Commission recommends removing $25,000 surety bond requirement for special-event permits
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Summary
The commission recommended Resolution 25-25 to amend MSB 8.55 (Special Events) and repeal a $25,000 surety-bond requirement. Planning Director Alex Strong said the bond has been a barrier for startups and staff has rarely, if ever, had to call the bond.
The Planning Commission recommended that the Borough Assembly adopt Resolution 25-25 to amend MSB 8.55 and remove a $25,000 surety bond requirement for special-event permits.
Alex Strong, Planning and Land Use Director, told commissioners the special-events ordinance, originally adopted in 2000, regulates large outdoor gatherings and requires various safety measures and insurance; the $25,000 bond has proven to be a significant barrier for new events and startups. Strong said staff has not encountered a circumstance where the borough would need to call the surety bond in his tenure and that the bond requirement effectively prevents some legitimate organizers from securing permits.
Commissioners discussed safeguards: the ordinance retains other requirements and stipulations (e.g., a history review to screen applicants). Commissioner McCabe moved and Commissioner Zagaroni seconded Resolution 25-25, and with no objections the commission approved the recommendation to repeal the bond requirement and forward the amendment to the assembly.
Next steps: the commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the Assembly for final action. If adopted, applicants would still be required to meet other permit conditions and insurance thresholds but would not need to post the $25,000 surety bond as a condition of a special-event permit.
