Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Pridefest Fee Waiver topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Niles council agrees to waive public works and utilities costs for Michiana PrideFest, votes 6–1 on amendment
Summary
The council approved Michiana PrideFest for June 21, 2025, and passed an amended motion to waive Public Works and Utilities expenses while declining to waive other fees; the amendment passed 6–1 with Councilmember Michael Thompson the lone no vote.
The Niles City Council on Jan. 13 approved OutCenter Southwest Michigan’s Michiana PrideFest at Riverfront Park for June 21, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and approved waiving city Public Works and utilities expenses for the event after an amendment to the original motion.
Program Director Gerik Nasstrom had asked the council during public comment to waive or reimburse the expenses and fees associated with PrideFest. The initial motion asked for waiving Public Works expenses, utility expenses and reimbursement of the bounce-house fee; Councilmember Jessica Nelson moved to amend the motion and Councilmember Gretchen Bertschy seconded an amendment that approved waiving Public Works and Utilities expenses but not waiving all fees. The roll call on the amended motion was YEA: Rogers, Weimer, Nelson, Boggs, Bertschy, Koebel; NAY: Thompson; ABSENT: McAfee. The amended motion carried.
Council discussion did not list a dollar figure for the waived services in the meeting record; the motion limits waived costs to Public Works and utilities rather than a full fee waiver. The event permit was otherwise approved to proceed.
