The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG – Even though Waitsburg's City Council was one member short of a quorum at their Aug. 16 meeting, they opted to go ahead and hear testimony from those in attendance who had come to share their opinions on the reconstruction vs. demolition of the grandstands at the Waitsburg fairgrounds.

At least two council members had sent out emails urging anyone who had used the grandstands or had feelings on the issue to attend the meeting. Just under a dozen people were in attendance specifically for that purpose.

Barb Jaksa spoke first, saying she had been requested to represent Friends of the Fairgrounds Committee chair Lane Hill who was unable to attend. Jaksa requested that the council table the issue for six months or a minimum of 90 days to gather further information and clarification.

Jaksa asked several questions: Has a specific agency or official designated the grandstands as condemned or unfit for occupancy? Are there compelling reasons for the removal of the grandstands? Are there legitimate costs for the renovation to meet code and occupancy regulations? Does the city have a proposed future use of the fairgrounds property should the grandstands be removed?

Jaksa listed several "pros" for retaining the grandstands including comfort and protection from the elements while watching events; branding, because the grandstands can be seen from Highway 12; and that they are an aesthetically pleasing historical landmark.

Jaksa said the future of the grandstands is being pressured by economic and government issues but other factors, such as personal memories and stories rooted in the old fairgrounds hold rich historic value. She commented that numbers for reconstruction and demolition are "in the same ballpark."

"One one hand we'll pay maybe $50,000 for the grandstands to be demolished and the wood carted off the site, along with any opportunity for future use, or we can put that towards the grandstand renovations," she said.

Former council member Jim Davison spoke next, saying that a fireman, who had cleaned the stands before events had commented on how much they moved when people walked around on them.

"So far, the figures I've seen show it will take $180,000 to $200,000 to restore and $50,000 to demo. If you demo them are you going to put in portable grandstands for any events that come up, even though, so far, any suggestions for events out here all get shot down for one reason or another?" he asked. Davison suggested using portable grandstands and covering them with a pole building.

Former fairgrounds campgrounds manager Terry Hofer expressed frustration that the council has discussed tearing down the old horse barns, the racing rail, and the grandstands.

"When we end up there will be nothing but a parking lot or wheat field out here. What are the plans for the future of the area? This is a tremendous location with tremendous potential," he said.

"Is the pulp mill going to bring in extra demand here? There's a lot of potential if someone wants to do it," he added.

Fairgrounds committee member and former council member Denise Winnet suggested that if the city is not in the position to make a future plan for the fairgrounds that the former park and recreation department could be revitalized and allowed to run a levy or that the fairgrounds could possibly be managed by the historical society.

"There are venues that are wanting to happen here but they can't happen without the grandstands, like music festivals," she said. "I think we need to get creative and it may be time to turn them over to someone else to manage. At the last budget meeting I attended not a cent was put aside for the fairgrounds," she added.

"The least expense is to freeze it in place and to secure it so that no one goes on it. I believe, and have done significant research to know, that this town is really at a tipping point. There are a lot of young families, a lot of real estate growth and excitement for this area," said former council member Karen Gregutt.

"Once we tear it down, it's gone. Let the dang thing freeze for a second so we can get our feet under us and decide what to do. It's time to get creative and turn it into something that can bring people to town," she added.

Council member KC Kuykendall said the question is whether or not the grandstands has reached the end of their useful life and if something can be done to extend that. He suggested continued intake of information regarding demolition, reconstruction, and looking at alternatives.

At the June council meeting, City Manager Randy Hinchliffe submitted reports from two engineers and a risk control representative, all stating that the building is unsafe and that demolition may be the best option. Cost estimates from engineer John Raby listed options ranging from $30,000 to $500,000-$750,000, with the last option being the only one that met code and public safety requirements.

Upon request of the council, Hinchliffe investigated demolition costs and submitted estimates to the council via memo prior to the August meeting. Harry Johnson Plumbing & Excavation, the contractor for the new Main Street Bridge, quoted $13.962, less permit fees, to demolish and remove the structure. Salem Salvage and North Pacific Builders out of Albany, Ore. quoted $16,750 to remove the structure and reclaim all salvageable wood.

"From my position with the city, I agree with the insurance company that it is a safety hazard and should come down with my preference being given to the salvage contractor to ensure the wood goes to something useful and not the landfill," Hinchliffe said in his memo to the council.

"I have lived here all my life, attending many horse races and sat in the grandstands as well as the portable bleachers for many of them. I understand the nostalgia associated with it and its part in the races, but sometimes, just because something is old, doesn't make it historic. I personally don't think horse racing is ever coming back, and if for some reason an event was to be held at the fairgrounds, we can accomplish the same thing with the portable bleachers we currently have," he added.

Audience members in attendance were encouraged to return to the Sept. 20 council meeting to share their opinions before a full council.