Representatives of the Town of Webb Board met with John Nemjo and his attorney, Tim Foley, recently to discuss an agreement between the two parties for future Paddlefest events, according to Webb Councilwoman Kate Russell who, along with Councilman Mike Ross, took part in the meeting.
Russell and Ross gave a report to fellow council members at the board’s October meeting last Tuesday.
Paddlefest, a multi-day event that originated in Inlet, has taken place at the Old Forge Lakefront in recent years.
Nemjo, who founded it, presents the event annually through his local business, Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company.
Both Russell and Ross described the meeting with Nemjo as productive.
Nemjo recapped the event’s history and how Mountainman’s arrangement with the town came to be, according to Russell.
Specifically, he and attorney Foley explained the purpose behind the road closures that occur at the lakefront during the event-closures that have attracted some complaints from members of the community.
According to Foley, the closures were originally done at the suggestion of Webb’s Police Chief as a means of improving safety.
Another reason is to allow sufficient security for the merchandise that remains on-site at the lakefront throughout the event.
The street along the lakefront gets blocked off with barricades.
Councilman J.B. Herron said that along with the rest of the board he believes Paddlefest to be a community asset.
“It’s a great event,” he said.
However, he said he would like to table a contract agreement so more work can be done on improving the road situation.
Mountainman had proposed a three-year contract that would effectively extend the terms of its 2011 contract with the town.
Supervisor Moore explained that Paddlefest’s arrangement with the town has been a work in progress over the years and that improvements have been made, including speeding the time it takes to get the roads opened after the event.
Councilman Richard Risley said he could agree to extend the existing contract terms, but only for one year.
Risley said future boards should have the opportunity to revisit the contract and not be locked to the arrangement of a previous board.
Heather Stafford, a resident who was on hand for the meeting, urged the board to consider all the positive aspects of Paddlefest.
Although there may be some inconvenience, there are large numbers of people and economic benefits coming at a time when there are mostly bugs in town, she said.
Councilwoman Russell agreed.
She said that Old Forge offers many events, but very few of that magnitude during the shoulder seasons. Events of this type should be encouraged she said, and the negatives kept in perspective.
Following discussion, the board agreed to a one-year contract, according to existing terms, by a four-to-one vote, Councilman Herron preferring to explore the road closure situation further.
