Unlike years past, a popular annual music festival was given its approval Monday to serve alcohol on a city street without much controversy.

Jeff’s Jam, an annual downtown fundraising event organized by Backstretch Bar owner Joanne Meyer received unanimous approval from Delaware City Council members on the sale and consumption of alcohol in a designated area of South Sandusky Street. The ordinance was passed on its third reading. No one appeared before council Monday to offer public comment.

The event is a daylong music festival in honor of Joanne Meyer’s late husband Jeff Meyer. Jeff’s Jam was moved outdoors three years ago, adding a beer garden to provide more room.

Council debated on taking the issue to a fourth reading, but most council members were in agreement that Meyer had satisfied the set requirements. Meyer said her application was submitted in August to allow the proper amount of time for public debate and council consideration.

Council passed in February a more structured process for special events, which institutes at least two readings before city council on those applications seeking alcohol permits. Applicants must also be a nonprofit organization and provide a valid copy of a ruling or determination letter recognizing the organization’s tax-exempt status.

The special event application also must be turned in to city council and the city manager’s office at least 90 days prior to the event with an accompanying written request for the use of alcohol.

A special event liquor permit should also be obtained from the State of Ohio Liquor Control Department. At least $1 million in liquor liability insurance is required, as well as a valid agreement on paying for police services.

Meyer said she has complied with all requirements.

The 10th annual event is set for 4 p.m. to midnight Aug. 14, a time change from previous years. The time change will help move the event into the hours of a more adult type of venue to alleviate family anxieties, Meyer told the council.

The event raised $2,500 for the Delaware Music Boosters, $2,500 for area musicians medical bills and $5,000 for the Delaware Musicians’ Hall of Fame scholarship fund.

A 5-1 vote in June 2009 to allow for the alcohol sales in the city street prompted a bitter dispute among city council. This led city councilman Jim Moore to initiate a referendum petition seeking to bring the issue to a public vote. The public didn’t receive sufficient opportunity to comment prior to council’s vote, as last year’s ordinance was passed on a first reading, Moore said previously.

mmackey@delgazette.com