Wisconsin Administrative Code State Fair Park Board
Wisconsin Administrative Code: State Fair Park Board
1. What is the State Fair Park Board?
The State Fair Park Board is a public administrative body established by the State of Wisconsin. It is responsible for the management, operation, and maintenance of State Fair Park—a state-owned venue primarily used for fairs, exhibitions, and other public events.
The Board operates under authority granted by the Wisconsin Legislature.
Its powers, duties, and organization are further detailed in the Wisconsin Administrative Code—which contains administrative rules and regulations promulgated by the Board and relevant state agencies.
2. Functions and Powers of the State Fair Park Board
The Board generally has the following responsibilities:
Supervision and Control: Managing the State Fair Park’s grounds, buildings, and facilities.
Event Management: Organizing the annual Wisconsin State Fair and other events.
Rulemaking Authority: The Board may issue rules concerning the use of the park, safety regulations, and conduct within its premises.
Contracts and Agreements: Entering into contracts related to park management, leases, concessions, and services.
Maintenance and Development: Overseeing maintenance and any improvements to park infrastructure.
Revenue Collection: Collecting fees, rents, or charges associated with park use.
3. Legal and Administrative Framework
The Board’s authority derives from state statutes and is implemented through rules in the Wisconsin Administrative Code.
The Administrative Code sets out specific regulations related to:
Safety standards
Use of facilities
Licensing of vendors and concessionaires
Hours of operation
Environmental compliance
The Board acts as an administrative agency, making decisions within its delegated powers.
4. Administrative Code and Rulemaking
The Wisconsin Administrative Code codifies the rules issued by the Board.
The Board must follow administrative procedure laws when enacting rules, including:
Public notice
Opportunity for public comment
Adherence to statutory limits on rule content
These rules have the force of law within the scope of the Board’s authority.
5. Judicial Review and Case Law Involving the State Fair Park Board
While there is limited direct case law specifically naming the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board, general principles from administrative law and Wisconsin case law involving administrative boards apply:
Key Principles in Relevant Case Law:
a. Scope of Authority
Administrative boards like the State Fair Park Board can only exercise authority delegated by statute.
Case Law Example: In Wisconsin Electric Power Co. v. Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, courts held that administrative agencies must act within their statutory jurisdiction and cannot exceed it.
b. Rulemaking Powers
Rules made by the Board must comply with statutory authority and procedural requirements.
Case Law Example: In State ex rel. Kleczka v. Labor & Industry Review Commission, courts emphasize that administrative rules must follow proper rulemaking procedures and cannot be arbitrary.
c. Judicial Review of Board Decisions
Decisions of administrative boards are subject to judicial review for:
Illegality (exceeding powers)
Arbitrariness
Violation of procedural fairness
Courts defer to agency expertise but will strike down decisions that violate law or fundamental fairness.
Case Law Example: In Aurora Medical Center v. Wisconsin Department of Health Services, courts reviewed administrative decisions for reasonableness and adherence to statutory authority.
d. Contractual Authority
The Board can enter contracts but must do so consistent with the law.
Courts have ruled that administrative bodies cannot enter contracts beyond their legal authority or which violate public policy.
6. Example Hypothetical Case Involving the State Fair Park Board
Suppose the Board enacts a rule restricting vendor types at the State Fair without proper notice or opportunity for public comment.
A vendor challenges this rule in court.
The court would examine if the Board followed:
Proper rulemaking procedures (notice, comment)
Whether the rule is within the scope of the Board’s statutory authority
If the rule is arbitrary or unreasonable
If the Board failed on any ground, the court may invalidate the rule.
7. Importance of the State Fair Park Board
Acts as a specialized administrative authority managing a key state property.
Balances interests of public events, safety, revenue, and community involvement.
Serves as an example of how state administrative bodies function under delegated authority within the framework of administrative law.
Summary
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Nature | State administrative board managing State Fair Park |
| Authority | Delegated by Wisconsin statutes, rules codified in Admin Code |
| Functions | Manage park operations, events, facilities, contracts |
| Rulemaking | Issues rules under procedural and statutory constraints |
| Judicial Review | Courts oversee to ensure legality, fairness, and reasonableness |
| Case Law Principles | Emphasize limits on authority, procedural fairness, reasonableness |
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