HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-07-08-minutes-ec-study-sessionKITTITAS COUNTY
EC STUDY SESSION MINUTES
COMMISSIONERS' AUDITORIUM, 205 WEST 5TH ROOM 109 - ELLENSBURG
Regular Meeting
WEDNESDAY 1 10:00 AM July 8, 2020
Board members present: Chairman Brett Wachsmith (via Web Ex), Vice -Chairman Laura Osiadacz,
Commissioner Cory Wright (via Web Ex)
Others: Kady Porterfield (Event Center Director), Becky Sherley (Fair Board President) via Web Ex,
Julie Kjorsvik (Clerk of the Board) via Web Ex, Lacie Dawson (Event Center Program Manager) 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 Fair Updates: Per Fair Board President Becky Sherley, there have been no big changes
since the last meeting. It looks like Fair will be taking place under phase 3. At the fair board meeting
on July 9, 2020, each director will be presenting options for their section on how to move forward.
The final decision will be made at the meeting on July 16, 2020. The fair board has been and will
continue to work with Dr. Larson to make the fair as safe as possible. The primary focus is to
produce the livestock show and auction for the kids that have financial investments in their animals.
There is also the possibility of having a fair food vendor area for the public to drive through. There is
still much to discuss, and the fair board is working to navigate the unique circumstances.
Chairman Wachsmith asked what the possible financial impact? Per Kady, approximately $500,000.
Commissioner Wright asked what was planned for the carnival, as well as building usage. Per Becky,
there really isn't a way to do a carnival in phase 3. The use of the other buildings (aside from barns
and arenas) is still being discussed. They are still looking at having items such as canning being
judged, which would require use of the yellow halls and the kitchen.
3. COVID Event and Rental Updates: Per Kady, the Event Center is beginning to host events again.
The local Roping and Barrel Racing clubs have both had events in the rodeo arena, with under 50
people and lots of social distancing. The Buck Brannaman Clinic will be taking place this weekend in
the rodeo arena. There is also a wedding today as well as a couple more coming up.
The software rental system is progressing and we are participating in weekly training. Everything is
working well so far and they are customizing the system to our needs. Looking forward to its official
launch soon!
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The 41h of July fireworks show went very well. The community really seemed to appreciate it and it
could be seen all over the valley. We received great response through social media on the show.
Kady feels we definitley accomplished our goal of giving something positive back to our community in
the midst of the last few months in the pandemic. The support form the BOCC is greatly appreciated.
4. Special Projects: Per Kady, the Rotary Paver Project is progressing. They plan to start installing
them around August 3, 2020 and should take about one week to complete. There are 220 pavers the
Rotary plans to sell to help fund the project, along with grants. Forms to order pavers can be
received from the Noon Rotary club or one of its members.
The stock pens by the Gold Buckle will be removed next week. A professional has been contracted
to install the new panels the following week. Kady will also meet with the panel installers to discuss
possible future projets in the needed areas while they are at the Event Center.
The Buckaroo flashings also appear to be leaking, it was noticed after the big rain storms last week.
Kady is working with Patti as well as Dan Morgan and Kelly Schademan from the Rodeo Board on
repairs. The leaks will need to be addressed prior to the spray foam insulation being installed.
Commissioner Wright asked that Kady please verify there are stipulations in contracts for inspections,
so we can avoid issues like these in the future.
5. BOCC COVID Planning/Updates: Discussion of the KVEC Health and Safety Plan draft.
Commissioner Wright asked if the attorneys had a chance to look at the plan. Per Kady, they had
done an initial review but would be happy to look at it in further depth with them. Commissioner
Wright expressed concerns about the section regarding screening protocol. Kady will work with
Stephanie to be sure all information is correct.
Chairman Wachsmith stated the Department of Commerce has additional support the County could
apply for through a community development block grant program. The County would work together
with all the other municipalities toward a consortium incentive. County wide it would be just shy of
$300,000. It could be used for utility or rent or mortgage payments but also for local help emergency
response or temporary housing facilities to address COVID-19 impacts and grant administration. To
move forward, a public meeting would need to be set.
6. OTHER BUSINESS: Per Kady, the blood drive in June went really well. The county employees
turned out and exceeded the donation goals. Another one will be held October 12th.
Meeting adjourned at 10:31 am
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2020-07-08 MINUTES
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Brett Wachsmith, Chairman