   |
 |
TxDOT to Hold Public Meetings This Week to Discuss Highly Trafficked Roads 6/16/13
Mayor Says Council Will Revisit Special Events Ordinance, Requirements Could Be Changed 3/17/13
Matt Rist
CBS 7 News
mrist@cbs7.com
March 17, 2013
MIDLAND-A story you'll see first on CBS 7. Mayor Wes Perry says the City Council will discuss potential changes to a new ordinance on Special Events.
The ordinance was recently enacted after the November train crash. The new ordinance requires special parade permits, an application fee and $2 million in insurance coverage for spectators and participants.
Over the past few days, members of the Patriot Guard Riders have spoken out saying the ordinance will keep them from honoring veterans in processions and their annual "Ride to Remember" event.
"Right now we’ve got to have this higher insurance deductible, once we pass this new ordinance it will lower that cost for people," said Midland Mayor Wes Perry. "The whole purpose is to make sure the people are safe, the people watching the parade and anyone that's there."
The Patriot Guard says insurance companies will not write their group policies under the current ordinance requirements.
“The insurance companies will not touch us,” said Teresa Galloway of the Patriot Guard Riders, adding that the issue is with a clause requiring both spectators and participants to be covered.
The mayor says the council will take up the ordinance in their upcoming Tuesday, March 26 council meeting.
"We don’t want to make it onerous for any group, the goal is not to stop parades," said Perry. "It’s just a misunderstanding and I hope we’ll be able to get through it and just right now that’s what our ordinance is."