Council approves 2025 Accordion Festival with fee waivers; members ask for clearer budget disclosure on future requests

The Cotati City Council approved a resolution authorizing the 2025 Accordion Festival, including temporary street closures, amplified music and sale of alcoholic beverages on public property. The council also approved administrative fee waivers recommended in the staff report.

Why it matters: The Accordion Festival is a major local event that draws residents and visitors to La Plaza Park; council approval enables the organizers to finalize logistics and permits.

Council discussion: Members praised the festival’s community benefits. Several council members asked staff and event organizers to provide more detailed financial information for future waiver or subsidy requests so the council can evaluate the level of municipal support. Council Member Sparks suggested Cotati resident discounts for admission be considered in future event planning; other members proposed that organizers consider direct, local benefit programs or scholarships if the event distributes funds to community groups.

Financial details: Staff’s report noted estimated municipal costs and fee waivers; it also said Sonoma Clean Power had been asked previously about discounted admissions and that the festival provided funding to several local programs in prior years. Council members asked staff to consider requiring a budget or grant‑style application from organizations requesting significant fee concessions in future years.

Action and vote: A council member moved to adopt the resolution approving the 2025 Accordion Festival and associated permits and street closures; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll‑call vote with all council members voting yes.

Next steps: Staff will finalize permit conditions, coordinate street closures and work with the organizer on any recommended public‑benefit commitments. Council asked staff to include a financial disclosure requirement in future fee‑waiver guidance.