[Electronic-lan] Fwd: Street Events

[Lawrence Assoc of Neighborhoods]

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Derek Rogers <drogers at lawrenceks.org>
Date: Thu, Feb 6, 2020 at 8:39 AM
Subject: Street Events


To the community stakeholders and event organizers who enrich the culture
of Lawrence,



Lawrence is known for its robust history of hosting unique street events.
To continue our unmistakable reputation, our intention is to keep it that
way while also upholding public safety.



All community and cultural events--neighborhood block parties, races,
parades, festivals, music events, and farmers markets--elevate our city’s
quality of life and foster understanding by bringing the community
together. In addition to being part of our city’s identity, outdoor events
attract both local and regional visitors and have a positive economic
impact in our community. To keep events safe and successful, the City and
our partners understand the importance of responsible event planning.



The goals of the Street Event Stakeholder meetings held last week:



   - Gather feedback from event organizers and community members on what is
   working well, what should be changed, and how can we improve the process.
   - Highlight the importance of proper traffic control plans and other
   safety requirements.
   - Present the current permit process and the services the city provides
   while also outlining what the city needs to approve an event permit.



Event organizers can plan any event in any location within the City Right
of Way and submit a traffic control plan for that event, just as it has
been in the past. To be clear, the City has no intention to restrict where
events can be held (downtown, neighborhoods, etc.). However, as in the
past, for public safety, events are required to have an approved Right of
Way traffic plan.



As we develop a draft Street Event policy, we will use the mission and
critical success factors from the City’s Strategic Plan
<https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.lawrenceks.org%2Fagendas%2Fcc%2F2017%2F03-07-17%2Fstrategic_plan_framework.pdf&data=02%7C01%7Celectronic-lan%40lists.ku.edu%7C0263bf2737e14a640f9e08d7ab5b8ef9%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C1%7C637166282916758653&sdata=hRsQPt55YrOUUQUMdmA0IDr%2BJO%2FJpdBzh96ZmSzwa2E%3D&reserved=0>
as the foundation:



Mission:



*We are committed to providing excellent City services that enhance the
quality of life for the Lawrence Community*



Critical Success Factors:



*-Effective Governance and Professional Administration*

*-Safe, Healthy and Welcoming Neighborhoods*

*-Innovative Infrastructure and Asset Management *

*-Collaborative Solutions*



The draft policy is still in the works but, based on internal and external
feedback, here are some of our initial overarching thoughts.



*Block Parties*



-Easier process, separate application form, and lower fee than other street
events.

-At the core of our community values, these events should be encouraged and
when able, Parks & Recreation will provide barricades for a 1 block minor
street closing (one per year).

-Lower insurance requirement, less than that of street events.



*Street Event Permits*



-Reviewing notification process for residents and or businesses with door
hangers, flyers, face to face, and other possibilities.

-After notification, a possible comment period for residents and/or
businesses to provide input.

-Event organizers and the City should listen to concerns and work to
address those concerns.



*What WILL NOT be in the draft policy*



-Assigned “Cookie Cutter” routes for events.

-80% approval by those residents and/or business owners affected by the
event route.



*Other feedback submitted for consideration*



-Alcohol fee for block party events

-Alley closing parties



*Parks & Recreation *



-Will investigate purchasing additional Type III barricades for limited
rental use.



My staff and I enjoyed discussing events with all of you and appreciate the
time you took to share your thoughts with us. Please continue to send your
feedback on the draft policy to Penny at pholler at lawrenceks.org.



Events strengthen our great neighborhoods and welcome everyone to our
unique hospitality. Thank you for working with us to improve procedures so
you can keep Lawrence unmistakable!



Best Regards,



[image: cid:image001.jpg at 01D58B5C.AF4C1A30]



Derek Rogers

Director of Parks & Recreation Department

1141 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence KS, 66044

drogers at lawrenceks.org

Office 785-832-3453 | Cell 785-423-1137 |  Fax 785-832-3459
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