Park board weighs 4‑H memorandum, livestock building use and 2026 fairground lease

The Stark County Park Board spent substantial time on a draft memorandum of understanding that would give the Stark County 4‑H council a right of first use for a new livestock building in exchange for equipment donations and associated responsibilities.

Staff and board members asked for a clear, documentable definition of which physical building the right applies to (suggesting an exhibit or a legal description), and they debated notice periods 4‑H should provide before using the building. The draft MOU places cleanup and indemnity responsibilities on 4‑H after use; board members asked staff to insert clearer timing and scheduling language so the agreement is durable over time.

Kurt Verlick, an NDSU extension agent representing 4‑H for the Stark area, and a 4‑H representative said the first year will be "clunky" as groups learn to use the space; 4‑H asked for reasonable flexibility as it establishes programming. A Rough Bridal Horse Club founder, Jamie Karski, introduced herself and requested routine access for weekly open rides; the board agreed that such use should be accommodated when it does not conflict with first-right scheduling.

The board also approved payment of $128,900.43 from the special‑project fund (apportionment #6) to Two's Construction for ongoing work on the livestock building. A Two's Construction representative reported the cattle structure is largely erected, that electrical work is about 50% complete, and that remaining concrete pours are weather‑dependent.

On broader fair operations, park staff and board members debated whether event contracting and coordination should remain under the Fair Association for 2026 (status quo) while staff plans for a possible county‑run events coordinator for future years. The board voted to proceed with a 2026 lease with the Fair Association, subject to legal review and confirmation of insurance naming requirements.

Next steps: staff will revise the MOU to define the building and notice periods, provide facility specifications and rental templates for user outreach, and forward the proposed 2026 lease to legal for final review.