Fairground property plans to proceed
Mar. 22—It involved much discussion among city tourism officials, but in a 4 to 1 vote, commissioners agreed to proceed with plans for the fairgrounds property.
Commissioner Todd Roberts was the sole nay vote, while Commissioner Starr Handy was absent from Monday's monthly meeting, leaving the "yay" votes to Commissioners Josh Samples, Amber Royster, Chase Carson and Lois McWhorter. Board chair Phil Smith is the moderator and votes only when there is a tie vote among commissioners.
Roberts said he disagreed with spending money for studies and drawings for a facility on the property that has not yet been decided. David Zawko and Steven Baker, both of whom have done estimation work on the proposed facilities, explained to board members explained that some proposal of the space was necessary for cost estimates before the project could proceed.
The 30,000 sq. ft. facility would offer several options for generating revenue, board members said, and would increase tourism in the area — which is the purpose of the tourism commission.
Roberts questioned the involvement of the county government as well as the County Extension Service. The Extension Service had voiced interest in contributing financially to the project to enhance Agriculture Fairs and other events; however, their purchase of nearly 40 acres of property behind North Laurel Middle School last year has left their involvement in question. City Tourism Director Chris Robinson addressed that issue.
"They're not out of the conversation," he said, at Robert's questioning of their involvement.
The Levi Jackson Park amphitheater project was also on the agenda. Royster said a new facility was needed that was less hazardous than the current one, although Commissioner Josh Samples stated that the history of the park and the amphitheater needed to be preserved.
The new amphitheater, Smith said, would duplicate the Town Center stage but would not be placed in the valley of the steep incline of the current stage. The current stage cannot be expanded due to electrical lines running in that area.
An outside company to manage Treetop Adventures was also an item on the agenda. Robinson asked to advertise for bids for that management, with Smith adding that having city tourism oversee the area had been an issue.
"We can have a company that manages these things come in here," he said. "It's difficult to maintain trained staff. Last year it was just open 11 to 12 weeks. These management companies keep them open from March to October."
Should that happen, the city tourism commission would receive a percentage of the profits and be relieved of the responsibility of operating the facility, and hiring and training staff. Commissioner Chase Carson favored that option, with Roberts asking what the usage and profits were last year.
Robinson said there were approximately 1,700 people utilizing the facility last year — at a cost of $34,000 with 4 to 7 employees.
"If we could operate it longer, we could increase the revenues," added McWhorter.
"We are 2 1/2% below the national percentage," Smith added. "We charge $30 and they (management companies) suggested $50."
Royster made the motion to move forward with seeking management companies to oversee Treetop Adventures, with Roberts again being the sole "nay" vote.
Parks Director Ben Sizemore gave board members two options on replacing a skid steer.
"It has a blown engine that will cost $13,800 to replace," Sizemore said. "This is the second engine we've replaced. We've had one bid with a 1 year warranty."
Sizemore, who was the park manager while the park was still owned by the Kentucky State Parks division, said the skid steer was 20 years old and between his time as park manager for the state park system and director of the city parks division, the skid steer had undergone some abuse. He supplied information on a new skid steer that could be purchased from a state contract for $67,536 or under lease for $1,900 per month for 36 months. At the end of that lease, however, the machine would have to be turned back in. Commissioners voted to purchase a new skid steer with Roberts again being the sole dissenting vote.
A signage stone project for Levi Jackson Park was another issue that Robinson addressed, stating that bids for that project "had come in high." He requested the project be re-bid, with board members approving that action.
A car show at the fairgrounds property was also approved. City Councilman Stacy Benge addressed the commission regarding usage of the property. He said the event was being organized by Braeden Scott, who had 105 vehicles at his last show.
