HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-02-minutes-ec-study-sessionKITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
EC Study Session
Special Meeting
Monday October 2, 2023 -10:00 AM
BOCC Conference Room
205 West 5th Room 108 - Ellensburg
1. Call to Order
2. Citizen Comments (1 min. time limit)
3. Kittitas County Fair Recap
4. Grant Updates
5. Other Business - No Action to be taken
6. Concluded
Created on 10/4/2023 3:31:28 PM
KITTITAS COUNTY
EC STUDY SESSION MINUTES
BOCC CONFERENCE ROOM, 205 WEST 5TH ROOM 108 - ELLENSBURG
Special Meeting
MONDAY 10:00 AM October 2, 2023
Board members present: Chairman Cory Wright, Vice -Chairman Brett Wachsmith,
Commissioner Laura Osiadacz (via Webex)
Others: Kady Porterfield (Event Center Director)
1. Call to Order: 10:00AM
2. Citizen Comments (1 min. time limit): None
3. Kittitas County Fair Recap: Kady began by presenting her summary of the report from
the WSDA Fair Commissioner that visited on Friday of Fair. We received very good
feedback overall and are very pleased with the report. The Fair Board and the staff each
compiled a list of things that went well and some things to focus on for next year. Kady
informed of some of the top items that came out of those meetings.
Overall, it is estimated that we made 20% more in vendor revenue, about 7% more in
carnival revenue, and the attendance was up too, but final numbers are still being determined.
The Rodeo attendance was up over 40,000 this year, so that gives a good boost to our overall
attendance. Both Chairman Wright and Vice -Chairman Wachsmith made positive comments
about the Fair.
Chairman Wright than presented a question about the relationship of the Fair with the
Chamber of Commerce and how that worked. Kady explained that since the Kittitas County
Fair is a Chamber member, than the Chamber will conduct ribbon cutting cermonies, like
they did for the new addition constructed off of Bloom Pavilion. As a friendly partner, the
Chamber was also given permission to conduct a short ceremony for their Lemonade Day
program at the Fair.
Chairman Wright asked if the County had any deed restrictions for Reed Park on the
hilltop above the Rodeo Grounds. Kady shared that she had not come across any such
restrictions and after a survey was completed in the last year that confirmed Kittitas County
has no parcel ownership at or around the park at the top, than we wouldn't have a say on any
restrictions since it is fully City owned property.
2023-10-02 MINUTES
4. Grant Updates: KVEC has applied for several grants recently including a new one from
WA State Tourism. The State Tourism grant was a $30,000 request (maximum that could be
requested) to help upgrade the sound and projection system in the Armory Hall. Kady also
turned in the Consolidated LTAC grant for the Patriot Night concert, but could only request
$12,500 this year since it's the fifth year for the event. Two grants were submitted to the
WSDA for the biennial Capital Improvement Grant. The first priority application was for a
total of $250,000 (maximum amount allowed to request) to beign work to design and
development the new RV Park. The second priority application was for electrical upgrades
for the barns and vendor area in a total of $50,000.
Commissioner Osiadacz asked if Kady had looked into the City LTAC grants recently.
Kady shared that the City hasn't offered their own grant process since 2019, but would be
continuing to keep an eye out for any opportunity they may provide.
5.Other Business: Kady reported that her and Patti are looking into new fire system
servicing options in order to finally move foware on some fire system upgrades and work
with a company willing to be proactive in the preventative maintenance of the systems.
6. Concluded at 10:42AM.
Ka Port fi d
2023-10-02 MINUTES 2
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Cory Wright, Chairman