Agenda Item Number 3
Agenda Item Number 3
City Council Meeting March 18, 2025
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CITY OF SEBASTOPOL CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM REPORT FOR MEETING OF: March 18, 2025
=========================================================================================== To: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
From: Division Chief Dave Bray
Subject: Receipt and Approval of 2025 Fireworks Show: Approval of request from the Sebastopol Kiwanis Club to Conduct their Annual Fireworks Show on July 3, 2025 =========================================================================================== RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the City Council approve the Sebastopol Kiwanis Club's request to conduct its Annual Fireworks Show on July 3, 2025.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This item requests that the City Council approve the Sebastopol Kiwanis Club's request to conduct their Annual Fireworks Show on July 3, 2025, on public property of the West Sonoma County Union High School District, Analy High School, 6950 Analy Avenue, Sebastopol.
Due to construction at Analy High School, the Kiwanis have devised a safe plan that includes utilizing the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center and closing Morris Street as a designated viewing area while continuing to use the historic firework launch site at Analy High School. The final plan, including street closures and length, will be presented with the Special Event Permit
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
Sebastopol Municipal Code Chapter 8.44 states: The City of Sebastopol has deemed the use of dangerous and safe and sane fireworks to pose a risk to public safety and prohibits the use of any kind of firework by members of the general public. The possession, storage, sale, and use of any dangerous or safe and sane fireworks shall be prohibited by any person throughout the City of Sebastopol except when a permit is issued, in advance, by the Fire Code Official for the exceptions below:
• The use of fireworks for pyrotechnic displays
• Only one such permit may be granted in any calendar year The City of Sebastopol is responsible for permitting the fireworks show with the licensed and bonded Pyrotechnics Company approved by the California State Fire Marshal’s Office. The West Sonoma County High School District is responsible for permitting the use of their school facilities by the host of the event.
At the City of Sebastopol City Council meeting on July 28, 2021, the Council eliminated the Lottery Policy Application Process and permanently assigned the Annual Fireworks Show to the Sebastopol Kiwanis Club with the following requirements:
• By January 15th of each year, the Sebastopol Kiwanis Club will inform the city whether the Kiwanis will conduct the Annual Fireworks Show.
• The Sebastopol Kiwanis Club holds the First Right of Refusal • The Annual Fireworks Show will be scheduled for July 3rd of each year • Other non-profits would be invited and included in the event as appropriate Agenda Item Number 3
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The Kiwanis Club is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit charitable organization run by volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. The fireworks show is a huge community event that attracts members from Sebastopol and the greater Sonoma County Area. The profits from the Annual Fireworks Show are given back to the community, with more than 50% going directly to local students.
Direct Benefits include but are not limited to:
• 9- $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from all campuses • 3- $1,000 donations to Project Graduation at all campuses • Grant Awards to various departments and athletic groups and booster organizations Per City ordinance, the Kiwanis submitted the attached letter (Attachment 1) for the 2025 Fireworks event.
City staff support the request to move forward with this event.
The Kiwanis are finalizing their plans for the 3rd of July Fireworks and Music Festival. These plans will be presented to the City Council later as part of the Special Event Permit and anticipated fee waiver.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
The Kiwanis Club has a proven track record of organizing large-scale public events with minimal incidents. The club will be required to coordinate with the Sebastopol Fire Department and other emergency services to ensure all safety protocols are in place
The fireworks show is expected to attract a large crowd, bringing positive economic benefits to the local businesses in Sebastopol. The event will also provide a family-friendly and community-oriented celebration.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
As of the writing of this staff report, the city has not received any public comment. However, if staff receive public comments from interested parties following the publication and distribution of this staff report, such comments will be provided to the City Council as supplemental materials before or at the meeting. In addition, public comments may be offered during the public comment portion of this item.
This item has been noticed per the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available for public viewing and review at least 72 hours before the scheduled meeting date.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact with the approval of Kiwanis Club’s Letter of Intent for their Annual Fireworks Show.
RESTATED RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council Approve the Letter from the Sebastopol Kiwanis Club to Conduct their Annual Fireworks Show on July 3, 2025, located on public property of the West Sonoma County Union High School District, Analy High School, 6950 Analy Avenue, Sebastopol.
OPTIONS:
The Council can deny the request, but staff strongly recommends against this option.
ATTACHMENTS:
• Sebastopol Kiwanis Club Letter
• Sebastopol Municipal Code Chapter 8.44 Fireworks Regulations Agenda Item Number 3
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APPROVALS:
Department Head Approval: Dave Bray Approval Date: 2/27/25 CEQA Determination (Planning): John Jay Approval Date: 3/5/25 The proposed action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Administrative Services (Financial) Approval Date:
Costs authorized in City Approved Budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No N/A Account Code (f applicable) ___________________________ City Attorney Approval: Approval Date:
City Manager Approval: Approval Date:
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Attachment 1: Kiwanis Club of Sebastopol Letter of Intent Agenda Item Number 3
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Attachment 2: Sebastopol Municipal Code Chapter 8.44 Fireworks Regulations Agenda Item Number 3
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