CUMBERLAND — The city got help from county officials for a proposed film ordinance that initially caused “hysteria,” Cumberland Administrator Jeff Silka said at Tuesday’s work session.
Silka said Allegany County Director of Tourism Ashli Workman provided feedback to help the city correct the former proposal, which was met with disapproval from a variety of folks on social media.
Part of the problem was a 30-day application period in the first draft.
“(Workman) got some negative feedback from the state office about the 30-day requirement,” Silka said. The update to the proposal “kind of softens (it) up if anybody does a review of our ordinance.”
The latest language states that applications for a permit must be submitted to the city “as soon as possible” before use of public services or property is requested.
The former draft included a non-refundable $500 application fee. The latest version reduces that amount to $125 due at the time the service request is submitted.
“Once the hysteria got over, people actually wanted to read the ordinance and realize we’re not controlling film, we’re not prohibiting, all we’re doing is making sure we protect the public and the public’s right and the public investment that we get money back and we’re not subsidizing a private business,” Silka said.
Under the updated proposal, a permit will be required when any filming or photography “requires the exclusive use of public streets, sidewalks, parks, or (rights of way).”
Additional updates to the draft include that permits won’t be required for “bona fide news media activities,” personal, family or recreational photography, activities conducted by government agencies, or projects that won’t impact public operations or safety.
“You can film any way you want. However, if we need to shut it down, then it triggers the permit,” Silka said.
Cumberland City Councilman Jimmy Furstenberg addressed the process needed to correct the earlier proposal.
“This is the way it’s supposed to work,” he said of acknowledging problems with the draft to “fix it.”
Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss spoke of people’s complaints about local government.
“They say (Allegany County) doesn’t have the discussions and they give them heck for not having the discussions, and we have the discussions and they give us heck for the drafts.”
The city’s updated proposed film ordinance is expected to be on a public meeting agenda in the near future.