Pubdate: Sat, 16 Aug 2003 Source: Wisconsin State Journal (WI) Copyright: 2003 Madison Newspapers, Inc. Contact: http://www.wisconsinstatejournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/506 Author: Brian Bridgeford Baraboo News Republic SAUK COUNTY TO REPLACE ORDINANCE The New Law Will Replace One Ruled Unconstitutional After Being Used To Stop A Weedstock Festival. BARABOO -- Sauk County Board members could act as early as Tuesday to replace the ordinance used to halt the 2000 Weedstock marijuana festival that was found unconstitutional in July by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. County Administrative Coordinator Gene Wiegand said the new ordinance is designed to respond to the issues raised by the 4th District Court of Appeals, such as the time for applying and for granting a permit for a large gathering and the cost of such a permit. The ordinance was challenged in a lawsuit filed by Ben Masel of Madison, promoter of the annual Weedstock gathering to promote the legalization of marijuana. Masel and several of his followers were arrested as he prepared for Weedstock 2000 on Memorial Day weekend on a farm east of Baraboo. Masel refused to get a permit for the festival, claiming provisions of the ordinance were too restrictive of his rights to free expression and political speech. Sauk County Sheriff Randy Stammen brought in a large force of area police officers to seal off the site. Most participants left peacefully, but Masel and 11 others were arrested for resisting a court order requiring the permit or for drug-related violations. The Sauk County Executive and Legislative Committee reviewed the court ruling and, upon advice of the county's insurance company, decided against appealing to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The amended version of the ordinance includes the following changes: Requires the county to decide on a permit within 20 days rather than 45 days. Cuts the permit fee from $100 per day to $100 per event. Allows applications to be made 30 days before an event rather than requiring 60 days. Allows the use of two or more cell phones instead of a hardwired phone, if cell phones work at the site of the event. Eliminates penalties for organizing, promoting, advertising or selling tickets for an event before its permit has been approved. Masel's lawyer, Jeff Scott Olson of Madison, said he's disappointed that Sauk County is amending the ordinance before consulting with his client. The committee members voted unanimously to approve the amended ordinance and sent it to the full County Board. If you go What: Sauk County Board meeting When: 6 p.m., Tuesday Where: Third-floor board meeting room, West Square Building, 505 Broadway downtown. Why: Amend Chapter 12 of the Sauk County Code of Ordinances that governs assemblies of 1,000 or more people who are together for more than 18 hours in a place that is not generally equipped for people to gather. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin