Quincy council approves special events application ordinance

QUINCY — Organizations and individuals planning special events in Quincy will be required to obtain a permit. Quincy City Council members approved adding the requirement to the city code during the regular meeting Tuesday.

The proposal was approved on a unanimous vote with no discussion. The ordinance will not apply to events that have already been approved by the city but haven’t happened yet.

In a memo to the council, Municipal Services Director Carl Worley wrote that the permit would make it easier to manage special events.

“The permit will allow the city to manage festivals, parades, athletic and other special events that have the potential of impacting city services and public safety,” Worley wrote.

The ordinance requires the application to be submitted at least 45 days before the event. There will be a fee, and Finance Officer/City Clerk Nancy Schanze said Wednesday that a proposed fee schedule will be submitted to the council before the end of the year.

Some activities already are subject to city or state approval. Events where goods or services will be offered for sale require an itinerant vendor’s license from the city. Organizers who plan to serve liquor are required to obtain a state license and provide proof of insurance.

Under the new ordinance, applicants will be required to submit proof of liability insurance. Any requested street closures may require council approval. Applicants also will be required to include a deposit for cleanup for events that will include fireworks, food or beverages and animals except dogs and cats.

The application asks whether or not the event will require street closures, electrical connections, portable bathrooms or extra city garbage cans.

Events held at the Reiman-Simmons House or the Pioneer Church and approved by the Quincy Valley Historical Society will be exempt. So will events sponsored by the city or held on Quincy School District property.

There are conditions under which an application could be denied, including if the event is determined to be a threat to public safety or infringe on the rights of adjoining property owners. The ordinance also includes provisions to revoke a permit, such as for nonpayment of the fees.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at cschweizer@columbiabasinherald.com.