Board approves Pacific Partnership event permits and Iron Horse Rodeo contract; clarifies vendor-insurance and electric fees

The Board of Aldermen approved a special-event permit for the Pacific Partnership Monster Fest on Oct. 25 and voted to approve a contract with the Pacific Partnership for the Iron Horse Rodeo for 2025. Why it matters: The approvals authorize two community events on St. Louis Street and at Liberty Field and set basic operational expectations for vendor management, insurance and revenue handling. Insurance and vendor concerns: Alderman Cleave asked whether vendors must provide certificates of insurance. City staff and the Pacific Partnership representative clarified that businesses that hold a city business license already provide insurance through city licensing; nonprofit or informal groups may not. The partnership’s representative said the organization collects a $25 electric fee from vendors that request city electric service, and the partnership is prepared to remit that or collect the fee as part of its vendor registration process. Revenue handling: The board approved a motion that 2025 rodeo revenues and expenses be posted to the FY26 rodeo cash account. Aldermen discussed that vendors generally handle vendor fees while the partnership handles vendor registration; the city’s role is to require business licenses where applicable. Approvals: The special-event permit passed on a voice vote and the Iron Horse Rodeo contract was approved after clarifications about insurance and vendor fees. The board also approved that rodeo revenues and expenses be recorded against the FY26 rodeo cash account. What to watch: Staff and the partnership will ensure vendor insurance and business-license compliance as appropriate and document any city-provided electric usage fees.