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9:05 a.m. Held a Board of Equalization meeting <br /> 9:39 a.m. adjourned the Board of Equalization meeting. <br /> PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - Chair Lancaster called for public participation for the regular <br /> meeting and no one responded. <br /> 5.BRAD MELLEMA - DISCUSS & TAKE ACTION REGARDING CONTINUING <br /> SUPPORT FOR THE BRICK & MORTAR 2% LODGING TAX - Brad Mellema with <br /> Convention Victors Bureau stated that 15 years ago the 2% lodging tax for the brick <br /> and mortar projects was put in place to complete the Heartland Events Center these are <br /> tourism dollars that come to Hall County. Recently they have approved grants that have <br /> also helped the community. <br /> Lancaster noted it was decided that the board should revisit this after 15 years. The <br /> hotels originally did not know how this would affect their businesses. It has had a good <br /> effect on the community and there was no adverse effect on the hotels and they support <br /> this. <br /> Angela Mueller with the CVB advisor committee was also present. She stated there <br /> were some concerns regarding the impact but it has been it has been good. The grants <br /> are a good opportunity for the community. They take the grants seriously and are <br /> asking to continue the additional 2%. <br /> Hall County was the first county in Nebraska to start the 2% for the brick and mortar <br /> fund. Brad provided a copy of the grants and reviewed the purpose of the grant fund. <br /> The dominate grant was for the Heartland Events Center. The grant application was <br /> approved a number of years ago. He reviewed the grant applications and they meet the <br /> criteria and now it is required that the county board to approve them. These grants are <br /> to improve attractions in the community and not for operating expenses. <br /> Quandt made a motion and Bredthauer seconded to approve continuing the 2% lodging <br /> tax for the brick and mortar fund. Bredthauer, Hurst, Lancaster, Quandt, Peterson, <br /> Richardson and Sorensen all voted yes and none voted no. Motion carried. <br /> 6. BRAD MELLEMA - DISCUSS & TAKE ACTION ON THE 2021 CVB BRICK & <br /> MORTAR GRANTS — Lancaster noted that she does not participate in the grant <br /> process. Brad proved information to the board regarding the funds. They will be <br /> making the last payment for the Heartland Events Center and they also have a reserve <br /> for possible obligations. They have $296,000 and there was $70,000 that were returned <br /> from last year. <br /> The list of the grant applications was provided to the board members and Brad review <br /> the requests. <br /> Livestock shows <br /> 2 <br />