HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 7.2 Splatter Finale Options
STAFF REPORT CITY CLERK
File #950-40
CITY COUNCIL
DATE:June 18, 2013
TO:
Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM:
Joni Pattillo, City Manager
SUBJECT:
splatter Finale Options
Prepared by Ann Mottola, Heritage and Cultural Arts Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Parks and Community Services Department has compiled this report in response to the City
Council’s request to explore possible event ending highlights for the 2013 splatter event.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The estimated costs for the finale range from approximately $20,000 to $25,000, not including
support services; and have the potential to be partially offset by sponsorships. Sufficient funds
were included in the Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Budget to approve any of the options.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve a fireworks finale for splatter on September 21,
2013 and continue with fireworks or laser light shows in future years.
Submitted By Reviewed By
Director of Parks and Assistant City Manager
Community Services
DESCRIPTION:
At the February 2, 2013 City Council Meeting, Staff recommended four strategies to stabilize the
event model for splatter, create production efficiencies, improve the guest experience, and
develop customer loyalty and customer confidence in the event. The City Council approved
these strategies, and also directed Staff to explore ideas such as a Friday night event, keeping
the day-to-night event model, offering more international food, finding big draw performers, and
possible event ending highlights.
ITEM NO. 7.2
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OPTIONS
Staff investigated three categories of finales to splatter. Based upon the research conducted by
Staff, the relative cost of any alternative researched (Laser Show or Staged Production) would
be similar to fireworks. However the production timeline and logistical considerations for
alternative events differ significantly.
Laser Show
A laser show has the potential to be a dynamic finish to “splatter;” however more logistical
research and planning are necessary. Staff found that equipment quality and logistics vary
significantly from vendor to vendor. One challenge to having a laser light show in the park is that
large surfaces are needed to project the laser. The ultimate success of a laser production would
benefit from prospective vendors seeing the layout of the event and the physical amenities that
a vendor could potentially use for projection. Staff would like to use this year’s event as a vendor
walk-through so that it can be researched for future years, particularly when the Emerald Glen
Recreation and Aquatic Complex is under construction.
Staged Production
Staff researched the possibility of unique staged productions that could provide a dynamic finish
to the event. Examples of these productions include dance revues, “Cirque de Soleil” type
performances, or innovative percussive dance similar to STOMP. While there would be an
impact from the uniqueness of the production, none have the same visual impact as fireworks or
a laser light show. They would be less unique and probably draw fewer visitors that a stunning
visual display. Additionally, the timeline for booking the highest quality and determining
production specifications is well over a year out and longer than what is currently available for
the 2013 event.
Fireworks
The 2013 splatter event can accommodate fireworks this year using the same plan as used in
the first year of the event. Staff would contain the costs of offering the fireworks by securing
corporate sponsorship. Based on the success of last year’s event, and the recent record
breaking St. Patrick’s Day Festival, many corporate sponsors have interest in aligning
themselves with the City’s events.
As noted during the February 2, 2013 City Council meeting, once the Emerald Glen Recreation
and Aquatic Complex is under construction and completed the existing layout for fireworks will
not be able to be implemented due to setback requirements. With the addition of the large
amphitheater to the park master plan by the City Council on April 16, 2013, there is the potential
in the future to create a new event layout that would allow for smaller firework shells to be fired
from the area behind the amphitheater, creating a spectacular backdrop to the amphitheater
stage. This would allow the City the option to continue to incorporate fireworks if they are truly
essential to the success of the event, as evidenced by the post event survey in 2012. If the
event continues to grow, the revenue model should be able to sustain a smaller, less costly,
fireworks show.
SUMMARY
In consideration of the City Council’s recommendation to include a finale and the intention to
deliver an event model so customers’ expectations can be met for future years, Staff
recommends a fireworks finale for splatter 2013. Staff also recommends sustaining the evening
party concept with a grand finale of fireworks or laser in future years.
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NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
No public noticing is required.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
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