By Megan Ma
 joe hu/Town Crier File Photo The Los Altos City Council will consider an ordinance to address funding for special events and the definition of heritage events such as the Kiwanis Pet Parade. |
Prompted by Councilwoman Val Carpenter’s suggestion at the July 11 Los Altos City Council meeting, the five councilmembers directed City Attorney Jolie Houston to draft a special-events ordinance for their consideration.
The city has a longstanding policy of covering 50 percent of the cost of community-based non-profit events. The policy excludes two annual heritage events - the Kiwanis Pet Parade and the Festival of Lights. The city subsidizes all fees for both of these non-profit events.
“I think we need an ordinance,” Mayor Ron Packard said. “We have so many policies that aren’t in ordinance that it makes me very nervous. We need to feel comfortable and keep things legal.”
Councilman David Casas emphasized fiscal responsibility in any council decision on a special-events policy, recommending that all community-based special events - regardless of their non-profit status - pay their own way completely. A policy that applies to all special events would be fair and appropriate, he said. The two heritage events would continue to be exempt from paying fees to the city, however.
“It doesn’t balance for me how you can justify charging one group one thing and not another. … My interest is to bring (non-profit events) back in line with others, which is why I’m for 100 percent cost recovery,” Casas said.
Apart from a fairness principle, Casas emphasized that the city simply did not have the funds needed to subsidize all non-profit events. “We’re not a wealthy city from a revenue standpoint. Should we be in the practice of charging lower than planned fees?” he asked.
Councilman Curtis Cole was circumspect that pulling back funding would save the city money. He also argued that non-profit special events bring the community together in an important way, but sided with Casas on several points.
“It’s worthwhile being prudent with our money. It would be good if we didn’t have special cases for any (special events),” Cole said.
Carpenter asked the city attorney to consider ways to better define a heritage event.
