The City of Onalaska recognizes that special events organized
by individuals, private organizations, and nonprofits serve an important
role in enhancing the City's quality of life and can provide benefits
to the community as a whole. In an effort to treat all persons and
groups uniformly, to facilitate the successful staging of these special
events, and to be mindful of the efficient use of available facilities
and resources, the City will commit staff time and facilities to review
applications to hold special events and assist the organizers as needed
to ensure that special events have an overall positive effect upon
the community and its resources. The City will review special event
applications for the purpose of assisting the event organizer in complying
with various applicable public safety requirements, as well as be
involved during the special event as needed to protect the safety
and welfare of the public, and resources owned by the public. During
the City's review and oversight in this process, the City will address
traffic and parking issues, health and safety issues related to the
participants and the public, effects upon neighboring properties,
fire potential, explosions, disorder and other dangers to persons
or property, preservation of peace and order, sanitation, and the
overall safeguarding of the public health. The City will also consider
the potential diversion of public health, safety, and emergency services
from their regular and necessary duties, and the additional costs
of providing public services necessary to protect the public health,
safety, and welfare associated with special events.