City considers event regulation
First Amendment a concern for proposed parade, public rally guidelines
Karline Koehler
Issue date: 3/10/05 Section: Campus News
A proposed city ordinance to standardize the regulation of special events, parades and rallies on public property has some Eau Claire residents concerned about their First Amendment rights.
After a public discussion Monday night, the City Council postponed two ordinances dealing with special events and public assemblies. City Council passed a third ordinance Tuesday regulating block parties.
English professor Bob Nowlan expressed concern that it may not be clear which ordinance a particular event is covered by.
"I think in practice ... these two distinct kinds of happenings are often combined together," he said.
The ordinances are part of an ongoing update of the city code, and is meant to continue the city's current policy, City Attorney Steve Nick said. He said the existing ordinance on public assemblies is more than 20 years old and is not enforced as written.
"The current policy is ad hoc. It's just made up," Nick said. "When you just do things on policy, they can change employee to employee. You can have the best of intentions ... but they still can change."
The ordinances are content-neutral and meant to regulate the time, place and manner of public gatherings. Public assemblies would require a permit obtained seven days in advance. Special events would require a permit obtained 45 days in advance and a $1 million insurance policy.
"As long as you're not shutting down the street, you don't need a permit," Nick said. "In none of these cases are we seeking to alter what we're currently doing."
City Council candidate and former Student Senate President Adrian Klenz urged the council to take the time to consider residents' concerns.
After a public discussion Monday night, the City Council postponed two ordinances dealing with special events and public assemblies. City Council passed a third ordinance Tuesday regulating block parties.
English professor Bob Nowlan expressed concern that it may not be clear which ordinance a particular event is covered by.
"I think in practice ... these two distinct kinds of happenings are often combined together," he said.
| Public Hearing on Proposed Ordinance Time: 7 p.m. Date: Monday, April 11 Place: Eau Claire City Hall |
The ordinances are part of an ongoing update of the city code, and is meant to continue the city's current policy, City Attorney Steve Nick said. He said the existing ordinance on public assemblies is more than 20 years old and is not enforced as written.
"The current policy is ad hoc. It's just made up," Nick said. "When you just do things on policy, they can change employee to employee. You can have the best of intentions ... but they still can change."
The ordinances are content-neutral and meant to regulate the time, place and manner of public gatherings. Public assemblies would require a permit obtained seven days in advance. Special events would require a permit obtained 45 days in advance and a $1 million insurance policy.
"As long as you're not shutting down the street, you don't need a permit," Nick said. "In none of these cases are we seeking to alter what we're currently doing."
City Council candidate and former Student Senate President Adrian Klenz urged the council to take the time to consider residents' concerns.
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