ANNA MARIA – The city has again amended its special event permitting requirements.
When doing so on Dec. 12, the mayor and city commission allowed two previously permitted events to proceed at a different location due to the ongoing hurricane recovery efforts.
The latest amendment to the special event permitting process requires event organizers to submit their proof of insurance and other required documents at least 30 days before the event is scheduled. If the event organizer fails to do so, the city has the right to cancel the event. The previous ordinance required those documents to be provided at least 48 hours in advance.
The newly-amended ordinance also makes permit fees non-refundable.
City Attorney Becky Vose said the new provisions will better protect the city and help ensure that event planners complete their permitting requirements in a timely manner.
In August, the commission amended the special event permitting process in a manner that now provides for significantly higher permit fees that range from $200 to $5,000. To be determined by the mayor, the permitting fee is to be based on the size of the event, the anticipated attendance and the city services needed before, during and after an event, including law enforcement, street closures and trash removal.
The commission agreed that the special event permit applications included in that day’s consent agenda would not be subject to the new requirements adopted that day.
EVENTS RELOCATED
Earlier this year, the commission approved two special event permits sought by Blue Ribbon Events owner Danielle Lynch. The commission approved Lynch’s request to host a multi-vendor art and craft show at City Pier Park on Friday, Dec. 27 and Saturday, Dec. 28 and her second annual “Feed the Peeps” art and craft show at City Pier Park on Feb. 7-8. Those events were approved with the $200 per event permit fee in place at that time.
During the Dec. 12 meeting, Deputy Clerk Fran Berrios told the commission Lynch had to relocate those previously approved events because the park is not currently available. The temporary post office is currently operating at the park.
Lynch will now host her previously-approved events on the grounds of the nearby Roser Memorial Community church. The commission agreed those two events could be relocated with no additional permit fees or requirements. Lynch said she pays the church a “nice fee” for the use of the property and both upcoming events will also serve as food drives for the Roser Food Pantry.
Lynch also addressed the uncertainty created by the $200 to $5,000 permit fee schedule adopted earlier this year. She said the wide-ranging fee schedule now in effect creates uncertainty for event planners. She suggested, and the commission agreed, that the city should develop a more specific fee schedule that provides better clarity regarding special event permitting costs.
