Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Special Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee backs two proposed Kennedy Park events from Wausau Events; trustees debate fee waiver and staff support
Summary
The committee recommended allowing two Wausau Events programs at Kennedy Park in 2025 — an August concert and a ticketed September Oktoberfest-style event — after the group's executive director said the nonprofit will provide staging, fencing and cleanup; trustees debated whether to waive park fees or require the organizer to pay and to what extent staff support should be provided.
The committee recommended that Wausau Events move forward with two programs at Kennedy Park in 2025 after a presentation from Ali, executive director of Wausau Events. Ali told the committee the nonprofit would bring its own stage, fencing, toilets and trash service and expected to cover most event-specific costs. "We are incredibly self sufficient when it comes to all of the actual logistics of an event," Ali said, adding the organization owns spider boxes, cables, fencing and often rents a portable stage.
Trustees raised several operational questions about electrical needs, generators, police presence and garbage removal. Parks staff reminded the committee that the village’s special event permit governs requests for police presence and associated costs. Staff also noted the permit is a separate $100 permit for special events on public property.
Trustee 2 moved to recommend approval of the two events with fees waived and an allowance of staff support; the motion was seconded and, after discussion about the level of staff hours and whether fees should instead be charged, the committee approved the recommendation on a voice vote. During debate, one trustee said the organizers "can pay their fee" while another argued the nonprofit was likely to shoulder most expenses and staff support should be limited to specified tasks such as marking irrigation and calling the diggers hotline for electrical work.
The committee directed staff to work with Wausau Events to define the event footprint, determine whether a field rental or a special-event permit applies, and clarify any staff support and fee expectations before the items go to the board of trustees as a recommendation.
