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

The McCall City Council voted to adopt Resolution 25-21, temporarily suspending the city—s open-container prohibition so the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce can serve alcohol at its Business Block Party on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. The motion, made and seconded during a special meeting, passed by roll-call vote with four "yes" votes and one member absent.

The resolution allows alcohol to be present on 2nd Street between East Lake Street and Lenora for the combined fall-fest and business-expo event. Vessie Joe Wagner, city clerk, told the council the Chamber submitted an alcohol catering permit, which "triggered the need for the council to approve a resolution that would allow alcohol to be on a city street and a city sidewalk." Wagner also confirmed the required insurance had been obtained and provided to the city.

Sheila Francis, executive director of the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, detailed event operations. "We are providing wristbands for that so it's easily identifiable who has who's been through the proper channels," Francis said, and added the plan includes orange fencing, volunteers and high-visibility vests to contain beverage service. Francis said 18 exhibitors had signed up and listed vendors such as Boss Tacos and live music by Merchants of Groove; beverages will be served from the Manchester Ice and Event Center—s penalty box under the pending alcohol catering permit.

Dallas Palmer, chief of police, McCall Police Department, said containment was the department—s primary concern but that the containment plan as presented was acceptable. "Our biggest concern is the containment," Palmer said, and he indicated the police department had been involved in preplanning and supported moving forward with the permitting process.

Council members discussed whether similar approvals could be requested for other streets and whether the city should amend code to streamline approvals for recurring downtown events. Chief Palmer noted the current procedure is established in city code and suggested legal review would be needed to change that process; the council signaled interest in revisiting code amendments after this event.

At the motion to adopt Resolution 25-21, the clerk asked for a roll-call vote: Council member Nielsen voted yes, Council member Nelson voted yes, the mayor voted yes, and Council member Thrower voted yes; Council member Machesic had been noted as absent earlier in the meeting. The motion carried, and the mayor was authorized to sign all necessary documents. The council adjourned immediately afterward.

The resolution applies only to the specified event and location on the date presented; no changes to city code were adopted at the meeting. If the council seeks broader authority for street events in future, staff and legal would be asked to draft an amendment for council consideration.