Title
Resolution to Approve Street Closings for the 2023 Ann Arbor Summer Festival’s “Top of the Park” - June 4, 2023 through June 28, 2023
Memorandum
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival’s “Top of the Park” takes place annually from mid-June through mid-July. The University of Michigan has already indicated its willingness to permit the Ann Arbor Summer Festival to continue to hold “Top of the Park” activities on Ingalls Mall. The Ann Arbor Summer Festival is requesting similar support from the City as it relates to holding the event on E. Washington Street between Fletcher Street and Thayer Street.
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival (AASF) is requesting that the City approve a 24 hours/7 days a week closure of E. Washington Street between Fletcher Street and Thayer Street from June 4 through June 28, 2023. The event itself will run from June 9 through June 25, 2023.
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival has agreed to provide insurance in accordance with the City’s requirements for use of the public right-of-way.
The sponsor, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival’s “Top of the Park,” will submit an application for approval from the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission for temporary sales, service and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the defined areas pursuant to the M.L.C.C. regulations. The remaining street area will also be closed during the event for other activities including musical entertainment and movies.
In addition, the sponsor is requesting Council approve annual prohibition of the issuance of sidewalk occupancy permits within one block of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival and a restriction on peddling within the boundaries of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival during the event. Chapter 47, section 4:14(11) grants City Council the authority to restrict the issuance of sidewalk occupancy permits upon a determination that congestion will be too great within certain areas of the City to permit such activity. The restriction on peddler’s licenses is based on the approval of the street closure for special event use only.
The sponsor agrees to comply with all City regulations governing the use of the streets and will reimburse the City for all event expenses, excluding the recommended waiving of any right-of-way rental fees. All permit requirements for holding such an event will be met and approved by the necessary City services areas.
Notification of the event and street closure will be posted on the City’s website as well as through the communications of the AASF, including website pushes, mailings, social media and press releases.
It is recommended that Council approve the street closing resolution for the 2023 Ann Arbor Summer Festival’s “Top of the Park”. The recommendation includes the waiving of any right-of-way rental fees.
Staff
Prepared by: Debra Williams, Office Manager
Reviewed by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Ann Arbor Summer Festival’s “Top of the Park” takes place annually from mid-June through mid-July but occurs in 2023 through late June;
Whereas, The sponsor has requested the 24/7 closing of E. Washington Street between Fletcher Street and Thayer Street from June 4, 2023 through June 28, 2023 to facilitate the event;
Whereas, The street closures will be properly signed, barricaded and supervised by the sponsor;
Whereas, The sponsor is requesting a waiver of all right-of-way rental fees;
Whereas, The sponsor requires the approval of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for a special outdoor liquor license;
Whereas, The sponsor has agreed to defend and indemnify and hold the City harmless against all claims arising from their sponsorship of this event;
Whereas, The sponsor is requesting Council approve a prohibition on the issuance of sidewalk occupancy permits within one block of the festival and a restriction on peddling within the boundaries of the event; and
Whereas, The sponsor will obtain all necessary permits and approvals, and provide evidence of proper liability insurance associated with their sponsorship of the event;
RESOLVED, That Council approve closure, barricading and parking prohibition on E. Washington Street from Thayer Street to Fletcher Street from Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 6:00 A.M. through Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 11:45 PM for the 2023 Ann Arbor Summer Festival’s “Top of the Park”;
RESOLVED, That a waiver of all right-of-way rental fees be approved;
RESOLVED, That a special liquor license for the event be approved, contingent upon approval from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission; and
RESOLVED, That Council approve the prohibition on issuing sidewalk occupancy permits within one block of the festival and peddler’s licenses within the boundaries of the event.