City council approves downtown event liquor extensions and raises enforcement, trash and camera concerns

The New Ulm City Council on May 5 approved a series of permits and extensions to allow raffles and alcohol service at a string of chamber-sponsored summer events and fundraisers downtown, and spent significant time discussing trash management and enforcement at those events.

Council approved a lawful gambling permit for the Sertoma Club to hold raffles at the Brown County Fairgrounds on Aug. 18, 2026, and approved a permit for New Ulm Area Catholic Schools to hold a raffle Aug. 3, 2026. The council then approved liquor-license extensions allowing 209 Pub & Grill, Kaiserhof and B & L Bar to serve alcohol into specified downtown street and alley areas for events including Crazy Days (July 24–26), multiple summer Saturdays and the Parade of Lights (Nov. 27).

City staff and councilors discussed adding conditions to individual approvals (extra trash receptacles, signage and event security). Chief Borchard said the police department increases patrols during events, issues citations for public drinking and is exploring temporary pole cameras to improve surveillance. "We've written citations for it," Chief Borchard said, adding that temporary pole cameras are cost-effective, the department has training in place and they are considering expanding the number of cameras used for events.

Staff said draft event policy language will come to a future work session to give the council a framework for consistent conditions. Council approved the raffle permits and the liquor-license extensions and alley-closure authorization by motion and roll-call votes.

Councilors emphasized that event organizers and downtown businesses should help provide trash receptacles and manage refuse during events; staff said organizers would receive written notice about conditions.

The council authorized motioned permits and extensions by roll call; staff will return with a draft event policy.