Chadds Ford Township supervisors had scheduled a hearing on a special events ordinance for their June 1 meeting, but that has been postponed. A future date was not set.
The reason for the delay was to give supervisors time to make changes to the draft ordinance, Supervisors Chairman Frank Murphy said.
While the hearing was off the table during the meeting, discussion on the ordinance was on.
There was no discussion of the changes, but talk did involve the current draft that calls for a $150 fee for an event — or a series of no more than 10 events of a similar nature — that draws at least 225 people. The proposed ordinance covers outdoor gatherings, including meetings, fairs, sporting events, festivals, carnivals, and other events.
Kendal Reynolds, board president of the Chadds Ford Historical Society, wanted to know whether traditional events, such as Chadds Ford Days and The Great Pumpkin Carve, were grandfathered.
The short answer from Murphy was no.
“This ordinance does not grandfather anything,” he said.
Murphy said the township has changed over the years, and that an event that drew 50 people 30 years ago might attract 500 now.
Solicitor Michael Maddren interjected, telling Reynolds there was no need to feel intimidated by the ordinance.
Donna Gormel from the Brandywine Conservancy & River Museum of Art asked if there was a blanket permit that would allow for year-round events.
Township Manager Amanda Serock reminded her the permit would be good for up to 10 events and Vice Chairman Samantha Reiner told Gormel that the fees were only required for outdoor events.
Some events are exempted from the need for permits. Those include state or federally sponsored parades or events, any special event sponsored by the township, funeral processions, and First Amendment activity on township streets that wouldn’t interfere with the township’s ability to respond to public safety emergencies.
Other business
• Also during the meeting, supervisors approved an application for a massage therapy business at 161 Baltimore Pike. Applicant Holly Fickes said after the meeting that it would be several weeks before she could open because work is needed on the building.
• Supervisors rescheduled their June workshop to June 22.
(5 votes, average: 3.80 out of 5)
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