Council approves Fifth Street closure for Just Like Mamas car show and pays for two off‑duty officers

The council unanimously approved a special‑event street closure and authorized funding for two off‑duty police officers to support the one‑year anniversary car and jeep show hosted by Just Like Mamas on Aug. 2.

Interim Parks and Recreation Director Cindy Edwards told the council staff had reviewed the event permit and that Police and Fire had recommended approval. The proposed closure is Fifth Street from Park to Central Avenue with access to the Fifth Street parking lot; staff said the closure would run from noon to 8 p.m. on Aug. 2 and that the organizer had provided a certificate of insurance and an updated ingress/egress map in response to Development Review Committee comments.

Council members discussed whether the city should subsidize off‑duty officers for the event, noting the approval for the existing Fifth Street Market had included off‑duty coverage as part of a longer‑running partnership. Commissioner Nesta moved and Commissioner Anderson seconded funding for two officers; the council approved the motion by unanimous vote. Staff said the typical off‑duty rate discussed was $55 per officer per hour; with two officers and roughly eight hours the estimated city cost would be about $880.

Just Like Mamas owner K. Valerie Sparkman and several residents applauded the council’s support. Residents in public comment urged consistent treatment for similar events and said small downtown events help activate the corridor and support adjacent businesses. Staff said a future budget workshop item could formalize a process or program for ongoing event support and consistent qualification criteria for one‑time or recurring downtown events.