HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-02-23 - AGENDA REPORTS - JULY 4 FIREWORKS (2)CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
NEW BUSINESS City Manager Approval:
Item to be presented by: Zele Macpherson
DATE: February 23, 1999
SUBJECT: 1999 4'' OF JULY FIREWORKS
DEPARTMENT: Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
That the City Council reluctantly not sponsor or endorse a July 4' fireworks display
in Santa Clarita. The reasons for this recommendation are a lack of suitable space,
safety concerns, the impact on neighborhood businesses and residents, the
additional burden on the Fire and Sheriffs Departments, the lack of parking, and
the danger it would present to homes and private property.
At its January 12, 1999, meeting, City Council requested staff evaluate the viability
of a fireworks show on July 4, 1999, at Hart High School. This request was in
response to a proposal for the 1999 Santa Clarita Valley Country Fair, made by
Theatre Arts for Children.
For many years, until 1988, The Signal Newspaper sponsored a fireworks event at
Hart High School. After the 1988 presentation, it was determined by the sponsors,
the Signal and Custom Productions, that it was no longer safe to produce the show
at Hart High School, because of the rowdiness of the crowd, damage to private
property, and the limitations of the location in regards to crowd control and access
for emergency vehicles.
The Signal moved the fireworks show to the College of the Canyons in 1989 and
1990. With complaints from the neighboring residents, and the rising cost of the
presentations, the Signal decided they were no longer able to sponsor the fireworks.
In 1992, the company that had produced the shows at College of the Canyons and
the last few years at Hart High School, Custom Productions, decided to sponsor its
own fireworks show. This event, entitled "Hartland, U.S.A.," was held at the College
of the Canyons. Custom Productions was unable to cover the costs of the event
through the event ticket sales and sponsorships, and has not sponsored or produced
a 4' of July fireworks show locally since that year.
Continued To:_ R
Agwnda a_140
From 1994 to 1997 fireworks were presented as part of Frontier Days, which was
located at or near the Saugus Speedway, and was sponsored by the Chamber of
Commerce. When the Chamber of Commerce discontinued Frontier Days, the
fireworks show was also cancelled.
In 1991, 1993, and 1998, there were no fireworks within the city limits.
In conversations with the Santa Clarita Sheriffs Department, the Los Angeles
County Fire Department, and the Hart High School staff, many concerns were
expressed about presenting fireworks within the city limits of Santa Clarita.
The overriding concern was for the safety of the participants of the event and
potential damage to private property. This was reflected in many of the problems
that the emergency service agencies foresaw with fireworks at Hart High School.
With the crowding of the streets that would occur with this presentation there would
be no way to effectively access the event site, should there be an emergency
situation.
The second concern is the impact on businesses and residents, by producing an event
that could theoretically draw over 10,000 people. The area businesses' parking lots
could become filled with cars of fireworks watchers. This would make it impossible
for customers to shop at those stores. The local residents would not able to get to
their homes easily, because of the overburdened streets. These same businesses and
residents will be impacted by the 4' of July Parade that morning.
The third concern is the demand that would be placed on both the Sheriff and Fire
Departments on one of the busiest days of the year for both agencies. With the 4' of
July Parade and the Santa Clarita Valley Country Fair taking place on the same
day, there is a serious risk of not being able to supply the required numbers of
personnel to adequately cover an event of this size.
The fourth concern is the danger of a fireworks show being produced in close
proximity to homes. While the upper field of Hart High School is technically large
enough to be safe, it is a problem that homes border the field: This doesn't allow for
any margin of error, or for the additional concern of lack of access for emergency
vehicles. This would result in a potentially dangerous situation.
The above concerns would apply to any fireworks presentation, regardless of the
location of the event.
The estimated cost of a fireworks presentation, with all the logistics and safety
components, including Sheriffs Department, Fire Department, and Public Works
personnel, is $60,000 to $70,000. The fireworks presentation alone is approximately
$20,000 for a fifteen -minute show.
In 1991, a study was presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission that
addressed the issue of fireworks in Santa Clarita. [See Attachment A] The report's
conclusion was that there were no locations that adequately addressed the major
issues of producing a fireworks presentation.
The recommendation to the Commission was that a 4' of July fireworks display,
sponsored and produced by the City of Santa Clarita, was not feasible based on the
impacts presented in the report. The same concerns were raised by the Santa
Clarita Sheriffs Department, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and the
Hart High School staff when contacted in 1999.
Based on all of the above information, staff recommends that the City not sponsor or
endorse a fireworks display within City limits.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
1. Develop a plan for implementation of fireworks for July 4, 1999.
2. Support existing fireworks events in the Santa Clarita Valley, but outside City,
through advertising and ticket sales.
3. Other direction as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Parks and Recreation Commission report from October 14, 1991
AEM/PL:skh
pr\council \agnrepts \1999 \ firework.doc
PARRS AND RECREATION COMMISSION October 14, 1991
NEW BUSINESS
SUBJECT: 1992 JULY FOURTH FIREWORKS DISPLAY ,
INITIATED BY: ROBYN FRANKLIN, RECREATION SUPERVISOR;-7—
BACKGROUND
The Parks and Recreation Commission has requested staff to further investigate
possible sites, for a fireworks display, and to identify the criteria required
to hold a fireworks display at the area high schools and College of the
Canyons. This information was requested for the December 1991 meeting.
Staff began the investigation process and hosted a group meeting with the Hart
High School District, College of the Canyons, L.A. County Sheriff's
Department, and L.A. County Fire Department. The meeting was held on
October 3 1991. Due to the significant concerns that were expressed during
this meeting, staff determined it was necessary to bring this information to
the Commission at the October meeting for further review.
The group identified several key issues that would have a direct impact on
discussion of a City -sponsored fireworks display.
1. The Hart High School District will not restrict the use of their
facilities for a fireworks display. In order for the use to be
approved the City would have to meet the requirements outlined
by the District regarding Sheriff's Department officers,
supervisory personnel, fire protection, traffic control,
fencing, portable rest rooms, parking areas, neighborhood and
area clean-up, and liability insurance. Most importantly, the
City would be responsible for all neighborhood damage costs as a
result of the display and the public relations problems that
accompany the neighborhood impact.
2. College of the Canyons responded that the above requirements
would be necessary to use their site for a fireworks display.
In addition to the above mentioned criteria, it would be
necessary to meet -the needs of the Summit Homeowners
Association. They have indicated that for an event to occur at
College of the Canyons they require neighborhood Sheriff
patrols, officers for vehicle check-in at all entrances,
perimeter patrol of the neighborhood, and reimbursement for all
personal property damage as a result of the event. Also, the
new composite track in the stadium area would need to be
completely sectioned off from use.
3. At this time it is estimated that there is a potential for
fireworks displays requiring fire and sheriff protection at the
following sites:
Saugus Speedway (private sponsor).
Castaic Lake (private sponsor)
College of the Canyons (private sponsor)
Magic Mountain (private sponsor)*
*Does not require fire protection
The L.A. County Fire Department has indicated that the 4th of
July is the busiest day of the year for calls they must respond
to from the community. In order to cover all the area events it
would be necessary to hire fire protection officers outside of
existing staff at a double time rate (if available). The L. A.
County Sheriff's Department also runs a full crew each 4th of
July. They do not believe they have the manpower to effectively
cover the above mentioned events. Both the Sheriff's Department
and school district felt that private protection agencies, i.e.
event and security patrol personnel, are an acceptable
alternative for security and protection.
4. In 1992, the 4th of July will be on a Saturday which produces
additional need for security and protection throughout the
area. This is due to an increase of incidents involving alcohol
and neighborhood disturbances as exhibited in similar years.
Further discussion of possible area locations for fireworks displays resulted
in the following information.*
1. The Frontier Days site did not have adequate space for a
fireworks display which provided too high of a fire risk.
Parking was not adequate.
2. Saugus Rehabilitation Center site posed a severe fire threat. A
show could be set off from above but the public would only be
able to view the event from the entrance Level of the site on
Bouquet Canyon. This posed traffic and parking problems for the
area.
3. Saugus High School was eliminated due to the fact that parking
was not adequate, not accessible to large numbers of vehicles
via Bouquet Canyon Road, and there was not safe location to
stage the display.
4. Hart High School was eliminated because it was in the same area
of the City that the College of the Canyons event would cover.
5. Canvan High School was considered but sizeable concerns included
fire danger of people on the surrounding hillsides viewing the
event, traffic impact in the neighborhood because the school
only has parking for 300. Also, the only location to stage the
event would be on the existing football field or nark.
6. College of the Canyons was identified as a possible site but as
mentioned earlier, several cost factors and public relations
issues would need to be addressed. There is also a concern
regarding the fire dangers that might occur in the Summit area
due to the geographical layout of the development. College of
the Canyons' representative had also indicated that a private
sponsor, Gene Taylor of Custom Productions, had requested use of
the stadium to stage a 4th of July event to include a fireworks
display. Mr. Taylor is presently soliciting support for the
event.
Please note that for any of the above sites to be considered for use, the City
would need to address a series of public meetings in the impacted
neighborhoods to determine the effect on citizen/City relations.
* The group agreed upon 10,000 as a low estimate for crowd size
for any location.
This report is a synopsis of the information discussed with all parties
present at the October 3 meeting. Further information regarding criteria for
use of school sites will be supplied by Ailliam S. Hart Union High School
District and College of the Canyons for distribution at the October 14, 1991,
Commission meeting. Along with cost estimates from both the L.A. County
Sheriff's and Fire Departments, a representative from each agency will be
present at the October 14, 1991, meeting to further substantiate the
information addressed in the report and to answer your specific questions.
RECOMMENDATION
Zt is strongly recommended that the Parks and Recreation Commission seriously
consider the issues identified below in determining whether the production of
a 4th of July fireworks display is feasible.
- Ability to ensure the public safety
- Use of substantial City dollars to fund a program which includes
high risk factors
The indirect long term effect of the City's image in those
neighborhoods that will be directly impacted by parking,
traffic, and damage
The direct impact on the Parks and Recreation Departments summer
programs in order to provide management, supervision, and
maintenance of such an event
It is recommended that the Parks and Recreation Commission determine that a
4th of July fireworks display sponsored and produced by the City of Santa
Clarita is not feasible based on the impacts presented in this report.
RF:skh
PRCOMMIS.489
M
Mayor Jo Anne Darcy
City of Santa Clarita
23900 W. Valencia Blvd., Ste. 300
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Re: 4th of July Fireworks Show for 1999
Dear Mayor Darcy:
I am writing to request the City of Santa Clarita support a public July 4, 1999 fireworks
show for the residents of our community.
Since 19811 have been either the producer, organizer, sponsor or participant in every
major public fireworks show in Santa Clarita. Unfortunately, it is clear that without the
support of a major sponsor, or the City of Santa Clarita, neither my company Custom
Productions, or anybody else, can afford to undertake this event by ourselves.
I agree with the City's Staff Report that Hart High is an inappropriate site. Sammee
Zeile and I decided that issue together way back in 1988! However, it is not the only
site. There are at least four suitable alternative sites within our city boundaries. I am
prepared to secure an appropriate site in conjunction with the City of Santa Clarita if
the City agrees to provide some limited support. Specifically, I request that the City
provide the necessary security, traffic and crowd control support. This is something the
City does for other community events, such as the 4th of July parade. Interestingly, our
neighboring and similarly -structured cities of Palmdale, Lancaster, Thousand Oaks and
Simi Valley ALL provide either this minimal level of support, or pay for the entire
event and charge no admission to its residents.
What are the benefits to the City and our own community?
➢ Local Non Profit organizations will have a significant income opportunity by
receiving a portion of the ticket price for tickets they sell, along with having the
opportunity to have vendor booths at the event itself. In 1992, when the event
LOST money, non profit and educational organizations earned well over $15,0001
➢ Although no net profits are expected, if they do result this year, then those funds
will be used to reimburse the City for its in-kind services. Alternatively, if the city
so designates, all profits will be donated to participating non-profit organizations.
➢ Ticket prices are targeted to be around $7 per person, creating a very affordable
family event for our citizenry.
➢ The event will include entertainment and last from 6:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
Custom Productions 4 22922 Magnolia Glen Dr 1 Valencia, CA 91355 ♦ (805) 297-PYRO
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The overriding benefit to our conununity is that upwards of 20,000 Santa Clarita
residents will have the opportunity to congregate together and celebrate our nation's
birthday. Many more will be able to see and enjoy the fireworks from their home.
You will be interested to note from the attached summary information that in the City
of Lancaster, their annual July 4°i Fireworks show is regarded by the council members
AND by city residents as the "...last remaining truly free give -back program to our
citizens" and is a traditional "... once -a -year forum used to introduce city council
members to their electorate".
I request that the City Council authorize support for this event and have staff work with
me to finalize this event.
Thank you for your consideration and your dedication to our community.
Sincereb
4�_15
Gene Ta
Custom
cc: George Carvablo, City Manager
City Council
Attachments: July 4°i Proposal
Related Info sheet
Custom Productions f 22922 Magnolia Glen Dr i Valencia, CA 91355 f (805) 297-PYRO
July 4' 1999 Proposal
Introduction: Since 1981, there has not been a July 4' Fireworks Show held in the
Santa Clarita Valley without myself having been the show producer, organizer,
sponsor, and/or participant. This is true for all public fireworks shows held here in
the SCV, primarily intended for the residents of our SCV, with the exception of the
two small donated shows which occurred in conjunction with Frontier Days in 1996
& 1997. As our valley has grown to over 200,000 residents, it is time for the "Most
Patriotic City in the US" to finally once again have a high quality public July 4r°
Fireworks Celebration.
Proposal: With the assistance of the City of Santa Clarita, Custom Productions will
produce a public Fireworks Display on July 4', 1999. The show will be coordinated
with all interested existing July 4' events within the SCV, and will begin again a
tradition that started over 40 yrs ago, but was interrupted in 1993.
City Support Requested: I request limited support from the City of Santa Clarita in
order to make this event a reality. I request only that the city provide all necessary
and appropriate security, traffic and crowd control support.
Event Description: I and my companies name will only be associated with a high
quality event. Based on past experience, I can guarantee the following elements:
1. Any net profits (none are expected) will be returned to the City of SCV;
2. We will have the largest & best Fireworks Show this side of the Rose Bowl;
3. Low-cost entrance tickets for SCV public; target sale price=$7.00 or less;
4. Event will include early evening entertainment; start 6pm through 9:30pm.
5. There will be a limited number of free tickets available for unemployed.
Event Site: The final site has not yet been selected. Site selection will be done in
conjunction with the City of SCV. There are at least four possible sites. All have
various positive and negative considerations. All are feasible for a safe July 4'
Fireworks show. The suggested alternative sites are: COC, Central Park, Valencia
Mall, and another alternative site in Canyon Country near the MetroLink Station.
Gene Taylor
Custom Productions ♦ 22922 Magnolia Glen Dr f Valencia, CA 91355 f (805) 297-PYRO
RELATED INFO:
An evaluation of several of our neighboring "sister cities" was done to get a better
understanding of what each of them does for it's citizenry in regards to providing a
July 4' Fireworks show each year... The following information was discovered:
Lancaster. CA — The City of Lancaster has provided a free July 4'b Fireworks show for it's
citizenry every year since it's incorporation. There is NO entrance fee, and ALL costs are borne
100% by the city. The city plans on a PT staff of (30) people, and FT staff of (3) to support the
event. Park rangers and the sheriff provide all necessary security. Event costs include 15K for
the fireworks, 3 to 5K for entertainment, and an actual 3-5K payroll costs budgeted for the day.
Additional costs such as the sheriff, rangers, etc. are incurred but not tracked or attributed to the
July 4' event. The event is held at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, which is rented for the day
by the city for $1.00 due to their mutual -use and support agreement with the Fairgrounds. The
City of Lancaster has a total population of less than 130,000 people. Last year there were 8,000
in attendance at the event within the fairgrounds, and another 10,000 estimated viewers outside
the fair but in nearby viewing ar eas. The Fireworks show is regarded by the council members
AND by city dwellers as the "...last remaining truly free give -back program to the city" and is a
traditional "... once -a -year forum used to introduce city council members to their electors".
Palmdale. CA — Palmdale similarly has provided a free July 4' Fireworks show for many years.
The event is held at Palmdale High School, there is NO entrance fee, and ALL costs are borne
by the city of Palmdale. Estimated event costs for 1999 are 25K for the fireworks and
entertainment program, 6,000 for vendor and "other" program related costs, 1,000 for
advertising, and an additional 1,600 for equipment rental and one-time supply costs. Total costs
are budgeted for 1999 at about $35,000. Actual city payroll costs are not included in the budget,
and the personnel includes many volunteers for that day. The county sheriff and Park Rangers
provide security. Security costs for the sheriff, rangers, etc. are NOT included in the July 4t°
budget. The High School does not charge the city for the use of their property for the day.
There are about 115,000 people in the City of Palmdale. Last year there were an estimated
6,000 in attendance at the event, and another 20,000 estimated viewers nearby.
Simi Valley, CA — In Simi Valley, the local ROTARY CLUB has sponsored and held this event
for many years. They hold the event at a local high school, and charge $5 to $8 admission to the
public. Their total expense budget for 1999 includes 15,000 for fireworks alone, and totals
about $30K for the entire event. The total costs are held down because there is no site rental or
usage fee from the high school, and all security, traffic control, and fire dept expenses are borne
solely by the City. In addition, the Dept of Rec & Parks works closely every year with the
Rotary Club starting early in the year to help plan and put the event on. It is a cooperative
effort, and they are a crucial element of the total event.
Thousand Oaks. CA — The City of Thousand Oaks pays for and has similarly sponsored a
public July 4' Fireworks show for many years consecutively. No admission fees are charged.
The costs are split 50/50 between the Park District and the City. Costs for the Fireworks show
for 1999 are budgeted at $15,000 ($7.5K per ea agency). The show is fired from "Fireworks
Hill" above the 1000 Oaks Mall; there are special activities at all nearby city parks, and the
mall parking lot is made into a large public gathering area with vendors, picnicking, etc.
Everything is provided to the public free of charge. CalTrans, the CHP, local Fire Dept, Police,
and other agencies are involved early on in the cooperative event planning. "We don't track all
the various related event expenses, but it would be a very very major expense item if we did".
Custom Productions ♦ 22922 Magnolia Olen Dr 1 Valencia, CA 91355 f (905) 297-PYRO