County hears public concern as administrator presents compromises after fair board leaves Blackwater talks

The Alpena County Finance and Ways and Means Committee heard a string of public comments and a lengthy staff presentation about the future of the county fairgrounds after the Alpena County Fairboard voted to leave negotiations with Blackwater Northeast LLC.

Courtney Tarian, speaking for the fair society, told commissioners the fairboard had ended talks with Blackwater and pleaded for a collaborative approach: "The fair society wants to work with you, the county, not against you," she said, noting the fair society had invested "over $300,000 into the fairgrounds" in the last five years and asking the county to "walk through the property together with the proper professionals so we can assess exactly what needs to be fixed and where the priorities lie." (Courtney Tarian.)

County administrator Jesse reported the fairboard's decision and presented an eight-point set of proposed compromises intended to preserve both the county's contract with Blackwater Northeast LLC and certain fairboard protections. Key provisions Jesse read into the record included carving a 10-day exclusive use window for the fair during the prior 22-day period, requiring submission of Blackwater's final policies and procedures before the fairboard would sign, using Exhibit B of the county's contract to define which improvements would or would not be controlled by Blackwater, and placing insurance and repair responsibilities on the user of improvements while the county would provide an AV technician during fair week if requested.

Jesse summarized additional proposals addressing storage of fair property after the 2026 fair and an inspection-and-repair process by county grounds staff that would allow the county to charge for restorative work if a party failed to remedy damage. He also said the county had identified zoning and public-safety issues, and that state rules can limit volunteer security and in some events require professional security.

Multiple residents spoke in favor of preserving the fair and urged clarity. Michael Kramer said he appreciated the county's efforts and called the fairgrounds "a huge asset for Alpena County" that needs repair. Other commenters raised questions about public access to the boat launch, ADA compliance, and whether the city had been engaged in planning.

Several fairboard concerns were flagged during the presentation and in public comment: the absence of a final Blackwater policy-and-procedure document, lack of a layout showing where Blackwater improvements would be sited, unclear insurance coverages for leasing arrangements, timing and locations for storage of fair property, and differing interpretations of a 30-meter buffer referenced in the contract (Jesse characterized a 30-meter measurement as "ridiculous" and said staff had proposed 15 feet as more reasonable).

After discussion, Commissioner Fornier moved and the board supported asking the county attorney to draft contract language reflecting the compromises for consideration at a future meeting; the motion carried on a recorded roll call. Jesse said he would share the draft with the parties and return with proposed language in about two weeks.

Why it matters: The dispute touches county property management, longtime volunteer commitment to a local institution, and the question of how private operators and community stewards share control and costs for a public asset. The county's direction to the attorney begins a phase of formal drafting that could change operational rights, insurance obligations and scheduling for the fairgrounds.

Next steps: County staff will have the attorney prepare proposed contract language based on the compromises Jesse read; the board expects to review the draft at an upcoming meeting.