Council supports fee waivers for Self Advocates of Minnesota Northwest event; staff to work out logistics

Council members reviewed a special-event application from Self Advocates of Minnesota (Northwest) for a free regional community event and generally supported waiving city fees for the nonprofit's first local gathering.

Miss Nelson, a staff presenter, said the group requested barricades, space for food trucks and vendors, arts-and-crafts space and possibly a DJ for an event they proposed "from about 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m." She said the applicant requested fee waivers because the event would be free to the public and that staff had met with the organizers at a staff level to walk through logistics. "They would like barricades to block off the area...they would request or are requesting that since it's a free community event that those fees be waved," Miss Nelson said.

Council members voiced support and raised logistical questions. Council member Mr. Parkinsky asked whether the event would be rain or shine and Miss Nelson said staff would confirm a rain plan and noted the civic center parking lot or indoor space could be options in future years. Members also discussed parking and potential overlap with the "Cats Incredible" fishing tournament the same weekend; staff said the tournament would not affect the proposed event location.

Staff offered to assist with outreach via city social channels where feasible. The council did not take a formal vote on fee waivers during the work session; staff will follow up with the organizers and return to council with any items that require formal action.