June 17, 2025
Library and Community Services
DATE: June 17, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
LaShonda White, Deputy City Manager-Community
Services
Ranjana Maharaj, Deputy Director for Community
Services-Recreation
Kymberlyn Carson-Thrower, Recreation Supervisor
SUBJECT:
Approve a Contract with Pyro Spectacular North, Inc. for a Fireworks Display Show on July 3, 2025
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The funding to cover this contract is included in the Recreation’s budget (Account String: 01254551-400222).
The City’s Fire Department will be on standby for
emergencies. In addition, the Richmond Police
Department and Public Works will be in attendance
and/or providing support for the event. This will incur additional costs.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
City staff is seeking approval of the Production
Agreement Contract with Pyro Spectaculars North, Inc. in the amount of $103,000 to provide a fireworks display
show for the City of Richmond on July 3, 2025.
AGENDA
REPORT
June 17, 2025
RECOMMENDED ACTION: APPROVE the production agreement contract with Pyro Spectaculars North, Inc. to provide a fireworks display show for Richmond on July 3, 2025, at the Richmond
Marina in an amount not to exceed $103,000, for a term
from June 17, 2025, to December 31, 2025, and
AUTHORIZE a deposit payment of $51,500 to the vendor
and final payment of $51,500 to the vendor on July 5,
2025 - Community Services Department (LaShonda
White/Ranjana Maharaj/Kymberlyn Carson-Thrower 510-
620-6828).
DISCUSSION:
The City of Richmond has completed all prerequisites mandated to implement the 3rd of July Fireworks Celebration. The Request for Proposal for the 3rd of July Fireworks show was posted on the City’s Bids Online on December 16, 2024. One vendor responded to our posted request, which was Pyro Spectaculars North Inc., who was the City’s fireworks show vendor in previous years (Attachment 1).
Each year, the City coordinates with several departments, vendors, and agencies to host the Annual 3rd of July Fireworks celebrations. The planning and coordination of the annual fireworks event starts as early as January. The City is required to complete a special event permit and route as part of the approval process. This approval requires coordination and confirmations from the Richmond Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works and other City departments. The vendor is required to coordinate the fireworks showcase, barge services, approval to use a port for loading fireworks, and other permits as required for the actual fireworks show.
In January 2025, Pyro Spectaculars North Inc. informed City staff that they hope to keep all water related fees with the same vendor to provide tug and barge services. Marine Express has stellar equipment, highly skilled and very experienced operators; however, they charge the current market rate for their services. The increase in market rate has substantially increased the cost of the entire fireworks show.
Based upon the information provided by Pyro Spectaculars North Inc. and the timeframe left to finalize contracts and prepare for the fireworks showcase in July 2025, City staff recommend that the City of Richmond accept the proposal provided by Pyro Spectaculars North Inc. City staff is seeking City Council approval of the Production Agreement Contract with Pyro Spectaculars North Inc. to provide a fireworks display show for the City of Richmond on July 3, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $103,000, and authorize a deposit payment of $51,500 to the vendor and final payment of $51,500 to the vendor on July 5, 2025 (Attachment 2).
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Bid Detail Report
Attachment 2 – Original Contract