Riley County Extension Director Gary Fike is requesting the county hire an engineering firm to evaluate the structural viability of Pottorf Hall.
The building is used for a wide variety of activities, and gets extensive use during the Riley County Fair. Fike says it has numerous structural issues. The north wall of the building has moisture issues. Over time the floor has developed cracks and has some sinking issues near the east wall, in addition to other deficiencies that could that lead to safety concerns.
County Clerk Rich Vargo says public works crews have tried to figure out where some of the moisture issues are coming from.
The Riley County Fairgrounds Task Force has identified that the facility is near the top of the list for current needs regardless if the fairgrounds stays puts or is forced to move to another part of Riley County. Fike suggested it may be time to consider renovation or replacement.
County Commissioner John Ford says after 60 years, the building has probably outlived its full purpose.
No decisions were made on Pottorf Hall at Thursday’s meeting due to time constraints.
