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4-H volunteers seek repairs at Foster fairgrounds; council says town must facilitate and inspect work
Summary
NRI 4-H volunteers asked to use the fairgrounds for a July fundraiser and sought clarity on repairing ageing fairground buildings. Council staff said volunteers can raise funds but structural repairs must be facilitated by the town and meet building-inspection and procurement rules.
Representatives of the NRI 4-H fair committee told the Foster Town Council on June 12 they want to use the fairgrounds for a movie-night fundraiser July 12 and asked whether the town could waive the $100 rental fee. The council approved the use and waived the rental fee while retaining a $25 electric-utility charge.
The inquiry sparked a longer discussion about the condition and ownership of fairground buildings and whether volunteers could undertake repairs. Shelley Fitzgerald, poultry superintendent for the NRI 4-H Fair, and Christina DiCenzo of the University of Rhode Island 4-H program said volunteers want to repair roofs, patch concrete and otherwise rehabilitate structures so the fair can host more livestock and campers.
Council staff and the DPW clarified that while volunteers and outside funding could pay for repairs, any structural work must go through town processes, permit review and inspections to ensure it meets code. "If you raise the money and then you wanted to allocate it, the town could facilitate it," a town staffer said, adding that work still must be inspected and likely put out for bid depending on scale.
Staff confirmed the buildings appear on the town's capital-asset list and are insured by the town; that insurance would cover structural damage, but the town would need to ensure repairs meet applicable standards. Staff suggested options such as a grant-to-town arrangement where volunteers raise funds and the town oversees contracts and inspections.
The council asked staff to research prior votes and any documents from last year about maintenance, and to return to the council with findings at an upcoming meeting. Several council members and staff stressed liability and insurance considerations for animals and campers staying overnight during the fair; the fair committee said the event typically carries its own liability coverage during the fair dates.
The council approved the fairgrounds use request and fee waiver, and staff committed to researching ownership/previous votes and coordinating next steps with DPW and the building official.
