CONAW TOWNSHIP — A new ordinance regulating large public entertainment gatherings of 200 or more people lasting more than two hours has gone into effect in Conneaut Township.
At a special advertised meeting on April 25, Conneaut Township Board of Supervisors members unanimously approved the new ordinance in a 3-0 vote, which went into effect Tuesday. Previously, the town had no regulations regarding public entertainment.
The ordinance arose because of the town’s multi-week music festival, scheduled for each of four weekends in July.
In mid-February, Conneaut Township resident David Simmons began promoting the Lakeland Area Music Festival on Facebook. The festival was scheduled to be held at his farm on Airport Road, north of Linesville.
Simons’ post about “Lakeland Regional Music Festival – A Summer of Music, Love, and Unity – Every Weekend in July” advertises hundreds of bands to perform, including March 19th. It also included a post about “creating a massive event with an all-new music festival that draws over 800 spectators.” Take action and set a new world record in Guinness World Records. ”
In a March 30 post, Simons proposed a $50 ticket fee for bands to print and sell their own tickets. However, tickets to the Lakeland Area Music Festival can still be purchased online through TicketTailor.com.
At a special meeting April 25, Simons told supervisors that as of that day, not a single ticket had been sold for the festival.
The ordinance requires a permit to hold an event.
It also includes detailed plans for where entertainment will take place on-site, all existing and proposed structures, obtaining necessary permits, and plans for proposed parking and side streets, water, sewer and medical services facilities. Is required. You will also need to plan for camping facilities as well as food and beverage storage, preparation, and service facilities.
In addition, a security plan is required for traffic control and general security to prevent activities from spilling onto other premises.
The ordinance also requires proof of insurance liability of at least $2 million for personal injury and at least $500,000 for property damage.
The penalty for violating the ordinance is a fine of up to $1,000 for each violation.