Mayor breaks tie after Franklin council deadlocks on allowing Tacos & Tequila event in 2024

Last year, the Tacos and Tequila event in Franklin came with controversy. Many reported long lines, parking issues, limited food and drink and excessive noise in the neighborhood, including profanity in song lyrics.

That event is coming back to Franklin Field in 2024 with assurances from the promoter it will go smoothly and be quieter.

The event was approved following a deadlocked 3-3 vote during a May 7 common council meeting that stretched into the early hours of May 8, with Mayor John Nelson breaking the tie with a vote in favor. The approval came with a condition that a sound check be conducted to ensure that noise levels are not too high.

Joshua James, general manager of Social House Entertainment, which is putting on the event, said the company has learned from its mistakes and shortcomings last year and made changes.

One major change is the stage. In all minor league ballparks the stage is placed center field, according to James. This event will have the stage in left field facing first base and away from the neighborhoods concerned with excessive noise and profanity-laced lyrics.

“This is the first time that we’ve rotated the stage, and it’s a feat in itself to do so,” James said.

He also assured the council the event, set to happen June 22 with Phase Fest on June 23, will wrap up Saturday evening by 10:30 p.m. and Sunday by 9:30 p.m.

Approval for summer concert series in Franklin delayed

In other action, the council initially denied a request by ROC Ventures for a license to operate its summer concert series. However, after the vote, Ald. Michelle Eichmann said she felt more discussion should happen and the motion was reconsidered.

The final decision on the concert series was to table the item until ROC Ventures finishes installing a sound system at The Umbrella Bar as required by Milwaukee County ― and recommended by a recent sound study ― and confirms it is operational and a sound check has been completed.

Once that happens, a special council meeting may be held to vote on the license.

Michael Adkins, senior vice president of ROC Ventures, said at the council meeting the installation would start in the coming days and would be completed by May 24.

Contact Erik S. Hanley aterik.hanley@jrn.com. Like his Facebook page,The Redheadliner, and follow him on X@Redheadliner.