McCall council approves suspension of open-container rule for Chamber block party

The McCall City Council voted to adopt Resolution 25-21 suspending the city's open-container prohibition so alcohol may be served within a fenced area during the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce business block party scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m.

The vote authorizes alcohol on city streets and sidewalks for the event and allows the mayor to sign necessary documents. Councilmember Colby moved to adopt the resolution and Councilmember Lyle seconded; the motion carried in a roll-call vote.

City Clerk Bessie Joe Wagner explained that the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau applied for the event and an accompanying alcohol catering permit, which triggered the need for Council to suspend a provision of the city code. "This free family friendly event brings together local businesses, nonprofits, food vendors, and musicians for a day of fun, networking, and community pride," Wagner said. She told the council the Chamber plans to close Second Street from East Lake Street to Lenora for the event.

Sheila Francis, executive director of the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, described logistics and crowd control plans, and said 18 businesses and nonprofits had signed up to exhibit. "Our goal was 15, so we did it," Francis said. She said the Chamber will use wristbands to identify patrons of the alcohol service area, orange fencing and volunteers in high-visibility vests to contain the area. Francis also said the Chamber is coordinating with vendors including Boss Tacos and live music by Merchants of Groove, and that the Manchester Ice and Event Center's penalty box will provide beverages through the alcohol-catering permit.

Dallas Palmer, chief of police for the McCall Police Department, said containment was the department's primary concern and that he approved the containment plan presented by the Chamber. "Our biggest concern is the containment," Palmer said, noting the current city code requires Council approval for alcohol on a city right-of-way and that the containment plan met police expectations.

Wagner noted the city code provision at issue (city code 5.5 0.03) prohibits alcoholic beverages on streets and sidewalks but permits the council to temporarily suspend that restriction for community events. She also said the required insurance had been obtained and provided to the city; Chief Palmer confirmed the insurance was included in the packet.

Council discussion focused briefly on containment and whether the city code should be amended to streamline approvals for similar events in the downtown core. Staff said any code amendment would involve the city attorney and additional review; the council indicated interest in potentially returning to the issue after this event. Councilmember Machesic was absent from the meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 25-21: "Suspending the open-container prohibition for the McCall Chamber Business Block Party 2025 and authorizing the Mayor to sign all necessary documents." Motion by Councilmember Colby; second by Councilmember Lyle. Roll-call recorded yes votes from Councilmember Nielsen, Councilmember Nelson, Mayor Jiles and Councilmember Thrower. Outcome: approved.

The council adjourned after the single-item agenda. The Chamber and city staff said they will proceed with the event under the conditions described, including fencing, ID wristbands, staffed entry points and the pending alcohol-catering permit.