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Bonner County approves fairgrounds bleachers purchase after ADA plan questions; staff to supply written sketch
Summary
The county approved a $97,694 purchase of bleachers for the fairgrounds but commissioners and members of the public pressed staff for a written ADA seating plan; staff said they conducted a site visit and verbally identified accessible locations and will provide a sketch.
Bonner County commissioners on March 4 approved purchase of replacement bleachers for the county fairgrounds, amid detailed discussion over Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) seating compliance and documentation.
The board approved a $97,694 purchase through Highland Products Group. Mark (a fairgrounds representative) and Christian (county staff) told commissioners they had completed a site visit, reviewed ADA access and wheelchair-location requirements, and identified wheelchair spaces across the stands. Christian said those spaces met or exceeded minimum requirements and that locations were generally on ground-level rows with sightlines to the arena.
Commissioners and at least one public commenter, Wayne Martin (Bonner County resident), said they preferred a written or drawn plan to show accessible spaces rather than a verbal description. Martin asked that the county produce a drawing showing ADA locations and how family members may be seated near wheelchair spaces. Commissioner comments reflected a split in preference: some board members expressed comfort relying on the site visit and legal/risk management sign-off; others said they wanted a drawn plan to keep a public record and reduce later disputes.
Why it matters: The fairgrounds are a public facility used for large events; ADA seating locations determine accessibility for spectators with disabilities and reduce the risk of future complaints or legal challenges.
What staff said: Christian said the team printed ADA access requirements, walked the site, and identified locations across all stands; he offered to produce a sketch to share with commissioners. Risk management and legal had reviewed the issue by email and indicated sign-off in the file, according to staff remarks.
Board direction and follow-up: Commissioners approved the purchase while asking staff to produce a sketch of the ADA seating locations and to coordinate marking those spaces to assist the public in finding them. Staff said physical inspection and marking are the definitive proofs of compliance; a drawing is helpful to the public but does not substitute for inspection and physical accessibility measures.
Public comment: Wayne Martin requested a drawing that shows ADA spots and nearby seating for companions. The public comment informed the board's request for clearer documentation to make compliance and location-finding easier for attendees.
