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Commission approves higher late fee and vendor-rate changes; permits, noise and signage also discussed
Summary
The Fair Commission voted to raise the on-site late application fee to $200 and approved a motion to raise vendor permit rates discussed at the meeting; members also reviewed successful permit checks, loudspeaker complaints from a nearby church and safety concerns over sandwich boards in the street.
The Fair Commission on Sept. 17 approved changes to on-site late fees and voted to increase vendor permit prices, and members discussed enforcement, signage and noise concerns after this year’s fair.
Lede
Commissioners voted at the meeting to set the on-site late permit fee at the fair to $200. They also approved higher vendor permit rates for booth spaces and a background-check fee, following a motion that included the specific figures discussed during the meeting.
Nut graf
Why it matters: Permit fees and late fees help cover administration and enforcement costs for the fair; increases affect vendors’ costs and the commission’s revenues. Commissioners also addressed operational issues raised by vendors and neighborhood stakeholders, including loud music and placement of sandwich boards.
Formal actions
- Late fee: Fair Commission member (unnamed in the motion) moved that "at the fair, the... late fee is $200." The motion was seconded. The meeting recorded two "no" votes and three "yes" votes; the motion passed. Commissioners discussed that a higher late fee is intended to deter last-minute sign-ups and reduce the workload on staff during the holiday weekend.
- Vendor rates and background checks: Commissioners debated new vendor rates and background-check fees. During the discussion one commissioner asked, "Can I make a motion to go to 220 and 110?" and another motion described setting the 15-foot space at $220 and an additional background-check fee. That motion was seconded, and after abstentions and votes the chair announced, "ayes have it," indicating the increase was approved. (The motion’s exact wording and the background-check surcharge were recorded in the meeting notes and will be reflected in updated rules and the printed application packet.)
Permit checks and compliance
Alderman Jason Craig praised how permit checks were executed this year, saying licensing checks had "0 incidents" and that permits were clearly posted on a distinctive paper, which helped enforcement teams locate unpermitted vendors.
Noise, booths and other vendor concerns
Several vendors and a representative of a church across the street from an entertainment stage complained about loudspeaker volume late in the event. Jason Craig conveyed that South Brook Church (and the church across from Ricky’s Double Barrel Inn) reported the band’s speakers grew louder later in the evening, which some vendors said interfered with sales and customer conversations.
Members also raised noncompliance issues: sandwich boards placed in the street created tripping hazards, and one attendee reported a person selling puppies out of a stroller; officials said police were notified.
Next steps
Commissioners directed staff to update rules and the application packet for mailing after July 4 next year, and they said the new fee schedule would be included in the packet. Staff will continue permit enforcement procedures and remind vendors about where sandwich boards may be placed and about noise limits.
Ending
The commission said it will circulate updated rules and fee schedules at the next meeting in May so vendors can plan for the following season.
