HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-03-01-minutes-public-hearing--kvec-strategic-plan03/01/2016 MINUTES 1
COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
COMMISSIONERS AUDITORIUM
SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY 6:00 P.M. MARCH 1, 2016
Board members present: Chairman Obie O’Brien; Vice-Chairman Paul
Jewell and Commissioner Gary Berndt.
Others: Julie Kjorsvik, Clerk of the Board; Mickey Webb, Event
Center Director; Tom Beckwith, Beckwith Consulting; Becky McDowell,
Fair Board Member and 2 members of the public.
PUBLIC HEARING EVENT CENTER STRATEGIC PLAN EVENT CENTER
At 6:00 p.m. CHAIRMAN O’BRIEN opened a Public Hearing to consider
the adoption of the Kittitas Valley Event Center Strategic Plan.
TOM BECKWITH, BECKWITH CONSULTING provided an overview of the
Kittitas Valley Event Center Master Plan. He reviewed the Fair and
Rodeo attendee survey; market influence area; and the Kittitas
County resident survey. He also reviewed the finance and management;
goals and objectives; master plan elements; voter survey; and
development costs.
COMMISSIONER JEWELL indicated how it would almost be impossible to
have everyone involved, completely satisfied with the Master Plan
because there is such a variety of groups involved. He said there
are many considerations and the plan is a living document as
adjustments will happen as time goes along. CHAIRMAN O’BRIEN said he
liked idea of the plan and not having to commit to funding right
now. He expressed his appreciation for everyone’s time and effort
who was involved in creating the plan.
THOSE PRESENT & TESTIFYING: MITCH WILLIAMS, WASHINGTON STATE HORSE
PARK, cautioned the Board in adopting the plan prior to having a
financial feasibility study conducted before investing any funds. He
noted that the M&O’s were not included in the plan either. THERE
BEING NO OTHERS REQUESTING TO TESTIFY, THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THE
HEARING WAS CLOSED.
PLAN EVENT CENTER STRATEGIC PLAN EVENT CENTER
COMMISSIONER JEWELL moved to adopt the Kittitas Valley Event Center
Master Plan, as presented. COMMISSIONER BERNDT seconded.
COMMISSIONER JEWELL acknowledged the plan included some aspirational
elements that would require much more evaluation before any
commitments or construction begins. He noted the existing needs
03/01/2016 MINUTES 2
including space, parking. He recognized and thanked the many
volunteers who put in countless hours in helping create the plan.
COMMISSIONER BERNDT explained how he hopes it’s not competitive, but
rather an additive to the County. He recognized how the plan was
created by a consensus and not necessarily unanimous from groups of
people who hoped it was the best solution for the community.
COMMISSIONER O’BRIEN felt the plan was a cumulative effect in
bringing people into the County, while recognizing projects will be
taken on in small increments.
Motion carried 3-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:27 p.m.
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
CLERK OF THE BOARD KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Julie Kjorsvik Obie O’Brien, Chairman