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Commissioner and residents urge moving fair fence after Matcon construction raised safety concerns
Summary
Commissioner (S3) and other participants raised safety and access concerns about Matcon construction and a fence placed near the county fair barn; staff and town representatives said a plan exists, extra deputies will help during the fair, and moving the fence back was discussed.
Commissioner (S3) raised concerns that construction by Matcon and a new fence placed close to the fair barn could impede trailer access, spook animals and create traffic safety issues during the county fair. "Take the fence and push it back considerably," Commissioner (S3) said, urging action to protect livestock movement and public safety.
Staff (S1) and town representatives responded that a plan is in place — Paul Coffin has been working with the contractor and extra deputies and marshals will assist traffic management and loading day. Staff (S1) said Matcon is not expected to stop work entirely during the fair but may dial down operations, and local officials are coordinating to reduce conflict between construction activity and fair operations.
Why it matters: the fair is a community event with livestock, trailers and heavy public traffic. Close proximity of heavy construction and an improperly sited fence could impede animal handling and public safety; commissioners said the issue merits an official review and coordination with the town and contractor.
Next steps: commissioners indicated the matter should be discussed with town leadership and the fair board and that moving the fence back remains a preferred mitigation if feasible.
