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Council tables motion to put more restrictions on park pavilion rentals

By Press Release

Turning city parks into a more regulated environment didn't go over well with the City Council Monday, which voted to table a resolution that would have added new rules for residents wishing to book large gatherings at park pavilions.

The rules would have banned amplified music, bounce houses and grilling pits.

The council voted 6-3 to table the proposal and have an informal committee of council members meet with City Manager Jason Molino to discuss pavilion rental rules.

"I don’t feel we suddenly need to make changes in our rules and regulations and our application process simply because of a couple of various groups that created some problems," said Councilman John Canale.

Councilman James Russell said further restrictions run counter to the intention of having parks in the first place.

"I think we’re restricting the citizens of Batavia from using the parks for what they were intended to be used for," Russell said.

Council members Kathy Briggs, Tim Buckley and Pier Cipollone voted against tabling the proposal.

Cipollone said he was generally in favor of the rule changes.

"The only one I had any problem with is the amplified music because if I were to have an event there, I would probably want to have music," Cipollone said. "The other items were fine to me."

WBTA contributed to this story.

Debbie Paine

I laughed out loud at Mr. Cipollone's comment. I guess it is all about what he has a problem with and what kind of entertainment he needs. Bounce house hater.

Apr 9, 2013, 7:31pm Permalink
Mark Potwora

Who on council brings these things up...Is there a problem in the parks that we need all these new laws...These parks are for us the public....The rules would have banned amplified music, bounce houses and grilling pits...What is a grilling pit..All music is amplified ..So that means no music,no cooking hots and hamburgs....just another example of over reaching government....Glad the council tabled this...Does the city just want us all to stay out of the park..

Apr 9, 2013, 8:18pm Permalink
Kyle Couchman

Mark the way I read the article, this was brought to the council by city management (Which means Jason Molino) the same people that brought you the clandestine plans to change the trash removal system and then step out of the trash business to let us all sink or swim on our own rather than do the work or God forbid actually discuss with us "the public" anything to do with the trash system. Now it seems they dont want us "the people" using the city parks either. Whats next, will they ticket a 5yr old child that is throwing a ball around and giggling to loud?

Apr 10, 2013, 5:37am Permalink
Jason Crater

As I understand it, acoustic music would still be permitted...so that guy that shows up to every party with a guitar and only knows one song is still free to annoy everyone.

Apr 10, 2013, 7:55am Permalink
Robert Brown

Don't worry Jason, they'll figure out a way to force that guitar freak to buy a permit for every gig so he's sure not to venture off his front stoop ever again!

Apr 10, 2013, 8:39am Permalink
kevin kretschmer

"What is a grilling pit.........So that means no music,no cooking hots and hamburgs........."

One has nothing to do with the other. Pit cooking involves digging a large hole in the ground to slow cook a pig or side of beef. I seriously doubt anyone would be in favor of that in a public park, unless there is some sort of pre-designated area for it. Most parks restrict the use of large-scale portable grills as well because they burn the grass and the topsoil wherever they are set up.

Apr 10, 2013, 11:50am Permalink
Cheryl Wilmet

"amplified music, bounce houses and grilling pits". The citizens of Batavia are just a bunch of partiers. Here we go again with losing out on things because Molino and the city council want to change things. Also when I moved to Batavia near Williams Park I expected to hear music from the park during parties and the only reason it bothers me is I wasn't invited (I do love a good cook out). I would like to know who complains about all of the issues that brings things to the attention of the city leaders. Really they need to get a life.

Apr 10, 2013, 3:36pm Permalink
John Roach

Cheryl,
Read a bit more careful. Council put this on hold because they did not want to change things.

While this proposal is just more unnecessary restrictions, where were all the people when the right to smoke, even in a designated area, was denied?

Where was everyone when the right to have a beer at the park without paying $25 was taken away?

You don't take some rights away from some people, then not expect your rights will be taken away later.

Apr 10, 2013, 4:08pm Permalink
Cheryl Wilmet

John I did complain about the changes made denying smoking and beer. They shouldn't take away any rights since the citizens are the people paying for the parks. My family and I used to pay to use the park pavilions but not with the changes.

Apr 10, 2013, 5:40pm Permalink
Kyle Couchman

If I remember correctly the no smoking rule was deemed unenforceable. When I say this I mean you can't be ticketed for it but if you are belligerent you can get ticketd for say....littering for example. I can see enforcing it near the kids play areas but in other areas? Just silly. By the way I am NOT a smoker but it still just seems silly and stupid.

Apr 10, 2013, 8:26pm Permalink

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