#02 Special event permit application by the Odd Fellows
LEISURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
May 1, 2009
MEMO TO: City Council
MEMO FROM: Bonnie Davis, Recreation Director
SUBJECT: Action on a Financial Gain Request from the Independent
Order of Oddfellows to conduct “Rock n’ Thunder” on public
land
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Introduction
The Janesville Independent Order of Oddfellows, a non-profit organization, has
submitted an application for Public Event, requesting to conduct “Rock n’ Thunder”
Fourth of July festivities for the Janesville community. An admission fee will be not be
charged, however, donations for ECHO or the Rock County Humane Society will be
solicited. Vendor sales will also be coordinated by the Oddfellows Planning Committee.
According to Chapter 12.62, in section 12.62.020 of the Janesville Municipal Code, the
City Council must approve all first time special event applications involving financial
gain. Attached is a copy of the application and layout map.
Staff Recommendation
Leisure Services has reviewed this application, and staff recommends that the City
Council approve the request from the Independent Order of Oddfellows to conduct the
“Rock n’ Thunder” Fourth of July celebration at the Youth Sports Complex on July 2-4
as requested.
City Manager recommendation
The City Manager concurs with Leisure Service staff’s recommendation.
Suggested Motion
I move to approve the financial gain request from the Independent Order of Oddfellows
to conduct “Rock n’ Thunder” on public land.
Background
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Since 1992, the Jaycees have sponsored July 4 festivities for Janesville residents.
The City has had a long history of supporting the Jaycees in the facilitation and
coordination of the event. The Jaycees disbanded in the fall of 2008. The Independent
Order of Oddfellows has agreed to continue the event as “Rock n’ Thunder” Fourth of
July celebration. Two of the main organizers of the 2009 event are past members of the
Jaycees. The Department of Leisure Services is confident that their expertise will assist
the Oddfellows in providing the community with a quality event.
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This year the celebration will be held July 2 – July 4. The event is proposed for the
Janesville Youth Sports complex. Leisure Services has met with the Oddfellows and
the Youth Sports Coalition to address any concerns and the Youth Sports Coalition
approved the use of the Sports Complex for the event. Activities include: bands,
children’s activities, concessions and a carnival. The fireworks display will take place
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on Saturday, July 4 at dusk.
The Independent Order of Oddfellows has paid the necessary events fees to Leisure
Services. They have also applied for necessary permits and submitted a map that
provides a layout of the event. Once the event is approved, the Oddfellows will provide
a Certificate of Insurance prior to the event.
Please contact me if you have questions or concerns about this event.
Attachments
cc: Eric Levitt, City Manager
Jacob J. Winzenz, Assistant City Manager/Director of Administrative Services
Jennifer Petruzzello, Neighborhood Services Director
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