Midway keeps Town Square animals ban in place, will use event permits for exceptions

City staff reviewed the current code that governs animals on the Town Square, noting the ordinance language: "No animals of any kind will be allowed on the Town Square except as permitted under the direction of the city." Michael told the council the code gives city officials discretion but is ambiguous about who grants permission and recommended clarifying the approval process through the event-application system.

Council members debated risks (dog waste, crowding, and allergy concerns at events such as Swiss Days) versus community preference for pet access on non-event days. Several members favored leaving the code intact and handling animal exceptions through event permits and mayoral or staff approval for routine requests. The council also asked staff to add a question about animals to the event-application form and to reinstall temporary signage at events; petting-zoo and livestock requests would continue to be managed through the permit process and event application.