The Custer County Ag Society met in regular session Thursday evening, April 9. Fair Board President Brian Palmer called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM with all members present.
Discussion on the Financial Report and Bills Paid centered on questions of a higher gas bill than might be desired. Board member Andy Gibbons noted that it seems likely that more gas was used during the review period than should have been, and recommended looking for ways to ensure buildings are being heated more efficiently to spend less on that bill.
On that topic however, new Fairgrounds General Manager Clay Hayes is already paying for himself by working with Black Hills Energy to lock in a lower rate than the Ag Society was previously paying for the upcoming year.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Reporting for the 4-H Committee, Board Member Jake Rosentreader noted that banners, plaques and medals for fair award winners have been picked out. Rosentreader also asked on behalf of the 4-H Committee that the Board look at fixing some broken windows in Building 13 on the Fairgrounds, which is used to display 4-H members’ work at fair time.
Gibbons, reporting for the Grounds committee noted Taylor Heating and Cooling will be doing some work on the air conditioning for the Shooting Sports Building.
Gibbons also noted he was working to get bids for additional work that would be required to establish wireless connectivity throughout the fairgrounds. This is in addition to the work already being provided by Viaero Fiber Networks to bring high-speed internet to the grounds. Given the short timeline expected for work to begin, the board agreed to allow the Grounds committee to review and approve the bid for the extra work.
Board Member Scotti Ross reminded the group that many of these items could be paid for with grant funds, and noted that the deadline for submission to the Custer County Foundation for the spring grant period was fast approaching.
The Arena committee is reviewing the possibility of purchasing a new Priefert roping chute and related equipment. Board Member Clint Lambrecht told the board that the initial quote for the equipment came in at $11,208, and noted the committee would look at working on a grant to help pay that cost, with a formal request to come likely at the next meeting.
The Board was excited about the prospect of the new equipment, which should be easier to manage than the current chute and panels. The equipment would also meet the requirements of more organizations, possibly adding to the draw of hosting events in Custer County.
According to the Events Committee, this Saturday, April 11, the public is invited to attend the first annual Beat the Heat BBQ Challenge at the Custer County Fairgrounds. The event is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 PM with 10 teams competing to see who has the best BBQ around!
The Events crew is also continuing to work with the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce on this summer’s Demolition Derby. A tractor pull during the fair and a possible high-school rodeo in mid-September are also in the works.
General Manager Hayes reports that spring cleaning is now underway around the fairgrounds, along with spending much of his time “learning where all of the light switches are”.
TREE TRIMMING BIDS TABLED AGAIN, LIGHTING BID ACCEPTED
No new bids were received to remove and trim trees on the fairgrounds after the project was tabled at last month’s meeting. With the lowest bid coming in at just under $9,000 however, Palmer asked the Board to consider prioritizing the work, and possibly breaking it out over two seasons. The Board determined that there are probably two trees that must be addressed before the summer fair season, and agreed to work with the lower bidder on a cost to address just those issues.
Gibbons Electric presented the winning bid of $11,838 to replace the lighting in the indoor arena. Gibbons beat out Talon’s Electric ($14,553) and Myer’s Construction ($17,900) bids. Board Member Andy Gibbons is the owner of Gibbons Electric, and abstained from voting on the bid approval.
The Custer County Ag Society adjourned at 7:54 PM. The next meeting of the Fair Board is scheduled for 7:00 PM on May 14, in the Shooting Sports Building of the Custer County Fairgrounds.
