BC 1999 05 17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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212 Restrict the "gambling" segment of the carnival by eliminating the so-called "games-of-skill" ("games-of-chance") . Revenues that the fair receives from the carnival operator for use of the County's 12 acres should come to the County or in some other way, back to the community- $ 83,000 for 1998. The fair and carnival operator should insure the County of no liability for any accident or litigation arising from their use of the county's 12 acres and if a suit is filed, the County's litigation costs should be paid by either the fair or the carnival operator's insurance company. In 1997, the Fair had revenues of more than $390,000 and made only $5100 in contributions back to community groups. In 1998, the Fair had revenues of almost $420,000 and made only $5500 in contributions to community groups. During these same years, they paid $137,000 in salaries and wages in 1997 and $147,000 in 1998. · First, the public should have full disclosure of all salaries paid to each employee, especially the senior management personnel, as well as any other benefits derived as a result of their position with the Fair while it operates on public land. (Ex. - all expense paid trips, etc.) · Second, there should be consideration given in any agreement whereby "publicly owned land" is utilized, that a percentage of gross receipts earned in conjunction with use of the land be contributed back to the community in some manner. · Third, since the carnival is conducted on "publicly owned land", the contract for carnival operator should be more open. If there is a sufficient reason for the same carnival operator to conduct the operation every year since the 1950's, it should be disclosed. As of 1998, the fair had in excess of $300,000 in reserve funds, but existing facilities on the property within their control (not the county's 12 acres) are not in the best of condition. The Fair's current facilities should be required to pass current building and health code inspections. Also, it should be understood why there is need for such a large reserve fund, and what happens to this money, should this private corporation ever cease its operation. If the Fair's mission is truly community oriented, its Board of Directors should be expanded to include a more diverse and representative membership from the community. Since it currently involves use of a very valuable piece of "public property", why not have "public appointments" to the board. In conclusion, Chairman Barnhart urged the Board to continue with the upset bid process for the sale of the County property. Also, he asked for consensus of the Board to request the County Manager and County Attorney to review those issues listed by him, particularly the liability issue, concerning the Fair. There was lengthy discussion regarding the proposed removal of the 12 acres from the market and the continued use of the County property by the Fair. Issues discussed included the Fair's lease of the property for $1.00 per year, the value of the County property, the need to utilize the County property in the best interest of the taxpayers, the continuation of efforts by the Fair to relocate if the bid process is terminated, the ethics of continuing/discontinuing the upset bid process, the merits of selling the County property and the Fair property as one parcel, the Fair's need to have time to locate property and move its operation to a new site, County liability issues, the status of the Fair as a "hold over tenant" and the need to renegotiate a new lease for the County property. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Fennel, seconded by Commissioner Privette with Commissioners Fennel, Privette and Carpenter voting for and Chairman Barnhart and Commissioner Casper voting against, the Board voted to reject all bids for the 12± acres of County property on Highway 601 Bypass and to withdraw the property from the bid process at this time.