Batavia asked to weigh pros, cons of events before planning them

It's kind of a good problem to have: People want public events in Batavia.

"Suddenly we were swarmed with really nice people asking to block off city streets for some really nice events," city administrator Bill McGrath said.

But with those events - be they runs, walks, festivals and whatnot - comes work.

"As a police department, it is really pretty overwhelming the time spent on each of these special events. We want to be cooperative, but we're concerned that more and more gets dumped on our plates," Police Chief Gary Schira told the city services committee Tuesday night.

He asked that the city council set a policy requiring an economic benefit analysis for each event, "to weigh whether the pros are worth the cons. Let's get some concrete data."

Event planners have to submit applications to the police department, describing the events, whether they needs roads closed and what kind of security is needed. An administrative sergeant reviews their plans, consulting with other departments, including public works and the building department. But that position is being eliminated due to budget cuts.

The committee directed the city administrator to investigate how to figure out economic benefits from events.

The city does charge for the actual services provided, such as police officers, electrical inspections and delivery of road barricades. It does not charge an application fee.

"(Public works) can hardly turn around without being asked to drop off barricades," said Alderman Jim Volk, committee chairman.

McGrath noted that road closures "gets a little thornier" every year with residents, and if they are on Sunday mornings, churches.

On the other hand, the visitors they attract are a positive thing, Volk said.

"Maybe people see something they like in Batavia. Because that's why we do these things."