Board: city had no control over parking fees at private monster-truck event on fairgrounds

Board members raised concerns after a private promoter charged for parking during a monster-truck event held at the fairgrounds. A board member said, "We have absolutely no control over that," and staff explained the rental contract for the grounds did not give the city authority to set admission or parking prices. Staff said they were notified late on Friday that the promoter planned to charge for parking.

Members said the city did not sell tickets or set admission prices; instead, a separate ticket vendor and the promoter handled sales. Board members reported mixed feedback on social media: some residents praised the event, others said they were dissatisfied with the promoter's organization. Staff told the board they had not received final ticket-sale numbers and were still seeking those figures.

The board discussed reviewing rental agreements and the city's ordinances for future events to clarify what the city can and cannot require of outside promoters when they rent city property. No formal action was taken at the meeting to change rental contracts or ordinances.