Administrative
Report
N.3., File # 23-7208 Meeting Date: 2/6/2024
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: CAMERON HARDING, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
TITLE
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING 2024 FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS
INCLUDING A CITY SPONSORED EVENT IN KING HARBOR, A PRIVATELY SPONSORED EVENT AND FIREWORK DISPLAY IN THE RIVIERA VILLAGE, A PRIVATELY SPONSORED 5K RUN, AND
A DAYTIME EVENT AT DOMINGUEZ PARK
DIRECTION ON WHETHER THE CITY-SPONSORED EVENT IN KING HARBOR SHOULD
INCLUDE A BARGE-BASED FIREWORKS DISPLAY WITH GARDEN STATE FIREWORKS AND PI
ENVIRONMENTAL OR A DRONE LIGHT SHOW PROVIDED BY SKY ELEMENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In previous years, the City of Redondo Beach has hosted and coordinated multiple events on the 4th of July holiday, including a City sponsored annual fireworks display near Seaside Lagoon, a 5K run in Riviera Village, and a privately sponsored event on Avenue I that culminates with a second fireworks show that follows the City’s display.
In 2023, the City had to replace its regular fireworks display with a drone show due to new National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements instituted by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (Board) pertaining to the discharge of fireworks on, or near, the ocean. The new requirements also forced the cancellation of the second, privately funded, bargebased fireworks show.
In 2024, staff is planning for the return of the above events, and a new daytime event to be held at Dominquez Park, for which the City Council appropriated $20,000. This event is expected to include food, music, and activities at Dominquez Park, and tours of the Historical Museum and Morrell House.
Staff has been working with multiple vendors to determine the options that exist for the City sponsored fireworks display or drone show. The City’s previous partner, Pyro Spectaculars, has serious concerns about the new NPDES Permit requirements, which has forced staff to find a new qualified vendor. Thankfully, after contacting numerous companies, Garden State Fireworks (GSF), has come forward and expressed a willingness to assist the City with the 2024 display.
It should be noted that GSF’s fireworks quote ($65,000) and barge quote ($38,171) for the show is more expensive than the fireworks events hosted in previous years and that additional funding must be allocated to support the new NPDES permit fee ($3,500), the environmental consulting services
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be allocated to support the new NPDES permit fee ($3,500), the environmental consulting services needed to comply with the Water Board requirements ($7,500), and mooring services to anchor the barge (estimated to be $5,000).
Pi Environmental has been identified as the firm to help the City with the new environmental requirements. Pi has recently supported other ocean-based fireworks displays in the region and if contracted would apply for the City’s NPDES permit, provide on-site environmental monitoring staff before, during, and after the event, and complete the required reporting to the Board. Alternatively, staff has secured an $80,000 quote from Sky Elements to produce a show that was similar to what was provided in 2023.
At this time, staff is seeking direction on the various events and specifically whether to pursue a City hosted fireworks show, with the appropriate permit and consulting fees, or a drone show.
BACKGROUND
In May, 2023, the Regional Water Quality Control Board adopted new fireworks regulations and established a Permit for the discharge of fireworks on or near the ocean. As a result, the City’s contracted fireworks vendor for the 2023 4th of July event, Pyro Spectaculars, informed the City that it was unable to produce a fireworks show consistent with the new Permit guidelines. In an effort to provide a celebratory event for the community, the City coordinated a drone show to replace the traditional fireworks show. In addition, enhanced activities were coordinated at Seaside Lagoon and a modified event was held on Avenue I with the 5K Run proceeding as planned.
FOURTH OF JULY 5K RUN: In 2023, the annual 5K Run returned to July 4th, following it being held on July 3rd in 2022. This change in event date was due to staff resource concerns to support a landbased fireworks show as well as the other events scheduled on the busy holiday. A barge-based fireworks show requires less staff resources, which allowed the 5K Run to return to its traditional day in 2023.
The 2023 5K Run was well produced and organized, with no critical issues or major concerns reported by staff. The sponsor has already submitted the application for the 2024 event and requested the event take place on July 4th. Staff is confident it can support the request so long as any City-sponsored fireworks display remains a barge-based show. A land-based show requires additional staff resources for road closures and traffic management during the event, along with debris and trash collection after the event, among many other concerns. The full cost of staff resources associated with the 5K Run will continue to be the responsibility of the sponsor.
RIVIERA VILLAGE EVENT: The annual Riviera Village event includes closure of Avenue I, from Catalina Avenue to the Esplanade, for a music stage, beer garden, and food vendors that are available throughout the day and into the evening. The event typically culminates with a second, barge-based fireworks display immediately following the City’s show. Any staffing costs associated with the Riviera Village event remain the responsibility of the event sponsor, Mr. Ginsburg. Overall, this event has been held without any major concerns from City staff.
In 2023, the fireworks component of this event was canceled as a result of the Permit and subsequent unwillingness of Pyro Spectaculars to produce the show under the new guidelines.
Although staff is still awaiting the completed application for Mr. Ginsburg’s 2024 event, staff anticipates an event similar to those held in previous years. Further, Mr. Ginsburg and his team have
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anticipates an event similar to those held in previous years. Further, Mr. Ginsburg and his team have indicated that they wish to resume the fireworks display in coordination with the City event, should one be produced in 2024. If his fireworks display is approved by the City Council, Mr. Ginsburg will be required to comply with, the NPDES Permit regulations, while also working collectively with staff to coordinate the fireworks vendor and any additional environmental components to ensure a safe event.
DOMINGUEZ PARK EVENT: As part of the adopted FY 2023-24 budget, $20,000 was allocated to support a 4th of July holiday event at Dominguez Park. To make best use of the funding and staff resources, a four-hour daytime event from 10:00am- 2:00pm, that would include the following components, is recommended:
· Coordination with the Redondo Beach Historical Society for the opening of the Morrell House including tours of the facility
· Opening of the Historical Museum for tours
· The Fire Association Band to perform live music
· Game booths and face painting
· Coordination of food vendors and/or food trucks
· Coordinated efforts with the Friends of the Redondo Beach Dog Park Staff have begun formally engaging various groups and local organizations and will work to finalize the event plans as directed by Council.
SEASIDE LAGOON: In 2023, Seaside Lagoon was open on the 4th of July holiday and offered additional activities for the public, including corn hole games, DJ and photo booths, snow cones provided by Wanna Chill, and face painting. In addition to these extra amenities, the lagoon was reopened prior to the drone show to provide the public an additional viewing area. The cost to provide these enhanced activities at Seaside Lagoon was approximately $9,000.
Staff recommends that Seaside Lagoon remain open on the 4th of July holiday for regular operations, with no additional amenities, from 12:00pm - 10:00pm. Hosting overlapping events at Dominguez Park and Seaside Lagoon has the potential to stress staffing resources, and focusing on the core functionality of the lagoon will allow for the best overall experience for visitors at both sites. General admission would be charged for entrance to the lagoon from 12:00pm - 8:30pm with water access being restricted at 7:30pm. Entry gates would open to the general public at 8:30pm to provide an additional viewing area for the 9:00pm fireworks or drone light show.
KING HARBOR FIREWORKS: Traditionally, the City has held a barge-based fireworks show in King Harbor with the exception of the 2021 and 2023 4th of July holidays. In 2021, the City’s fireworks display was discharged from land, resulting in the full-day closure of Seaside Lagoon to adhere to safety protocols outlined in the California Fire Code, which requires a clearance zone of 500 feet in diameter from the launch site once fireworks arrive on site. This prevented use of the facility on what is typically a well-attended day.
More recently, in 2023, the City held a drone show to replace the typical barge-based fireworks show.
This change was the result of the new NPDES Permit associated with fireworks displays on or near the ocean. The City’s contracted fireworks vendor, Pyro Spectaculars, informed the City it would be unable to produce the barge-based fireworks shows consistent with the new permit requirements. In response, and in an effort to find an alternate way for the community to celebrate the 4th of July
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response, and in an effort to find an alternate way for the community to celebrate the 4th of July holiday, a 10-minute drone show was coordinated with Sky Elements, which provided the show at a reduced cost of $65,000. Overall, the drone show was well produced and created a unique way for the community to celebrate the holiday, especially given the last-minute planning efforts, which required a special Council meeting be called to consider the contract.
In preparation for the 2024 event, staff has reached out to multiple fireworks vendors to determine availability as well as a willingness to produce a fireworks show under the strict guidelines of the NPDES Permit. Fireworks America and Zambelli Fireworks both informed staff they are unavailable on the 4th of July due to prior committments. Pyro Spectaculars has indicated that they are available and willing to work with the City to obtain the Permit, but have substantial concerns with the required provisions in the Permit. As such, their team is reconsidering whether they would be willing to produce the upcoming 4th of July fireworks display. Following multiple conversations with representatives from Pyro Spectaculars, staff is concerned that there may not be enough time to overcome the issues raised, which introduces uncertainty similar to what the City experienced in 2023 and ultimately led to the show being cancelled. At this time, Pyro Spectaculars has not yet provided a formal proposal for the 2024 event. Historically, Pyro Spectaculars has charged between $65,000 and $70,000 to produce the barge-based fireworks display, not including the cost for moorings.
Following review of the Permit, Fire Chief Butler and his team are confident that all guidelines and application process can be safely met for a 2024 show. In an effort to secure an alternative fireworks vendor, staff was recently connected with Garden State Fireworks (GSF), which is a reputable fireworks company based out of New Jersey, who have indicated that they are available to produce a fireworks show for the City on the 4th of July. GSF has provided professional fireworks displays for Super Bowls, Major League Soccer All-Star Games, and the 2021 Presidential Inauguration, so staff is confident they have the experience to produce a high-quality show. Staff has received a proposal from GSF for $103,171, not including moorings. This proposed show is comparable in regards to the quantity and quality of the fireworks display that the community has become accustomed to from previous years.
Should the City Council elect to have staff pursue a fireworks display, staff recommends the City also contract with Pi Environmental to provide the following services:
· Directly assist with the Permit application process
· Provide staff to be on site at the event to conduct the required surveys as well as post-event clean-up
· Create and submit the required post-event documents and reports to the Board Pi Environmental can provide critical services to ensure the City remains compliant under the new Permit guidelines, especially considering that this would be the City’s first time producing a display under the new regulatory framework. Recently, the City of Manhattan Beach contracted Pi Environmental to provide the Permit support, as previously outlined, for its Skechers Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival and were satisfied with the compliance support provided by the firm. Services from Pi Environmental would cost $7,500.
The newly instituted Permit requires the City to apply directly to the Board for any fireworks display held on or near the ocean. The Permit costs $3,500 and is valid for up to five-years, as long as the City remains in good standing with the Board’s reporting requirements, and is found to abide by the
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City remains in good standing with the Board’s reporting requirements, and is found to abide by the Permit guidelines before, during, and after each qualifying event. Staff recommends the Council provide direction as to whether or not a fireworks display is desired, and if Council prefers to only apply for the Permit related to its own show. Should the City include Mr. Ginsburg’s fireworks show on its permit, the City would be additionally liable as it relates to all provisions of the Permit.
Otherwise, any additional fireworks displays coordinated by Mr. Ginsburg, or another party, would be required to obtain their own individual Permit and accept all related liability.
DRONE LIGHT DISPLAY: Staff obtained a quote from Sky Elements for a similar drone show to the one that was produced in 2023, which included 200-drones. The estimated cost for 2024 is $80,000.
Included in the attached proposal are additional options ranging from a 100-drone show, costing $40,000, to a 300-drone show, totaling $120,000.
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION INPUT: At the Recreation and Parks Commission (Commission) October 11, 2023 meeting, a discussion was held to consider providing feedback to the City Council regarding the 2024 4th of July fireworks show. This discussion was requested by the Commission following a number of community members reaching out to commissioners to provide their input on the 2023 event, as well as to provide their opinion for future 4th of July holiday events.
In a series of motions, the Commission unanimously voted to provide the following input to the City Council:
· To request the approval of a barge-based fireworks show on July 4, 2024 with a vendor that would adhere to the new permit regulations
· If the City has an opportunity to select a new fireworks vendor, there should be a preference placed on companies that prioritize eco-friendly practices RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the City Council approve the following July 4, 2024 events, including:
· The 5K 4th of July Run
· Mr. Ginsburg’s event on Avenue I and potential fireworks show · Preliminary event details for the Dominguez Park daytime community event In addition, staff recommends that the City Council provide direction on whether it would prefer a barge-based fireworks show or a drone show. Should the City Council prefer a fireworks show, staff further recommends the following:
· Authorization to contract the services of Garden State Fireworks to produce the fireworks display for a total cost of $103,171 (Fireworks $65,000 and Barge $38,171), not including the cost for the moorings
· Authorization to contract the services of Pi Environmental for $7,500 to assist the City in the NPEDS Permit and required reporting for the fireworks display Should the City Council prefer a drone show, staff requests direction regarding the preferred number of drones for the show, as outlined in the Sky Elements proposal.
Staff will return at a subsequent meeting with the necessary agreements and required resolution(s), consistent with Council direction.
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COORDINATION
The Community Services Department coordinated with the Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments, and the City Attorney’s Office, to prepare this report.
FISCAL IMPACT
4th of July 5k Run: There is an estimated cost of $19,000 for public safety services for the event.
These costs would be the responsibility of the special event coordinator. There would be no fiscal impacts to the City related to this event.
Riviera Village Event & Fireworks Display: There would be no fiscal impacts related to the Riviera Village event and its potential fireworks display. The sponsor would cover the costs of both events and would pay for all City-expenses related to public safety and Public Works services, estimated at $16,000.
Dominguez Park: As part of the FY 2023-24 Budget, the City Council appropriated $20,000 for a community event at Dominguez Park on July 4, 2024. Staff anticipates the full $20,000 to be spent on the variety of activities and staff resources needed to coordinate the event.
City-sponsored Fireworks or Drone Show: Included below is a comparison of costs for the various options for the barge-based fireworks show or a drone show:
FIREWORKS DISPLAY
Garden State Fireworks $65,000
Barge $38,171
Permit $3,500
Pi Environmental $7,000
Moorings* TBD Est $5,000
Total ~$119,171
DRONE SHOW
Sky Elements $80,000
Total $80,000
Funding for a barge-based fireworks display and/or drone show has traditionally been appropriated from the Tidelands Fund, which currently has enough funding to support either of the available
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options.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
· Proposal - Garden State Fireworks, January 14, 2024
· Proposal - Pacific Maritime Rental
· Proposal - Pi Environmental, December 22, 2023
· Proposal - Sky Elements