HomeMy WebLinkAboutTourism & Fair Committee - Minutes - 11/28/2016Bayfield County Fair Minutes – 11/28/16 Page 1 of 2
BAYFIELD COUNTY FAIR COMMITTEE MEETING
November 28, 2016 – 6:00 p.m.
EOC
Courthouse Annex – 117 E. 6th Street
Washburn, WI 54806
Minutes
1.Call To Order
Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm by the Chair, Jim Crandall.
Members Present: Jim Crandall, Dennis Pocernich, Fred Strand, and Rusty Williams
Members Absent: Shawn Miller
Others present: Mary Motiff, Tourism Director and Jenna Galligan, Fair Administrative Assistant
2. Approval of Minutes from October 24, 2016 Meeting
Motion (Williams, Pocernich) to approve the minutes of October 24, 2016 as presented. Motion Carried.
3.Public Comments – No Public Comments
4.Discussion and Possible Action on 2017 Fair Planning
Some entertainment options for 2017 were discussed. The cost of daily grandstand entertainment was compared
to attendance and admissions revenue over the past 5 years. Cheaper grandstand entertainment will allow for
more grounds entertainment choices. Petting zoo information was provided to committee members as a grounds
entertainment option.
Consensus of the Committee is to negotiate with J-D-J Funny Farm to be at the Fair for 2-3 days.
Discussion occurred on the possibility of the Aged Iron Tractor Pull starting earlier in the Grandstand on Saturday.
Motion (Williams/Pocernich) to approve Aged Iron Tractor Pull in the Grandstand on Saturday afternoon,
followed by Lake States Mud Racers in the evening. Motion Carried.
More entertainment options will be looked into at the Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention in January.
UWEX participation in the fair was discussed. Strand stated that this topic was brought up in the UWEX
Committee Meeting, and at that time, it was agreed that there would be a department wide exhibit, but it will not
be staffed.
Consensus of the Committee is that contracts will be required for all entertainment acts.
5.Discussion and Possible Action on Contract for Non-Fair Use of the Fairgrounds
Discussion occurred on the updated contract for non-Fair use of the fairgrounds that was included in the
Committee Members’ packets for review. Motiff explained the proposed changes including:
A.New Format – category names have been added to each item for easy reference
B.The addition of a fee for fairgrounds personnel to be “On Call” during a weekend event
Bayfield County Fair Minutes – 11/28/16 Page 2 of 2
C.The addition of a partial day rate which would apply to use of the fairgrounds the day prior to an event
Motion (Williams/Strand) to approve changes to the Fairgrounds Facility Use Contract. Motion Carried.
6.Discussion and Possible Action on Electrical Work at the Fairgrounds
Proposals for an assessment done by an electrical engineer, and estimates for installation of distribution panels
were discussed. Richard Boya, the electrical engineer, provided a cost estimate for a full day assessment of the
current electrical conditions at the fairgrounds. A spreadsheet was handed out showing the Capital Improvements
budget that was approved for electrical work in 2017.
Motion (Pocernich/Strand) to hire Richard Boya to assess Bayfield County Fairgrounds electrical work,
not to exceed $6,500. Motion Carried.
Consensus of the Committee is to wait on any further electrical projects to be done until after Boya
evaluates the current conditions.
7.Buildings and Grounds Update
Included in Committee Members’ packets were a list of questions and answers regarding use of the fairgrounds.
This is a follow-up from the last meeting when Jon Hamilton came to discuss utilizing the fairgrounds more to
benefit area businesses. Also, some 4-H Clubs are requesting to use the Safe Room building this winter for
meetings; however, we do not have staff to lock/unlock, clean, plow, etc. so we are referring them to the Iron
River Community Center at this point. Finally, Crandall spoke about his visit to the fairgrounds regarding a Horse
Racing track. After assessing the track, there appears to be room for a half-mile oval that will fit into the space
that currently exists. There is still the issue of fencing that would need to be addressed. Crandall also spoke on
the issue of the main horse arena needing some work. The current arena is too soft and may need to have
improvements done in the future.
8.Discussion on WI Association of Fairs Annual Convention
Lodging was confirmed for the convention to be held January 8-11, 2017 in Wisconsin Dells. Motiff and Galligan
will be attending Sunday-Wednesday, Crandall and Strand will be attending Sunday-Tuesday, and Miller and
Pocernich will be attending Monday-Tuesday.
9.Future Agenda Items and Next Meeting Date
The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 30, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the EOC.
10.Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Jenna Galligan
Bayfield County Fair Administrative Assistant