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Village board approves Nazarine Church use of Marvin Park Aug. 31, contingent on signed agreement
Summary
The village board approved a request to host an outdoor service and baptisms at Marvin Park on Aug. 31, subject to a signed fairgrounds use agreement, legal review and standard insurance and indemnity requirements; organizers and the board also discussed parking, lifeguards, EMS coverage and event logistics.
The Owego village board voted to approve a request from the Nazarine Church to hold an outdoor service with baptisms at Marvin Park on Sunday, Aug. 31, provided the church signs the village's event-use agreement and the contract is reviewed by village legal staff.
Board members who spoke during the meeting said the approval was contingent on the organizers naming the village as an additional insured on their policy, agreeing to indemnify the village if someone is injured, and completing a written contract that village staff and counsel sign off on. A board member identified in the discussion as Mike moved to approve the event as presented; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote with multiple board members recorded saying “yes,” including Rusty and Laura.
Organizers described several operational plans for the service: baptisms performed at the park, volunteers and a 46-person safety-and-security team to manage seating and crowd flow, use of the pavilion adjacent to “Joe’s” for food and power, and on-site activities such as basketball and children’s games intended to encourage park use. The organizers said they hired an audio engineer, supplied generators and expected the sound setup to be broadcast on WBO; they estimated production costs at about $5,000.
The group discussed safety staffing in detail. Organizers said they have a team of paramedics and nurses available as their EMS coverage and a volunteer lifeguard from the church; board members questioned whether a single lifeguard would be sufficient if crowds swelled. Attendance estimates discussed at the meeting ranged from a few hundred to, at the high end, roughly 900 to 1,000 if everyone attended. The board noted the holiday weekend could affect turnout.
Village staff and organizers also covered parking plans and gate access. The fair board had allowed use of certain fairgrounds property, and the group agreed to direct traffic out Elm Street and to use areas behind the grandstand where possible to reduce track/infield damage. Organizers said they would coordinate trash pickup, restroom access and backup indoor space in case of heavy rain.
Multiple board members expressed frustration that the village had not been formally notified earlier; they stressed that the written agreement and insurance naming the village as an additional insured are required before the event. The board directed organziers to finalize the contract with Mayor Nate and to coordinate keys and gate access with public works staff prior to the event.
Next steps: Charles (the organizers’ on-site contact) and Mayor Nate will work during the coming week to complete the written agreement and satisfy the insurance and indemnity conditions; the event is permitted to proceed once that paperwork is finalized and approved by village legal staff.
