Administrative
Report
H.4., File # 22-3863 Meeting Date: 4/12/2022
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: CAMERON HARDING, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
TITLE
APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH PYRO SPECTACULARS IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,000 FOR A BARGE BASED 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS DISPLAY IN KING HARBOR
RECEIVE AND FILE INFORMATION ON THE COST OF A DRONE SHOW
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On December 7, 2021, the City Council received a presentation on possible events for July 4th, 2022.
The discussed events included a Riviera Village festival sponsored by Mr. Jeff Ginsberg that would include a barge-based firework show off of Avenue I; a City sponsored fireworks display from a barge in King Harbor; and a private event at Seaside Lagoon sponsored by the King Harbor Association.
Following the discussion, the City Council approved all three events and directed staff to provide information on the cost of a drone show for future consideration.
Community Services staff have received a special event application from Mr. Ginsberg for the event in Riviera Village and are working with him to organize event logistics with other City departments (Police, Fire, Planning, Public Works, etc.). In addition, Community Services has secured proposals from fireworks vendors for the City’s barge-based show in King Harbor and has collected information on drone shows. It should also be noted that, after reviewing the costs associated with the activity, the King Harbor Association has decided against hosting an event at Seaside Lagoon.
In order to move forward with the City sponsored fireworks display in King Harbor, staff recommends the City Council approve an agreement in the amount of $60,000 with Pyro Spectaculars for the provision of a barge and fireworks display. In order to fund the fireworks show, the City Council approved a budget modification appropriating $60,000 from the Tidelands Fund to the Community Services Department as part of the mid-year budget review. In addition, staff recommends the City Council receive and file information on drone shows included in the report.
BACKGROUND
2022 King Harbor Fireworks Display
Community Services conducted an informal bid process and received two proposals for the bargebased fireworks show in King Harbor. A third company, Fireworks America, indicated they were already booked for July 4, 2022 and could not provide a proposal. A fourth company, Zambelli Fireworks, opted not to provide a proposal.
H.4., File # 22-3863 Meeting Date: 4/12/2022
Pyro Spectaculars provided a proposal for $60,000. The proposal includes a 20 minute fireworks display, the cost of the barge rental, preproduction services, music production and choreography, a licensed pyrotechnic operator, specialized crew, an electronic firing system, and pyrotechnic safety equipment. The proposal also includes insurance coverage, sales tax, and delivery. Exposhows, Inc. provided a proposal for $67,600 that includes a 21-minute fireworks display, the cost of a barge rental, product, labor, and insurance costs.
The City worked with Pyro Spectaculars for the 2021 fireworks display at Seaside Lagoon. Pyro Spectaculars worked extremely well with Public Safety and Public Works staff to ensure all safety protocols were followed. Pyro Spectaculars also provided the fireworks display for the 2021 Riviera Village event and coordinated start times to ensure the two shows did not occur at the same time.
Mr. Ginsburg has indicated he will again be working with Pyro Spectaculars for the 2022 Riviera Village event.
Staff recommends the City Council approve an agreement in the amount of $60,000 with Pyro Spectaculars for a barge-based show in King Harbor. In order to fund the fireworks display, the City Council approved a budget modification appropriating $60,000 from the Tidelands Fund to the Community Services Department as part of the mid-year budget review. It should be noted that the Seaside Lagoon will be open to the public on July 4th for regular swimming activities but will be closed in the evening for the Fireworks display.
Drone Show Information
Community Services contacted two companies, Sky Elements Drone Show and LA Drones, in order to gather information. The industry standard for a drone show is 8-12 minutes, due to typical drone battery capacity. Viewing distance is important to keep in mind. Most drone shows can be viewed up to a half a mile away. Sufficient viewing is limited to viewers that are not immediately in front of the show, for most designs. Drone show designers will work with the client on a story board or theme for the show. A typical drone show will have 8-12 animations and/or images. Once the animations are selected, a 3D rendering will be provided and the drone company will conduct test flights at their testing location to ensure accuracy and clarity of images in the sky.
Drone shows can be designed with up to 500 drones. For most large community events, 200 drones are used. Unlike a firework show, drone show pricing is primarily driven by the number of drones in the show, not the length. The greater number of drones used per show will increase the cost of the show. Secondary cost factors include design and travel expenses. The standard pricing per drone is $350-$500 pending on design complexity. Stock shows are usually near the bottom of the price range, while custom shows are higher. A 200 drone show for example will run between $70,000- $100,000 depending on the designs selected, including design and travel.
On site set-up would start 3 hours prior to the show’s start time. Drone companies do not require power or water. They need a 200ft. x 100ft. stable space to set up the drones. This can be done on the beach or parking lot. Drones are launched straight up for a show. The stable location needs to be away from any magnetic areas as magnets can throw the drones off. The city would need to provide site security and block off necessary access points during the drone show.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for the City’s barge-based fireworks display has been appropriated from the Tidelands Fund.
H.4., File # 22-3863 Meeting Date: 4/12/2022
Funding for the City’s barge-based fireworks display has been appropriated from the Tidelands Fund.
The City Council approved a budget modification of $60,000 from the Tidelands Fund to the Community Services Department as part of the mid-year budget review.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
Pyro Spectaculars Agreement
Pyro Spectaculars Certificate of Insurance
Pyro Spectacular Fireworks Proposal