City Reviewing Special Event Policy

The City of Fond du Lac is taking a closer look at its special events policy. City staff is looking to revise the current ordinance to create specific definitions of certain events and add contingency plans. The policy review comes in reaction to the deadly white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia last summer – which continues to be the focus of several lawsuits in state and federal courts. 

City Attorney Deb Hoffman says it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to big events. But she adds that “it kinda depends on when it’s going to be, where it’s going to be. I mean it’s going to be flexible, it won’t be terribly rigid because we can’t take away their first amendment rights. On the other hand, we really do want them to have the insurance. Because if it does turn into a disaster and people are hurt, you want them to have the insurance to take care of this stuff.”’

The city currently requires permits or licenses for events with fireworks, alcohol, amusement ride, loudspeakers, and anything on city property. The proposal is still being created, and will return to the City Council later this year.