HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-06-10-minutes-ec-study-sessionKITTITASCOUNTY
EC STUDY SESSION MINUTES
BOCC CONFERENCEROOM,205 WEST STH ROOM 108 -ELLENSBURG
Regular Meeting
WEDNESDAY 10:00 AM June 10,2020
Board members present:Chairman Brett Wachsmith (via Web Ex),Vice-Chairman
Laura Osiadacz (via Web Ex),Commissioner Cory Wright (via Web Ex)
Others:Kady Porterfield (Event Center Director),Becky Sherley (Fair Board President),
Julie Kjorsvik (Clerk of the Board),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 Event and Rental Updates:
Per Kady,KVEC is working on adjusting operating plans to comply with COVID
best practices.She is working with the legal department to ensure proper
communication with events,including contract language,as we prepare to enter
Phase 3.The office will remain closed until Phase 4,except for appointments for
tours or immediate business needs.
Good progress is being made with the new booking software,will begin training
soon.
Kady has researched to see if there was a specific county use policy for the Event
Center.She was able to locate a previously written policy but there was never a
resolution put in place.Commissioner Osiadacz stated that a resolution was not
passed because there was no final agreement,it was still a work in progress.Kady
will work on a rental policy and will seek commissioner input as it is drafted.
3.COVID Fair Updates:
Kady stated that while on a conference call with the WA Department of Agriculture,
there is currently projected to be a 50%cut in fair funding for the next year.This
would affect premium payments to the fairs.
Becky stated the Fair Board will likely prolong the final decisions as to what the fair
will consist of this year.They are currently discussing cancelling the big name
entertainers (their contracts need to be cancelled sooner than others),as there will
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be no lodging for them due to CWU starting earlier this year.The early start for
CWU also means loss of parking.The fair and rodeo executiveboards met last
night to discuss and coordinate the events.The number one priority for the fair is to
keep the livestock shows going.If we are able,will add in food,entertainment,
etcetera.Becky spoke with Rep.Dent about possibly bringing togethera fair council
consisting of the remaining uncancelled fairs.She is waiting for further information
from them.The rodeo is still being planned and moving forward as normal and
making contingency plans.Likely there will not be a final decision for fair and rodeo
until August 1"*.
4.Approve to Proceed with 4th of July Fireworks Show
Kady has been working with both the city and local fire department and they are in
support of the show.Due to the departmenthiring freeze,utility savings and
training/travelcuts she is able to cover the additional $7500 to do the show.The
rodeo hilltop would be used again this year.Dr.Larson also is supportiveof this
event.The city has not gotten back to Kady yet about possible funding.Kady is
also working with the city on a drive-in movie night.
All 3 comm¡ssioners are in favor of proceeding with the fire works show.
Commissioner Wright encouraged Kady to continue seeking partnerships with the
city.
5.Special Projects
KVEC is hosting a blood drive today,will host another on 10/12/2020.The spaces
filled up within three days,excellentcommunity support.Many county employees
signed up to donate.
The rodeo arena LED lighting project is completeand the L&l inspection is done.
There are still six lights by the roping boxes,under the seating,that aren't LED.The
rebate from the city should be in soon and Kady is working on grant
reimbursements.
The Buckaroo stands project is still ongoing.Currently working on getting quotes on
spray foam insulation,which should solve the condensation problems -will do a
small work bid request.She is working with both Patti Johnson and Mike Flory as
needed.
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The stock panels will be built at the end of the month and should be shipped to us
soon.Once we are into Phase 4,we will possibly partner with the Ellensburg Rodeo
Top Hands to get them installed behind the Gold Buckle.
Kady has turned in the lodging tax application for operations.Kady asked if she
should also apply for the small capital project one as well.Per Commissioner
Osiadacz,the large ones only come up every few years due to funding constraints
and she would encourage Kady to apply for the small one for this year.
Kady is also working on KVEC policies,the emergency plan,and a draft for a capital
improvementplan.
6.BOCCICOVID-19 Planning &Updates:
None
7.Other Business:
Commissioner Wachsmith thanked Kady for her continued hard work,as well as
her staff.They have made many improvements to the facility and operations.
8.Adjourn
Meeting adjourned by Commissioner Wachsmith at 10:27
KITTITASCOUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
KITTITASCOUNTY,WASHINGTON
Kady PoÁerfield Brett Wachsmith,Chairman
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