HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 8.3 St Pats Parade Council Participation
STAFF REPORT CITY CLERK
File #950-40
CITY COUNCIL
DATE:February 4, 2014
TO:
Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM:
Christopher L. Foss, Acting City Manager
SUBJECT:
City Council St. Patrick’s Day Parade Participation
Prepared by Martha Aja, Environmental Coordinator
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Annual Dublin Lions Club St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March 15,
2014. Each year the Dublin City Council participates in the parade. Last year the City Council
walked in the parade and handed out giveaways to the crowds. The City Council will consider
alternatives for participating in the 2014 St. Patrick’s Day parade.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funds are available in the Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget to cover the expense of the selected
alternative chosen by the City Council.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council consider alternatives for the 2014 City Council St.
Patrick’s Day parade entry and provide direction to Staff.
Submitted By Reviewed By
Assistant to the City Manager Acting Assistant City Manager
DESCRIPTION:
For more the 15 years, the City Council has participated in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The form of participation over the years has varied from year to year, and Staff is seeking input
from the City Council on how it would like to participate in the 2014 parade. A recap of past
participation is provided for reference below.
ITEM NO. 8.3
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Means of
Year Description
Participation
1999 Float Flatbed truck with straw for seats, signage, a balloon arch
and festive decorations.
2000 Golf Carts Staff drove the golf carts, which had signage indicating the
City Council person on board.
2001-2003 Float Flatbed truck with straw for seats, signage, a balloon arch
and festive decorations.
2004-2006 Antique Fire Truck Decorations and signage were included on the vehicle.
2007 Float Birthday cake celebrating the City’s 25 th anniversary.
2008 Fire Truck Decorations and signage were included on the vehicle.
2009 Float Balloon rainbow with pots of gold for decorations.
2010-2011 Fire Truck Decorations and signage were included on the vehicle.
2012 Cable Cars Decorations and signage were included on the vehicle
2013 On Foot - Walk Staff carried signage and drove a decorated electric vehicle
full of giveaways, which the City Council passed to the
crowds along the parade route.
In preparing for the 2014 Parade, Staff would like to offer several alternatives for the City
Council to consider when planning its entry:
Alameda County Fire Truck
1. . The City Council would ride on an Alameda County Fire
Truck. In 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010 and 2011, the City Council rode on the Antique Fire
Truck. In 2008 and 2010, the City Council rode on a regular Fire Truck. This year the
Antique Fire Truck is not available. The Fire Chief would drive the vehicle or, if
unavailable, an alternate could serve as the driver. Appropriate decorations and signage
would be included in this alternative.
Cable Cars
2. . As was done in 2012, the City Council would ride together in a decorated
Cable Car.
Walking.
3. Councilmembers would walk the parade route together as was done last year.
Festive balloons and signage (such as banners) would be developed for this alternative.
The option of walking sends the message to the community that “Dublin Is Green” and is
committed to healthy lifestyle choices. If this option is chosen, Councilmembers could
hand out giveaways to the crowd. If the City Council elects to walk this year, a brisk pace
will be required to ensure that the flow of the parade is not impeded.
City Council Float.
4. Councilmembers would ride together in a float decorated consistent
with the parade theme.
Bicycles.
5. Councilmembers would bike the parade route together on bicycles provided by
a local Dublin bicycle shop (Dublin Cyclery). There would be front and back signage on
each bicycle identifying the rider. If this option is selected, each Councilmember would go
to the bicycle shop prior to the parade and choose a bicycle to ride in the parade.
Golf Carts
6. . Councilmembers would be able to drive alone or buddy-up in rented golf
carts that would be decorated for the occasion. Councilmembers could drive or be driven
along the parade route. There would be front and back signage on each cart identifying
the rider(s).
Other Alternative.
7. The City Council may have other alternatives that are feasible for the
parade entry.
A modest budget is available for the float entry and for small item giveaways to the crowds
along the parade route. Due to liability issues with the Lions Club’s insurance company, the
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tossing of giveaway items into the crowd is not permitted; however, handing out giveaway items
is permissible. In the past, all City Council floats have been prepared the day before the parade
by City Staff.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
Not Applicable.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
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