Ag Society Release Minutes of Dec 1 Meeting

The Hardin County Agricultural Society met Wednesday, December 1, 2021, for their December monthly board meeting.

Fifteen directors and nine guests were present.

Brad Murphy, Board President, called the meeting to order.

Amanda Raines, OSU Extension Educator, stated Beef registrations are now open on their website at hardin.osu.edu. Lori Wilson asked the directors if her fair department could hold an auction for baked goods at the 2022 Hardin County Fair. Charlie McCullough and Dan Beale moved to approve that request. Motion passed unanimously. Lori also asked if she could use the Wendy Thomson memorial money to purchase a used upright cooler for items that need refrigerated during the fair. She was given the OK to do that. Mark Badertscher, OSU Extension Educator, spoke about the Ag. Hall of Fame Banquet to be held on Dec. 7th.

2022 rental rates and race horse barn rental rates were approved. Deposits for all buildings were increased by $100. Storage rates are being increased by $5. Race horse barn rentals are being increased to $150 per stall, per month. New rates are posted on the fair’s website. Directors approved the 2022 budget. Directors then voted to choose 3 new executive members to join Brad Murphy, Craig Stump and Jack McBride. The top 3 winners were Corey Ledley, Jake McFadden and Dale Cockerell. Dale will serve for 1 year and then cycle off next year with Jack McBride. Directors and employees signed the 2022 Code of Conduct. Employee contracts and salaries were approved. The new executive committee will be meeting in the next few days to form committees for the next year.

It was noted a strategic planning committee meeting needs to be scheduled soon for a review.

Charlie McCullough, Development Committee Chairman, introduced Sean Root from OHM. He represents OHM and stated they will be creating a preliminary conceptual plan to start the next phase of building a new multi-use facility. Representative Jon Cross, also spoke about his role in possibly securing some funds for the project.

Inventory sheets that are still not done were discussed. It was noted the paint quote and labor to paint the Community Building is needed by Feb. 2022. Jack McBride also raised concerns over the grounds being so dark and lighting needs turned on in the evenings for events occurring.

Directors agreed to have the Hardin County Tractor Puller’s Association put on the tractor pull at the 2022 Hardin County Fair, to be held on Friday night of the fair.

Judi Cronley, Fair Board Secretary/Treasurer, stated there are currently 2 livestock buyers who still need to pay their invoices so four livestock exhibitors can receive their Fair Livestock checks. Those businesses are Ball Metal Corporation and Rising River Cattle Company. All other livestock exhibitor checks have been mailed. It was noted the Livestock Sale Committee Meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday, Dec. 8th at 6pm in the Community Building. Individual livestock committee meetings will be held after that meeting at 7pm. Steer weigh in is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 1st from 9-11am at the fairgrounds.

A new 3 year contract with Durant Amusements was signed. New changes are they will be the exclusive ride provider for the Hardin County Fair – having 14-16 rides, be the exclusive game provider – having 8-14 games and supplying 2-4 more food trailers. The ride all day wristband price is being raised from $12 to $15.

Sherri Beale, Jr Fair board Advisor, stated the Jr Fair Board is starting to receive applications for new members. She hopes to have a good turnout attend the Annual OFMA Convention in Columbus.

Under old business:

Judi gave an update on the District Fair meeting held in November.

Under new business:

An updated version of the Crisis Communication Plan was approved. Discussion was held about making changes to the West Gate and Main Gate for the 2002 Fair. A meeting will be held soon to discuss this further.

The next Fair Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 12th at 7pm. This meeting is scheduled for the week after the Annual OFMA convention.