HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-13-minutes-ec-study-sessionKITTITAS COUNTY
EC STUDY SESSION MINUTES
BOCC CONFERENCE ROOM, 205 WEST 5TH ROOM 108 - ELLENSBURG
Regular Meeting
WEDNESDAY 10:00 AM Ma 13 2020
Board members present: Chairman Brett Wachsmith, Vice -Chairman Laura Osiadacz (via Web
Ex), Commissioner Cory Wright (via Web Ex)
Others: Kady Porterfield (Event Center Director), Becky Sherley (Fair Board President), Lacie
Dawson (Event Center Program Manager) — all via Web Ex.
1. Call to Order: Chairman Brett Wachsmith called the meeting to order at 10:00am to
discuss Event Center Business
2. COVID-19 Event and Rental Updates:
Kady stated that due to the Event Center (EC) being a government entitiy the EC does not
qualify for the small business type grants being offered. For the 3 months that the EC is
unable to host events, there is an approximate loss of $216,500 in event income (excludes
ChillAxle and Patriot Night).
Kady stayed that she is interested in utalizing the EC for community benefit during this
difficult time. She suggested possibly using one of the large halls to hose a blood drive once
we have entered into phase 3. All commissioners supported the idea. Kady will do further
research.
Kady has been speaking with the Ferguson Group about the loss of income including
space rental as well as special events such as Patriot Night, ChillAxle and the Kittitas County
Fair. Kady stated they have been helpful and she will continue to work with them.
3. Approve Resolution Ratifying Event Center Director's Signature on Letter of
Postponement for Patriot Night Concert: Kady has been working with Romeo
Entertainment as well as legal council Stephanie Hartung on postponement of the concert.
The postponement letter was reviewed and approved by legal. There is no cost for the
postponement, the terms will be the same with the only change being the date.
Chairman Brett Wachsmith made a motion for Kady to sign resolution 2020-099. Vice -
Chairman Laura Osiadacz seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0
Kady stated that the EC would like to still hold the fire works show for the community.
If the show is cancelled, the EC would forfeit part of the deposit for the show. Chairman
2020-05-13 MINUTES
Wachsmith asked if the City of Ellensburg would participate in the cost of the fireworks.
Kady stated that the city had not been interested in participating financially in the past, but
she would follow up with them and report back.
4. COVID-19 Kittitas County Fair Updates:
Becky Sherley (Fair Board President) provided updates on fair planning. She has been
working with KC Health Officer Dr. Mark Larsen on how to safely host the fair. At this
time, a full fair is not likely to happen. Becky stated that the Fair Board would have a full
recommendation at their meeting on June 18t". Per Becky, the entertainment contracts must
be cancelled by 7/1 and most of the others are 30 days. Becky has spoken with Dr, Larson
about the possibility of still holding the livestock shows and hosting the sale on-line. Becky
stated that we have the capability to hold the on-line auction (and shows if necessary) with
the existing fair software. Becky stated that the sale could be run either by the Livestock
Sale Committee, or the Friends of the Fair.
The Fair Board released a statement recently to help kids and parents make livestock
purchasing decisions.
Chairman Wachsmith expressed appreciation for the Fair Boards hard work during these
unprecedented times.
Commissioner Wright asked why not wait until July to make final decisions. Becky
stated that the Entertainment Director felt that giving the entertainers time to reschedule their
routs is the right and courteous thing to do.
Kady stated that the Fair and Rodeo Boards have been working together to coordinate
messaging. Kady stated that the EC is ready to help both the Fair and Rodeo in any way
possible.
5. All Other County COVID-19 Planning/Updates
Chairman Wachsmith stated he is working with the prosecutor's office on how to best get
the CARES funding distributed to the community businesses quickly. The Chamber of
Commerce may be able to assist. The City of Ellensburg is planning to get information out
next Tuesday and will hopefully provide more clarity on how funding can be done.
Commissioner Wright asked if there were issues with using public funds for private use.
Chairman Wachsmith stated that due to the way it was written it would be okay. Vice -
Chairman Osiadacz stated this will be very helpful to small businesses. She also stated that a
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letter was submitted to the Governors office signed by 20 counties, expressing concerns.
Commissioner Wright stated that people have expressed concerns about some of the phase 2
requirements of businesses (especially related to the tracking and members of the clergy).
Chairman Wachsmith stated that would be good issues to raise on the conference call
scheduled for Friday.
6. Other business: None
7.4. Public comment is not accepted during this meeting. In-person attendance is
currently prohibited per the Washington Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28 until May
31, 2020. The meeting can be heard at +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll. Access code:
960 409 471
8. Adjourn: Chairman Wachsmith adjourned the meeting at 10:31am.
Kady Po •terfield
2020-05-13 MINUTES
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Brett Wachsmith, Chairman