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Fairgrounds grandstand, fencing and furniture flagged for repairs before fair
Summary
Committee members raised safety and maintenance concerns about the grandstand, split-rail fencing, picnic tables and under-stand access at the Pocomoke City fairgrounds and asked staff to prepare a repairs list and cost quotes.
Pocomoke City Fair Committee members identified multiple repair and safety items at the fairgrounds and asked city staff to compile a prioritized list of repairs with cost estimates that the city or the fair committee can act on.
In new business, committee members described a drop where concrete meets grass at both the north and south ends of the grandstand; the south end was described as nearly knee-high. Members said missing split-rail fencing used historically to prevent falls no longer exists and urged either reinstalling split-rail or adding a more permanent fence fastened to the grandstand seam.
The committee also reported loose or missing bolts on seating brackets and bent metal pieces that protrude into walkways and present tripping hazards. Members said some pieces had been temporarily repositioned to reduce immediate risks but recommended a systematic walk-through to identify all loose fasteners and bent hardware.
Members asked for fencing to prevent children from entering under the grandstands, citing prior incidents of children playing underneath structures. Public works staff (Phil) warned that permanent fencing can complicate mowing and maintenance and that design must allow equipment access.
The committee discussed options for funding and procurement. Staff asked the committee to provide a list of needed repairs and, where appropriate, three quotes so the city can determine responsibility and move forward. Committee members noted the fair organization retains an active 501(c)(3) and that some donations (for example, donated fencing) might change procurement steps.
The committee also noted harness-race revenue of roughly $16,000 that flows automatically to the city (described in the meeting as “$16,000 from harness races”), with a small additional amount beyond that; members said this revenue contributed to fair finances but did not provide a full budget breakdown.
Ending: Staff committed to review a submitted repairs list and to advise whether specific items fall under city responsibility or the fair committee; the committee agreed to gather quotes and present them to staff for a decision.
