Schipske Votes Against Octoberfest

I was the lone vote against allowing an Octoberfest in the El Dorado Park again this year. I did so because last year was a disaster for the park.

The promoter cut off access to a great deal of the park. And because of rain, much of the grass area was torn up. Access to the event was very difficult. It really looked more like a carnival and less like an Octoberfest. The beer garden was a slightly fenced off area.

I  received numerous complaints from residents last year about the event and spent many hours in meetings to listen to their concerns.

Not quite sure why the Parks and Recreation Department ok'd the event again this year. The City didn't make much money. Attendance was poor. The venue was disappointing. The promoter took many months to pay the city. Geez, we can do better than this.