HomeMy WebLinkAbout43. Block Party Requests JUNE 9, 2020 20-267 RESOLUTION
(CARRIED 7-0 LOST LAID OVER WITHDRAWN )
PURPOSE: APPROVE RENEWAL OF THE LEASE AND OPERATING
AGREEMENT WITH THE GRAND OSHKOSH, INC. FOR THE
GRAND OPERA HOUSE (2020-2030)
INITIATED BY: CITY ADMINISTRATION
WHEREAS, the City is the owner of the Grand Opera House located at 100 High
Avenue, Oshkosh, WI; and
WHEREAS,The Grand Oshkosh, Inc, is a not-for-profit corporation created for the
purposes of preserving and expanding the significance of the historic Grand Opera
House by maintaining a financially secure organization that serves the community by
promoting and enhancing the performing arts, social and related educational
opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the City and The Grand Oshkosh, Inc. have a mutual interest in the
preservation and successful operation of the Grand Opera House and both desire to
benefit the Community by operating the Opera House as an arts, culture and
entertainment venue; and
WHEREAS, the City and The Grand Oshkosh, Inc. have previously entered into
an agreement for the lease and operation of the Grand Opera House which will expire on
June 301h of this year.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of
Oshkosh that the proper City officials are hereby authorized to enter into and take those
steps necessary to implement the attached renewal of the Lease and Operating
Agreement with The Grand Oshkosh, Inc. for operation of the Grand Opera House for
2020-2030.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that money for this purpose is hereby appropriated
from:
Acct No. 503-1040-6468-00000 Reimbursable Revenue - Grand
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council
FROM: Kathryn Snell, Special Events Coordinator
DATE: June 4, 2020
RE: 2020 Block Party Requests
On January 6, 2020, in conjunction with the approval of charges for extraordinary services for
special events, the City Council waived all costs related to community -wide parades and
residential block parties. As per the memo to City Council at that time, traditional
neighborhood block parties do not have a "sponsor'. The City Council has recognized that
block parities do promote many values to a neighborhood and community. The waiver of fees
as well as the value has continued to encourage residents to host block parties.
Block Party requests have encompassed the closure of city street(s) to allow neighboring
residents to gather at each other's residences as well as in the right-of-way. Many have
incorporated additional activities, including picnics, year/street/sidewalk games, and even
interactive activities such as bounce houses.
As we get into the summer months, staff anticipates that requests from residents and
neighborhood associations will begin to increase as usual for block parties. Last year the City
Council approved 15 Block Party requests. Of those, 8 had anticipated attendance of 50 or
more and 2 of had anticipated attendance of 100 or more. The remaining 5 averaged between
25 and 30 people.
There is typically no "sponsor' that takes on the responsibility of ensuring that best practices
for public safety are monitored and this is somewhat concerning during the current COVID-19
situation. Staff is looking for direction from the City Council on whether previously approved
block parties may be held and whether or not to accept future block party requests for Council
consideration this year.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at (920)232-5304. Thank you.
City Nall, 215 Church Avenue P.O. Box 1130 Oshkosh, WI 54903-1130 920.236.5000 http://w .ci.oshkosh.wi.us