HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-12-15-minutes-ec-study-sessionKITTITAS COUNTY
EC STUDY SESSION MINUTES
BOCC CONFERENCE ROOM, 205 WEST 5TH ROOM 108 - ELLENSBURG
Special Meeting
THURSDAY 9:00 AM I December 15 2022
Board members present: Chair Laura Osiadacz (via WebEx), Vice -Chair Cory Wright,
Commissioner Brett Wachsmith
Others: Kady Porterfield, CFE (Event Center Director), Lacie Dawson (Event Center Program
Manager), Carl Jensvold (Ellensburg Rodeo Board Vice President), Jon Morrow (Ellensburg
Rodeo Board Member)
1. Call to Order 9:02am
2. Citizen Comments (1 min. time limit) — none
3. Special Projects: The Ellensburg Rodeo has submitted an official letter to the Commissioners of a
$250,000/year commitment over 10 years to the grandstands project. Per Kady, the Rodeo Board
and Chamber of Commerce are working together and funding an economic impact study for the
grandstand project. Per Carl, they plan to have the study complete by January. Kady stated the next
step would be to set up meetings with state congressional representatives to present the project
again. It would be ideal if the meetings could take place the last 2 weeks of January. Commissioner
Wachsmith stated he will set up initial virtual meetings, then in-person ones as well. Vice -Chair Wright
stated that the City of Ellensburg may need to make more defined financial commitments as well
along the process, but their current letter would be sufficient to help get started. Jon stated that he
has spoken with Mayor Lilliquist and the City Council is supportive of the project.
The Armory paving project is complete. The swell has been a bit problematic, there have been a
couple vehicles that have driven through it. Solutions to that problem will be addressed in the spring.
3. General Event and Rental Updates: Kady is working on finalizing the 2023-2025 4-H/WSU
Extension contract. She has added in a section that will allow for the Kittitas County 4-H to
sponsor/co-host state level events on grounds without having to go through the WSU contracting
process, as well as extending the 20% nonprofit discount to them. Due to budgetary constraints,
KVEC will no longer be able to offer 4-H equine clubs the deeply discounted 70% off rate for private
club rides. Unfortunately, we are both turning away business that would pay full price and seeing a
large increase in the price of fuel (diesel for the tractors) and parts/repairs for the equipment, making
the current discount unsustainable. To help lessen the impact, 4-H has been offered an opportunity
for Monday night rides in Bloom at the 70% discount, or if clubs would like to book individually, they
would still receive the 20% nonprofit discount. Additionally, they can also purchase a haul -in pass
($66 per rider per month), which would give more riding opportunities as well at a very affordable
price. Vice -Chair Wright inquired about the current Bloom pricing, it's $50 per hour with a 2 -hour
minimum for full price. At the 20% discount for a club ride, it would be $80 total for two hours. By
2022-12-15 MINUTES
doing some quick math, it was surmised that if a club had 4-5 riders would work out to around $16-20
per rider, which he felt was a good deal. Commissioner Wachsmith concurred. Chair Osiadacz stated
that the county is being very fair with the discounts and the taxpayers shouldn't be expected to
shoulder that much of the cost. The board supports the change to the discount.
4. Self Promoted Events Business
" Fair Board Updates The fair board is gearing up for the grounds 1001h anniversary.
* Patriot Nights Under the Lights Updates Per Kady, there may be 2 headlining acts this
year, offers are out to both artists. Unfortunately the first headliner declined, she's now opening for
Shania Twain. The stage will be moved back to its 2019 placement to improve ingress and egress as
well as security controls for the event.
5. Sponsor Business — none
6. Other Business - Per Kady, a community member had stated that he's noticed an increase in
traffic since the Alder paving during the John Wayne Trail Improvement project and is looking for
possible solutions to slow/reduce the traffic in the area. Commissioner Wachsmith stated he met with
several of the residents in the area on 12/14/22. He updated them on Shady Brook and the Bowling
Alley as well as discussed, the traffic. Per Commissioner Wachsmith, Kady should not need to do a
follow-up letter.
At 9:33am, Vice -Chair Wright announced the Board would recess into Executive Session for
10 minutes to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment or to review the
performance of a public employee. However, subject to RCW 42.30.140(4), discussion by a
governing body of salaries, wages, and other conditions of employment to be generally applied
within the agency shall occur in a meeting open to the public, and when a governing body elects
to take final action hiring, setting the salary of an individual employee or class of employees, or
discharging or disciplining an employee, that action shall be taken in a meeting open to the
public. No action was anticipated.
At 9:43am, the Board reconvened out of Executive Session, no action was taken.
Meeting adjourned at 9:45am.
Kady Po tevierd
2022-12-15 MINUTES 2
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Laura Osiadacz, Chairman