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Fair board, county and city discuss insurance gaps and new parking at county fairgrounds
Summary
Officials discussed the joint land‑use agreement for Ottawa County fairgrounds, year‑round liability vs. event insurance for carnival rides, and a plan to create a 70‑foot gravel parking strip to reduce wash‑out and safety issues; staff will get updated insurance info and follow up.
County and city representatives, the fair board and recreation commission reviewed the fairgrounds joint‑use agreement and flagged unresolved questions about insurance and liability for rides and year‑round coverage.
Commissioners asked the county’s appraiser — scheduled to inspect county properties on Thursday — to check whether the county’s property insurance covers the fairgrounds and whether separate carnival equipment insurance is required. One commissioner said the agreement is “ongoing” and that the parties should obtain an updated insurance certificate before signing any changes.
Fair Board members reported recent capital expenditures — tree trimming ($3,600), building tin and reroofing (~$10,000), new portable pens (~$10,000) — and requested help with a parking project north of the dam. Staff described a plan to blade and grade a section roughly 70 feet deep, add base material, and top with gravel to reduce mud and improve access during events.
Commissioners and staff agreed to research whether city liability already covers the grounds and to follow up on carriers that can provide event and year‑round liability coverage; the appraiser visit and a staff report were scheduled as follow‑up.
