Stark County

The meeting included agenda approval, which incorporated discussions regarding park board positions and a green 19 application for gaming. The agenda was modified to remove an office closure item. The minutes from the February 3rd and February 19th commission meetings were approved. Discussions concerning accounts payable included scrutiny over an expense item for candy purchased for an event, which was determined to be a non-county expense, and the appropriateness of covering tickets for the State of the City event. A major focus was placed on the Speedway repairs, with the County Commission approving a $230,000 bid from Two's Construction, contingent on funding being sourced from the General Fund (previously transferred CARES Act funds). A motion was passed to cap these expenditures at $230,000. Discussions continued regarding the new Speedway operating group, emphasizing the need for a formal lease agreement, defined organizational structure, and proof of insurance (COI) before full operation commences. A motion was made to mandate that any lease agreement include the responsibility for grass mowing and weed spraying on the lessee. Lease amount discussions considered a reduced rate for 2026 due to limited scheduled events.

The meeting involved several public hearings and related actions. Key discussions included the resignation of Commissioner White and the departure of staff assisting with minutes. The commission approved the agenda and minutes from the January 29, 2026 meeting. Public hearings were held and approvals were recommended for a zoning change (RZ01-2026) from agriculture to estate residential for a 11.7-acre property to facilitate a minor subdivision (MSP02-2026) into two lots, one being five acres. Following clarification on lot sizing, the commission approved both items contingent upon each other. Another set of hearings and approvals covered a separate zoning change (RZ02-2026) from agriculture to agricultural residential for a 10-acre property and its corresponding minor subdivision plat (MSP03-2026). Finally, a public hearing was held for proposed amendments (ZTA01-2026) to the zoning ordinance regarding flood plain management, prompted by changes in state statutes concerning Century Code chapters related to flood plane management.

The primary focus of the meeting was to discuss the options for the speedway facility, specifically whether to repair, sell, or continue current operations. Representatives from a group interested in running the facility presented a sustainability plan projecting gross revenue for 2027, which included plans to transition to a 501c3 status to pursue grants. Discussions covered projected revenue, class structure for racing events, and the status of equipment purchases, noting that half of the equipment cost has been paid. Public commentary emphasized the high quality of the facility and the desire for continued racing activities, ideally starting in the current year (2026), and the need for input from racers and spectators in future decision-making processes. Concern was also raised regarding existing drainage issues at the track, although a board member noted that significant progress had been made to address them.

The meeting commenced with the ratification of the agenda, including additions for road department payments and discussion regarding a previous rule matter. The Commission approved the minutes for the January 6th and January 20th meetings. Action was taken to approve outstanding bills, including specific payments for Ardella Bever and Ray Verica Jr., and a motion was carried to approve the usage of a tractor with a related waiver of liability. The session included recognition for five years of service by auditor Karen Richard and tenure recognition for John Shopper of the road department. Key discussions involved approval for out-of-state travel for an administrative assistant's training in Wisconsin and the approval of a mental health screening contract for the Sheriff's Office. Three public hearings were held regarding property tax abatements for the City of Dickinson for the 2023 tax year: approval was granted for the abatement concerning Sanford's Grub and Pub, the request to maintain the existing valuation for Menards (West Ridge edition) was approved, and a reduction proposal for Spartan Nash was discussed but ultimately the motion to proceed with the city's recommendation of $7.5 million was not explicitly finalized in the provided snippet for that item.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda, which was amended to include discussion items regarding a John Deere tractor lease and an item concerning the old crow's nest. The minutes from the January 6th meeting were approved. The board approved general fund bills totaling $262.88, which included expenses for pest control and a motorsports park publication/advertisement. Approval was also granted for $58,863 from the special project fund, covering progress billing for the livestock building and light pole installation costs. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation from the Stark Billings County 4-H Executive Council regarding the donation of high-quality livestock fixtures, including pens and panels valued at approximately $90,000, for use in the new fairground buildings. Discussions covered the terms of this donation, maintenance expectations, and future plans for large animal containment, including potential collaboration with the CTE program for welding new large animal panels.