Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City and Blue Lake Chamber split on fees for Annie & Mary Day; council forms ad hoc committee
Summary
Chamber leaders asked the council to reduce or waive facility fees for the long‑running Annie & Mary Day event; councilmembers debated fee waivers, specific fee carve‑outs and sponsorships, then voted to create an ad hoc committee to negotiate fee reductions and collaboration with Chamber and Parks staff.
Justin, the president of the Blue Lake Chamber of Commerce, told the council the event is the chamber’s primary fundraiser and asked for fee relief so the event can continue without putting the chamber in the red. “Last year, we cleared about $1,600,” Justin said, adding that typical facility rental and vendor fees together currently amount to about $1,400 and do not include staff time.
Councilmembers recognized the event’s importance to community heritage but expressed fiscal constraints in light of a tight general fund. One councilmember recommended carving off specific fees such as amplified‑music charges or the ice‑machine fee rather than a full waiver. After discussion the council moved and seconded a motion to create an ad hoc committee to work with chamber organizers and Parks & Rec to identify fee reductions, sponsorships and in‑kind support; that motion passed. No final blanket fee waiver was approved at the meeting.
Staff will report back with options for fee changes and any sponsorship/volunteer commitments that could reduce the city’s staffing burden during the event.
