A suggestion by Josh Myers, Fredonia fire chief, to get department approval on event applications before they go before the Fredonia Village Board for approval makes a lot of sense.

So much sense, in our opinion, we have a hard time believing that it wasn’t the procedure already.

Myers wants most events that are expected to draw large numbers of people to go through an approval process that includes an approval from the Police Department, Fire Department, the Code Office and then the Public Works Department before the Village Board takes a look at the application. Myers wants to see the permit on the village website, with information filled out there routed to all the departments.

A similar process is used in Jamestown and works well. Most issues are ironed out before they get to the City Council for approval. Council members still have the ability to make changes or amendments to special event applications, and council members often have suggestions and discussion even with preliminary issues worked out. Council members often question missing approvals or notes the city’s department heads have made on application. Some applications are tabled until council members’ questions are answered. Overall the process works and is relatively smooth.

Getting department heads involved early in the special event approval process should result in a smoother process for both event organizers and village officials. Myers’ proposed change should take effect soon.