Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Kristi Aday, Assistant City Manager
Contact Info
(830) 221-4285 - kaday@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Discuss and consider approval of a temporary road closure for the second annual Dia de los Muertos Festival on October 28, 2017.
Body
BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
Last year, the New Braunfels Hispanic Business Alliance (HBA) held their first Dia de los Muertos Festival to much success. This year, the HBA wishes to move the festival from the Farmers Market to downtown, and is requesting the approval to close portions of San Antonio Street from 2:00 p.m. to midnight on October 28, 2017. The event will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The HBA’s plans include the closure of San Antonio Street from the railroad tracks to the plaza (no closure of the plaza.) One temporary stage will be brought in and will be set up at the end of San Antonio Street, backing up to the plaza. There will be food vendors, live entertainment, art and other activities. The HBA is working with the City to organize City service requirements. Members of the HBA volunteered for Wein and Saengerfest this year in order to observe set up and overall operations.
Currently, the City does not have a formal process for consideration of large, non-city sponsored events such as these. Chapter 126.41 of the City Code allows the Chief of Police the authority to close streets; however, traditionally this has been for public safety considerations or small events like neighborhood block parties (as an example.) Furthermore, the “Street Closure Request” process implementing Chapter 126.41 does not include requirements for City services such as trash clean up or street sweeping and the requirement that those costs be passed on to the requestor. Staff is developing a process for non-city sponsored special event requests that addresses these items, but it is not yet in place. Therefore, staff thought it appropriate to bring this street closure request to the City Council for consideration.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
City services will be reimbursed by the HBA; thus, there should be no costs to the City.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the closure of San Antonio Street on October 28, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.