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Council debates special-events ordinance after residents warn churches, schools could be swept in
Summary
Council members and residents debated a proposed special-events ordinance that would impose permit fees and security requirements; residents warned that a blanket "more than 50 people" threshold could capture routine church and school gatherings, and councilmembers directed legal staff to refine the language.
Councilwoman Katz (speaker 8) led a public hearing on an ordinance to establish regulations and fees for special events, saying the measure is intended to protect public health, safety and welfare and to reduce legal risk for the city.
"The application fees for a certain, organization would be $25," Katz told the council during her presentation. The draft ordinance also includes a security deposit ($200) and per-day fees ($150) in some cases and requires proof of insurance for event organizers. Katz said the ordinance aims to produce a consistent permitting process and reduce liability for the city.
During public discussion, resident John McNabb (speaker 7) pressed council members on how the ordinance would treat private property gatherings. "Private property, more than 50 people doing an activity... That's gonna hit every 1 of your churches," McNabb said, arguing the threshold could sweep in routine church services, daycares and business events. Council members and the city attorney clarified the ordinance is intended to address events that affect public streets, sidewalks or require traffic control, barricades or police presence, not ordinary indoor church services.
After extended discussion, council members agreed to send the draft to the city attorney for clearer wording and to proceed with a procedural vote. Roll call recorded affirmative votes to move the item forward; council members indicated they wanted legal staff to refine the definitions so the ordinance would not inadvertently restrict protected private or religious activities.
