Large assemblies ordinance approved
By Kevin O’Brien ‘
An ordinance requiring a county permit for events expected to draw 5,000 or more people was adopted by the Marathon County Board of Supervisors Tuesday after a few last-minute changes were made to allow for input from local townships regarding fire protection.
Before the board voted on the ordinance at Tuesday’s monthly meeting, supervisor John Robinson said a few new provisions were added to the amended large assemblies ordinance in response to concerns raised by Dean Beck, chairman of the town of Easton.
Beck had previously told supervisors that he was worried that towns expected to host large events wouldn’t have any input in the permit application process but would still have to shoulder the costs of fire protection.
In response, the following three provisions were added to the ordinance:
■ The applicant shall provide proof of local fire/rescue coordination. This may include proof of acknowledgement and adherence to town fire protection charge ordinances.
See ASSEMBLIES/ page 12 Assemblies
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■ Applicants shall affirm compliance with onsite fire inspections as required by local municipalities in accordance with Wis. Stat. s. 60.555 (fire safety regulations.)
■ Applicants shall collaborate with local municipalities to create a plan for recovery of costs associated with fire/rescue call response services required as a result of the event in accordance with Wis. Stat. ss. 60.55 and 60.557 (reimbursement for fire calls).
Robinson said the new provisions were shared with Beck, and he expressed his support for the ordinance as amended.
The additional provisions were approved by a vote of 30-1, with supervisor Tim Sondelski voting no. Following that vote, the ordinance itself was approved 29-3, with no votes coming from Sondelski and supervisors Ron Covelli and Jason Wilhelm, who both represent rural districts in western Marathon County.
The board’s adoption of the ordinance on Tuesday marks the end of a process that started back in 2023 after it was determined that the old Ordinance 12.04 was potentially unenforceable due to possible violations of the First Amendment’s right to assemble.
A work group of representatives from various county agencies, including the Sheriff’s Department, Health Department and Highway Department, met for several months to come up with recommended changes.
Ultimately, after concerns were raised by dairy breakfast organizers, the ordinance was amended so it only applies to events that are expected to draw 5,000 or more people over the course of eight hours.
In addition, the Edgar Steam Show was exempted by obtaining a special event per-Learn mit from the town of Wien.
