GALLATIN COUNTY FAIR BOARD
July 31, 2007 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
(As approved on August 21, 2007 meeting)
FAIR BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Brekke, Blair Howze, Dennis Farnham, Misty Radue
FAIR BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Chris Budeski, Chuck Busta
STAFF: Sue Shockley
COMMISSION: NA
FOUNDATION MEMBERS: Kathy Farnham, Lorna Simard
PUBLIC – Tim Stefan
1. CALL TO ORDER – Chairperson Bob Brekke called the meeting to order at 12:15pm in the Ag Center .
2. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
3. PURPOSE OF SPECIAL MEETING – To prepare for meeting with all three County Commissioners on August 8, 2007 at 11:00am at the Court House. The purpose of that meeting is to present the proposed new long range plan for the Fairgrounds to the County Commissioners.
The Fair Board members discussed the type of presentation that would be made on Aug. 8. It was decided that the presentation at this point would be informal and would include the information we gained from those who saw the plans during the Fair. We will also let them know that we remember that the Commissioners, several years ago, gave the Fair Board the approval to go ahead with the development of a long range plan that included a multi-use events center. The commissioners’ only stipulation at that time was that no tax dollars would be committed to building or maintaining the new structure. We will advise the commissioners that we plan to hold several structured public meetings to gather input on the plans. Sue advised the Board that she
has spoken to the Northern Rocky Mountain Resource Conservation & Development Area and they are willing to work with us to develop a business plan. There are no fees associated with their services since we are a governmental agency. Blair moved to have Sue set up a meeting with the NRMRC&D to get started on the business plan. Dennis seconded and the motion passes unanimously. All we want at this time is for the Commissioners to give us the go ahead with the planning for the new facilities. As each facility becomes more of a reality, the Fair Board will return to the Commissioners for approval to move forward. The Board will present the business plan to the Commissioners once it has been completed. They will also schedule a time at a public meeting to present the plan.
There was some discussion whether on not to include the MDOT property in our plan as well as including the Road & Bridge property. It was decided we should go ahead and include both. Sue was asked to look up the County Commission Resolution giving the Road/Bridge Dept. property back to the Fair Board when the Road/Bridge Dept. moves to their new location.
The Board asked that Sue email the Commissioners an 11 X 17 copy of the plans prior to the meeting so that they have time to review them.
There was a short discussion about when and what kind of meetings should be set up for the public. We will try to do the first meeting one evening after Sept. 16 as some of the Board members will be gone before that. The meetings will be structured general informational meetings. We will be open to comments and suggestions.
4. ANNOUNCEMENTS - none
5. ADJOURNMENT - Blair Howze moved to adjourn the meeting at 1:00pm. Dennis seconded the motion and it carried unanimously
Respectfully Submitted
Approved: ___________________________
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