Members of the Stanley Truck Pull and Rodeo organization (STPR Inc.) came to committee of the whole Monday, Feb. 2, seeking a long term cost agreement from the city for costs it incurs preparing for the annual rodeo.
Alderperson Ben Wald gave background on how the matter came to the city.
“It kind of started out with getting a use agreement for the food court area,” he said. “And then somebody said, ‘well, what about the rest of it?’ Maggie and Joe did some work to figure out what meters run what. So we were talking about getting reimbursement for that electricity.” From there it was made known the agreement the group has on the community center was only good through the present year, adding things to the mix.
“We kind of have to tackle all of that,” Wald said for background on fashioning an agreement between the city and STPR Inc. “That’s kind of where we’re at.”
Appearing for the Stanley Rodeo were Kenny Gerrits, Lacey Granger, and Bill Ebben.
“We really just want something in place with the city so it doesn’t change each year,” Granger said.
“More than just the electric,” Gerrits said. The group is seeking five years on the building and 10 years on grounds, with a flat fee for electric
As supporting evidence for the group’s contribution to the city Granger shared that STPR Inc. had contributed $31,981 from 2021 to the present, with $25,000 put into the community building and $4,321 for an extra building of their own. The group does not use the community building for its meeting but works on site from April to July getting ready for the Rodeo. Included in this is paying for things like electricity at the park.
Council members were sympathetic to the group’s position.
“You want some security,” Alderperson Mark Fitzsimmons said of seeking a long term agreement on costs.
“I totally agree where you’re coming from,” Alderperson Laurie Foster said.
Mayor Mike Henke gave the takeaway.
“We need to talk together as a group,” he said of a cost agreement by the city with STPR Inc.