Resident urges city to require proof of music licenses at public events

John Coker told the Albert Lea City Council during the public forum that he had followed up on a July 27 presentation about municipal music copyright compliance and had not received a response from city staff or council members. "It's now been 2 weeks since that presentation," he said, noting he had requested a 15-minute meeting with the city manager and had sent documentation to several officials.

Coker recommended a concrete change to the city's special-event permit process: require third-party event organizers to provide proof of valid music licenses from ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. He said that requirement would be "a 0 cost common sense fix" that would "insulate the city of Albert Lea from statutory liability" and ensure outside organizers take responsibility for compliance. The council did not take immediate action during the meeting; the comment was recorded for follow-up.