Fairgrounds completes exhibit building sound installation; staff seeks contractors to repair irrigation and sinkholes

April 16, 2025 — Park County Fairgrounds staff reported progress on capital maintenance and small capital projects and asked the board for volunteer help with finishing work at the exhibit building.

Staff said the new acoustic installation in the exhibit building is up and cleanup is nearly finished; remaining work includes installing acoustic fabric, windows (expected the following week), trim, and interior painting. Christina Nelson and staff inspected the space and described a notable improvement in acoustics.

Morgan (director) said she is soliciting contractor quotes to repair irrigation damage, fill sinkholes and replace several frost‑free hydrants and water services that are damaged. Staff hopes to schedule some of that work for April 30 so the irrigation work can coincide with a Career Expo for high school students that will use the grounds and demonstrate heavy equipment and related careers.

Because hiring local contractors for some tasks has been difficult — staff cited trouble finding contractors willing to work on a two‑wire irrigation system — staff discussed a contingency to pay the City of Bozeman for seasonal maintenance help for playground inspections at Silvergate Park and troubleshooting the Arch Park irrigation system.

Staff also said they have some vacancy savings from unfilled permanent maintenance positions and will consider using those funds to pay contractors for maintenance work this year. Separately, the insulation grant timeline was delayed by an extended installation process; the grantor extended the deadline to "the 30th" (date/month not specified) and staff said the insulation work must be finished by that extension.

Board members asked staff to post volunteer requests for interior finishing and to bring prioritized maintenance tasks back to the board at the next meeting for approval of contractor work and scheduling.