City Council approves lease exception for POW-MIA rally

The Pocatello City Council said yes to the POW-MIA rally, but with a few conditions that could be tough to meet.

The POW-MIA Awareness Rally has been held annually at the Bannock County Fairground, but not without controversy because of perceived security concerns. This year, the group would like to hold the rally at the Pocatello Raceway. Holding it on that property would require a lease exception from City Council.

Many gathered in council chambers Thursday night awaiting the results. The Pocatello City Council did approve the lease exception; however, there was a list of four stipulations, which the city feels would create a greater joint effort on the safety concerns.

“Well, it has to be a joint effort,” said Pocatello Chief of Police Scott Marchand. “It’s not going to work if it’s not a joint effort. Everyone has to work together.”

Councilman Steven Brown proposed those four stipulations.

1. The security plan must be approved by the chief of police.

2. A bond of $50,000 must be posted.

3. All law enforcement must be paid for by the event sponsor.

4. In the event of a major incident, the city can revoke this exception at any time during the event.

“You pay for the bond, and then if you use it there’s an additional fee that goes along with it,” said Brown. “If you don’t, then you don’t have any additional cost. If that is needed to be used the city can be reimbursed for the expenses. So it’s an insurance policy for the city.”

Heidi Young, director of the rally, said she was happy to gain the approval; however, the bond creates some issues. The bond will require $5,000 up front, and in case of an incident, which will be determined by the chief of police, the other $45,000 would then be required. Young says she doesn’t have $45,000 for this event.