Belding Beatnik Bazaar application OK'd after insurance discussion

Feb. 20—BELDING — An application for an annual community market in Belding was approved Tuesday evening after discussion regarding liability insurance.

The Belding City Council unanimously approved a special events application for the Belding Beatnik Bazaar at its virtual meeting Tuesday, Feb. 16.

Belding Police Chief Dale Nelson wrote to the council recommending the Beatnik Bazaar application be approved if the organization provides its own liability insurance. Beatnik Bazaar Market Master Jenny Bennett said providing insurance wasn't a requirement in the previous six years of the event — believing the city's liability covered the organization in the past.

"We've always prided ourselves on being self-sufficient and not having to come to (the council) for any money," Bennett told the council. "I think this is not a high-risk event — it's a community market run by volunteers. I'm just asking why that is a requirement this year and if that is anything that the city could do to help out."

Belding City Manager John Niemela said the city's liability has covered the city in the past — not the Beatnik Bazaar. He added the decision to approve the application with or without the insurance stipulation was up to the council.

"I'm curious why it took us so long to figure it out — this is year seven," said Belding Mayor Mike Scheid.

"I can say the same thing but we haven't... if the council decides it's not going to be a requirement for this particular event, they can have it removed from that document," Niemela responded.

Bennett estimated the cost for insurance would be roughly $1,000. She said vendors are already interested in signing up for the 2021 Beatnik Bazaar and the organization will likely raise their rates.

The application approval was originally listed in the meeting's consent agenda, but Concilmember Bonita Steele requested it be moved to a new business item for discussion. She questioned why a city representative didn't contact Bennett ahead of the meeting to let her know about the application being put on the agenda. Niemela said repeat events are placed in the consent calendar.

Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Meyers agreed that a courtesy should've been given to the Beatnik Bazaar letting it know about the application being placed on the agenda.

"I don't think this was handled very well," Meyers said.

When asked whether she wished to delay a vote or move forward, Bennett said she was OK with the stipulation.

"I think this has kind of been an eye-opener for all of us, certainly myself," she said. "I think I have enough time to gather the proper quotes from various insurance... I'm 100 percent positive our vendors like coming to Belding and this event so much that they're willing to chip in some extra money."

During council member comments, Councilmember Jorel Davis thanked Bennett for her work and apologized.

"Thank you for your efforts on the Beatnik Bazaar and your volunteer staff — it is a great event," Davis said. "I know it's hugely popular and it's definitely something Belding benefits from. I apologize for lack of effort and not informing you on the recommendations that were being put forth and putting it on the agenda with never touching base with you."

This summer marks the seventh season of the Belding Beatnik Bazaar, Bennett said. It is scheduled to take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 12, July 10, Aug. 14, Sept. 11 and Oct. 9 in the lot at the Gathering Place in Belding. The event averaged 95 vendors in 2020, Bennett said.

— Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at esasiela@sentinel-standard.com. Follow him on Twitter @SalsaEvan.

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