Jackson council backs drafting code updates on public property, expositions and damage

At a Nov. 17 workshop the Town Council directed staff to draft ordinance language updating municipal codes in Title V (business licenses/exposition licenses) and Title IX (public peace and public property). The motion asked staff to return redlined ordinances for first reading based on the policy points discussed.

Town legal and planning staff said the drafts aim to clarify when an exposition license is required (staff proposes all events selling goods, whether run by one person or many), to add a maximum number of days for exposition licenses (staff suggested 15 days), and to modernize language addressing placing objects, impediments to pedestrian flow, and forms of public-property marking or defacement including stickering.

"This would not add anything on top of it; exposition licenses and special events are two different things," staff said, explaining that special events are often on town property while exposition licenses apply to vendors selling goods irrespective of site. Councilors pressed whether the updates would limit expression on sidewalks or parks; staff said the proposed edits are intended to protect pedestrian flow and public safety, not to curtail speech.

Councilor Schechter moved to direct staff to place ordinances effectuating the policy discussion on a future agenda for first reading; Councilor Regan seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Staff will prepare redline ordinance drafts that incorporate the technical updates discussed and return them for formal introduction and public hearings.