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Farmers Branch council reviews last-minute permit for traveling 'Bernardo Circus' and leaves item on consent
Summary
Council members discussed a last-minute temporary-use permit for the Bernardo Circus on a vacant lot along LBJ Freeway, including size, schedule, insurance and public-safety implications, and agreed to keep the item on the consent agenda with dates and conditions to be confirmed by staff.
The City of Farmers Branch council discussed a last-minute application to host Bernardo Circus on a vacant lot in the 1900 block of LBJ Freeway and decided during the study session to leave the item on the consent agenda while staff confirms dates and conditions.
Permitting staff Scott told the council the event tent is just over 8,000 square feet and that typical attendance is 200–300 people, with a maximum of roughly 530. Proponent Christopher Zilke of Centurion American described the show as family-friendly, ‘‘a general circus without animals,’’ with acrobatics, comedy sketches and no alcohol sales. He said weekday performances generally begin at 7 p.m. and last about 90 minutes, with additional weekend matinees.
Council members raised timing and liability questions after staff said packet materials contained one set of dates and the applicant later submitted different dates. ‘‘The resolution is a pro forma resolution... but we do need to specify whatever conditions the council might deem reasonable, including dates and times,’’ a staff member told the council.
Councilman Neal asked whether the city would be expected to provide public-safety resources or bear any liability; staff said the event is on private property and on-site public-safety support is not planned. Scott said the applicant’s operational plan indicates shows would end before 9 p.m. and that the city’s risk manager has pressed the promoter for insurance documentation. Zilke said the troupe carries required insurance and that the promoter can provide the city with proof.
After that exchange the mayor and staff confirmed the permit can remain on the consent agenda and that staff will provide the accurate schedule and any required conditions when the item is finalized for the regular meeting.
The council did not take a formal vote at the study session. The applicant’s proposal will appear on a future council consent agenda with confirmed dates and any council-specified conditions.
