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Fairgrounds reports on Windgrove retaining wall, Lot 2 closeout and preliminary finances as events rebound
Summary
Engineers and finance staff updated the Board of Fair Commissioners on Windgrove construction progress (retaining wall nearing completion), Lot 2 closeout items, 7,000 cubic yards of spoils removal scheduled for April 1, and preliminary February financials showing revenue/expenditure variances; event teams reported a gradual attendance recovery.
Engineers and finance staff gave the board a multi-part update on capital projects, budgets and event activity at the fairgrounds.
John Chaney of Collier Engineering described work on the Windgrove project: one pole remains to be relocated for Comcast coordination, Piedmont gas tie-ins are near completion, coordination continues with Metro Water Services on water and sewer preconstruction, and the Windgrove retaining wall has about 80 to 100 feet remaining with a planned pour around mid next week, weather permitting. He also said multipurpose Lot 2 improvements are largely complete (asphalt and boardwalk finished) and punch-list closeout items and as-built drawings are underway. Chaney reported roughly 7,000 cubic yards of spoils are being stored on the RC Matthews lot and that crews planned to move that material off the lot around April 1.
On finances, Citrice presented preliminary February numbers: "We have earned 2,700,000. We have received an investment of $494,800. We have spent around $3,400,000 resulting in a difference of approximately a $118,600," she said, and explained line-by-line variances (flea market under budget, events over budget due to additional purchase services and recoupable costs). Ed Henley added that about $2,000,000 had been spent between the last two reporting periods and that the board is tracking capital expenditures (roughly $300,000 since the last meeting) and overall remains within acceptable budget parameters.
Ryan (event services) said building utilization has been heavy since the Red Cross shelter shut down and cited a strong bounce for the flea market (about 20% above average in February) and upcoming events including a Cheer Expo; staff are exploring vendor incentives and cross-promotion strategies to keep attendance and rentals growing.
Board members pressed staff on whether pass-through costs are fully recouped and on plans to earmark property tax proration dollars for short-, medium- and long-term capital needs; staff said they will prepare proposals for allocation priorities and to present those for the board's consideration.
