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City Council Minutes Page 6 <br /> January 6,2014 <br /> County Commissioner Bruce Anderson discussed the lease and its financial viability. <br /> He also questioned what the Council would like to see happen with the fair if the <br /> current fairgrounds property is developed for a different use. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard stated he would like to see the fair stay in Elk River. He <br /> noted all property has another use and it is whether the city wants to make a <br /> commitment to have a fair. He questioned if another location in Elk River would <br /> serve the needs of the fair better. <br /> Commissioner Anderson stated the county is working on enhancing the management <br /> process for the fair and making the event better overall. He stated volunteers do <br /> most of the work for the fair but they need better direction. <br /> Councilmember Wilson concurred with Councilmember Westgaard but added he <br /> would like to see what else the current property could be used for during the rest of <br /> the year. He stated the location is ideal with its Highway 10 location. He noted the <br /> fair needs help in multiple ways such as more food vendors, sponsorships,better <br /> entertainment, etc. <br /> Councilmember Motin stated he's not sure it makes sense for the fair to be in Elk <br /> River and that it shouldn't be kept at the current location. He stated if the fair <br /> remains in Elk River he would like to see it at a different location. He further <br /> expressed concerns with the fair not being able to survive if it moves away from Elk <br /> River. He stated the current fair is not a draw or benefit to the city considering the <br /> amount of cost involved. He stated the current fair property is a prime spot for <br /> development. He stated the current location doesn't have much of a connection to <br /> downtown. Councilmember Motin questioned what image the city wants conveyed <br /> of itself, country or city. <br /> Commissioner Anderson stated there is no question the current fair property is a <br /> valuable tax base to the city. He further noted he would like to keep the fair in Elk <br /> River and that it may need additional property (compared to its current location). <br /> Councilmember Burandt asked if other fairs around the state with better attendance <br /> have moved to new locations. She noted an issue for this fair has been parking. She <br /> stated she liked the current location of the fair but felt changes were needed to draw <br /> more people. She further stated she would like to see the fair stay on the east side of <br /> the county and that if it couldn't be in Elk River it should at least be near it. <br /> Mayor Dietz stated the fair started to become an issue and has gone downhill ever <br /> since the City of Becker received a parcel of land that was dedication strictly for fair <br /> use or youth programming. He noted how people have become divided over where <br /> the fair should be located and that the Board needs to make a long-term decision <br /> about the location so the issue can be settled. He noted the Fair Board has been <br /> unable to get the volunteers it needs from other groups in the county because those <br /> other groups want the fair to be located somewhere else. He further questions if the <br /> lease has a clause about the amount of time the fair is given to move to another <br /> P 0 W I R I D 9 Y <br /> 1`4M UREI <br />