Board approves multiple event closures, urges better year-round event coordination; tables one rally

The Madison Board of Public Works and Safety approved several event contracts and street-closure requests on March 16, while pressing staff to coordinate event footprints and timing across the riverfront.

The board authorized a $7,500 contract with Sunset Cinema for five Mayor’s Movies in the Park screenings and approved Resolution 2026-7 to close 20 parking spaces along Vaughn Drive for the Freedom Center’s Mindful Connections event on May 16. Emily Applegate, director of operations for the Freedom Center, said the family-friendly event includes booths, a Kona Ice station and a closing movie.

The board also approved street closings for the Molly Dutillo 5K run/walk (Resolution 2026-8) after committee representative Brett Khal confirmed the route largely matched prior years. Board members expressed concern about impacts to hotel access and a one-block closure of Second Street and asked staff to ensure adequate volunteer traffic control and to examine route changes for future years.

A separate request from the Christian Motorcyclist Association (CMA) to stage a state rally and close Vaughn Drive for Aug. 28–29 was tabled. Michael Whitel, state leader for CMA Indiana, told the board he expected about 400 attendees; the mayor and other members said they were concerned the date fell amid a string of riverfront events and overlapping construction and asked staff to consult Visit Madison and city departments before returning the request. The board voted to table Resolution 2026-9 and requested the applicant return at the April 6 meeting with additional coordination.