Franklin aldermen review Pride festival permit and fees as resident urges 'have courage'

City staff reviewed an event permit request to hold the Franklin Pride Festival at Harlinsdale Farm on June 6 and explained the updated fee schedule for full and partial park closures.

Staff detailed the fee structure: for a full park closure the setup day fee is $2,000 and the event day fee is $5,000; a partial closure carries reduced fees (setup $1,000; event day $2,000). Police, park staff and any required private security are billed to the event organizer; beer permits carry separate fees. Staff said the fee schedule is applied uniformly to all private event applicants.

During public comment, Charlie Powell, who introduced himself as a 2025 resident, urged elected officials to “have courage” when evaluating events. Several aldermen responded that they must separate personal beliefs from the rule of law and confirmed the city’s role is primarily administrative — to ensure public safety, enforce park rules and assess fees equitably. Alderman Burger noted that as long as applicants comply with local, state and federal laws and park decency rules, they have a right to use public spaces.

Board members also discussed enforcement, required police staffing levels (set by the police department based on past events), equitable application of fees, and the importance of public education about what permit approval does and does not signify in terms of city endorsement.

Outcome: the item remained informational/administrative at the work session; staff will continue to work with applicants on fees, public‑safety staffing and logistics ahead of the June event.