[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6060772,"mediaKeyId","3288421-43e8bba3f3110624b6354fe723235945","parentId",3288421,"title","Fairgrounds names new event services manager, readies HVAC and summer scheduling ahead of busy season","audioSeconds",134,"startMs",1489000,"endMs",1623000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3288421-43e8bba3f3110624b6354fe723235945&start=1489&end=1623","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3288421-43e8bba3f3110624b6354fe723235945/thumbnail_1489000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6060772/Tennessee/Fairgrounds-names-new-event-services-manager-readies-HVAC-and-summer-scheduling-ahead-of-busy-season","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6060772-d51b6c8e88b4ffc12c1245f7653f6d28/orig.mp4?Expires=1773131328&Signature=hsf5zFZgS8xJGIXYVa6AXL6z9ZqbIMfkUKbf50qBHM-mv7Of3~CiXffdD~i23H3IXnF4adENDKir5gpnBdg82ucVsRr2uP5vXRI1pOe3u5Qn-XC3ahb1fHq3f7OS8kuJtFLqyXOFpLBYvz~4sDY9XLL0VC45pzdT8GQDIoBpvZl1lniFnrjfMdG65tGDOXQo7AwImsgXDlC7Kvbqr~42MOLBk7CWd6kun8GEAkzXpTx1ig5KbSFlT9hR-FpmEDxfinwd6bIg1jWqUPDDon8bG4gbr5dniUm4YwWQz-qwGVeYt9kuu13yMjhMUKhj71p9GQ4xP0JR-OB7tLoYgcv47w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Nashville, TN","date","2025-05-14T02:55:26Z","article","The Metro Board of Fair Commissioners heard operations and personnel updates including a new hire in event services, facility maintenance plans and coordination with summer events.

The updates matter because a busy summer schedule — including Nashville SC matches and FIFA activity — requires staffing, building repairs and close coordination among campus partners.

Laura Romack, executive director, said Darren Howard will transfer from Municipal Auditorium to serve as event services manager later this month and that Ryan Jensen will become event services director and act as Romack’s backup. Romack said operations will use building downtime to perform deep cleaning, crack filling, restroom floor resurfacing and to repair an overhead door in Expo 1. She also said the facility has a major HVAC project with Trane to address cooling for summer months.

Campus scheduling adjustments were described in light of an upcoming FIFA match at Geodis Park: staff moved a flea-market load-in a day earlier to avoid ingress conflicts and said they are coordinating closely with Nashville Soccer Club. No votes were taken; these were informational staff reports and the board asked staff to circulate a holistic scheduling overview of how dates are allocated across campus venues.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","05/13/25 Board of Fair Commissioners","oneSentenceSummary","Staff announced a hire and a promotion in event services, plans for HVAC repairs and deep cleaning, and coordination with Nashville SC and FIFA for summer events.","taxTitle","Board of Fair Commissioners Meetings, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee","taxId",69330,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6060776,"Board debates cutting required meetings from eight to four; members opt to keep status quo",930,2076000,3006000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3288421-43e8bba3f3110624b6354fe723235945&start=2076&end=3006","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3288421-43e8bba3f3110624b6354fe723235945/thumbnail_2076000.jpg","/articles/6060776/Tennessee/Board-debates-cutting-required-meetings-from-eight-to-four-members-opt-to-keep-status-quo","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6060776-2e4530c47e62de924ce351eff2284fe4/orig.mp4?Expires=1773131328&Signature=ByxFQ3CHhWXL-oOGj5RmcV9ajdK1hnu~W6r-IuEhzjpCdCJibctqMpHBcm2WBUCBzsaMOCJor5OIU8v2pK1ftWJsOz0kxrwLll9YLf9yJItHBWT6S~SOL~cuDbot-sF7HVn9ncechQFFBMtKDARv1cOFJSomwPsiW0DFcOyHqj3UTDGlHbGCHcJ2TEBKMI7mLa2uqzPILUUnx~HaktbDyWtBns-zGkBRTp3dKuUB3y0jvcMtrf-mGdD8KkX2iyLHc1N8wZ5GDVwNSL66bXfZD0SS-VtTigZV2LZcAxqor~-gGXikyi8fTFNEEE3KaPEEjUwgLljqyaAcFqRTjfV9Ag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metro Board of Fair Commissioners debated a proposed bylaw amendment to lower the required minimum number of meetings from eight per year to four.

The issue matters because meeting frequency affects board oversight, scheduling, quorum reliability and public notice obligations under Tennessee open-meetings requirements.

Laura Romack, executive director, explained the proposal would effectively create a quarterly cadence tied to officer elections in June, budget timing in February, and other seasonal needs, noting the private acts require at least two meetings per year. Commissioners voiced differing views: one favored maintaining eight meetings for oversight during a multi-year campus transition, others proposed six as a compromise. Commissioner Diego cautioned that the board remains one member short and that appointment timing affects quorum reliability.

After discussion the board did not move forward with the bylaw change. A motion was made and seconded to not approve the proposed change to the bylaws (section a of new business); the motion carried by voice vote and the board agreed to leave the bylaws unchanged and to ask staff to propose a meeting calendar and to prioritize recruitment of the missing commissioner slot. The discussion noted that the chair retains authority to call special meetings and that canceled meetings must meet open-meetings posting requirements.","The fair board discussed a proposed bylaw change to reduce the annual minimum meetings from eight to four, considered alternatives including six meetings, and voted to maintain current requirements for now.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6060781,"Design work wraps up on several Fairgrounds projects; Lot 2 grading to start ahead of Davidson County Fair",145,229000,374000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3288421-43e8bba3f3110624b6354fe723235945&start=229&end=374","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3288421-43e8bba3f3110624b6354fe723235945/thumbnail_229000.jpg","/articles/6060781/Tennessee/Design-work-wraps-up-on-several-Fairgrounds-projects-Lot-2-grading-to-start-ahead-of-Davidson-County-Fair","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6060781-0d80e8015e89de5d6aa621c2b7c62975/orig.mp4?Expires=1773131328&Signature=j3KkOA6BMrA2Uh05jCSe~ZjchumMzIIBrozueB1onq9a84vIeJ2Nrt5TO8pIGPtJaZM0Ph6iNUK1ydeuTiTNsIkCoWk2h1igzFU5pUmN3JnAmCjhd1zwAbxglyhei6ngALFvYdi6mFvEEiCPpyMJW2v1TsuzltyER20WsxHNN8r4ClPqS04qJ-F2XRgxslr6YLAyzXJFsEUtvE3NTBRDpiUh3GB8AXrq~Cl8efviwsxS9XDfc729bVBgiLwdWuyzN6OPtP3JSJgfkJ6kYMEYWypNh0cnZfi8tKd2o-HuCj79ecAQ29tBvBBgeVjWl0XEFFB~wvfEUgNJXEaI5yCaSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Don Collins of Collier Engineering briefed the Metro Board of Fair Commissioners that several campus capital projects are entering or nearing construction after months of design.

The update matters because construction will change campus circulation and require coordination among campus partners ahead of the Davidson County Fair and other summer events.

Collins said Lot 2 will begin erosion-control work after a pre-construction meeting and that Metro Water Services will inspect initial work; a grading permit will follow and crews aim to reach a level of completion by September in preparation for the Davidson County Fair. He said the Wingrove and Nonesville Road intersection project is finishing design and that Metro review of stormwater drawings will take three to four weeks, after which a grading permit could be issued and a roughly 10-month construction window would begin.

Collins said the large Lower Colosseum Way project has conditional approval from a flow study and is in final comment resolution with multiple metro agencies. He added that an NDOT sidewalk project is in its final stages of construction. Laura Romack, executive director, told the board there may be some minor blasting around the Lot 2 site and that pre-surveys and photographic documentation had been completed for nearby buildings and private residences; she said council members had been notified.

No construction contracts were approved at the meeting; the report was informational. Staff said additional agency approvals (Metro Water Services, TDEC, NDOT) remain outstanding, and that the board would receive further updates as permits and inspections proceed.","Engineers told the fair board that Lot 2 grading, Wingrove/Nonesville intersection improvements, and Lower Colosseum Way are moving from design to construction, with permits and agency reviews still pending.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6060786,"Fairgrounds reports $500,000 operating shortfall; flea market underperforms budget",487,513000,1000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3288421-43e8bba3f3110624b6354fe723235945&start=513&end=1000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3288421-43e8bba3f3110624b6354fe723235945/thumbnail_513000.jpg","/articles/6060786/Tennessee/Fairgrounds-reports-500000-operating-shortfall-flea-market-underperforms-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6060786-e28be23dc14b9c6e1a2e9ee24d91a498/orig.mp4?Expires=1773131328&Signature=HBQUVbrk-lKVT5C093F1uBfH4nyxc1Ycu4s9e~CcdwJdMgQruHltgQpCauTwMr47Vxj2ccLrpvn~YEHxDX65pDJJ51jtsu8vu5HxsWabjq35CwNDsKpGWdzoDJBw8BZCED-1jAhXfJ24qeHGACWHVN1DynddmHr9esl8hwO0h77dWcgu2YeSQWN9x7PrxXR2iX03ODaTBczyawdOyc62ayOntXKPUBXy-L~~c3owVkb4gnYP-JtTW0jA0pA5~22rIpSbFUdhAbNqsi~C78oHChalbhoka6jlUietNBpLny1OuNCKJjmOTrCzHh7K0gxcyy9A3Y2hpSTlU7rNRk1pow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metro Board of Fair Commissioners received a preliminary financial report showing $3,000,000 in revenue and $3,500,000 in expenses through April 2025, a difference the presenter described as approximately $565,800.

The report matters because the board oversees a publicly owned enterprise required by the Metro charter to host a divisional fair, expo center events, flea markets and auto racing; the finances affect how the fairgrounds balances mandated activities with operational sustainability.

Therese, finance staff, told the board depreciation expense for the period was $1,024,100 and that “the total adjusted variance for depreciation is roughly $1,500,000.” She reported division-level details: flea markets had a year-to-date budget of $872,167 and had earned $512,400 (a shortfall of about $358,738); events were above budget with about $1,500,000 earned versus a $1,400,000 budget; and other divisions showed mixed variances. The presenter said outstanding invoices totaled about $29,100 and that promoters had been contacted and invoiced.

Commissioners pressed for more analysis of fixed and variable costs for divisions. Commissioner Diego said a preliminary breakdown showed flea market fixed costs exceeding $400,000 against roughly $500,000 in revenue, and asked staff to develop options to improve sustainability. The chair directed Laura Romack, executive director, to coordinate with Commissioner Diego to develop a framework or a task force to examine the flea market’s operating model in more depth and report back in the summer.

Board discussion also flagged the need for a capital asset management plan in FY26 to prioritize major repairs and replacements; Laura Romack said that plan was on staff’s work list for the next fiscal year but that no consultant had yet been retained.

The board took no vote on spending as part of the report; the finance presentation was informational and staff were directed to return with further analysis and options.","Board received a preliminary April financial report showing an overall operating deficit, division-level shortfalls at the flea market, and staff direction to develop a flea-market review with commissioners.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Fairgrounds names new event services manager, readies HVAC and summer scheduling ahead of busy season

Board debates cutting required meetings from eight to four; members opt to keep status quo

Design work wraps up on several Fairgrounds projects; Lot 2 grading to start ahead of Davidson County Fair

Fairgrounds reports $500,000 operating shortfall; flea market underperforms budget