Tourism board addressing special events fees

First of all, I just want to say that this week's issue will be a photo finish. There is plenty of news developing on a Monday (some we knew about, others we didn't until recently). We'll have some good weekend pictures — the weather cooperated on Saturday.

Vanessa also tagged along with U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan at Gravelly Hill this morning, so expect a story from that event. I plan on having a story about the town's proposed changes to special events fees, but the town tourism board will meet tonight to discuss it, too. Not to fear, those of you who want to attend and also like basketball; it starts at 5:30 p.m. From the town:

"The Hillsborough Tourism Board will discuss the town’s draft special event permit policy at its meeting Monday.
The draft Town of Hillsborough policy aims to provide one-stop assistance with event planning. It would help streamline and enhance the planning and coordination of events conducted by nongovernment entities on Hillsborough’s public streets and public property or events that require town resources. The policy also would provide for standardized fees, charges and procedures, updating the permit process.
The draft policy reflects the Town Code and the current street event process that is administered by the Police Department.
Under the draft policy, activities requiring a special event permit would include events such as bike races, parades/marches, festivals, concert series, celebrations, tours, car shows, street dances, sidewalk sales and art shows that may impact town streets or require town staff
or equipment for support.
Applicants of events requiring the use of public services would be required to pay for services deemed necessary by the town, such as police, the fire marshal or the Public Works and Planning departments. Additional fees would include electrical, water and park usage as well as rental fees for equipment, including vehicles, trailers, barricades, cones, fencing, parks and meeting rooms.
The draft policy includes proposed provisions for potential fee waivers and/or reduction of fees for events related to tourism and charitable organizations.
... The proposed policy is part of an effort to respond to a variety of parties’ interests in the growing number and popularity of special events in Hillsborough, including concerns from merchants regarding information on events, blocked streets and parking, the need for advanced notification of traffic detours, noise impacting neighborhoods and post-parade litter.
... That information was used to draft the proposed fees for various services and equipment provided by the town during special events.
A copy of the draft policy is available on the town’s Web site, www.ci.hillsborough.nc.us, on the News page. A copy also may be reviewed in the town clerk’s office on the Town Hall campus, 101 E. Orange St. The draft policy is expected to be considered by the Town Board later
this spring.
The Tourism Board will meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 6, in the Town Barn on the Town Hall campus. The board also will review a report on meals tax collections and discuss evaluations for tourism grants."