STAFF REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
DATE: Regular Meeting of May 28, 2024
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Dante Hall, City Manager
SUBMITTED BY: Christopher Roke, Parks and Recreation Director Mike Roberts, Public Works Director
Tim Rood, Community Development Director
Joseph Vasquez, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
RECOMMENDATION ACTION:
City Council receive an update on the Bayfront 4th of July fireworks celebration, discuss, and provide direction to staff, if any.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
As directed by City Council, staff has proceeded with planning this year’s 4th of July fireworks celebration on Bayfront Boulevard, which is proposed to be similar to past years, with the addition of food trucks on Bayfront Boulevard, which will be closed to traffic to provide spectators a safer environment to watch the show as well as emergency vehicle access.
BACKGROUND:
In 2021-22FY, the Hercules City Council budgeted $75,000 to bring a Firework Celebration. The event on July 4, 2022, was a joint venture between the City of Hercules and the City of Pinole. The fireworks were launched from the back corner of Block M of the Hercules Bayfront. At the time, both cities believed that this may be the last opportunity to have a land launch in either city. The end result was a spectacular aerial show that lasted a little over 20 minutes, to a delighted crowd of several thousand people along the Bayfront.
In 2022-23FY, the City Council allocated $50,000 for a fireworks show. During the planning of the July 4, 2023 event the City of Pinole decided to hold a separate event, but at the last moment their plans fell through. As a result the City of Hercules saw an increase in spectators that doubled from the previous year. The Fireworks Celebration was once again a 20 minute show on Block M of the Bayfront, and included food trucks.
When the City Council allocated $50,000 for a fireworks celebration in 2023-24, staff immediately began the planning process. Based upon what was learned from last year, the need to provide a safer environment for pedestrians and emergency vehicle access was identified as a top priority.
ANALYSIS:
The City of Hercules is fortunate to have use of the undeveloped parcel known as Block M, which is owned by the developer Ledcor and located at the intersection of John Muir Parkway & Bayfront, to launch the fireworks. The Fireworks Celebration has been a very successful event for the City of Hercules over the past few years. This year’s event will be similar to past years, with the additional step of closing Bayfront Blvd to through traffic as a safety precaution for spectators and to allow for emergency vehicle access. The map of proposed street closures for the event is included as an attachment to this staff report.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Hercules City Council allocated $50,000 for Fireworks in FY 2023-24. No additional funds are being requested.
ATTACHMENTS:
Map of the Bayfront with proposed closures