Submitted By
Kira Tchang, Assistant Village Manager/Human Resources Director
Reviewed By
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Agenda Item Title
Title
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 30 (“Special Events”), Article 1 (“General Regulations”), Section 30-1-1 (“Definitions”) of the Oak Park Village Code
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Overview
Overview
Chapter 30 (“Special Events”) of the Vilage Code sets certain definitions, requirements, policies and procedures in place for the purpose of regulating Special Events. This Amendment to the definition of a “special event” provides an exemption for organized, nonpermenant musical performance(s) which only take place on private property or properties.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Staff Recommends the Village Board approve the Ordinance.
Fiscal Impact
N/A.
Background
In 2019, a group of Oak Park citizens created an initiative, referred to as Porchfest, to bring free music to the Oak Park community in the form of a series of summer concerts held on various Oak Park residents’ porches. These evening events, originally anticipated to be small gatherings, grew in size and popularity as residents from around Oak Park were drawn to the live music and sense of community created by Porchfest. Some of these concerts utilized a block party permit in order to block N/S streets to create a safer environment for larger crowds that included children. While this block party permit usage was well intended, the Residential Block Event exemption is designed to encourage a gathering or assembly of residents of a particular block, and Porchfest was drawing residents from all around the Oak Park community. At times, organizers and residents were unable to secure block party permits and reached out directly to the Village to request barricades.
In early October, the Village began meeting with Porchfest organizers in order to collaborate on solutions that would allow Porchfest to successfully operate within Village Code and ensure the safety of residents, particularly children. As it exists, Porchfest is not a Block Party, nor do we believe it rises to the level of a Special Event as defined by Chapter 30.
By amending the definition of a “special event,” Porchfest can continue its mission of bringing live music and community to the Village, the Village can better support the safety of residents by receiving advance notice of all proposed street closures and providing barricades on N/S streets.
Alternatives
The board could delay and request additional information.
Previous Board Action
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Citizen Advisory Commission Action
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Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
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