Golden’s City Council last week unanimously approved new policies for special events.
The council approved with minor changes t , which include increased fees, more security at large events that serve alcohol and a review process to ensure events match the city’s values.
There are also provisions that help limit full closures of main streets, such as Washington Avenue in downtown Golden. Events deemed “highly supportive of community goals and values” are given less scrutiny for closures.
Event applications for 2016 will be accepted beginning Feb. 1, according to a release from the city. Organizers should e-mail events@cityofgolden .com for more information.
Representatives of large events such as Buffalo Bill Days and the downtown Fourth of July celebration wrote letters and spoke at the meeting against increased fees on the basis that their events raise money for local causes.
Mayor Marjorie Sloan said that the city’s top priority is safety, followed by maintaining traffic flow and protecting city property.
“And I also think those are balanced well in the proposal,” she said. “And I believe that investment should come first, and then the additional amounts to the benefit to our community comes next.”
Council agreed to keep a close watch on how the new policies impact events this year and make updates and changes if necessary.
A special events qualitative review committee made up of representatives of city staff, business owners and residents will review new events for 2016 and recurring events applying for 2017. City staff will give final approval on events.
Josie Klemaier: 303-954-2465, jklemaier@denverpost.com
