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Council discusses horse-track future; operators adding stalls under a three-year lease
Summary
Council members discussed the condition and future of the city horse track, including new stall construction under a three‑year lease, capacity increases and concerns about grandstand condition; two race dates were confirmed and staff said the facility remains in active use.
Council members raised questions about the condition and future of the Beaver City horse track during the meeting.
Council members said the track area and stalls are being used heavily this winter and discussed a new stall structure under construction. Staff reported there are about 65–68 existing stalls and that operators are adding 31 additional stalls under a three‑year lease arrangement; the operators are paying for stall construction and lease payments to the city. Lease terms discussed at the meeting included approximately $30 per stall per month for long-term monthly occupancy (staff said a smaller per-night transient fee had been used historically).
Members noted the grandstands and some supporting infrastructure need maintenance and asked staff to consider investments or mobile alternatives for spectator seating. The council confirmed at least two race dates this year — Memorial Day and July 4 — and said a third race day is under consideration.
Staff said the lease and stall additions are expected to bring the facility to near capacity for horse housing; council members asked staff to return with clearer repair-cost estimates for the grandstand so future decisions could be made with cost information.
Ending — No vote was taken; council members asked staff to gather repair estimates and to monitor the track lease and event schedule.
