The Madison City Council voted Tuesday to ban glass bottles May 5, effectively confirming that date for the annual Mifflin Street Block Party.
"The glass ban resolution is as close as the City Council comes to setting the date for the block party," said Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, whose district includes the block party area. "It sets it in stone and makes it clear to everybody involved in this that the date will be on May 5."
Verveer said he sponsors the glass bottle ban every year for the block party.
In years past, the Mifflin Street Block Party has caused concern for the Madison Police Department, which provides security for the event.
"In the past we've seen over-intoxification, underage drinking, battery, sexual assaults and property damage," said Mike Hanson, public information officer for the MPD. "Those are the big ones that I'll guarantee we'll see."
The vote moves the party's date back to the first week in May after scheduling issues pushed the date into April for two consecutive years.
The date of the party caused controversy in 2005 when the University of Wisconsin academic calendar was moved up a week, causing the event's usual date — the first weekend in May — to fall directly before exam week.
At the time, the Associated Students of Madison told police that students would likely celebrate the party on the last weekend of April.
Though the MPD initially hesitated at moving the date, the department eventually approved of the change after expressing concern that students would hold a large party on both the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May, potentially costing the city double its normal expenses.
While Ald. Zach Brandon, District 7, criticized the decision to move the party's date two years ago, he said he is pleased with this year's planning.
"I'm glad that we are finally on the same page about when this event will occur," Brandon said. "I think that allows for better coordination between the students and the police department, and it cuts costs because we don't have to pay overtime on two days."
Verveer said scheduling problems were kept to a minimum this year, as the university's academic calendar is back to the way it has usually been.
"The block party will return to its normal, traditional spot, the first Saturday in May, which will also be the last weekend before the last week of classes," Verveer said.
Hanson said officers would be working overtime during the block party to curb some of the problems that have occurred in the past.
"There will be a contingency of officers on overtime, but by and large, commanders have worked out a plan where costs are kept at a minimum," Hanson said.
While he acknowledged some area residents dislike the annual party, Verveer said he is proud to have the Mifflin Street Block Party take place in his district.
"To me, it's one of the reasons why UW is a great school," Verveer said. "This and State Street Halloween is something that students look forward to each and every year."
Verveer will hold a neighborhood meeting prior to the party, where residents can meet with the MPD to discuss each other's expectations of the event.
