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Businesses push back as board tables Music on Main permit fee changes
Summary
Business owners urged the Village of Williamsville to reconsider a sharp increase in Music on Main seasonal permit fees; the board tabled a resolution changing the mayor's permit fee schedule until absent trustees can participate.
Owners and operators who rely on the village’s summer events urged trustees on March 10 to reconsider a proposed increase in seasonal permits for Music on Main, saying the change would impose significant costs on small businesses.
Three business operators addressed the board during public comment. Kathy Bloom, who identified herself as owner of Cabernet Wine Cafe, said her venue is a small, informal business that would be unable to absorb a steep fee rise and asked the board to consider exemptions or reductions. Tricia Brown of the Eagle House restaurant and Jim Now, managing partner at Rationales, echoed that concern and urged a uniform, fair approach rather than case-by-case exceptions. Commenters said the combined cost of the music permit and other permits (patio, fire, etc.) could reach several hundred dollars to over $1,000 for some operators.
Why this matters: the mayor’s permit governs amplified sound and seasonal activity in public space; higher fees are meant to consolidate and simplify permitting for the whole season but small operators told the board the new scale could be unaffordable. Business commenters also said they rely on music nights for summer traffic and that losing participation would hurt the district.
Board action and next step: the mayor read amended permit language and fee levels at the meeting (the packet listed an annual season permit option and a “Music on Main plus” option). Several trustees noted the item required the presence of two absent trustees. After discussion the board voted to table the resolution to the next meeting so the full board can weigh in and so staff can clarify fee mechanics and exceptions. The mayor said the resubmission will allow staff to collect public feedback and provide a consolidated cost comparison for affected businesses.
Context and details: the mayor cited code section permitting the mayor to place reasonable conditions on amplified sound permits and limit hours; residents and business owners said many events are amplified or use microphones and therefore require a mayor’s permit. Speakers asked the board to consider lower fees for very small venues and to ensure Sundays or brunch events are not unintentionally excluded from the season permit. Several business owners requested a uniform seasonal permit that reduces administrative burden and overall cost.
Ending: Trustees asked staff to rework the proposed fee language and return with clearer options and an estimate of how the fee structure would affect small operators; the board will revisit the item at its next regular meeting when absent trustees can participate.
