12-17-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-December 17, 2007 3303 MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to adopt Resolution #2007- 24, Relating to a Project under the Municipal Industrial Development Act, Giving the Project Preliminary Approval, Subject to a Public Hearing (Essentia Health Project). Discussion: Mr. Wagner said the viability of this facility as well as the creation of new jobs needs to be considered in these types of requests. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 8. RED RIVER VALLEY FAIR REPORT, FundinQ appropriation held until further information received David Strand, President of the Red River Valley Fair, was present to answer questions regarding the fair. The county approved 2008 funding in the amount of $100,000, which covers the liability insurance premium of $30,744 and $68,156 cost for 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) ribbons and cash awards. Mr. Wagner asked about the stability of the organization and management. Mr. Strand said fair board members attended training sessions and two new members elected recently will also be provided with information from the training class. Mr. Wagner feels elected boards and committees have a fiduciary responsibility when public money is being spent and expressed concern about the nominating process for new board members as well as providing public notice regarding the openings on the board. Mr. Strand said the fair has a 50-person committee as well as the nine-person executive committee and he is unsure whether the recruitment process was open to the public or advertised. Mr. Pawluk said the Red River Valley Fair appears to have lost the support of the public and asked Mr. Strand how board members plan to remedy the situation. Mr. Strand believes when a new manager is hired and the fair experiences a profit, this will help the stability of their organization. Mr. Wagner believes profit is not the issue and best practices need to be used when public funds are being spent. Brad Cogdill, Extension Agent, was present. He discussed the 4-H and other programs that use facilities at the fairgrounds at no cost to the county. He said other venues or communities may be available to hold 4-H events and other workshops currently held at the fairgrounds and will follow the direction of the commission on how to proceed. The fair does provide some actual resources and in-kind contributions to the 4-H programs. Mr. Vanyo said the county has been made aware of the turmoil over the last several years regarding the fair. Mr. Vanyo reiterated Mr. Wagner's comments regarding the suggestion that county funding appropriated to the fair instead be included in the Extension Services budget in order to separate the county from practices the commission does not support, while at the same time supporting 4-H and other related programs. Mrs. Sorum asked how 4-H may be affected if moved from the fairgrounds. Mr. Cogdill is willing to prepare a report listing all events held at the fairgrounds. Mr. Pawluk requested an in-depth cost detail of the 4-H program also be provided to the commission. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to hold the $100,000 Red River Valley Fair appropriation as time permits for Extension Agent Brad Cogdill to provide a detailed cost explanation of 4-H activities. Discussion: Mr. Bennett is concerned this motion does not solve the