The Custer County Ag Society board met Thursday night at the Custer County Fairgrounds inside the shooting sports building. Board members Brian Palmer, Casey Cooksley, Blair Ryan, Mark Cardoza, Desirei Cook, and Clint Lambrecht were present.
Discussions continued from the March meeting regarding a contract for those who would like to use the fairgrounds for CDL training and testing. Board President Brian Palmer said he spoke with Jim Zlomke who uses the fairgrounds the most often for that use to gather information to make an informed decision on contract details and cost.
Palmer added that Zlomke expressed that he is happy to have the fairgrounds to use and the board encouraged the continued use knowing the difficulty to find a CDL testing site in the area with the space needed. The contract and cost would assist the board with liability as well as the cost of road and dirt repairs after the trucks.
Discussions traversed ideas on annual contract costs and per-use payments before settling on a $1,000 price to be paid annually by any outfit practicing or testing for CDLs on the fairgrounds. The motion passed unanimously.
Also a continued discussion, the subject of open class entry management at the fair was tabled after a short discussion. Questions will be asked to see if 4-H can assist with any of the process. Cook and Cardoza intend to meet with the former open class manager to gain insight from her as well.
One individual that was hired by the fairgrounds last summer has said she can come back to help again this year, while an answer is being waited on from another. It was stated that the fairgrounds would like anywhere from 2 to 6 workers to help at various times during the summer and during fair. Anybody interested was encouraged to contact Jentry Cain.
The following was discussed during committee reports:
– The premium book is at the printers
– Several projects were completed at the fairgrounds thanks to the help of the Broken Bow students during their service day (scraped and painted bleachers, fixed latches in women’s bathroom)
– Other projects completed included lock installation on the outdoor arena press box, several items being sold or scrapped from on the fairgrounds, and just over $1,500 made at the auction on the fairgrounds recently selling more items
– An email expressing frustration with the condition of the indoor arena dirt. President Palmer said he believes considering the amount of work the arena commands due to high traffic, board members and staff are doing a great job. He added that the recent temperatures are just warm enough for those using the arena to open the doors to cool off, drying out the dirt as a result.
In new business discussions, the contract has been sent off, the down payment made, and insurance is covered regarding the upcoming demo derby in June. Sponsorship packages are being put together and progress will be pursued regarding the dirt work plan of attack before next month’s meeting.
The removal of the ag hall was brought up briefly before the meeting closed. An estimate of between $4,000 and $5,000 for demolition and $2,500 for concrete removal had been given to the board. Discussions will continue next meeting when the item is put on the agenda.
The resignation of board member Bonnie Winters was accepted by the board as an added ‘new business’ item before adjournment at 7:53 PM.
