HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 8.1 St. Patrick's Day Float
CITY CLERK
File # LBJ[5][l]-[!E[Q
AGENDA STATEMENT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: February 7,2006
SUBJECT: St. Patrick's Day Parade Float
Report Prepared by: Julie Carter, Assistant to the City Manager
ATTACHMENTS: None
RECOMMENDATION: ~ Consider alternatives for Year 2006 City Council float entry and
" provide direction to staff.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT:
Sufficient funds are available in the Fiscal Year 2005/2006 budget to
cover the float expenses.
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. The City Manager drove the truck along the parade route.
The Year 2000 Parade entry included decorated golf carts for three 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. During the Years 2001 through 2003 the City Council rode together in a float similar to
the Year 1999 entry; in the year 2002 the float was decorated in a 20th Anniversary theme in celebration of
the City's milestone anniversary. During 2004 and 2005 the City Council rode together in the Alameda
County's Antique Fire Truck with Fire Chief McCammon as the driver of the vehicle. Decorations and
signage were added to the historic vehicle in keeping with the parade theme. In preparing for the Year
2006 Parade, Staff would like to offer several alternatives for the Council to considering when planning
their Council float entry:
1. Antique Cars. Each Councilmember would ride in an antique car. Councilmembers could ride
alone or select their spouse, guest or a child to ride with them. The selected Car Club would
provide the driver of the vehicle. There would be signage on each vehicle identifying the rider(s).
2. Alameda County's Antique Fire Truck. The Council could request use of the Antique Fire
Truck, as was done during the 2005 parade. Fire Chief McCammon would drive the vehicle or if
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ITEM NO.~
F:\Council Reports\2006 City Council Float.doc
unavailable an alternate could serve as the driver. Appropriate decorations and signage would be
included in this alternative. Staff has been assured that prior technical difficulties with the vehicle
have been resolved. The Antique Fire Truck has been used successfully in recent 2005 parade
events within Alameda County.
3. 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). This
alternative is similar to a prior entry.
4. City Council Float. Councilmembers would ride together in a float that is theme decorated with
signage. This alternative is similar to a prior entry.
5. Walking/Other Alternative. Councilmembers would walk the parade route together. Festive
balloons and signage would be developed for this 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 small item give-a-ways to the crowds along the parade
route. In the past, the Council's float has been prepared the day before/ofthe parade by City Staff. At this
time, Staff is requesting direction from the Council as to their selection for the Year 2006 St. Patrick's
Day Parade Float entry and suggestions for the small give-a-way items.
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