Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Assembly Permit topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Richmond council approves May 4 permit for South County Resistance rally at town hall
Summary
After a public exchange about notice and licensing requirements, the council unanimously approved a permit for a May 4 rally at Richmond Town Hall requested by South County Resistance; council and staff noted existing ordinance requirements for public-assembly events.
The Richmond Town Council unanimously approved a request to use town property for a peaceful rally on May 4 after hearing public commentary and staff questions about permitting requirements.
The council motion approved a request by Christopher Kona (identifying himself as chair of the Richmond Democratic Town Committee but saying the rally was organized by South County Resistance) to hold a peaceful rally at Richmond Town Hall from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The motion referenced Richmond Code of Ordinances section 12.04.010 and passed by roll-call vote with all members voting yes.
During comment, residents and nearby property owners raised procedural questions about the town’s public-assembly rules. Alex McKendall urged the council to verify whether the event promoter had complied with Richmond’s entertainment-and-assembly rules, including a $50 permit fee, a requirement to give at least 10 days’ notice and to notify property owners within 200 feet. McKendall also listed typical logistic requirements in Richmond’s assembly rules: police detail, off-street parking, portable toilets, and removal of trash when events draw crowds.
Town Solicitor Zangar confirmed that general liability policy coverage does not change simply because a gathering occurs on town property; town property is subject to the same liability standard that applies at other times. Zangar explained that the town’s coverage remains in force but that liability exposure depends on whether any defect in town property contributed to an injury.
Applicant Christopher Kona told the council he had coordinated with town staff and the police chief about safety details and said the requested use of the town hall would allow protesters space off sidewalks. Audience members who spoke during comment expressed support for free assembly but varied on procedural questions about permitting and affiliations.
Why this matters: The council’s vote allows a public assembly at a town-owned location and reinforces that permit requirements and public-notice rules are enforced as written; councilors and staff said they would review and ensure compliance with relevant ordinance provisions.
The council recorded a roll-call vote approving the permit; President Wilcox announced that all councilors voted yes.
