Kenwood Hall damaged by vehicle; county staff report hail‑damaged roof and outline repair options

County staff reported Nov. 18 that a vehicle struck Kenwood Hall at the Expo Center, pushing a dumpster into the building and causing interior structural and fixture damage, and that contractor inspection found hail damage across much of the facility’s roof membrane.

The county’s Expo/Farm presenter (David) described the incident, showed photos and video and said staff would obtain the police report and check vehicle ownership and insurance coverage. County Councilor Mike Montoya said the first step is to get the police report and determine ownership and title of the vehicle; Montoya said the county’s insurer would cover amounts above the driver’s coverage and that the insurer could pursue recovery from the driver afterward.

Staff and contractors reported the roof uses a Duralast membrane with sections installed in 2002 and 2005, and that inspections disclosed multiple hail fractures across the roof. A contractor noted the warranty from the original installer had expired; staff said hail damage likely accounts for persistent leaks and that repair or replacement will be a future capital project.

Expo staff also reviewed ongoing maintenance and programming: 72 event days since September, routine set‑up/tear‑down work, replacement and repair projects, and staffing and training activities. Budget figures reported: farm account balance $174,001.72; Noxious Weed budget 72.79% used; Noxious Weed Capital Outlay balance $80,007.21.

Commissioners questioned the timing and likelihood of insurance recovery and whether long‑term decisions are needed about the Expo Center and 4‑H building; one commissioner estimated restroom repairs could cost up to $1,000,000, and commissioners discussed whether a study session or broader evaluation of the Expo complex is warranted.