The Associated Students of Madison Student Council passed a resolution Wednesday endorsing involvement in a spring festival event to be held the same day as the Mifflin Street Block Party.
Student leaders released a proposal Tuesday containing preliminary details for the May 4 event, which could include musical performances and vendors selling alcohol to patrons over 21 years of age.
According to a draft of the proposal, student leaders, including representatives from the Wisconsin Union, the Associated Students of Madison and the Wisconsin Alumni Student Board, met in November to discuss preliminary plans for the event.
The resolution, passed by a vote of 12-8, states ASM support and involvement in the event.
However, during debate over the resolution, many council members said they felt confused over the resolution and the process used to plan the May 4 event.
ASM Legislative Affairs Chair Dan Statter said he did not agree with the planning process, saying it lacked proper communication within the organization.
“No chairs knew about this proposal, even though it was presented as having full backing of ASM and student body,“ Statter said.
But many representatives said passing the resolution would provide support for a great alternative event without underage drinking at the end of the year.
ASM Student Council Chair Andrew Bulovsky said he supported the resolution because it aligns with ASM’s initiatives.
“We would be ensuring safety of students and not centering a fun event around drinking,” Bulovsky said.
Also in the meeting, council elected Britt Moes to the position of ASM Shared Governance Chair.
ASM Nominations Board Chair Sean McNally spoke on behalf of Moes, citing her dedication as an outstanding feature.
“She has knowledge of Student Council and has a passion for everything she does,” McNally said.
Student Council also elected Collin Higgins, a former representative, as chair of the newly formed ASM Sustainability Committee.
Rep. Niko Magallon said because Higgins spearheaded the committee’s creation earlier this semester, he is the right person to run the committee during its first semester.
“Collin has been doing the groundwork to work with the Office of Sustainability,” Magallon said. “He will carry all of his work into this committee.”
