Neenah council requires $1 million liability policy, city as additional insured for July wrestling event

The Neenah Common Council voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a temporary extension and wrestling license for the Now That’s Wrestling event at the Dome Sports Bar and Grill on July 12, requiring a $1 million liability insurance policy and naming the city as an additional insured.

Council members said the additional-insured language protects the city if a suit names the municipality. The requirement was added in an amendment before the full council vote and approved 9-0.

The public services and safety committee recommended approval of the wrestling license and the temporary use of two city-owned parking lots for the July 12 event. Alderman Paul moved to amend the committee recommendation to require a standard $1,000,000 liability policy and to add the city as an additional insured; Alderman Steiner seconded the amendment. Council president Borchert called for the roll-call vote on the amendment, which passed 9-0. The amended main motion also passed 9-0.

Alderman Steiner explained why the additional-insured language was requested: "If there was a claim that resulted, from this event and the city was named in a suit, we could actually, go directly against that insurance policy." The council also made insurance and the certificate of insurance contingent conditions for the event permit.

Council members asked about the standard dollar amount on event insurance and noted older ordinance language that referenced much smaller coverage amounts. The amendment established the million-dollar standard for this permit.

The city required the bar to provide a certificate of insurance and the additional-insured endorsement before the event. No public comment was recorded on this item during the meeting.