(The latest in a series of posts on City government)
The ordinance: Bill 19-2019 Establish Article 961-Special Event Activity Permits-1
The May 7 Council meeting minutes: pp. 17-20
Summary of discussion at the May 7 Council meeting
Let’s see what the issues are in the “demonstration ordinance” coming up for final passage tomorrow night.
Let’s start with the May 7 Council meeting.
The genesis of Article 961 seems to be a combination of 1) ArtsQuest’s desire to be prepared to handle such ugly incidents like the one by outside demonstrators that occurred in 2017 and 2) the City’s desire to codify some ordinances and practices in one place.
Councilwoman Van Wirt questioned 1) what seems to be a new definition of a demonstration as 5 people intent on drawing a crowd (too low) and 2) the proper handling of appeals.
So, ask yourself — if 5 people are gathered together in a park or on a sidewalk or on City Hall plaza, do they need a permit?
The matter was referred to the Public Safety committee meeting June 5.
Perhaps the handiest link above is to Gadfly’s Summary of discussion at the May 7 Council meeting.
Stay tuned for a look at the June 5 committee meeting.
