Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council reviews Bear River Health guidance for Pony Express Day, considers changing event date
Summary
Clarkston council discussed new Bear River Health Department guidance requiring permits for temporary mass gatherings of 1,000+ people, food-vendor permits, and informally agreed to move Pony Express Day to avoid conflicts and boost volunteer turnout.
Council members reviewed a Feb. 3 letter from the Bear River Health Department advising municipalities that state rule R392-400 requires a temporary mass gathering permit for events with an actual or reasonably anticipated attendance of 1,000 or more people that continue for two or more hours. The letter notes permit fees ($300), required event plans, possible inspections and that temporary food vendors must obtain separate food permits (approximately $70 per vendor).
Members debated whether Clarkston’s Pony Express Day would meet the 1,000-person threshold and who must secure food permits. Staff advised that outside vendors are responsible for obtaining their own permits and that town groups (for example, the volunteer fire department selling food) would technically need permits if they provide food to the public. Council members said the health department has indicated it may check vendors this year.
Council and residents also discussed scheduling conflicts; several speakers recommended avoiding Father’s Day weekend and nearby towns’ events. The council informally agreed to shift the Pony Express date to the 27th of June (from the third Saturday) to reduce conflict with youth activities and neighboring communities and to improve volunteer availability; they did not adopt a formal resolution at the meeting and directed staff to publicize the change and coordinate with county listings.
Residents and volunteers in public comment offered to help with promotion and suggested using county event listings and the visitor center to attract attendees. Beverly Godfrey cautioned that changing dates could conflict with other communities’ Fourth of July events, ‘‘It might even run into conflict with other communities,’’ she said.
The council did not take formal enforcement action at the meeting; staff and organizers were advised to contact the Bear River Health Department for permit guidance and to inform potential vendors of the temporary food-permit requirement.
