For large-crowd events, holding an assembly in Iowa City will not be free anymore.

During a Tuesday evening meeting, the Iowa City City Council approved a resolution that establishes a new administration fee for events.

Events that will likely take more than two hours to process because of the duration or size of the event are included in the new $75 fee.

Equipment used on the right of way or in a park also falls under the fee criteria.

The measure was approved by a 7-0 vote.

City officials say the resolution was needed as an average of 150 permit applications are processed per year, and staff can take anywhere from 30 minutes to more than 10 hours processing them.

However, the resolution will provide the fee to be waived if the applicant is unable to pay and that the content of the speech is irrelevant.

The council, also on a 7-0 vote, approved a first consideration of a separate resolution that will establish insurance provisions and made consistent with permit fees.

Applicants for parade or public-assembly permits must also provide insurance if the event is either in the street or if equipment and other items are placed on the sidewalk, Pedestrian Mall, or in a park.

— by Rebecca Morin