Council approves multiple block-party permits; resident urges streamlined permit process

Council approved three separate block-party permit requests for neighborhoods on Melrose Street (Oct. 25), Greason family (Oct. 31), and Edgewood Street (Oct. 19) by unanimous votes. In each case, councilors moved to approve in the meeting; the clerk recorded unanimous “Aye” tallies.

Several residents and commentators urged that routine block-party permits be handled administratively rather than appearing before full council. Resident and frequent commenter Steve King said he had drafted a proposed ordinance that would make block-party approvals ministerial if the applicant submits a complete application at least 14 days before the event; he provided a printed copy for distribution.

Council members and the city attorney/parliamentarian said there are public-safety and barricading considerations that sometimes warrant review by council or require coordination across police, fire, public works and other departments. Council members also acknowledged the value of streamlining the permit process when public-safety issues are already addressed and suggested staff examine a written procedure to reduce the number of routine requests that must appear before council.

Council took no immediate administrative change at the meeting beyond granting the permits on the consent and new-business calendars, but members asked staff to consider Mr. King’s draft ordinance and to brief council on any recommended procedural changes.