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MOTION APPROVING OPENING OF WEBER POINT FOR FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS VIEWING EVENT AND ASSOCIATED COSTS OF UP TO $13,500
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a motion to open Weber Point to the public for fireworks viewing coinciding with the Independence Day fireworks display at the Stockton Ballpark on July 4, 2015, with an estimated cost to the City of $13,500 and authorizing the City Manager to take appropriate actions to carry out the intent of this motion.
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Summary
The Stockton Ports are planning to produce a fireworks show on July 4, 2015. Mayor Silva has successfully coordinated sponsorships and commitments for the Stockton Ports to produce an enhanced event of longer duration which will be held during a local baseball tournament. In coordination with the Stockton Ports, staff is recommending that Weber Point be open from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. that evening so that the public can view the fireworks show. The costs for staff and materials to open Weber Point for the three-hour time period are estimated at $13,500.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City of Stockton traditionally offered an annual Fourth of July event. However in 2008 the event was suspended due to financial constraints and has not been held since. In an effort to bring a Fourth of July event back to the City's downtown, Mayor Silva worked to secure $18,000 in sponsorship funds and commitments for the Stockton Ports to provide an enhanced fireworks show. To date, the Ports have received half of the promised funds, with the remaining $9,000 due by June 5, 2015.
In addition, Community Services staff has worked with the Mayor to determine if Weber Point could be opened to the public to view the fireworks. Two alternatives were developed along with cost estimates. The first alternative is to open Weber Point from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., for a cost of $13,500 which covers police, fire, part-time staff, and clean-up. The event would include food trucks and local radio station presence. The second alternative is to extend the event from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and include additional activities and attractions such as games, crafts, and live music for a cost of $45,000. Neither estimate includes the indirect cost of planning and overseeing the event by full-time staff.
Current Situation
The Stockton Ports have already scheduled a ticketed event at the ballpark to take place on July 4, 2015, as part of a weekend long baseball tournament. Staff has been in contact with Ports management and wants to prevent overlap in event times to encourage participation in both events as much as possible. With this in mind and in consideration of the limited level of full-time staff available compared to prior years, staff is recommending the first option of opening Weber Point from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. as a viewing location.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
If approved, it will cost the City $13,500 to open Weber Point on the evening of July 4, 2015, for this event. Staffing and materials costs will be incurred in the Police, Fire, Public Works, and Community Services General Fund budgets. These costs have not been included in the Proposed FY 2015-16 Budget.