Georgetown council reviews draft special-events ordinance after downtown businesses report disruption from Main Street closures

City Attorney Emily told the Georgetown City Council on Jan. 13 that a council-initiated draft special-events ordinance would set rules for planned events that use city property or the public right-of-way and would standardize permits, conditions and an appeals process.

The ordinance would create an improved application, require a communication plan, and allow the city to recover costs for staff time and services, Emily said. She described “the primary purpose” as creating “a process, more of a streamlined process for the people organizing these events to coordinate with the city to ensure the safe and orderly measures are in place.”

Councilors and staff focused on three problems the draft is intended to address: the frequency and impact of Main Street closures on downtown businesses, the lack of a consistent application process and guidance for council when events are considered, and the need to recover or secure payment for city services used at private events.

Council discussion ranged across several operational topics the draft would cover: a defined application window and a first-come/first-served approach, a tiered set of predetermined routes (small, medium, large) for parades and walks, insurance and indemnification requirements, a deposit for city services that would be refunded if no damage or extra staff time was required, and clearer notice and communication requirements for affected property owners.

Councilors asked staff to provide concrete cost estimates and a simple matrix so event organizers know likely minimum and maximum costs based on expected attendance and duration. Police and public-works overtime and barricade/cleanup costs were repeatedly cited as items that should be estimated and included in any fee or deposit structure. One councilor cited a prior “color walk” in which colored powder landed on nearby houses and required an unplanned fire-department response; that incident was offered as an example of why deposits or clearer cost recovery are needed.

Members discussed carving out exceptions or different tiers for city-sponsored events (for which the city would continue to absorb costs), nonprofit events, and private/for-profit events. The council also debated whether a small set of longstanding city festivals and parades (Festival of the Horse, Fourth of July, holiday parades, Martin Luther King Jr. events) should be designated as guaranteed or city-sponsored events.

Downtown-business feedback from a short survey was discussed: respondents reported reduced customer access when Main Street is closed and favored evening or weekend event times, and many suggested moving some events to the pavilion or other parks. Staff said the city website can host an events calendar and that organizers would be required to include a communication plan in permit applications.

No formal vote or ordinance adoption took place. City attorney Emily and staff will return with a revised draft, cost estimates and a proposed matrix of event size, duration and likely city-service costs for council review and a potential first reading.

Ending: The council agreed to keep the ordinance discussion on future agendas and to provide staff questions and feedback by email so a revised draft and cost matrix can be prepared for a formal first reading.