Janesville City Council to end 'arbitrary' waivers
Other business
The Janesville City Council on Monday:
-- Approved a policy that encourages members of city committees, commissions and boards to be Janesville residents. However, it makes exceptions for those who might have a valid interest in the city, such as those who own property in Janesville.
-- Referred to the plan commission a proposal by the Janesville Patriotic Society to build a patriotic center in Traxler Park.
-- OK'd a purchase of land for $5,000 that was necessary after city staff discovered the bike trail wandered off course and onto private property.
-- OK'd the purchase and demolition of a home at 513 Linn St. Purchase cost is $20,000 and demolition cost is $7,500.
-- Accepted Councilman Bill Truman's resignation from the Alcohol License Advisory Committee. Truman cannot attend meetings because he has a new job. Councilman George Brunner will take over Truman's spot on the committee.
Photo
The Janesville Farmers Market is one such event which the Janesville City Council has tentatively decided it would waive the special event fee in the future.
JANESVILLE — Janesville City Council members endorsed a tentative policy Monday that spells out when fees will be waived for special events.
The policy will come back to the council for final approval. It would not preclude a group from asking for a waiver.
In recent years, the council waived fees on an individual basis when asked, and members worried about fairness. Special event fees are charged to cover city fees, such as hauling garbage cans and crowd control.
The city historically did not charge for city-sponsored, school district athletic and veterans events.
Some events cost more than others. For instance, the fees for Family Fun Fest were $327 while the fees for the Janesville Farmers Market were $2,125. When the fees are waived, that cost is paid for by the general fund.
In the past, the council granted waivers to the farmers market, Family Fun Fest, Fourth of July celebration and for some of the costs associated with the Southern Wisconsin AirFest.
The city collected $7,535 in fees in 2010 when $11,532 was due. It collected $6,854 rather than $11,086 in 2009, and it took in $5,898 rather than $10,435 in 2008.
Councilman Frank Perrotto called past waivers "arbitrary."
"We need to stop this," he said.
The goal of a new policy would be to create consistency so groups applying for permits know what they will pay, said City Manager Eric Levitt.
The council tentatively decided it would waive fees in the future only for:
-- City-sponsored events such as National Night Out and the Enchanted Forest.
-- Friends' events, or those events with a sole intent to benefit a city facility.
-- Veterans events.
-- Events sponsored by other government entities on a case-by-case basis.
Noting that all organizations and events are worthy, council President Kathy Voskuil said, "At the end of the day, we have incurred as a city what we cannot cover."
A policy does away with any mixed messages, she said.
Said city staff in a memo: "Staff understands the importance of non-profit partnerships in the community. However, all special events are typically for a good cause. All special events require some level of service from city staff."
Staff also preferred a policy where subjectivity was removed and consistent revenue created.
The council did not include school-sponsored events in the proposed policy. The district and the city have a reciprocity agreement in place
Councilman Bill Truman made a pitch for the city to chip in for the Aqua Jays Fourth of July celebration, but no other council member took up that cause.
Jan 26, 2011 at 8:10 a.m.
Suggest removal
The Janesville Farmers Market, Inc (a Wisconsin registered non-profit corporation) was created to help revitalize the downtown. This fact is easily defended by evidence of the initial group that founded the current concept and the statements written in the Articles of Incorporation. It would be a shame if City fees (however justified) were to become a real financial burden to the ability to function. There is no doubt that the vendors believe by participating they will profit. However, the City has supported the concept of a function like this, so far, because it clearly provides some value to the downtown. These fees would not be collected if this event didn't happen. What true net cost(s) does this particular event burden the city with? If there are any, might they be a welcome benefit? Thank you City of Janesville staff and council, who have encouraged the sustainability of an event downtown like this.
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.