Tipton council approves changes to Main Street plaza operating agreement, including utility and stage limits

The Tipton Common Council on June 17 approved adjustments to the Main Street plaza operating agreement that restrict future use of mobile or trailer stages at the plaza and shift responsibility for plaza utility charges to the city until a dedicated meter is installed.

Council members said the changes are intended to protect the plaza’s grass surface and clarify who pays for electricity during events. Main Street leaders said the agreement allows the remaining First Friday events to use a mobile stage but bars other mobile stages going forward, with a specific exception for the Pork Festival.

Council approval came after Main Street representatives reviewed two final edits: language limiting nonpermanent stages and wording clarifying utility usage during events. “We realized the city has previously approved the First Friday event to use a mobile stage at the plaza,” a Main Street representative told the council, adding that Main Street would permit the First Friday events to finish their remaining two events. Moving forward, the representative said, mobile stages would not be permitted except for the Pork Festival.

On utility charges, Main Street said it is difficult to determine Main Street’s share without a separate meter. The representative reported, “So Nate said that the city would would cover the cost of utility usage for the plaza.” Council members discussed that most routine events use minimal electricity — an example estimate during the discussion for a larger event was roughly $25 — and agreed it was not worth contentious accounting in the near term.

Council member Rich moved to accept the adjustments; the motion received a second and passed by voice vote. Council members instructed staff to update the agreement document, circulate it to Main Street and counsel, and finalize execution if counsel approves.

Council members and Main Street leaders discussed related operational matters during the meeting: who can place stages or equipment in the adjacent city parking lot (the city’s authority there differs from control over the grass plaza), coordination with the Board of Works for enforcement, and practical considerations such as protecting the plaza turf.

The operating-agreement edits will be reflected in a revised Word document that city staff will send to Main Street representatives and, if acceptable, to the city attorney for final review and signature.