Council tweaks ordinances

The Sisters City Council is changing the way it handles the special events that have become a defining characteristic of Sisters, tweaking two ordinances in their Thursday meeting.

In an effort to clarify and streamline the application of fee waivers for special events in a fair and equitable manner, the council passed a revised Ordinance 419. The definition of "Large Public Event" was changed from 75 persons to 25 persons. The definition of "Small Public Event" was changed to "up to 24 people. This change will effect how and when certain fees and fee waivers will be applied.

The council has consistently expressed their support for special events that are "good for the community." Subsidizing or waiving city use fees and allowing special noise ordinance exceptions are one way the city can actively participate in supporting these community events.

Ordinance 418 related to "noise nuisances" was modified to authorize the city manager to issue a permit for events for "noise nuisance" exceptions for an event until 12 a.m. The new language is intended to clarify the limits for concerts and special events for event organizers and the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office. The language of the change is consistent with the proposal made by Sisters Folk Festival in a Nov. 15 workshop.