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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 8.3 St Pats ParadeG~~~ OF pUB~G /// ~' 1 `~~~%~ ~ ~ ~~L/FOR~~ / STAFF REPORT C I T Y C L E R K DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL File # ^~~~-~D^ DATE: February 1, 2011 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM: Joni Pattillo, City Manager SUBJE : St. Patrick's Day Parade Prepared By: Martha Aja, Environmental Specialist EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Annual Dublin Cions Club St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2011. Each year, the Dublin City Council participates in the parade. Last year, the City Council rode on the back of an Alameda County Fire Truck with the Alameda County Fire Chief as the driver. In past years, the City Council parade entry has included such activities as riding on top of a float and riding in decorated golf carts. The City Council will consider alternatives for participating in the 2011 St. Patrick's Day parade. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Funds are available in the Fiscal Year 2010-2011 budget to cover the float expense, if that is the alternative selected by the City Council. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council consider alternatives for the 2011 City Council St. Patrick's Day parade entry and provide direction to Staff. I ~ Reviewed y:. Senior Administrative Analyst Reviewed By: Assistant 't Manager Page 1 of 3 ITEM NO. •~ ~ DESCRIPTION: During the 1999 St. Patrick's Day Parade, Staff coordinated a float entry for the City Council. The City Council's float consisted of a flat bed truck with straw for seats, signage, a balloon arch and festive decorations. City Staff drove the truck along the parade route. The Year 2000 Parade entry included decorated golf carts for City Councilmembers. Staff representatives drove the golf carts and Councilmembers distributed small give-a-ways (from the Pride Week celebration) to the crowds along the parade route. The golf carts had signage indicating the City Council person. From 2001 through 2003, the City Council rode together in a float similar to the Year 1999 eritry; in the year 2002, the float was decorated in a 2ptn Anniversary theme in celebration of the City's anniversary. During 2004, 2005 and 2006, the City Council rode together in Alameda County's Antique Fire Truck with the Alameda County Fire Chief as the driver of the vehicle. Decorations and signage were added to the historic vehicle in keeping with the parade theme. As part of the City's 25th Anniversary celebrations in 2007, the City Council elected to have a float decorated with a birthday cake commemorating the important milestone. In 2008, the City Council rode on the back of an Alameda County Fire Truck, from which it distributed small give-aways to the crowds. In 2009, the City Council rode together in a float with festive decorations including a balloon arch. City Staff drove the float along the parade route and Councilmembers distributed small give-aways, which included green fortune cookies and yellow rubber ducks. Last year, the City Council rode together in an Alameda County Fire Truck with the Alameda County Fire Chief as the driver of the vehicle. Decorations and signage were added to the fire truck. In preparing for the Year 2011 Parade, Staff would like to offer several alternatives for the City Council to consider when planning its float entry: 1. Antique Cars. Each Councilmember would ride in an ofder model convertible car. Councilmembers could ride alone or select a guest to ride with them. The selected Car Club or Dealer would provide the driver of the vehicle. Weather permitting, Kassabian Motors has agreed to provide vehicles for the City Council's use should this option be selected. 2. Alameda County Antique Fire Truck. The City Council could request to ride on the Alameda County Antique Fire Truck, as was done in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Fire Chief Gilbert would drive the vehicle or, if unavailable, an alternate could serve as the driver. Appropriate decorations and signage would be included in this alternative. The Antique Fire Truck is currently undergoing repairs; however, the Alameda County Fire Department anticipates that it will be ready by early March. In the event that the antique engine is not available by the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the Fire Chief could drive one of the regular fire engines instead, as was done in 2008 and 2010. 3. Walking. Councilmembers would walk the parade route together. 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 give-aways to the crowd. 4. City Council Float. Councilmembers would ride together in a float decorated consistent with the parade theme. Page2of3 5. Bicycles. 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. 6. Golf Carts. 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). 7. Other Alternative. 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 give-aways to the crowds along the parade route. Due to liability issues with the Lions Club's insurance company, the tossing of give-away items into the crowd is not permitted; however, handing out give-away items is permissible. In the past, all City Council floats have been prepared the day before of the parade by City Staff. NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH: Not Applicable. Page 3 of 3