Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Code Updates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council directs staff to draft ordinances updating public‑property rules and exposition licensing
Summary
The council voted unanimously to ask staff to prepare redline ordinances addressing sidewalks/parks conduct, exposition licensing (including a proposed 15‑day cap and a for‑profit fee interpretation) and public property damage; staff will return with drafts for first reading.
Jackson councilors voted Nov. 17 to direct staff to prepare ordinance drafts updating Title V (business/exposition licenses) and Title IX (public peace, morals and welfare) to clarify signage, performer/sales rules and damage to public property and to refine exposition licensing standards.
The town attorney and planning staff presented three working areas of change: (1) sidewalk/park/street rules to address objects or conduct that impede pedestrian flow (including language to cover loud sirens, ringing bells or other conduct that obstructs travel), (2) exposition licenses that staff proposed should apply to single‑person as well as multi‑person vendor events and for which staff recommended a maximum term (staff suggested 15 days) to clarify when land development regulations apply, and (3) updates to definitions and penalties for defacement or disfiguring of public property.
On exposition licensing, staff told council the primary goals are tax compliance and alignments with land development regulations. "The recommendation is to amend the code to require an exposition license for all events, whether it's one person or multiple people," the town attorney said. Staff also recommended applying the for‑profit fee when vendors at an event are for‑profit entities regardless of the applicant’s nonprofit status.
Council members questioned whether the changes would be additive or only clarifying. Planning staff said the drafts are intended to clarify existing practice rather than create new limits on speech or public assembly; staff emphasized that the proposals are working drafts and that further technical edits would be prepared if council wants staff to proceed.
Councilor Schechter moved to direct staff to place ordinances effectuating the policy discussion (sidewalk/park conduct, exposition licensing and public property damage) on a future agenda for first reading; Councilor Regan seconded and the motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
What happens next: staff will prepare redline drafts reflecting the discussion and return them to council for a first reading as part of the town’s ordinance process; additional public input will be accepted during that ordinance process.
