HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-09-minutes-ec-study-sessionKITTITAS COUNTY
EC STUDY SESSION MINUTES
BOCC CONFERENCE ROOM, 205 WEST 5TH ROOM 108 - ELLENSBURG
Regular Meeting
WEDNESDAY 10:00 AM September 9, 2020
Board members present: Chairman Brett Wachsmith (via Webex), Vice -Chairman Laura
Osiadacz (via Webex), Commissioner Cory Wright (via Webex)
Others: Kady Porterfield (Event Center Director), Becky Sherley (fair board president), Lacie
Dawson (Event Center Program Manager) — (all via Webex)
1. Call to Order: Chairman Wachsmith called the meeting to order at 10:00am
2. Evans Canyon Fire Camp Updates: The fire camp moved into the Event Center last
Friday. They are paying at full rate. Their numbers will reduce as the fire is contained.
They are currently expected to wind down Sunday/Monday. Everything has gone well with
the camp so far.
3. Cold Weather Shelter Discussion: Per Kady, initial beginning stage discussions with
Fish about possibly hosting the shelter in Western Town have begun. Kady had requested
that the discussion with Fish be put off until the conclusion of virtual fair. There are multiple
concerns that would need to be addressed, including but not limited to: lack of rodeo board
support, they can only pay $500 per month (the space rents for $675 per day),
communication issues as well as fire code issues.
Chairman Wachsmith asked if the bowling alley would be a possible usable space. Kady
said she would work on a cleaning plan if needed.
Commissioner Wright expressed reservations that this is more of a city vs. county issue
(shelter would not benefit upper county), and fire protection needs would need to be
addressed (different codes as opposed to churches). Commissioner Wright expressed that he
would like to encourage Fish to reach out to the city for support.
4. Virtual Fair and Livestock Sale Report: Per Becky Sherley, there were approximately
700 entries for the virtual fair this year. Kady was a great help in coordinating and assisting
with all aspects of the virtual fair. Her hard work is greatly appreciated by the fair board.
The livestock sale happened. The sale operates separate of the fair — the fair board has no
say in their operation. Overall, the day of sale was $242,000. Add-ons are still open until
Friday. The fair will still push add-ons on their Facebook page through the week. There
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were a little over half the lots we usually have for the sale. Prices were a bit lower than
usual. There were approximately 200 buyers, with 686 invitations sent.
5. General Event Rental Updates and Rates: COVID is still hampering rentals. We are
renting out the commercial kitchen and small business meetings currently.
Haul -in passes will begin in October. Language for the agreement has been changed to
reflect COVID best practices. Per Kady, it would be nice to be able to make use of Bloom
since it is such a large space. It would be very helpful if the guidelines were relaxed for
rides. If we are able to host up to 50 people again, we can hopefully get the clubs back in
before we completely lose them.
Rate update: per Kady, the only department that brought up concerns about the rate
structure was the Sheriff s office. Kady stated that she is willing to do trade work with
departments to help offset costs for them. No other departments have had any issues as of
yet.
The calendar and software programs are coming along. Everything is being thoroughly
tested prior to launch.
6. Special Projects: Swine Barn Removal: per Becky Sherley, the fairboard is in support (as
of last discussion) with moving forward. They will discuss at the next meeting. Per Kady,
the demo is scheduled for October. She has been working with Bob on finding a temporary
structure for fair next year.
Buckaroo Stands: KVFR is going to loan a fire hose to better simulate a drenching rain.
Will use it to test for roof leaks, prior to installing the spray foam. The spray foam job has
gone to bid.
The rodeo board is working on new logs for the Western Village gates, last Kady. The
other ones were not salvageable due to rot.
The pen project behind the Gold Buckle is complete. CWU Equestrian Team won't be
moving in until January due to COVID (loss of many team members).
Barn painting project is almost done.
Grounds Fencing: both the fair board and City of Ellensburg are in support of the project.
Still having difficulty with getting any local fencing companies to call back. Kady may look
for non -local contractors.
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Kady will work with Patti in maintenance in regard to the HVAC upgrades for Teanaway
Hall.
7. COVID-19 Updates/Planning: No discussion
8. Other Business: Kady will be meeting with Rep. Kim Schrier along with the fair and
rodeo board to discuss the Ag Fairs Rescue Act.
Meeting adjourned at: 10:42 am
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KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Brett Wachsmith, Chairman