Columbus city councilmen unanimously approved Tuesday a 90-day moratorium on events at the Columbus Fairgrounds until the property manager can present a plan to curb violent activity at the location.

During a roughly 35-minute long discussion with Jane Jordan, president of the Columbus Fair and Livestock Association and property manager for the Columbus Fairgrounds, councilmen agreed the best way to move forward was to halt events while Jordan contemplated how to address potential security issues in the wake of a Dec. 26 shooting at the fairgrounds.

One victim, 25-year-old Jeremy Wells, of Columbus, was injured in the shooting, which happened shortly before 1 a.m. Wells was shot in the hip from behind and flown to North Mississippi Medical Center. He was reported as being in stable condition after the incident.

Smith, in explaining the council’s decision for Jordan, said councilmen can lift the moratorium on events if Jordan presents a plan for consideration before the 90 days are up.

“The moratorium is for 90 days, but if you come back at the next council meeting, which would be two weeks from tonight, and you present a plan, then the council has the authority to where they can lift that 90-day moratorium and adhere to whatever your plans are, or they can make some modifications,” Smith said.

Jordan expressed a mix of frustration and confusion at various times during the meeting. She said she did not know Jennerio Jones, who hosted a party at the fairgrounds the night of Dec. 25, was holding the event until that night. She said she unsuccessfully attempted to contact Columbus Police Department after finding out about the event.

Jones had security at the event, though some dispute arose as to how many security officers were present. City attorney Jeff Turnage and Police Chief Oscar Lewis said two security officers were at the party, while Jordan said five were there.

Permit process

The council approved an ordinance in November 2014 stating property owners leasing venues for gatherings with more than 100 people expected to attend and where alcohol would be consumed, must apply for an event permit with the city at least five days prior to the gathering. The ordinance came about, in part, to respond to a murder at the fairgrounds in May 2014 when 21-year-old Devin Montgomery was shot dead at a graduation party.

Jones’ Dec. 25 party was not permitted. Since the city passed the ordinance, Columbus Fairgrounds has filed for 19 event permits, including Jones’ Christmas party in 2015, according to city Public Information Officer Joe Dillon. No incidents have occurred at those 19 permitted events.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Jordan asked the council to help her forbid private parties at the fairgrounds. Jordan further added she doesn’t have an issue with charity events, such as fundraisers, but she has been trying to move away from allowing private parties.

“The people I’m having problems with are these parties when they’re throwing these events — and they may call it a birthday party — but they’re charging at the door and sticking all that money in their pocket,” she said. “They really don’t care what happens.”

Both Ward 3 Councilman Charlie Box and Ward 6 Councilman Bill Gavin expressed sympathy for Jordan’s position. However, Gavin pointed out that Jordan did not need council authority to forbid certain events at the fairgrounds, which is private property.

“You can stop these parties,” he said. “You don’t have to have our permission. You can say no, and at the end of the day, you’ve not done these. We’ve had problems there in the past. At the end of the day, to me, this responsibility falls on your shoulders.”

Alex Holloway was formerly a reporter with The Dispatch.