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FAIRGROUNDS
SCHEDULE
Earl
Welling, Ottawa County Fair Board President, referred to the letter from
Tom Nelis and Rev. Phillip Nguyen requesting approval for the use of the
fairgrounds for the Blessing of the Bikes on April 28, 2002 at 3p.m.
Visser
questioned the length of the event.
Tom
Nelis stated they intend to open the fairgrounds around 9 a.m. the
blessing would be held at 3 p.m. and the fairgrounds should be cleared of
attendees by 6 p.m.
Marsilje
asked how large of a crowd is expected.
Nelis
stated he was unsure but estimated around 3,000 although he noted it just
depends on the publicity of the event.
Welling
referred to a group that Pastor Lynn of Central Wesleyan recently started. He explained that the grandstand will seat 3,000 and they are
responsible for the well being of the facilities regarding cleanup,
policing, etc.
Marsilje
inquired if they thought this would be disruptive to the neighborhood to
host it on a Sunday afternoon.
Nelis
stated he didn’t think it would be anymore disruptive than the fair
activities that take place on Sundays.
Marsilje
questioned if any other sites have been considered.
Nelis
commented that Rev. Phillip Nguyen originally wanted to host it at Our
Lady of the Lake Church however the schedule of the services would be a
conflict and the fairgrounds could accommodate a larger crowd.
Welling
noted the Blessing of the Bikes held in Baldwin usually consists of people
staying overnight but the fair board wanted to limit this to a one-day
activity. He stated most people have a false impression of bikers.
Nelis
stated they are trying to bring a service to the public and this group
comes together to give blessings and praises to God for a safe riding
season.
VanRaalte
asked if a Saturday date was considered.
Nelis
stated that it didn’t work with the service schedule that Pastor Nguyen
has on Saturdays.
VanRaalte
questioned how the fair would make money on this event.
Welling
stated they look at this event as more of a community event and their goal
was to break even.
Nelis
explained they intend to charge a two or three dollar entrance fee and
after expenses have been met all proceeds would be donated to three
charities.
Welling
stated the fair board intends to charge this group $500-$1,000 for the use
of the property.
Koopman
stated his concern of hearing complaints from residents about the revving
of engines.
Nelis
stated he imagined it could happen as they enter and depart but was unsure
of how he could control that.
Koopman
stated his concern about the use of intoxicants on the property
Nelis
stated he contacted someone at the Ottawa County Sheriff Office about
having officers available throughout the day to monitor the activities.
Koopman
asked if a pre-registration was planned.
Nelis
felt there was no way to do a pre-registration because it depends so much
on the weather if people will ride out or not.
Price
asked what would happen if 5,000 bikers attended and stated her concern
with the traffic on Ottawa Beach Road.
Nelis
stated it would be great if that large of a crowd attended and explained
that these people are coming together for a cause not to consume alcohol
and drugs.
Welling
stated the traffic volume at that time of year is down compared to later
in the summer.
Marsilje
asked if the Blessing of the Bikes in Baldwin is also held on a Sunday.
Nelis
stated yes it begins around 2 p.m. but most arrive the night before. He
also inquired if vendors would be allowed.
Marsilje
inquired about the number of security personnel used throughout the week
of the fair.
Welling
stated they have about six reserves on duty.
Marsilje
wondered if Park Township was the appropriate place to hold this event.
MOTION
MADE, MOTION SUPPORTED, MOTION CARRIED: A motion was made by VanRaalte and
supported by Steggerda to grant approval for the use of the Ottawa County
Fairgrounds for the Blessing of the Bikes to be held on April 28, 2002
from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Marsilje
inquired if this is a one-time approval.
Welling
commented that he would insist that they would need to come back again for
approval of future events.
Marsilje
asked if the township would allow them to sell merchandise.
Steggerda
noted that there are vendors at car shows.
Koopman
encouraged them to investigate the cost for additional police.
Nelis
explained he has waited on pursuing some of these issues because of not
knowing if approval would be granted. He also noted he thought about
charging vendors for a spot.
Marsilje
stated his concern of turning a public asset into a commercial operation.
Koopman
inquired if Tom Nelis had contacted the organizers of the Baldwin Blessing
of the Bikes event.
Nelis
stated he intended to contact them for some information. |
