SNOHOMISH – With help from a private security firm, the city may have enough security officers to safely run the annual downtown motorcycle show.
City manager Larry Bauman said Thursday that he will recommend that the City Council approve a permit for the Old Snohomish Antique and Classic Motorcycle Show based on a security plan the police chief is developing. The show is scheduled for May 15.
The council will vote on the issue Tuesday. A simple majority is needed for passage.
Earlier this week, representatives from the show offered to hire and pay a private security firm for the one-day event, which began eight years ago.
The contract would likely cost the motorcycle show about $4,000, said James Sanders, the event’s sponsorship director. In addition, the show would have officers from public police agencies, including the city police department.
“I think it’s overkill. We all think it’s overkill,” Sanders said.
The show has not had any major incidents in the past. But city officials have been concerned about members of motorcycle clubs, including the Hells Angels, who attend the event, Sanders said.
Bauman said he doesn’t know how many officers will be at the show, but added that personnel from a private firm would allow the city to provide enough security.
Because of budget cuts in overtime pay, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office will not provide deputies this year. In May 2004, 48 security officers, including 13 from the sheriff’s office, were at the show, which featured about 6,000 motorcycles and brought about 15,000 visitors to the town of about 8,500 people.
Some downtown business owners have expressed concern that large special events such as the motorcycle show discourage customers because of road closures and a lack of parking.
City Councilman Larry Countryman, who owns a bed-and-breakfast inn downtown, said he plans to vote to grant the permit. The show is a good chance to expose the town and its businesses to thousands of people, he said.
“It’s only for Sunday,” Countryman said. “Those people who have a problem with the motorcycle show just don’t seem to realize the long-term benefit.”
Meanwhile, the show faces another hurdle.
Bauman said he would recommend that the council approve the permit as long as the show takes place in the area where special events are allowed. The council set the boundary in late 2004.
Sanders said he hopes the show can use the same space as last year, which went beyond the designated area for special events. But if the city insists the show be contained in the events area, show organizers can compromise, Sanders said.
“We will try to work with the city however we can,” he said.
Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.
Council decision
The Snohomish City Council will decide Tuesday whether to grant a permit for the 2005 Old Snohomish Antique and Classic Motorcycle Show. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the George Gilbertson Boardroom, 1601 Ave. D.
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