CLEARLAKE — Recreation leagues and activities will be exempt from permitting fees associated with special events in the City of Clearlake. According to Clearlake Police Chief Allan McClain, the fee schedule that was recently adopted by the council that sets the permitting process for special events does not apply to those who use public facilities for recreational sports activities.
The fee schedule for Fiscal Year 2008-09 was adopted by the council during its Nov. 13 meeting. The item was carried over from the Oct. 23 meeting following a request by Councilmember Judy Thein concerning clarification in regard to the definition of “special event.”
As a result of adopting the schedule, the special events application fee for nonprofits is set at $35; all others under 50 attendees is $75 and all others over 50 attendees is $125. The cleaning deposit for nonprofits is $100, under 50 attendees is $500 and over 50 attendees is $1000.
In requesting clarification of special events, Thein voiced concern for limiting the ability of the public to use city parks for events such as birthday parties, family reunions, sports activities and other gatherings where a considerable amount of people are expected.
According to McClain, the fee schedule is not intended to include activities that normally occur at parks such as sports and family gatherings.
“Recreation was not intended to be included. This is designed for if you are putting on an event that tries to attract people,” McClain said. “This isn”t designed for kids” birthday parties or those types of things. This is designed to control the types of things that are going to have an impact on city services.”
“Special Event” is defined as, including but without limitation, any assembly or congregation of persons, display, entertainment or demonstration, that is likely to meet any one or more of the following criteria:
? Be attended by 20 or more people or charges admission to the general public except if the activity occurs as part of a licensed business and the activity is part of the normal business operations;
? Obstructs, delays or interferes with the normal flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or otherwise fails to comply with traffic laws and controls; or
? Can reasonably be expected to become a hazard to the public peace, health, safety or general welfare as determined by either the Chief of Police, Fire Chief, City Administrator or any other public entity that may be impacted by the special event.
? Utilizes equipment to amplify sound that has the potential to exceed 65 decibels as measured on the A-weights scale in the American National Standard 5-1.4-1971 or any duly adopted successor thereto.
? Alcoholic beverages will be sold or consumed in any public place as defined in Section 5-9, Alcoholic Beverages.
? Temporary placement of banners or signs promoting the event or gathering in accordance with Section 18-5.402(h).
? Promotional activities, including but not limited to amusement rides, fishing tournaments, sidewalk sales, street dances, concerts and live entertainment.
? Temporary banners of signs.
Special event fees and cleaning deposits are adjustable by the city administrator based on past performance.
Other points of interest pertaining to the fee schedule include Code Enforcement fees with regard to abandoned vehicle abatement. Voluntary compliance, in which the vehicle is gone upon arrival, is set at $75. Voluntary compliance in which the city removes the car is $125. Vehicle abatement by the city is set at $205, plus storage fees to be paid directly to the tow company.
The fee schedule describes fees associated with rental of the senior/community center as well. Initial fees include the first four hours with an additional charge for each additional hour. Initial fees are as follows: multipurpose room, $300; bingo room, $225; classroom, $120; entire building (including kitchen) $450; and entire building (excluding kitchen), $350.
Also included in the schedule are police fees for response to false alarms. The first and second response will carry no charge. The third and fourth response for a false alarm will cost $100 with fees doubling to $200 for the fifth and sixth response. Fees continue to double up to the 11th response, which will cost $1000.
The fee schedule adopted by the council for Fiscal Year 2008-09 is available for public review in its entirety at Clearlake City Hall during normal business hours.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
