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Council defers 'Gathering on the Green' permit and approves limited fireworks after lengthy downtown safety discussion
Summary
Council deferred a multi‑Sunday 'Gathering on the Green' event pending a detailed operational and heat‑safety plan, and separately approved a youth football camp with a limited fireworks display contingent on state permits and fire‑marshal approval; council also directed staff to develop a safety plan for a downtown venue near the boat ramp.
Conway City Council spent a prolonged portion of its May 18 meeting addressing downtown event operations and public‑safety concerns tied to a private venue near the boat ramp and a proposed summer series called 'Gathering on the Green.'
Gathering on the Green: Staff presented a request for seven Sunday events (May–September) featuring food trucks, buskers and vendors. Councilmembers raised multiple operational questions — overlap with an existing event name, full vendor schedules, heat‑safety and medical plans for lengthy midday hours (noon–8 p.m.), and the frequency of repeated Sunday events. Citing incomplete programming, lack of a detailed operations plan and public‑safety concerns, council voted unanimously to defer action and asked staff to gather vendor lists, a heat‑safety plan and more details before reconsideration.
Venue and boat‑ramp safety: Council then conducted a wide‑ranging exchange with a downtown venue operator about pedestrian flow, boat trailers blocking sidewalks, crosswalk/barricade options, parking and restroom facilities. Staff and the operator agreed to develop a safety plan that includes temporary barricades or reconfigured parking, coordination with the fire department and police, and trial operational adjustments. Council directed staff to work with the operator this week to produce a plan so the venue can operate safely over the holiday and return with any outstanding items at the next meeting.
Fireworks and youth camp: Separately, council considered a youth football and cheer camp on June 20 that included a brief, private fireworks display for participants. The city's fire chief explained that state permits, NFPA code compliance and a $4 million insurance policy naming the city would be required. Council approved the event subject to securing state permit and local fire‑marshal approval and implementing required safety distances and cleanup.
Administrative follow‑up: Council made several motions in open session approving staff to work with the operator on a safety plan, hiring the fleet maintenance director (Bobby Wallace), and authorizing financial offers for several property purchases discussed in executive session. Staff will return with the venue safety plan and additional details on parking and temporary measures.
