CLIFTON — Dwayne Renfro was honored by the Central Texas Youth Fair on Tuesday night at a hamburger dinner for being the top individual buyer at the 2009 Central Texas Youth Fair, despite the fact that he was unable to attend the event.

Honored as the highest group buyer during the fair was North Bosque/Meridian Support Group. Margaret Winkler and Vickie Crockett accepted the plaque from Fair President Roger Parks.

Also honored at the dinner were youths who received Good Housekeeping awards for the 2009 Fair, including Ty Sanders (Cattle Barn), Jordain Williams (Swine Barn), and Cranfills Gap 4-H (Sheep Barn). Accepting the award for Cranfills Gap 4-H were Regan Williams, Joshua Watson, Jordain Williams, and Kenneth Wiese.

“All of these kids (in attendance) participate in the fair each year and I think we need to give them all a hand,” said Parks.

Speaking briefly to those in attendance, David Bevels, vice-president, said that there are three areas where the association needs help, including physical (mowing, cleaning, building), mental (ideas), and financial (grants, fund-raisers, donors).

“We also need help with electrical work, plumbing, and computers,” added Bevels. “We can use everyone’s help in one form or another.”

Following the dinner, the association approved minutes to the last meeting and the financial report, then discussed new and old business matters.

In “old business,” the association discussed purchasing the Show Works program for its computers, which was approved for four computers, on a motion from Dr. Lloyd Hampe.

It was also noted that there is a show at the barns on Nov. 14, and that the areas need to be mowed this weekend, if  individuals will volunteer.

Under “new business,” Dr. Hampe noted that a change needs to be made in the by-laws that states that if there is a resignation of a director or officer, or if a director takes the position of an officer, leaving a director’s seat empty, the seat should be filled for the unexpired term at the next meeting. It was suggested that this be put on the agenda for the Dec. 1 general election meeting.

Treasurer Vere Conrad discussed discrepancies in electric bills for the six fairgrounds meters. Conrad said she had talked with Todd Clift of First Choice Power and that he had offered the association a two-year fixed rate contract at 10.1. Following some discussion a motion was made, and passed, to accept the fixed rate.

Conrad also noted during the meeting that 23 new members had signed up during the dinner.

Parks suggested the formation of a nominating committee to suggest members to fill several director’s seats and officer’s positions at the Dec. 1, general membership meeting. The nominating committee was chosen to include Dr. Hampe, current board member David Bevels, incoming president, and Scott Conrad, current board member. 

New business included a discussion on replacing a breaker panel in the Swine Barn, and replacing the inefficient lighting in the H.E. Building. Russell Necessary noted that the breaker panel would cost approximately $300-350, and that new lighting in the H.E. Building could cost about $1,000.

Tony Kettler offered to donate four of the large light systems, with bulbs, for the H.E. Building.

A motion was made to approve the needed electrical work, and the donation. The motion passed unanimously.

Chris Sanders made a suggestion for the 2010 fair to host a dinner for the buyers prior to the annual sale, noting that he would donate the meat.

The association’s annual general membership meeting will be held Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Clifton Civic Center, at 7 p.m.