor areas Consolidate fair/rodeo entry 29%29%27%10%5% Survey respondents were asked what priority they would give the gates and locations following possible improvements that are ranked by the highest Improve RV and tent 24%27%35%9%5% percentage given the highest priority.Campmg areas lowst low modrte high highst Develop outdoor plazas for 21%35%29%12%4% Improve air and light in 11%14%28%25%21%Teanaway and Umtanum Bloom Pavilion Arena Exhibition Halls Service off-site parking with 9%11%30%31%18%Improve conference rooms 27%32%27%11%4% expanded shuttles under the grandstands Install overhead cover to the 16%15%28%23%18% new metal rodeo Survey respondents were asked what impact these facility grandstands improvements would have on their attendance at the annual Fair Expand 4-H/FFA livestock 17%21%24%22%17%and Rodeo. barns on fair grounds None Minor Major Replace wooden bench slats 14%16%33%20%17%Would recommend to others 32%27%42% in all wooden grandstands Would come more often 44%36%20% Construct new large 19%19%26%19%16%Would spend more money 45%40%15% multipurpose exhibition hall/arena for major indoor Survey respondents were asked what impact these facility events improvements would have on their use of facilities during the rest Improve public parking on-8%14%32%31%14%of the year. site None Minor Major Improve Bloom Pavilion 17%22%34%18%10%Would recommend to others 32%29%39% loading area Would come more often 37%37%25% Build additional Posse barns 24%25%29%13%10%Would spend more money 44%39%17% on rodeo grounds Improve rodeo trailer 18%21%34%18%9%Survey respondents were asked what impact these facility loading areas improvements would have on their use of facilities during the rest Improve 4-H livestock barn 16%22%33%21%8%of the year ranked for the greatest percentage give major impact. loading area None Minor Major Simplify direct street access 16%20%39%18%8%Outdoor entertainment shows 32%37%31% to the site Adult rodeo competitions 44%27%28% Daylight and improve Wilson 24%32%25%11%8%Indoor entertainment shows 35%38%27% 16 Other equestrian events 50%27%23%None Minor Major Youth rodeo competitions 48%33%19%A combination of the above 17%26%57% Ski,camping,fishing vendor shows 45%36%18%A public entity 21%41%39% RV and boat vendor shows 62%24%14%A nonprofit entity 22%43%36% 4-H/FFA equestrian events 65%24%12%A private entity 47%40%13% 4-H/FFA livestock shows and exhibits 67%24%9% Auto dealer shows 72%23%5%Survey respondents were asked where they lived. Kittitas Roslyn Cle Elum Ellensburg County Other Survey respondents were asked what the mission should be of the 7%2%14%59%12%7% Event Center during the annual Fair and Rodeo. None Minor Major Survey respondents were asked if a member of their household had Host events and activities of interest 3%16%81%ever participated in any of the activities at the annual Fair and to residents and tourists Rodeo. Host events and activities of interest 4%31%65%Never Some Regular Always to Kittitas County residents As a volunteer 45%17%16%22% Host event and activities that attract 7%37%56%4-H//FFA livestock exhibits,54%14%13%19% tourist dollars competitions,and activities Adult rodeo events,activities,61%12%12%15% Survey respondents were asked what the mission should be of the and competitions Event Center during the rest of the year.Youth rodeo events,activities,62%16%14%9% None Minor Major and competitions Host events and activities of interest 3%22%75%4-H/FFA equestrian events,69%11%11%9% to residents and tourists competitions,and activities Host events and activities of interest 3%24%73%Other open animal exhibits 63%16%13%8% to Kittitas County residents and activities Host event and activities that attract 8%40%53%Other equestrian events,63%17%12%8% tourist dollars activities,and competitions Open photography and craft 54%24%16%7% Survey respondents were asked for what purpose Event Center exhibits facilities should be operated.4-H/FFA photography and 67%18%10%5% None Minor Major craft exhibits As a break-even enterprise neither 20%34%46%As a food or other vendor 79%14%5%2% making nor losing money As a profit-making enterprise 28%41%31%Survey respondents were asked if a member of their household had As a community endeavor regardless 34%42%24%ever participated in any of the activities the rest of the year. of cost Never Some Regular Always As a volunteer 55%22%11%12% Survey respondents were asked who should operate the Event Adult rodeo events,activities,66%13%9%11% Center.and competitions 17 Other equestrian events,63%18%11%8%8%23% activities,and competitions 4-H//FFA livestock exhibits,65%16%11%8%Survey respondents were asked what other rodeos they have competitions,and activities attended or visited -percentages are of the 240 or 47%of all Youth rodeo events,activities,65%17%10%8%respondents that answered the question. and competitions Cheney Coulee City Omak Lynden Moses Lake Kennewick 4-H/FFA equestrian events,72%14%9%5%14%22%54%9%43%27% competitions,and activities Weddings,anniversaries,party 47%37%12%4%Walla Walla Puyallup Spokane Othello Pendleton Sisters Entertainment,performances 55%33%8%4%21%48%18%21%55%16% Other open animal exhibits 72%17%7%4% and activities Eugene Couer D'Alene Lewiston Festivals and special events 42%42%13%3%8%10%17% Car,RV,boat exhibitions 80%17%2%1% Survey respondents were asked what other fairs they have attended or visited. Puyallup Monroe Yakima Lynden Spokane Kennewick 83%32%65%7%14%15% Walla Walla Moses Lake 18 Finance and management Operating income and expenses lodging tax and general fund contributions. Kittitas Valley Event Center income peaked in 2008 then declined Sources of Income (2008-13)during the economic recession and gradually improved in the years SÌRC€·$1,800,000 $1,600,000 Income -Operating Expense (2008-13)$1,400,000 $400,000 .2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Year General fund includes $200,000 ,capitalized lease in 2008 so ,,, Events Center County Fair -Other Revenue "Transfers In -General Fund 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Year Expenseadjusted to exclude The Fair contributes the most revenue followed by the Events sincome -Expense capitalstructure investments Center primarily in the form of short-term facility rentals for off- fair use. Like most fairgrounds and related publicly owned event facilities, earned income from the Event Center is not adequate to fully cover Additional income contributions are required to offset the operating expenses,resulting in an operating deficit that is funded approximately $300,000 per year deficit (after 2008)with about from non-facility related revenues.$100,000 per year coming from lodging tax revenues and $200,000 from the general fund on an annual basis. The primary sources of Event Center funding support are from the lodging tax and general fund.The Events Center has been averaging •The Event Center's cost recovery -has improved from 47%of about a $300,000 operating deficit (+/-10%)since 2009.operating expense in 2008 (excluding structures)to 68%in 2013. •The Event Center experiences a continuing substantial net Sources of income deficit -although revenues have increased from 18%to 35%of allocated expense since 2008 due largely to increased rents rates Sources of earned income for the Events Center come from facility for non-fair,year-round use. rentals,the Fair,and other miscellaneous revenue together with •The Fair generates positive net revenue for the Events contributed or County financial support transferred from the Center -contributing $50,000 to $90,000 net surpluses each year. 19 •Rodeo arena,YOCF,and Frontier Village operate at a small $728,000 or 56%of the total came from lodging establishments deficit -ranging from just over $1,000 to less than $15,000 from located in unincorporated Kittitas County -with the remaining 44% 2009-13.from lodging establishments in Ellensburg,Cle Elum,and Roslyn. •Building structure investments totaled $1,000,000 from 2008 to 2013 -coming from non-revenue sources including the general Combined county and local city lodging tax revenues increased fund.from just over $160,000 in 1994 to $1,300,000 in 2014.While this equates to a nearly 14%annual average rate of increase,a major Lodging tax revenue portion of the growth is attributable to the imposition of the additional 2%tax which occurred more recently. Lodging tax revenues are generated by Ellensburg,Cle Elum,Roslyn, South Cle Elum in one year,and Kittitas County under the following A more reliable indicator of long-term underlying lodging revenue authorizations of RCW 67.28:trends is indicated by the 2.0%state-shared portion of the tax -for which Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR)data is available extending back to 1994.State-shared lodging tax revenuesStateShared(s)&Additional (a)Lodging Taxes increased by an average of about 5%per year over the 20-year time s Moo.om p erio d Much of the growth in lodging tax occurred in unincorporatedi"""'""Kittitas County due to recent hospitality-related developments like I suonauxi Suncadia.The rate of revenue growth,including the 2%shared tax revenues,over the last two decades for the County exceeded 12% per year on average.However,maintaining this pace of growth 5400,000 ----would require further significant new lodging development -as well voo,ooo ·as increasing room rates coupled with full occupancies. so Implications SKi •KCi als ela pffs (la MR,n.,There is clear precedent for using the County's general fund and a portion of the County's lodging tax dollars to support the Event Center and Fair activity -primarily for annual operating support•State-shared revenue -is a 2.0%portion of the state sales tax.but occasionally for capital funding related purposes as well.Thethatisreturnedtolocaljurisdictionsfortourismpromotion..rapid increase in lodging tax revenues in recent years made it•Additional lodging taxes -are allowed at 2.0%with varied possible to make a greater contributions to a range of tourismyearsofimplementationandresultingcollectionsstartingfordevelopmentandpromotionalactivities.Ellensburg in 2000,Cle Elum in 2001,unincorporated Kittitas County in 2009,and Roslyn in 2011.The use of the County's general fund,however,will compete with other general fund uses -notably for essential public services.As of 2014,the combined state-shared and additional lodging taxes Lodging tax funding for capital improvements will compete withaccountedfor$1,300,000 in lodging tax revenues generated by other allowed allocated uses for tourism marketing and promotion,participating jurisdictions in Kittitas County.Of this amount,over Strategically,the County's general fund and lodging tax resources 20 are applicable for Event Center capital funding from two alternative Funding facilities with ownership and/or perspectives:management offering clear profit potential •As a first-in resource -to leverage capital dollars from other Donations O e Best for capital facilities with non-tax sources broad public use &donor appeal, =As a last-in resource -to fill the remaining gap after applying possibly used in conjunction with other available non-tax revenue sources of funding naming rights Federal &State O e Relatively few sources which can Grants be highly competitive;optionsDeterminingwhichpathtotakewillrepresentanimportantcurrentlymayincludestatestrategicchoicefortheCounty-as it will affect how other sources distressed county sales tax or can be most effectively tapped,as well-federal USDA or EDA funding Public O e Formed by action of County withFundingoptionsFacilitiesoptionsforvoterapproved District (PFD)property tax,up to 0.2%sales tax, A range of funding sources is potentially available to support Event non-voted admissions (5%)and Center capital improvements.Some funding sources may have parking (10%)tax revenue sources capacity to support all anticipated Event Center capital project Parks District e e Requires voter approval as separate taxing districtcosts,subject to legislative and,in some cases,voter approval..Revitalization **Repaid w/added taxes,possibleOthersourcesrealisticallyavailable,at best,may support only a Financing (LRF)combo as with the state's recentportionoftotalprojectcosts.CERB-LIFT program or under the auspices of a Public Development The following chart provides a summary listing of current and Authority (PDA) potential funding resources for Event Center facilities.Voted GO Bond +e Voted general obligation (GO) Fund Option Ops Cap Comments bonding requires 60%super- Lodging Tax e e Broad statutory authority for majority voter approval tourism marketing,special Non-Voted GO +•Non-voted GO debt does not events/festivals,operational or Revenue require voter approval up to expenses of public and non-profit Bond amount of available non-voted facilities,and capital funding of capacity;revenue bonds may be public facilities;not available for issued without GO backing subject privately owned facilities to adequate debt coverage of General Funds e e Has served as major source of clearly identified source of fairgrounds gap funding to date;repayment competes with funding essential Special O O State funding or authorization of public services Legislation mechanisms (such as lodging tax User Fees e O Can range from apportionment of adjustments)for fairgrounds concessionaire revenues to rentals related improvements;could occur for facility use (especially for event for Ellensburg only or in center facilities available on a year-cooperation with other interested round basis)fairgrounds statewide. Private O e Best option for year-round Ops =annual operating costs,Cap =capital facility projects 21 e =likely applicable for at least some portion of Event Center that could be spun-off if shown to reduce operating deficits, expense especially for facilities suitable for steady year-round use. O =not as likely to be applicable for Event Center use though not out of the question Donations -could play a potentially significant role if an aggressive +=not likely applicable either for legal or financial reasons capital campaign could be organized around major donors as champions of a state-of-the-art Event Center facility.Considerable Funding sources are not necessarily mutually exclusive.For lead-time is typically required to assess feasibility and mount a example,lodging (hotel/motel)tax revenues may be used to pay for successful campaign. capital improvements either on a cash pay-as-you-go basis or with annual payments pledged to debt financing.The following Federal and state grants -can also be expected to play a role in the comments are for consideration of potential funding suitability of overall funding program,especially for smaller,stand-alone each funding source:components of the overall improvement program as in the $250,000 -$2,000,000 range.A pivotal question is whether to make Lodging tax revenues -likely play a potentially pivotal role grants a major part of the overall funding program or whether to because of their current use in supporting Event Center operations take a more opportunistic approach for initial grants to prime the plus alternative uses for other tourism promotion activities region-pump for more significant later phase funding. wide.However,lodging tax will represent,at best,just one part of the total funding equation.For example,even if 100%of all existing Public Facilities Districts (PFDs)-are proving to be the most city and county lodging tax were dedicated to debt repayment,less versatile tool for funding and management of major event centers than $24,000,000 in debt financing would be supported -assuming in Washington state.Most PFDs to date have taken advantage of a a 30 year repayment period and 3.50%annual interest rate.now-expired sales tax credit,with little track record to date of seeking or obtaining voter approval for property and/or sales tax General fund revenues -are not expected to contribute mechanisms potentially available by state statute. substantially to capital improvements,except perhaps for smaller improvements -especially as long as continuing general fund Revitalization financing -tools of a wide variety have been tried in subsidy support in the range of $200,000 is required to offset the Washington state,though with limited success to date.Applicability annual event center /fairgrounds operating deficit.to a fairground is questionable as most of the funding mechanisms rely on some form of increased tax revenue (a factor of obvious User fees -typically are viewed as a source to first defray operating limited applicability to publicly owned and/or operated facilities). expenses.New facilities may actually increase the operating deficit (at least temporarily)until added revenues capability is proven with Voted general obligation bonding -represents a source that increased marketability,attendance,and or rates with new and conceivably could play a major role -with capacity conceivably to improved facilities.Achieving operating self-sufficiency should not underwrite up to 100%of project costs.Recommended is that a be expected given the experience of most other comparable preliminary survey be conducted to assess voter interest in this facilities.option -and at what level of potential funding support. Private funding -as a for-profit venture does not appear to be a Non-voted GO or revenue bonding -is also possible but cannot be feasible option for full Event Center operations,based on the expected to carry the full cost of redevelopment -unless experience of existing fairgrounds and related event venues in the improvements are phased over a substantial time period (likely Pacific Northwest.There may be portions of fairground operations beyond 15 years).Revenue bonding is possible with pledging of 22 specific resources such as lodging tax but with coverage Day weekend Rodeo is the responsibility of the nonprofit Ellensburg requirements that could require demonstration of cash flows well in Rodeo Association. excess of annual debt repayments.GO bonding backed by the full faith and credit of Kittitas County will buy far more indebtedness The opportunity to make major capital improvements often capacity than revenue bonding but is viable only to the extent that provides an opportunity to re-evaluate current ownership and sufficient resources are allocated within the County to make management arrangements -to assure that facility management is principal and interest payments over the full term of repayment.in alignment with capacity for increased financial outlays to pay for Unless revenue sources other than lodging tax can also be secured,capital improvements and expanded operations. non-voted debt should be expected to cover only a portion of the facility cost -at least in the short term.Following is a detailed comparison of alternative management options including examples of facilities owned and operated in a Special legislation -has proven to be a means for funding a wide similar fashion to the Event Center as well as a variety of hybrid range of event facilities across the state -especially for facilities approaches.The Event Center is operated as a county or publicly proven to of significance to the entire state and not just one owned approach for most on-site activities except for the annual community or region.Examples of such legislative appropriations Rodeo which is consistent with the county-owned and non-profit or tax authorizations have been made for facilities as diverse as operational model. Expo '74 in Spokane (including facilities that became the Performing Arts Center and Convention Center),Yakima Sun Dome,Tri-Cities There appear to be no identified models of a purely private owned Trade Recreation Agriculture Center (TRAC),the Washington State and operated fairgrounds-related event facility in the Pacific Convention Center in Seattle,and restoration of the Officers Row in Northwest.What are often considered as private operations Vancouver,While obtaining special legislation for communities typically fall into the category of non-profit ownership and/or outside the Puget Sound region can be challenging,these examples management. illustrate the role that legislation action can play in facilitating major event projects that likely would not occur without Examples of private operators operating under a management supplemental or non-local funding support.agreement with a public or non-profit facility owner are often convention and conference facilities rather than properties where Conclusion fair-related use is the dominant activity.Private ownership interest A multiplicity of funding sources will likely be required to fund the can be expected only when there is clear profit potential from all full range of Event Center improvements.As noted at the outset,operations.This is typically not the case for fairgrounds, funding will also not likely occur all at once,but incrementally.convention centers,and arenas that almost always require non- Success with each phase will provide stronger rationale and support project based funding support. for each subsequent round of funding. Fairground &Events Facility Management Options Management options Option Examples Pros &Cons Comments County •Kittitas Events Pros:Popular The Event Center is owned and managed by Kittitas County with or Center .Maintains public approach in some property portions owned by the Ellensburg Rodeo Publicly-(for non-control &Oregon and Association.Operating under the authority of the Kittitas County Owned &rodeo events)accountability with some Board of County Commissioners,the Fair Board is responsible for Operate •Spokane •Provides options large conducting the Annual Agricultural County Fair.The annual Labor County Fair &for multiple public fairgrounds 23 Expo uses in Center •Less directly purpose •Evergreen Cons:Washington .Kitsap County accountable to government State •Relatively high cost Fair &Event voters (for board Fairgrounds w/need for on-Center members) •Linn County going pubic Non-•Central WA Pros:Goal to Fair &Expo subsidy Profit State Fair •Eliminates/manage operate w/o •Deschutes •Reduced focus on Owned (Yakima)s need for public $$public $$ County Fair &marketing &•Puyallup Fair (via contract)However, Expo Operate &Events •Control clearly Central WA •Portland Expo d Center vested with local uses public Center (Metro)•Northwest leaders /sponsors funded & County-•Kittitas Events Pros:Traditional Washington Cons:owned Sun Owned &Center •Widely used Washington Fair •Less direct public Dome; Non-(for rodeo approach state fair (Lynden)accountability Pendleton Profit events)•Combines public management •Pendleton •Challenged was on land Operate •Benton-control with non-model,but Round-Up financial leased @ $1, Franklin Fair profit leadership shifting over sustainability now donated &Rodeo Cons:time to other (unless public by City •Management of alternatives funding support is (w/tax public &non-profit for improved available)issues) relationship financial Privately •No examples Pros:Private •Constrained sustainabilit Owned of privately •May eliminate need ownership financial y and/or owned/operat for public funding likely not sustainability,Operate ed PNW •Often better viable unless especially for major d facilities marketing focus facility capital •Private Co _s:generates improvements management •Venues must be revenue County-•Town Toyota Pros:Emerging occurs at marketable year-adequate to Owned Center •Created by but model that some public round to be cover w/Public (Wenatchee)operated separate offers venues as sustainable operating & Facilities •Three Rivers from county benefits of with the debt costs District Convention government added amphitheater (PFD)Center •Access to multiple revenue at Clark (Kennewick)tax &non-tax capacity &County •Clark County revenue sources public fairgrounds, Event Center Cons:ownership Three Rivers •Cowlitz •Property &sales tax but one-step Convention County sources subject to removed Center (Tri- Conference voter approval from general Cities), 24 Everett &Assess potential for a capital campaign -including interest from Spokane PFDs potential lead donors. If Kittitas County were to consider changing its current ownership Contact operators of other potentially comparable event center and organizational structure,the options likely to prove most venues -to assess interest and conditions for private sector viable for consideration include:management. •Transfer ownership and operation -from direct Kittitas County As needed,conduct market/feasibility assessment for planned responsibility to a County-created Public Facilities District (PFD);major facilities -(exhibition hall,indoor arena,Bloom Pavilion and/or upgrade,RV park)to assess likely changes in facility attendance •Contract management -of some or all on-site facilities to a and participant involvement together with associated facility- private operator based on a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP)specific income-expense projections. process.Based on the results of the 7-step process it should be possible to Next steps prepare a more detailed and refined capital funding budget with explicit identification of sources and uses of funds accompanied by overall facility annualized income-expense projections includingThefollowing7-step program is recommended for financial debt service.planning in conjunction with Event Center master plan implementation:Regularly update the projections based on actual experience and as Identify and more thoroughly vet -the best federal/state grant specific projects queue up for next phase implementation funding opportunities available in the near term -matched to specific improvement projects (or bundles or projects). Begin discussions with local legislative delegation -and possibly with other fairgrounds to assess potential for special state funding (whether for Kittitas only as a facility of statewide significance or for multiple fairground improvements statewide). Assess capacity and priorities for debt financing -including identification of lodging tax or other sources of repayment and consistency with available debt capacity for Kittitas County or other participating jurisdictions. Test voter sentiment -for support of pivotal capital funding and management options -including property tax levy or sales tax increase to support event center and fairground investment 25 Owned/operated by Spokane County w/an appointed advisory board.The Spokane CountySpokaneCountyFair&Spokane Expo,ag and multi-purpose buildings (144,608 sq ftWA Interstate Fair is a 10 dayeventaccountingforgreater portion annual Fair &Expo CenterExpoCenterValleyexhibitspace)+four arenas on 97 acres revenues -as an enterprise fund with the County meaning the facility receives no GO tax funds. Owned/operated by Snohomish County through Parks &Recreation Department.11member FairEvergreenStateMultipurposeeventfacility&largest PNW county fairMonroeWA Advisory Board to advise,consult&assistthe Fair Manager in fair operation and mangement;Fairgrounds on ~200 acres,nextto Evergreen Speedway 28%of revenues from non-fair events 209,000 sq ft multi-purpose buildings (most yearLinnCountyFair&Expo Center Albany OR round);w/48,600 sq ft events center,48,000 sq ft Managed as a department of Linn County,located nextto City of Albany's 100 ac Timber Unn Park arena &RV park Multi-purpose event,arts,equestrian,sports centerDeschutesCountyFair Owned and operated as a department of Deschutes County.Includes Fair Board and FairRedmondORwith114,0000 sf of meeting/trade show space,95,000&Expo Center Association.sf barns,3 arenas &RV park on 132 acre site 53 acre campus with 5 exhibit halls totaling 333,000 MERC which is now under auspices of Metro (also with responsibility for regional transportationPortlandExpoCenterPortlandORsquarefeetplanning,convention center,zoo,PAC) Totmty 0Wrnid w/NömPiofit operãUng R gelg(b uns Kittitas Count Fair &Fair Board operates under the authority of the County Commissioners,responsiblefor the annualHeldonLaborDayweekend@21acrersite(126,000 ..World Famous Ellensburg WA .fair.Separate Rodeo Assn &Friends of the Fairgrounds as non-profit 501(c)3 to fund relatedsfbuildings)w/one of top 10 rodeos in the U.S...EIIensburg Rodeo education projects Benton-Franklin Fair &126 acre site with five heated bul dings (41,900 sq ft)Kennewick WA .Fair Association (4 FT employees)leases the Fairgrounds from Benton County each August.Rodeo available for rent plus 3,250 seat arena Clark County Event Ridgefield WA 100,000 square foot event center,18,000 square foot County-owned &managed by Fair Site Management Group,annual fair by Fair Association Board, Center (Fairgrounds amphitheater amphitheatre by Quincunx.Events Center funded bY clark county PFD. Cowlitz County Regional Property is publicly owned,conference center funded by Cowlitz County PFD.Management of theSituatedon47acreswith64,000 sq ftof buildingsConferenceCenterandKelsoWA.Fair is the responsibility of county Commissioners,which appoints the Fair Board as andincluding24,000 sq ft conference centerExpositionCenter advisory body for the annual county fair. KItsap County Fair is host to 80,000 annual attendees,with overall Operated as a departmentof Kitsap County Parks,with Fair Board appointed by County Fairgrounds &Event Bremerton WA complex year-round use of 211,000+;includes multi-Commisioners to act as community liaison for planning and operations.PFD responsible for Center saorts,svmnasium&eventcamaingarea fairaroundsrenovationincludingPavilionrezionalcenter State Fair Park is organized as a 501(c)3 non-profit,with $30 million in improvements made overCentralWashingtonStateFairParkhoststheannualfair&8,000 seatYakimaWA the last 20 years w/local,state,federal $.Sun Dome is owned by Yakima County,leased to &State Fair SunDome imanagedbytheCWFairAssociation Puyallup Fair &Events Puyallup WA On a 169 acre site,the Washington State Fair is billed Operated as a private,not-for-profit 501-C3 corporation without government funding support. Center as in the top 10 in the world Excess proceeds pay for improvements. Year round 18,000 sf heated expo &smaller buildingsNorthwestWashington incorporated in 1911 as 501c3 non-profit;fair suported by off-season faciity rentals.Lynden WA plus 20,000 sq ft equestrian,29,700 sq ft tractor arena iFairSupplementedbyseparateFiarFoundationnon-profit&rodeo grandstand Round-Up incorporated as non-profit in 1910,land deeded to City &leased back for $1/year,improved 16,133 seat arena with adjoining 26,000 sqPendletonRound-Up Pendleton OR ft Pendleton Convention Center which also owns/manages the convention Center.In 2010,city gave land back to Association as I collateral for $8.3 million bank loan,triggering notential procerty tax liabilitY 26 Goals and objectives Goals and handicap needs,increase capacity,incorporate restroom and food vendors,and provide upper story walkway connections around The following goals are based on an extensive analysis of the the arena and between the north,west,and south grandstands. existing Kittitas Valley Event Center grounds and facilities,current and projected user demands and needs,and financial prospects and -Improve the rough stock holding area -to provide a safe requirements.buffer for fair and rodeo attendees,safe delivery and loading of animals,direct access to holding chutes and the arena,and flexible •Update and increase the capacity of Fair and Rodeo facilities capacity pens. -to meet current and growing attendance and user needs. Develop additional stalling barns -in a safe and convenient •Increase marketing and promotion of Fair and Rodeo location to the rodeo track and arena to increase capacity for rodeo facilities -to attract more users on a year-round basis;make more participant horses. efficient use of the facilities;and increase revenues to more effective cover operation and development costs.•Improve the north parking lots -to increase capacity,provide direct,safe,and convenient access from University Way/Vantage •Create a long range operating and development plan for the Highway,and improve aesthetics. fairgrounds -to maximize the potential of this important regional facility and provide a transparent and accountable management *Consolidate fair vendor booths -within a central corridor to structure.improve visibility,increase capacity for different vendor booth sizes,provide utility hookups,improve aesthetics,and allow Objectives flexible use during the rest of the year by fairground users. The following objectives are based on an extensive series of -Move the carnival -to a portion of the north parking lots to workshops with Kittitas Valley Event Center users and participants increase the carnival's visibility in accordance with carnival as well as the analysis of the existing grounds and facilities.promoter desires and allow the reuse of Memorial Park for food vendors and entertainment activities. •Update and increase the capacity of the livestock barns and facilities -to accommodate more and changing ratios of animals,=Consolidate food vendors -in Memorial Park to increase increase judging and show arena capacities,and provide facilities capacity for more and varied vendor booths,provide utility to support 4-H participants.hookups,increase space for entertainment activities,and allow the expansion of the livestock barn activities. •Expand barn and arena capacity sufficiently -to allow the simultaneous scheduling of the horse fair during the same week as -Acquire and redevelop the mobile home park site -into a RV the livestock fair in order to meet state requirements and 4-H park to service fair and rodeo participants and exhibitors during the members desires.fair and rodeo and other users,exhibitors,and the public during the rest of the year. Rebuild the north rodeo arena grandstands -to meet safety 27 Relocate the Yakama Indian Village -to the Wilson Creek and expand revenue opportunities year-round. buffer area in accordance with Yakama Tribe desires to increase village capacity,reside in a natural and historical setting,improve =Depending on market feasibility,develop an indoor arena - visibility,and enhance functionality for performances,native to provide equestrian events,rodeo competitions,livestock shows, vendors,and food festivals.trade shows,entertainment events,and a variety of other activities in order to compete in the regional fair and rodeo market and •Retrofit the Bowling Alley -kitchen,meeting room,and former expand revenue opportunities year-round. alleys to accommodate large meetings,parties,and public presentations by fair and rodeo participants as well as the general public in order to expand revenue opportunities year-round. Depending on market feasibility,develop an exhibition hall - to provide for indoor vendors,trade shows,large meetings and presentations,entertainment events,and a variety of other activities in order to compete in the regional fair and rodeo market 28 r. ( ' og r ,I * 29 I Master plan elements The following describe the principal improvement actions in the 2:Bloom Pavilion Lean-to -demolish Colockum Barn (an Kittitas Valley Event Center master plan.The actions are organized undersized and inefficient structure)and build an extension of the by function and indexed in the segmented plan graphics.Pavilion to increase capacity;provide flexible stalling for hogs, cattle,and horses;with direct access into the Pavilion.Livestock barns 3:Livestock barn retrofitting -reframe the existing historical The master plan includes a number of actions to enhance the barns;remove wooden stalls;install changeable metal stalls for functional operations and capacity of the fairground livestock hogs,cattle,and horses;configure a direct aisle through all of the barns.barns into Bloom Pavilion;and add wash racks. Livestock Barns -proposed improvements 4:Dog Barn demolition -demolish the small and inefficient poultry and dog barn at the east end of the line of barns to provide a safe vehicle turning radius and visibility for livestock loading and unloading access. .5:Maintenance facility -build a new,efficient,and functional ange mamtenance facility at the end of Poplar Street in place of the -underused warm-up lot. egen.6:4-H changing rooms -retrofit the existing maintenance yard building to provide restrooms,showers,changing facilities,lockers, .and lounge for 4-H participants. 7:Stalling Barn 1 -construct a new flexible stalling barn outfitted with changeable metal stalls,internal arena,and wash rack in place lan *..' 'of the existing maintenance yard south of Bloom Pavilion. 8:Stalling Barn 2 -demolish the existing ticket gate,counter,and administration building and build a new flexible stalling barn outfitted with changeable metal stalls,internal arena,and wash rack;and new adjacent public restrooms. 9:Stalling Barn 3 -if and when the property becomes available, construct a new flexible stalling barn outfitted with changeable 1:Bloom Pavilion renovation -install seismic reinforcements;metal stalls,internal arena,and wash rack in place of the residentialupgradeventilationandheat;insert natural sky-lighting;and utilize structures west of Bloom Pavilion. new flexible bleacher systems. 30 10:Temporary outdoor arena -during Fair,erect a temporary i Rodeo Arena -proposed improvements IoutdoorarenawithbleachersoverWilsonCreekculvertsnorthof the livestock barns for warm-ups,livestock judging,and auctions.|a A i 11:Kids Fair -during Fair,erect a temporary space to provide a uit ve1¢e a petting zoo,toy farm equipment,and other interpretive and interactive displays for children.1 - 12:Frontier Village -in cooperation with Frontier Village,relocate some structures to the north end of the site and construct an outdoor stage and grassy commons for presentations and entertainment in the center of the complex. 13:South access roadway -to improve safety and circulation, relocate wash racks adjacent to the barns and remove all structures ) and activities from the access road along the hillside.-U 14:Poplar Street -install street trees,widened sidewalks,i -------- pedestrian lighting,and landscaping on the east side of Poplar fairgrounds on East 7th Avenue and provide space for additional Street from 6th Avenue to the path and hillclimb stairs to Craig vendors and concessions. Avenue to buffer the neighborhood from the fairgrounds. 18:North grandstands -reconstruct the northwest and northeast Rodeo arena grandstands to improve safety and meet building codes;increase seating capacity;provide box seats;and incorporate upper story The master plan includes a number of actions to enhance the concessions and restrooms. functional operations and capacity of the rodeo arena and grandstands -see the graphic above.19:Historic west grandstand -replace wooden seats;install seat backs;and reconstruct the walkway over the arena to improve 15:Pedestrian promenade -construct a pedestrian promenade safety and amenities.with special paving,lighting,trees,and landscaping around the outside of the arena track from the fair and rodeo ticket gates to a Vendors and food court new entry into the historic south grandstands. The master plan includes a number of actions to enhance the16:Grandstand access -extend the pedestrian promenade from the functional operations and capacity of the fair,food vendors,andfairandrodeoticketgatesacrossthetracktothewestendoftheentertainment-see the graphic above.arena;install a handicap elevator;and construct an upper story walkway connecting all grandstands.20:Vendor corridor -consolidate vendors in corridors extending from the Armory to Bloom Pavilion and install accent paving,utility17:Fairgrounds access -extend the pedestrian promenade from hookups,trees,and landscaping to increase vendor capacity duringthesouthgrandstandsacrossthearenatrackandintothe 31 vendor related parking during Fair and public parking for MemorialFood&Vendors Court -proposed improvements Park similar to what is provided on 6th Avenue. I.Exhibition hall and indoor arena .kr - ·The master plan includes a number of actions to increase market opportunities and revenues during the fair and rodeo and year- .round -see the graphic above. Exhibition Hall &Indoor Arena -proposed Improvements Fair and RV campsites the rest of the year. 21:Carnival -when space allows,relocate the carnival to the north ' parking area near the Bowling Alley in accordance with carnival operator desires to improve visibility;increase safety and security;25:Exhibition Hall -when market feasibility indicates,develop an control access;and reuse Memorial Park.exhibition hall to provide indoor vendors,trade shows,large meetings and presentations,entertainment events,and a variety of 22:Food court -relocate food vendors to Memorial Park to free up other activities to expand revenue uses year-round. space for livestock activities in front of the barns;install utility hookups along 6th and 7th Avenue;and place entertainment 26a:Interim Indoor Arena -erect a pre-fabricated structure over activities and seating in the grassy park area.the rodeo rough stock area to house rough stock during the rodeo and be used for equestrian events,rodeo competitions,livestock 23:6th Avenue -remove the existing ticket gates and improve the shows,and a variety of other events year-round. entry with special paving and landscaping to support neighborhood resident access to the fairgrounds and vehicle delivery before and 26b:Indoor Arena expansion -when market feasibility indicates, after events.expand the indoor arena to provide a larger performance area with bleacher seating to host a greater variety of activities to expand 24:7th Avenue -reconfigure street parking to provide angled events and revenue year-round. parking on the south side of the street to increase capacity for 32 27:Fair Gateway -construct a two-story entryway between the ' Bowling Alley-Parking Lot·Wilson Creek -proposed improvementsexhibitionhallandexpandedindoorarenawithfairticketsalesand concessions on the ground floor and meeting/party rooms,Ìounge, and administration offices on the upper floor. 28:Rough stock -deliver and house rough stock horses and bulls ' to the indoor arena with direct delivery and loading from a dedicated gate from 8th Avenue and with a controlled access directly across the rodeo arena track to the chutes holding area. 29:Western Village -expand the complex to house the Rodeo Hall i of Fame,additional concessions,and rodeo office and I administration activities.walkways from University Way to the Fair and Rodeo ticket gates. 30:South Stalling Barn -demolish the existing structures and develop a new barn with flexible metal stalls and wash rack to 35:Interim parking lot -as property owner interest indicates, house horses during Rodeo and horses and cattle during livestock acquire lots east of Poplar Street between 8th Avenue and shows and events in the Indoor Arena.University Way for additional permanent parking.Plant grass in the county-owned lots in the interim to buffer the neighborhood. 31:North Stalling Barn -develop a new barn with flexible metal stalls and wash rack to house horses during Rodeo and horses and 36:Pedestrian promenade -construct central walkways with cattle during livestock shows and events the rest of the year.special paving,lighting,and landscaping on Maple and Alder Streets from University Way to the Fair and Rodeo entry gates on 8th 32:Wilson Creek -plant native vegetation and trees in the buffer Avenue. area along Wilson Creek from John Wayne Trail to where the creek goes underground at the east end of the rodeo arena.37:Streetscapes -install street trees,widened sidewalks,lighting, and landscaping on Poplar Street,University Way,and Alder Streets Bowling alley,parking lot,and Wilson Creek to buffer surrounding areas and define the boundaries and entries into the Fair and Rodeo grounds. The master plan includes a number of actions to improve parking 38:Bowling Alley/Festival Hall -subject to concessionaireandaccessaswellasprovideadditionalfairandrodeorelated facilities -see the graphic above.agreement,retrofit the commercial kitchen,Iounge,meeting room, and alleyways to provide a large meeting,presentation,banquet, 33:Vehicle access -create direct vehicle access to the north and party hall for use year-round and during Fair. parking lots from Alder Street,East 9th Avenue,and East 8th 39:Perimeter RV parking -install utility hookups and flexibleAvenuetoimprovesafety,simplify circulation,and increase parking during Fair and Rodeo and year-round.parking aisles around the perimeter of the parking lots and pedestrian promenade to support exhibitors,participants,and 34:Permanent parking lot -improve the parking lot between Maple other users during Fair/Rodeo and events year-round. and Alder with pavement,trees,landscaping,drainage,and 33 40:Mobile Home Park -acquire the mobile home park to resolve parking. code and safety issues;facilitate better low cost housing options for occupants;and restore and adequately buffer Wilson Creek.45:Fair/Rodeo Directory Sign -replace the current sign with a new graphic electronic reader board and sign at University Way and 41:RV Park -subject to developer agreement,redevelop the mobile Alder Street at the main entrance to the Fair/Rodeo grounds. home site to provide an RV park with a community lodge to serve fair/rodeo participants and exhibitors during the fair and rodeo and 46:Wayfinding signs -install signs to the Fair/Rodeo from I-90 year-round.exits,US-97,East Vantage Highway,and other major roads into the city. 42:Wilson Creek restoration -replant native vegetation and trees to restore a buffer area along Wilson Creek from University Way to 47:Water tower mural -paint a Fair/Rodeo mural on the city water John Wayne Trail.tower at the north end of Reed Park overlooking the grounds. 43:Yakama Village -locate the village in the Wilson Creek natural buffer area to increase village capacity;improve visibility;and enhance functionality for performances,native vendors,and food festivals during Fair/Rodeo. 44:Canal Maintenance Facility -if available,acquire the facility for the Fair maintenance yard as well as John Wayne trailhead parking and reuse the warm-up lot at the end of Poplar Street for exhibitor 34 Development costs Cost estimates are complete and include hard costs for materials 17 Memorial Park -perimeter utilities $148,500 2 and labor plus 35%soft costs for design,permits,taxes,and Memorial Park -extend parking lot on 2 contingencies.18 west $540,000 19 Outdoor arena -temporary $108,000 2 Short-term indoor arena 26a and all stalling barns 38-40 cost 20 Poplar Street -streetscape $30,240 2 estimates are for pre-engineered buildings·21 Frontier Village -relocate,add buildings na Existing sheep,goat,draft and light horse barns 33-35 cost 22 Frontier Village -install village green $83,700 2 estimates are to remove existing wooden partitions and retrofit the Building elementsinteriorsforflexiblepanelingandconfigurations.23 Festival Hall/Bowling Alley tbd -To be determined (tbd)cost estimates are subject to 24 Fair Gateway -2 story tbdcompetitiveproposalsfromdevelopersandconcessionairesfor25ExhibitionHalltbdconstructionandfinancingsubjecttolease-to-own (LTO)26a Indoor Arena -Short Term $2,012,850 2agreementsthatmayormaynotincluderevenuesharing.26b Indoor Arena -Ultimate tbd =The relocation and installation of additional historic buildings 27 North Stalling Barn tbdatFrontierVillagewillbedonebyvolunteerlaborasithasbeen done in the past.28a South Stalling Barn phase 1 $337,500 2 28b South Stalling Barn phase 2 tbd Site improvements Cost Ph 29 Rodeo arena bleachers $4,050,000 1 1 Directory signage -University Way $33,750 2 30 Bloom Pavilion Upgrade $927,450 1 2 Wayfinding signage -throughout city $3,375 2 31 Colockum (Swine)Barn $6,750 1 3 Mural -city water tower $4,725 2 32 Bloom Pavilion Lean-to $525,150 1 4 University Way -streetscape $113,400 2 33 Sheep &Goat Barn $990,225 1 5 Alder Street -streetscape $90,720 2 34 Draft Horse Barn $814,050 2 6 Promenade -through parking lot to arena $120,960 2 35 Light Horse Barn $249,075 2 7 8th Avenue -realignment,streetscape $506,250 3 36 Dog Barn $6,750 1 8 Parking lot -RV perimeter/promenade $513,000 2 37 Restrooms adjacent Stalling Barn 1 $405,000 3 9 Parking lot -north of 8th,east of Maple $1,701,000 2 38 Stalling Barn 1 -redevelop office $696,600 3 10 Parking lot -west of Maple Street $1,080,000 4 39 Stalling Barn 2 -adjacent Wilson Creek $810,000 4 11 RV Park $1,701,000 1 40 Stalling Barn 3 -in Maintenance Yard $844,425 3 12 RV Park tbd 41 4-H Changing Rooms $101,250 3 13 RV Park Lodge tbd 42 Wash Rack 1 -end of Bloom Lean-to $5,400 1 Wilson Creek buffer -RV Park/Tribal 4 43 Wash Rack 2 -end of Sheep &Goat Barn $5,400 1 14 Camp $108,000 44 Wash Rack 3 -end of Draft Horse Barn $5,400 1 Promenade -around arena to south 2 45 Wash Rack 4 -end of Light Horse Barn $5,400 1 15 bleacher $216,000 46 Maintenance Shop/Office -warm-up lot $810,000 3 16 Promenade -Armory to Bloom to Frontier $121,500 2 Total $20,832,795 Phase 1 =1-3 years,phase 2 =4-6 years,phase 3 =7-10 years, 35 phase 4 =11-20 years Center being able to match the annual payments proposed in the developer/concessionaire agreement. Development cost totals by phase were arranged to meet significant site and building functional priorities as well as distribute costs to North Stalling Barn #27 -could also be initiated in the first or match likely revenues possible from a mixture of lodging tax,user second phase subject to the Event Center cash flow requirements. fees,levies,and bonds -subject to voter approval where required. South Stalling Barn #28b -will depend on a resolution of Wilson Development costs by phase Creek's ultimate alignment. 1 (1-3 yrs)2 (4-6 yrs)3 (7-10 yrs)4 (11-20 yrs) $8,228,925 $7,242,345 $3,471,525 $1,890,000 Exhibition Hall #25 and Indoor Arena #26b -will depend on an economic feasibility study of market potentials as well as cash flow Development costs for the developer/concessionaire projects will requirements that could be proposed by a depend on the financial terms the successful team proposes for the developer/concessionaire. County to lease-to-own or lease/back and any revenue sharing options with the developer/concessionaire during the life of the Lad acquisítions agreement.All proposed projects are on Kittitas County owned land with the exception for the resolution of due diligence for the acquisition of Development costs could vary significantly if the developer team Shady Brook Mobile Village and of the ultimate purchase of the uses a design/build process that reduces labor costs,shortens residential property for Stalling Barn 1 #7 adjacent to Bloom schedules,and reduces interim construction financing costs.Pavilion if and when the property owner should be interested. Without considering such savings,the potential maximum costs could be as follows:The County will eventually acquire the remaining residential properties located between East 8th Avenue,Maple Street,and East Site improvements Cost Ph University Way to expand and complete the proposed parking lots. 12 RV Park $400,950 1 13 RV Park Lodge $421,875 1 Land acquisition costs have not been estimated but are assumed to 23 Festival Hall/Bowling Alley $1,350,000 1 be for assessed land values if and when private property owners 24 Fair Gateway -2 story $8,100,000 unk indicate an interest in selling and the County has sufficient 25 Exhibition Hall $10,125,000 unk available funds. 26b Indoor Arena -Ultimate $20,250,000 unk 27 North Stalling Barn $775,575 2 28b South Stalling Barn phase 2 $675,000 4 Total $42,098,400 RV Park and Lodge #13 and #23,and the Festival Hall/Bowling Alley #24 -could be initiated in the first phase subject to the Event 36 Voter survey Every registered voter in Kittitas County was mailed a postcard Survey respondents were asked what household income they have. inviting them to take the final survey reviewing and prioritizing the $20-$30-$50-$75- proposed master plan goals,46 projects,financing,and <$20,000 29,999 49,999 74,999 99,999 $100,000+ management options.A total of 679 respondents completed the 8%7%18%25%22%20% survey including 175 or 26%who provided specific comments about event improvements and 205 or 30%who provided specific Survey respondents were asked what education level they have. comments about facility improvements (see Appendix D).Following Grade High Technical Some Bachelor Graduate are the major findings.school school school college degree degree 0%9%6%28%34%23%Respondentcharacteristics Goals Survey respondents were asked how many times they attended the annual Fair and Rodeo and for other events the rest of the year.Survey respondents were asked to rate a list of potential goals for 0 1 2-5 6-10 11-15 16-20 21+the development of the master plan on a scale from lowest to Fair &Rodeo 4%16%30%12%7%7%24%highest priority.Following are the results ordered by the highest Rest of the year 10%13%38%14%8%5%12%percentage accorded to the highest priority. Survey respondents if they were a registered voter in Kittitas lwst low ave high hist County,a Fair and Rodeo participant,and other characteristics Create a long-range operating and 3%4%20%37%36% No Yes development plan to maximize Registered voter in Kittitas County 6%94%the potential of this important User of Fair/Rodeo facilities rest of the year 37%63%regional facility and provide a 4-H member exhibited at Fair 84%16%transparent and accountable FFA or other member exhibited at Fair 87%13%management structure Rodeo participant 86%14%Update and increase the capacity 3%5%29%40%23% of Fair and Rodeo facilities to Survey respondents were asked where they lived.meet current and growing Kittitas Roslyn Cle Elum Ellensburg County Other attendance and user needs. 7%1%8%66%15%3%Improve the functionality and 2%2%23%52%21% efficient use of facilities Survey respondents were asked what age group they are in.Increase marketing and 4%9%33%35%18% 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+promotion to attract more users 5%14%17%18%26%21%on a year-round basis Increase all revenues to more 5%12%38%30%15% effectively cover operating and development costs 37 Enhance aesthetics and 4%10%40%33%12%upgrade ventilation and appearance heat;insert natural sky-lighting;Buffer adjacent neighborhoods 11%21%34%23%11%and utilize new flexible bleacher systems. Improvement projects 25:Exhibition Hall -when market 6%9%30%36%19% feasibility indicates,develop an Survey respondents were asked to rate all of the proposed 47 exhibition hall to provide indoor master plan projects on a scale from lowest to highest priority.vendors,trade shows,large Following are the results ordered by the highest percentage meetings and presentations, accorded to the highest priority for all 47 projects.entertainment events,and a variety of other activities to Project priorities lwst low ave high hist expand revenue uses year-round. 40:Mobile Home Park -acquire 13%14%19%25%29%11:Kid Fair -during Fair,erect a 8%12%29%32%18% the mobile home park to resolve temporary space to provide a code and safety issues;petting zoo,toy farm equipment, facilitate better low cost housing and other interpretive and options for occupants;and interactive displays for children. restore and adequately buffer 3:Livestock barn retrofitting -5%8%32%38%17% Wilson Creek.reframe the existing historical 19:Historic west grandstand -8%8%25%37%23%barns;remove wooden stalls; replace wooden seats;install seat install changeable metal stalls for backs;and reconstruct the hogs,cattle,and horses; walkway over the arena to configure a direct aisle through improve safety and amenities.all of the barns into Bloom 18:North grandstands -6%9%30%34%21%Pavilion;and add wash racks. reconstruct the northwest and 34:Permanent parking lot -9%10%29%35%17% northeast grandstands to improve improve the parking lot between safety and meet building codes;Maple and Alder with pavement, increase seating capacity;provide trees,landscaping,drainage,and box seats;and incorporate upper walkways from University Way to story concessions and restrooms.the Fair and Rodeo ticket gates. 42:Wilson Creek restoration -12%16%27%25%20%32:Wilson Creek -plant native 11%15%34%23%17% replant native vegetation and vegetation and trees in the buffer trees to restore a buffer area area along Wilson Creek from along Wilson Creek from John Wayne Trail to where the University Way to John Wayne creek goes underground at the Trail.east end of the rodeo arena. 1:Bloom Pavilion renovation -4%6%32%39%19%2:Bloom Pavilion Lean-to -6%8%32%38%16% install seismic reinforcements;demolish Colockum Barn (an 38 undersized and inefficient the existing maintenance yard structure)and build an extension building to provide restrooms, of the Pavilion to increase showers,changing facilities, capacity;provide flexible stalling lockers,and lounge for 4-H for hogs,cattle,and 650 horses;participants. with direct access into the 14:Poplar Street -install street 13%15%28%29%15% Pavilion.trees,widened sidewalks, 33:Vehicle access -create direct 5%8%33%37%16%pedestrian lighting,and vehicle access to the north landscaping on the east side of parking lots from Alder Street,Poplar Street from 6th Avenue to East 9th Avenue,and East 8th the path and hillclimb stairs to Avenue to improve safety,Craig Avenue to buffer the simplify circulation,and increase neighborhood from the parking during Fair and Rodeo fairgrounds. and year-round.21:Carnival -when space allows,7%10%31%38%14% 26b:Indoor Arena expansion -7%14%34%29%16%relocate the carnival to the north when market feasibility indicates,parking area near the Bowling expand the indoor arena to Alley in accordance with carnival provide a larger performance area operator desires to improve with bleacher seating to host a visibility;increase safety and greater variety of activities to security;control access;and expand events and revenue year-reuse Memorial Park. round.16:Grandstand access -extend 7%12%33%34%14% 41:RV Park -subject to developer 14%17%26%27%16%the pedestrian promenade from agreement,redevelop the mobile the fair and rodeo ticket gates home site to provide an RV across the track to the west end park with a community lodge to of the arena;install a handicap serve fair/rodeo participants and elevator;and construct an upper exhibitors during the fair and story walkway connecting all rodeo and year-round.grandstands. 22:Food court -relocate food 8%10%29%39%15%46:Wayfinding signs -install 11%16%31%29%14% vendors to Memorial Park to free signs to the Fair/Rodeo from I-90 up space for livestock activities exits,US-97,East Vantage in front of the barns;install Highway,and other major roads utility hookups along 6th and 7th into the city. Avenue;and place entertainment 38:Bowling Alley/Festival Hall -13%15%32%26%14% activities and seating in the subject to concessionaire grassy park area.agreement,retrofit the 6:4-H changing rooms -retrofit 6%15%34%30%15%commercial kitchen,lounge, 39 meeting room,and alleyways to Fair and public parking forprovidealargemeeting,Memorial Park similar to what ispresentation,banquet,and party provided on 6th Avenue. hall for use year-round and 37:Streetscapes -install street 11%17%32%29%11%during Fair.trees,widened sidewalks, 43:Yakama Village -locate the 11%13%32%31%12%lighting,and landscaping on village in the Wilson Creek Poplar Street,University Way,andnaturalbufferareatoincreaseAlderStreetstobuffer village capacity;improve surrounding areas and define thevisibility;and enhance boundaries and entries into the functionality for performances,Fair and Rodeo grounds. native vendors,and food festivals 26a:Interim Indoor Arena -erect 8%17%36%27%11%during Fair/Rodeo.a pre-fabricated structure over 4:Dog Barn demolition -demolish 11%15%32%30%12%the rodeo rough stock area to the small and inefficient poultry house rough stock during the and dog barn at the east end of rodeo and be used for equestrian the line of barns to provide a safe events,rodeo competitions, vehicle turning radius and livestock shows,and a variety ofvisibilityforlivestockloadingothereventsyear-round. and unloading access.35:Interim parking lot -as 9%15%41%24%11% 13:South access roadway -to 7%14%40%28%12%property owner interest indicates,improve safety and circulation,acquire lots east of Poplar relocate wash racks adjacent to Street between 8th Avenue and the barns and remove all University Way for additional structures and activities from the permanent parking.Plant grass in access road along the hillside.the county-owned lots in the 12:Frontier Village -in 11%15%31%32%11%interim to buffer the cooperation with Frontier Village,neighborhood. relocate some structures to the 45:Fair/Rodeo Directory Sign -18%20%30%21%11%north end of the site and replace the current sign with aconstructanoutdoorstageandnewgraphicelectronicreader grassy commons for board and sign at University WaypresentationsandentertainmentandAlderStreetatthemain in the center of the complex.entrance to the Fair/Rodeo 24:7th Avenue -reconfigure 7%12%41%30%11%grounds. street parking to provide angled 47:Water tower mural -paint a 25%19%24%21%11%parking on the south side of the Fair/Rodeo mural on the city street to increase capacity for water tower at the north end ofvendorrelatedparkingduringReedParkoverlookingthe 40 grounds.23:6th Avenue -remove the 10%13%39%30%8% 20:Vendor corridor -consolidate 5%9%40%35%10%existing ticket gates and improve vendors in corridors extending the entry with special paving and from the Armory to Bloom landscaping to support Pavilion and install accent paving,neighborhood resident access to utility hookups,trees,and the fairgrounds and vehicle landscaping to increase vendor delivery before and after events. capacity during Fair and RV 39:Perimeter RV parking -install 9%17%37%29%8% campsites the rest of the year.utility hookups and flexible 36:Pedestrian promenade -9%14%36%31%10%parking aisles around the construct central walkways with perimeter of the parking lots and special paving,lighting,and pedestrian promenade to support landscaping on Maple and Alder exhibitors,participants,and Streets from University Way to other users during Fair/Rodeo the Fair and Rodeo entry gates on and events year-round. 8th Avenue.17:Fairgrounds access -extend 7%14%45%27%8% 7:Stalling Barn 1 -construct a 8%11%43%29%10%the pedestrian promenade from new flexible stalling barn the south grandstands across the outfitted with changeable metal arena track and into the stalls,internal arena,and wash fairgrounds on East 7th Avenue rack in place of the existing and provide space for additional maintenance yard south of Bloom vendors and concessions. Pavilion.31:North Stalling Barn -develop a 8%14%43%27%8% 15:Pedestrian promenade -8%17%35%31%9%new barn with flexible metal construct a pedestrian stalls and wash rack to house promenade with special paving,horses during Rodeo and horses lighting,trees,and landscaping and cattle during livestock shows around the outside of the arena and events the rest of the year. track from the fair and rodeo 29:Western Village -expand the 10%14%40%27%8% ticket gates to a new entry into complex to house the Rodeo Hall the historic south grandstands.of Fame,additional 30:South Stalling Barn -demolish 10%14%41%27%9%concessions,and rodeo office and the existing structures and administration activities. develop a new barn with flexible 28:Rough stock -deliver and 7%16%43%26%8% metal stalls and wash rack to house rough stock horses and house horses during Rodeo and bulls to the indoor arena with horses and cattle during livestock direct delivery and loading from a shows and events in the Indoor dedicated gate from 8th Avenue Arena.and with a controlled access 41 directly across the rodeo arena 27.Fair Gateway -construct a 12%20%43%20%6% track to the chutes holding area.two-story entryway between the 10:Temporary outdoor arena -10%16%40%26%8%exhibition hall and expanded during Fair,erect a temporary indoor arena with fair ticket sales outdoor arena with bleachers and concessions on the ground over Wilson Creek culverts north floor and meeting/party rooms, of the livestock barns for warm-lounge,and administration ups,livestock judging,and offices on the upper floor. auctions. 8:Stalling Barn 2 -demolish the 13%16%39%24%8%Financing options existing ticket gate,counter,and administration building and build Survey respondents were asked to rate financing options for the a new flexible stalling barn $20,800,000 cost of improvements involving County fundingoutfittedwithchangeablemetalmethods,Following are the responses in rank order by higheststalls,internal arena,and wash priority. rack;and new adjacent public restrooms.Priorities lwst low ave high hist 5:Maintenance facility -build a 8%16%41%28%7%Grants -state and federal grants 3%3%14%32%47% new,efficient,and functional or loans finance projects thatmaintenancefacilityattheendofqualifyundertheirprograms Poplar Street in place of the assuming there are sufficientunderusedwarm-up lot.funds and Fair/Rodeo project 44:Canal Maintenance Facility -if 11%22%40%19%7%applications are competitive foravailable,acquire the facility for funding in state and federal the Fair maintenance yard as programs. well as John Wayne trailhead Donations -private,nonprofit,or 3%4%26%32%35%parking and reuse the warm-up corporate individuals orlotattheendofPoplarStreetfororganizationsfinanceprojectsexhibitorparking.sometimes in exchange for 9:Stalling Barn 3 -if and when 17%20%38%18%7%advertising or naming rights the property becomes available,assuming there is sufficientconstructanewflexiblestallinginterestindoingso. barn outfitted with changeable Lodging taxes -generated by 9%14%33%28%16%metal stalls,internal arena,and motel,hotel,and campsite rentals wash rack in place of the finance Fair/Rodeo projectsresidentialstructureswestofacknowledging,however,that Bloom Pavilion.Fair/Rodeo projects could compete with and/or reduce funds necessary to finance all 42 other tourism related projects User fees -vendor,rental,and 7%14%40%28%11%Management and financing options other user fees and charges finance projects assuming this Survey respondents were asked to rate special funding and source of revenue is not used and management options for financing the $20,800,000 improvements necessary to pay for operations,costs.Following are the responses in rank order by highest priority. management,promotion, marketing,and maintenance Priorities lwst low ave high hist needs.Public Development Authority 21%18%34%21%7%General obligation bond (if 35%23%23%13%6%(PDA)-a separate organizationapprovedby60%of all County formed by County Commissionersvoters)-finance projects with the able to borrow money to finance bond being repaid by the voter Fair/Rodeo projects and usingapprovedadditionalannualadmission,rental,and parkingpropertytaxuntilthebondisfeesforoperationsandretired(typically 20 years).management. General Fund -money generated 21%18%39%17%5%Metropolitan Park District -a 29%22%29%13%7%from annual property and sales separate organization approved taxes finance Fair/Rodeo projects by voters using voter approvedacknowledging,however,that property tax to financeFair/Rodeo projects could Fair/Rodeo projects and usingcompetewithand/or reduce admission,rental,and parkingfundsnecessarytofinanceallfeesforoperationsandotherCountyservices.management. Property tax levy lid lift (if 44%20%22%9%4%Public Facilities District (PFD)-a 30%17%34%13%5%approved by 50%of all County separate organization formed byvoters)-finance projects with the County Commissioners usinglevybeingrepaidbyvotervoterapprovedpropertyandapprovedadditionalannualsalestaxestofinanceFair/Rodeopropertytaxuntiltheprojectisprojectsandusingadmission,completed whereby the property rental,and parking fees fortaxreturnstotheoriginalrate-operations and management. Survey respondents were asked how much,if anything,they would Concessionaire/developer agreements be willing to pay in additional property taxes per year for a bond or levy financing period to finance the improvements outlined.Survey respondents were asked to rate the advisability of developing some of the improvements by agreements with $0 $25 $50 $75 $100 $125 $150 $175 $200 concessionaries to retrofit and operate the Bowling Alley/Festival 32%30%16%3%15%1%2%0%3%Hall,with developers to build and operate the RV Park,and with 43 developers to build and lease back the Exhibition Hall and Indoor development,operations, Arena.Following are the responses in rank order by highest maintenance,marketing,andpriority.promotion activities. County owned and nonprofit 10%14%32%31%14% Priorities lwst low ave high hist operated -where Kittitas County Lease/purchase agreements -12%11%38%27%13%maintains ownership and may where a developer builds the finance projects but a nonprofit Exhibition Hall and Indoor Arena organization performs and the County acquires it from operations,maintenance, the developer using the annual marketing,and promotion revenue generated by rental of activities. the facilities Nonprofit Public Development 23%23%35%13%7% Concessionaire agreements -14%16%42%22%7%Authority (PDA)-is given where the County accepts a ownership and finances projects nominal percent of or forgoes and performs operations, revenue until a concessionaire maintenance,marketing,and recovers the cost of retrofitting promotion activities assuming the the Bowling Alley for a Festival Fair/Rodeo can generate Hall.sufficient revenue to be feasible. Developer agreements -where the 13%16%43%22%6%Privately owned and/or operated -46%17%20%11%5% County accepts a nominal percent is given ownership,finances or forgoes revenue until a projects,and performs developer recovers the cost of operations,maintenance, developing the RV Park and marketing,and promotion Lodge.activities assuming the Fair/Rodeo can generate Managernent options sufficient profit for a private party to be interested. Survey respondents were asked to rate possible management County owned with Public Facility 24%17%39%15%4% approaches for the Event Center regardless of how operations and District (PFD)-where Kittitas improvements would be funded.Following are the responses in County maintains ownership but rank order by highest priority.the PFD finances projects and performs operations, Priorities lwst low ave high hist maintenance,marketing,and County or publicly owned and 9%6%35%27%23%promotion activities assuming operated -where Kittitas County voters approve a PFD property maintains ownership,public tax. control,and accountability Nonprofit Metropolitan Park 31%23%33%9%4% including project financing and District (MPD))-is given 44 ownership and finances projects Survey respondents were asked what impact the 47 project and performs operations,improvements would have on their use of the Event Center the rest maintenance,marketing,and of the year. promotion activities assuming voters approve a MPD property Impact Not at all minor major tax and operating levies.Would use more often.26%47%27% Would spend more money.33%48%19% Economic enterprise Would recommend to others.19%35%46% Survey respondents were asked to rate the philosophy concerning how the Events Center should be operated as an economic enterprise.Following are the responses in rank order by highest priority. Priorities Not at all minor major As a revenue generating enterprise.IG%42%42% As a break-even enterprise neither 15%46%39% making nor losing money. As a community endeavor regardless 36%42%22% of cost. Master plan impacts Survey respondents were asked what impact the 47 project improvements would have on their attendance at the annual Fair and Rodeo. Impact Not at all minor major Would come more often.39%42%20% Would spend more money.38%46%16% Would recommend to others.21%31%48% 45 46 Kittitas County 4-H 901 E 7'"Avenue,Suite 2 •Ellensburg,WA 98926 Phone (509)962-7507 Fax (509)962-7574 April 14,2017 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee City of EIIensburg 501 N.Anderson St EIIensburg,WA 98926 RE:Kittitas Valley Event Center Upgrades and Remodels(Barns Project). The Kittitas County 4-HIFFA Livestock Committee is in full supportof the Kittitas Valley Event Center Upgrades and Remodels(Barns Project). The 4-H and FFA Livestock Programs have grown significantly over the last 20 years; for most of that time the barn facilities at the fairgrounds have been inadequate for the number of exhibitors and animals.This has caused concerns for the safety and well- being of animalsand youth. WSU Kittitas County Extension's4-H Youth DevelopmentProgram is one of the largest youth-serving organizationsin the county,with approximately450 youth enrolled in educationalprograms leading to acquisition of critical life skills,reduced risk of dangerous behaviors,increased educational attainment,and enhanced citizenship skills. The Barns Project would promote tourism and community in Kittitas County by providing a highly useable space for a multi-usearea for a variety of events year-round and the 4- HIFFA Livestock Committee,representing the heaviest users of that space,supports this effort wholeheartedly. Mark Crowley,President 4-HIFFA Livestock Committee WSU Extension Programs and employment are available to all without discrimination Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office Kittitas County,Washington BOARD or COUNTY COMMISSIONERS" District One District Two District Three nu Moss1 I Paul Jewell I.aura Osiadacz Obie O'Brien Februmy 27,2017 Representative Steve Tharinger 314 John L.O'Brien Building PO Box 40600 Olympia,WA 98504 Honorable Repmsentative Tharinger: Weare writing to you today to express our support for two Capital Budget requests for projects in Kittitas County:the Kittitas Valley Event Center Facilities Upgrade(submitted by Representative Manweller)and the Washington State Horse Park Covered Amna and Associated Build-Out (submitted by Senator Warnick). located in Cie Elum,the i 12-acm Washington State Horse Park attracis over 30 thousand visitors per year,95 percent of whom are nonlocal-a statistic that uniquely characterizes the Park's impact:over $2.5 million in overnight stays.Total economic impact of the Park,including day visitom,is $3.4 million.The Washington State Horse Park is a valuable economic asset in Upper Kittitas County.We continue to support it every year with local funding that helps with operational costs and projects.Further developmentof this facility will provide significant additional benefit in our rural county. The Kittitas Valley Event Center is located in EIIensburgand is the home of the World Famous Ellensburg Rodco and Kittilas County Fair.For nearly one hundredyears,this event has attracted tourists to Kittitas County for several days over Labor Day Weekend -nearly 60 diousand in 2016.111is facility also operates yer round,providing facilities for a variety of events large and small that create significant economic benefit to the City of Ellensburg and the surrounding Kittitas County. In addition to the financial benefits of the Kinitas Valley Event Center and the Washington State llorse Park,both projects embody the visîon ofour County's ComprehensivePlan.Agritourism and rural recreation opportunities play an essential mie in this plan and facilities such as these are consistent with pmserving the agricultumi industry as well as rural character. Thank you for your consideration of Ihese important projects. Res •lly, ABSENT Pani ewell Osk Obie O'Brien ¯ Chairman Vicedhairman Commissioner Cc:Senator Judy Wamick Representative Matt Manweller Representative Tom Dent KfrTITAS COUNTY COURT1100SE 205 WEST SR SUffe LOB ELLENSBURO.WA 98926 (509)%2-7508 -FAX (509)¾2-7679 www.co.kiukas.wa.us Kittitas County,Washington BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Disifict One District Turi Dilirict T1:rcc |ut ure Posi Jewell 1.aura Osiadact Obie O'Brien February 27,2017 Senator Jim Honeyford 112 Irv NewhouseBuilding PO Box 40415 Olympia,WA 9804 HonorableSenator Honeyford: We are writing to you today to express our support for two Capital Budget requests for projects in Kittilas Coumy:the Kinitas Valley Event Center Facilities Upgrade(submitted by RepresentativeManweller)and the Washington State Horse Park CoveredArena and Associated Build-Out (submitted by Senator Wamiek). Located in Cle Elum,the I 12-acre Washington State Horse Park attracts over 30 thousand visitors per year,95 percent of whom are nonlocal-a stalistic that uniquely characterizes the Park's impact:over $2.5 million in ovemight stays.Total economic impact of the Park,including day visitors,is $3.4 million.The Washington State Horse Park is a valuable economic asset in Upper Kittitas County.We continue to support it every year with local funding that helps with operational costs and projects.Fmther developmentof this facility will provide significant additional benefit in our rural county. 'flic Kittitas Valley Event Center is located in Ellensburg and is the home of the World Famous Ellensburg Rodeo and Kittitas County Fair.For nearly one hundred years,this event has attracted tourists to Kitritas County for several days over Labor Day Weekend -nearly 60 thousand in 2016.This facilky also operates year-round,providing facilities for a variety of events large and small that create significant economic benefit to the City of EIIensburgand the surrounding Kittitas County. In addition to the financial benefits of the Kittitas Valley Event Center and the Washington State Horse Park,both projects embody the vision ofour County's ComprehensivePlan.Agritourism and rural recreation opportunities play an essential role in this plan and facilities such as these are consistent with preservingthe agricultural industry as well as rural character. Thank you for your consideration of these important projects, Res - 'ity. ABSENT m well La siaS.Obie O'Brien Chairman Vice<hairman Commissioner Ce:Senator Judy Wamick Representative Matt Manweller Representative Tom Dent Kn·ITTAS COUNTY COURT110USE 205 WESTS$SUITE 108 -ELLENSBURG.WA98926 (509)%2-7508 -FAX (509)962-1679 www.co.kkidas.wa.us OFFICE OF THE MAYOR 501 North Anderson StreetaofEIIensburg,Washington 98926 U€nS Telephone:(509)962-7221 Fax:(509)962-7143mummrmr February 27,2017 RepresentativeMatt Manweller 470 John L.O'Brien Building PO Box 40600 Olympia,WA 985044)600 Honorable RepresentativeManweller: Please accept this letter to confirm the City's support of a Kittitas County capital budgetrequest.The County is working to upgrade the Kittitas Valley Event Center.The County'sCapitalBudgetrequest,if funded,will address structural issues of the Event Centergrandstands,and make improvementsto existing buildings and bams to maintain the center'sviabilityforcontinuedoperation.The structural integrity of the Rodeo Grounds stadiumseatingiscriticaltotheCounty's continued ability to accommodate the EIIensburg Rodeo as are the building and bam improvements proposed by the County that support County Fair activities. As home of the Ellensburg Rodeo,the Event Center has hosted the Ellensburg Rodeo for nearly a hundred years.This eventattracts tourists to Ellensburg for over the Labor Day Weekend resulting in significant economic benefit to the City and County.In addition to thefairandrodeo,the County has expanded the operation of the eventcenter to offer year roundamenitiesandsponsoreventsthatdrawoutsidewealthintothecommunity.The Event Center is a valuablecontributor to the local economy and your support of this project is very muchappreciated.Thanks for sponsoring the request. Yours truly, Rich Elliott Mayor April 14,2017 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee City of Ellensburg 501 N.Anderson St EIIensburg,WA 98926 RE:Kittitas Valley Event Center Upgrades and Remodels (Barn Project). The Kittitas County Junior Livestock Sale Committee is in full support of the Kittitas Valley Event Center Upgrades and Remodels (Barn Project). The Barns Project would promote tourism and community in Kittitas County by providing a highly useable space for a multi-use area for a variety of events year-round and Sale Committee supports this effort wholeheartedly.The annual Junior Livestock Sale, associated with the fair,allows 4-H and FFA food animal exhibitors to auction off one of their market animals to local buyers,mostly local businesses.This is a major community event which brings in over $400,000 per year in direct sales revenue;4-H and FFA youth often use this income as college funds.The Sale Committee does not want to see limits on how many youth can participate in livestock shows and the Sale for want of adequate facility space. Respectfully, Brad Haberman,President Kittitas County Junior Livestock Sale Committee WSU Extcusion Programs and employmem am available lo all without discrimination Evidenceof noncompliance may be reported through your local WSU Extension office