08-18-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-August 18, 2008 3409 6. RED RIVER VALLEY FAIR, Release of 2008 funds approved Bryan Schulz, General Manager of the Red River Valley Fair Association, was present. Mr. Wagner said at the last commission meeting when this item was discussed, he asked about the governance of the fair board, the open meeting process, and the need to define the board's role and manager's role. Mr. Schulz said he has a good rapport with the fair board, who has given him the ability to do his job handling the day-to-day operations. The board's role involves the fiscal responsibility of the Red River Valley Fair Association. Mr. Wagner asked if the fair board meetings allow for public comment. Mr. Schulz said anyone may contact him with a request to be on scheduled on the fair board agenda to discuss an issue. Mr. Bennett has received comments from the public regarding the races held at the Red River Valley Speedway and the potential to raise more revenue from the races. Mr. Schulz said the only items that may be changed involve marketing and advertising of the races and he discussed some of the ways the fair has tried to make additional money at the races. MOTION, passed Mrs. Sorum moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to approve the release of the remaining $30,000 allocation for 2008 to the Red River Valley Fair Association. Discussion: Mike Bruns asked to speak to the commission. He has raced for the last 30 years at the Red River Valley Speedway and discussed concerns about not receiving straight answers to questions. He would like to see more people attend the races and his goal is for the betterment of the racing community. Mr. Pawluk said county funds provided to the fair pay for liability insurance premiums and 4-H awards and suggested Mr. Bruns address his concerns with the fair board and the general manager. Mr. Wagner asked Mr. Bruns if he requested to be on a fair board agenda. Mr. Bruns has attended fair meetings, but did not realize he needs to make a formal request to be on an agenda. Mr. Schulz said he has not received a request from Mr. Bruns to be on an agenda. Mr. Vanyo suggested Mr. Bruns contact the fair manager and ask to discuss his concerns at a meeting. Mr. Vanyo said he hopes the fair board allows the public to speak at their meetings. Debbie Bruns asked if the commission could request documentation on this issue as a condition on the release of funds. Mr. Wagner said earlier this year, the commission released a portion of the 2008 allocation with the condition that the fair manager return and provide an update before the remaining $30,000 would be released. Mr. Schulz said racing committee meetings are also held and suggested this issue be discussed at a committee meeting, and if necessary could then be placed on the fair board agenda. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 7. RED RIVER VALLEY FAIR, 2009 preliminary budQet approved County Auditor Michael Montplaisir said the Red River Valley Fair Association is requesting $100,000 for operations and $20,000 for improvements to the campground for a total budget request of $120,000. Mr. Schulz distributed fair expenses for 2008 and information on various 4-H events held at the fairgrounds at no cost to the county. He said total fair expenses totaled $144,643 with $81,260 paid toward premiums in all categories.