Waitsburg Fairgrounds grandstands future undecided

WAITSBURG - At its June meeting, the Waitsburg City Council discussed the condition and future options for the grandstands at the city's fairgrounds. The council was to vote on a a resolution to raze several structures at the city propery, including the grandstands.

During public comment on the resolution, Friends of the Fairgrounds, Waitsburg Parks and Recreation District, and community members asked the council not to approve the action until a full fairgrounds plan has been completed by Parks and Rec. and the reformed fairgrounds sub-committee. At its March 27 meeting, the council had discussed a plan for a five year plan to transition fairgrounds' operations from the city to the Park and Recreation District.

City Administrator Randy Hinchliffe, Blair Kok from the city's insurance carrier, and the city's attorney Jared Hawkins spoke of the structure's deteriorating condition and the liability to the city.

Mayor Dunn recommended to the city council that the city investigate the cost of installing security fencing around the structure, leaving it as-is until Parks and Recreation can provide a funding plan for the structure. The council unanimously voted to table voting on the resolution.

The matter was not discussed at the July council meeting, which was held on Zoom and primarily covered approving the six-year transportation improvement plan, and authorization of Hinchliffe to sign loan documents

Hinchliffe said that Parks and Recreation and the city have not had the opportunity to meet to discuss the grandstand fencing since the June meeting due to conflicting schedules.

Kate Hockersmith, board member of Rural Youth Enrichment Services and Tom Land, board member of the Waitsburg Historical Society make up the Parks and Recreation's sub-committee on the grandstands. Hockersmith said they were working with Hinchliffe and the city on specifics regarding the proposed fencing. The city has received and given P&R two bids for the work, which must be done by a bonded contractor.