Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Special Events Parks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Organizers ask commission to waive insurance requirement for Yellowstone boat float; city offers Roping Arena lease with MMIA insurance condition
Summary
Organizers of the Yellowstone boat float asked the commission to grandfather the event for one more year while they secure insurance or a fiscal sponsor; staff introduced a lease to allow use of the Roping Arena at a community rate but with city insurance language as required by MMIA.
Representatives for the Yellowstone boat float asked the Livingston City Commission to waive or grandfather the city’s insurance requirements for their event at Mares Landing and the Roping Arena for one year while they secure coverage or a fiscal sponsor. Angel Wojcak, the event’s lead coordinator, told the commission the group has historically operated without a legal entity and has had trouble obtaining commercial insurance; he said organizers are negotiating fiscal sponsorship with the Community Outdoor Recreation Association in Big Timber.
City Manager Gager explained staff’s view: the event has historically operated "loosely" through town and has not always complied with city park rules (including restrictions on camping and open containers). To regularize use, staff placed a lease agreement on the consent agenda that would allow the group to use the Roping Arena for the day of the float at a reduced fee of $10 (city’s standard rental is $100/day) but would include insurance language required by the city’s insurer, MMIA. The lease also accompanies an open‑container request tied to the event.
Organizers asked the commission to grandfather the event for one more year while they finalize insurance and a fiscal sponsor; staff said they had been working with the organizers and that typical park users conducting commercial activities must meet MMIA insurance standards.
During consent business the commission approved the lease and special‑event permitting item (consent item I). The motion carried; Commissioner Kale recused herself from the vote because she is the event applicant for a related special event, and the minutes record that she abstained on that item.
