Brookfield selectmen expand special-event permit to cover private property, add insurance requirement

The Town of Brookfield selectmen voted to adopt the towntemporary event permit on the town web page and approved edits to make the definition explicitly apply regardless of whether an event takes place on town or private property and to require a certificate of insurance for events on town property.

Board members described the change as a clarification to close a gap in the existing form and to provide clear guidance for organizers. One selectman moved to incorporate two edits into the special-event permit (adding private property to the definition and noting insurance requirements); the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The board directed staff to publish the revised permit and provide signed copies to officials.

Why it matters: Selectmen said the town lacked an explicit, town-wide process for events held off town land and that the absence of clear language had created uncertainty for business operators and volunteer organizers. The edits aim to make the permitting threshold and insurance expectations explicit so event organizers know when to apply and when a higher liability standard applies.

What changed: The revised language treats a temporary event as "a function lasting for a limited time, open to the general public and sponsored or organized by a nonprofit or for-profit group" regardless of location, and it adds a requirement that events on town property provide a certificate of insurance (naming the Town of Brookfield as additional insured) at the stated coverage level for town property activities.

Next steps: Staff will post the corrected form on the town website, circulate signed copies and the selectmen indicated they will use the revised language when reviewing future special-event or site-plan requests. The board did not increase the permit fee and did not require a public hearing to adopt the revised form.