The Dunkirk Common Council granted the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club a loudspeaker permit, but then decided not to waive city fees for the club’s annual walleye tournament.

The loudspeaker permit, sought for the Con Club’s summer entertainment schedule, was tabled at the council’s previous meeting. It wound up passing, 4-0, with no further discussion.

The council then heard a Con Club request to waive fees for use of 20 picnic tables and a couple of bandstands at their walleye tournament, set for July 31-Aug. 3.

Councilwoman Nancy Nichols inquired if the city normally charges for use of its equipment at similar tournaments. “Historically, we have charged for that, yes,” Mayor Kate Wdowiasz replied.

“I still have a problem with this, where we said we weren’t going to be waiving anything more and I don’t know where we stand on this,” Nichols said. “It’s minima l… we did grant one (waiver previously), but are we going to continue this? It’s making us look foolish because we say we’re not going to do it, and then we do it.”

She added, “I know it’s a walleye tournament and this group brings in a lot of people and generates a lot of (business income). So what do we do?”

“But they can also afford it. It’s not like it’s thousands of dollars,” Councilwoman Abby Zatorski said. “I’m still firm on, we’re not supposed to be waiving any fees. That’s my stance on everything.”

“It should not be waived. I think that we do it for a non-profit, maybe the Office of the Aging, but for private (clubs), we shouldn’t,” said Councilwoman Natalie Luczkowiak.

Councilman-at-large Nick Weiser suggested that the council approve use of the city equipment for the Con Club’s tournament — with the specification that fees for use of the equipment will not be waived.

The council approved that course of action, 4-0 (Councilman James Stoyle was not present).