Proposed Wallace ordinance goes before the public

WALLACE – A new law aimed at special events was up for public comment during Wallace’s January City Council meeting.  

According to Councilwoman Michele Bisconer, Ordinance 2025-01 - commonly called the Special Events Ordinance – is designed to streamline the application and approval process for the many events that take place annually inside Wallace. 

The ordinance was discussed during the previous meeting, where the council also allowed some public comment, but the ordinance moved onto the public hearing phase where the council could hear further comments and determine the direction they would go with the proposed legislation.  

The 8-page document has been met with scrutiny, both by the public and many of the council members, who feel that certain rules are either too harsh, convoluted, or even unnecessary.  

The proposed ordinance outlines all of the rules event organizers must follow for their events, including the number restroom facilities, parking, signage, listing sponsors and volunteers, insurance; Rules for for-profit organizations and non-profit organizations; As well as the penalties that come with violating these rules.  

Currently, all special events in Wallace require an application that has to be approved by the Wallace City Council. Under the proposed ordinance, any festival organizer with a two-year record of successfully running an event with no issues, while making no changes can apply and be approved by the city clerk if they submit their application, a map showing any street closures, and proof of insurance.    

Christine Berry, who organizes Wallace’s Huckleberry Festival, was concerned over some of the requirements within the document, including those concerning street closure signage and tow-away zones.  

The language in the current draft ordinance makes it appear as though law enforcement will only enforce the various rules if the city itself is solely sponsoring the event. This is concerning to many because most of the events are organized and run by different groups with the approval of the city, but few are solely sponsored by the city.  

“If we’re not going to enforce it, I don’t think that it needs to be on there,” Berry stated.  

Resident, business owner, and event organizer Katie Watterson expressed a similar opinion to many others; That a new ordinance isn’t needed.  

“It seems like having a whole additional ordinance is kind of unnecessary,” Watterson said. 

The biggest concern within the proposed law centered around the use of criminal penalties for violators, which was echoed by residents and council members alike.  

According to the document, along with losing the ability to apply for a special event permit, those caught violating the proposed ordinance would be subject to penalties that include a $300 fine for a first-time offense, followed by a maximum penalty of $1,000 in fines and up to six months in county jail.  

Councilmembers Cindy Lien, Elmer Mattila, and Dean Cooper all expressed their disdain at the idea of criminal penalties being attached to the ordinance and believed that denying future applications from offenders would be sufficient punishment.  

Ben Allen, attorney for the city, explained that certain aspects of the current draft ordinance are written in a way that allows the city, law enforcement, and emergency services to have some authority when guidelines are not followed. However, he also told them that he will draft the ordinance the way the council directs if it ensures the city isn’t leaving itself open for any liabilities.  

The council reviewed the document line by line and gave Allen instructions for the next draft of the ordinance, which will be subject to another public forum.