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Crawford leaders seek second engineering review for rodeo grandstand amid demolition, rebuild questions
Summary
Residents and council members pressed for a second engineering opinion on deteriorating rodeo grandstands, citing economic reliance on rodeo events and concerns about demolition, debris removal and funding options for a new structure.
Crawford residents and elected officials urged the City Council on Jan. 29 to seek a second engineering review for the town’s rodeo grandstands before moving ahead with demolition or rebuilding plans. Carrie Frahm told the council that "small businesses depend on the foot traffic generated by the rodeo," singling out major events such as the Fourth of July fireworks and parade as critical to the town’s tourist season.
Council Member Brent Gebbie said the council needs to decide on a design for a replacement grandstand before soliciting engineering estimates. "Once that choice is made, the engineer can estimate costs for demolition, debris removal, and construction of a new grandstand," Gebbie said, and those figures would guide efforts to pursue grants and other funding options.
Several residents raised the practical challenge of disposing of demolition debris and the associated costs; some suggested the town obtain an additional engineering perspective to confirm the structure’s condition. Council President April Grant noted that SWANN has assisted other towns with similar issues and could potentially help Crawford manage the process.
The discussion was framed as part of annual planning priorities rather than a decision on immediate action; the council did not vote on a plan, timeline or funding source at the meeting. The council will need cost estimates and a chosen design before applying for grant funding or committing to demolition and reconstruction.
The meeting record shows no formal motion on the grandstand; officials emphasized next steps would include obtaining clearer engineering data and cost estimates before pursuing funding pathways.
