HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 8.4 St Pats Parade Float~~~~ \
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CITY CLERK
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AGENDA STATEMENT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: February 3, 2009
SUBJECT:
ATTACHMENTS:
RECOMMENDATION:
FINANCIAL STATEMENT:
St. Patrick's Day Parade Float
Report Prepared by: Roger Bradley, Administrative Analyst
None
Consider alternatives for the 2009 City Council St. Patrick's Day
parade entry and provide direction to staff.
Sufficient funds are available in the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 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. 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 entry; in the year
2002, the float was decorated in a 20th 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-a-ways to the crowds.
In preparing for the Year 2009 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 antique car. Councilmembers could ride
alone or select a guest to ride with them. The selected Car Club or Dealer would provide the driver
COPY TO:
F:ACouncil~Agenda Statements~2008-20092009 City Council Float.doc
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of the vehicle. Kassabian Motors has agreed to provide vehicles for the City Council's use should
this option be selected.
2. Alameda County Fire Truck. The Council could request to ride on a regular Fire Truck, as was
done last year. 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 unavailable as it is undergoing repair.
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).
4. City Council Float. Councilmembers would ride together in a float decorated consistent with the
parade theme.
5. Walking. Councilmembers would walk the parade route together. Festive balloons and signage
would be developed for this alternative.
6. 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-a-ways to the crowds along the
parade route. In the past, all Council floats have been prepared the day before/of the parade by City Staff.
RECOMMENDATION: Consider alternatives for the 2009 City Council St. Patrick's Day
parade entry and provide direction to staff.
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