ACTION:
____________________________
Clerk/Secretary
Department: City Manager Item No: D1
Prepared by: Imelda M. Huerta, Assistant City Manager Meeting Date: December 12, 2023 Approved by: John Conley, City Manager Agenda Location: Discussion SUBJECT: VISTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S 2023 CHRISTMAS PARADE FUNDING RECOMMENDATION: Discuss City funding for the Vista Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Vista Christmas Parade event.
CORRELATION TO CITY COUNCIL GOALS: Fiscal Responsibility.
PRIOR ACTION: None.
STATEMENT ON THE SUBJECT: Mayor Franklin requested the City Manager place a discussion item on an upcoming agenda to discuss City funding for the Vista Chamber of Commerce’s (Chamber) 2023 Vista Christmas Parade event.
On October 19, 2023, the City and the Chamber entered into a grant agreement wherein the City agreed to provide $8,500 via a grant to help offset the costs of the Chamber’s annual holiday parade. The City further agreed to provide $495 in traffic control costs, for a total contribution of $8,995. To date, the City has paid the Chamber $6,375 for the event. The remaining $2,620 is pending final payment.
On December 2, 2023, the Chamber held the 65th annual Vista Christmas Parade event. The event included two volunteer emcees/announcers who announced parade participants as they passed through the parade route. A candidate for Vista City Council, District 3 participated in the parade and one of the announcers approached and interacted with the candidate and announced to the public to vote for the candidate in 2024. Pursuant to the terms of the grant agreement, the Chamber agreed to “carry out the [parade] in accordance with all ordinances, resolutions, statutes, rules and regulations of the City and any Federal, State or local governmental agency having jurisdiction.” California Gov. Code section 54964(a) holds that a local agency may not authorize the use of public funds to support or oppose a candidate for office. Thus, the announcers statement advising the public to vote for the candidate is a violation of California law.
The Mayor asked for this item to be placed on the agenda to allow the Council to discuss this violation of law and determine an appropriate penalty.
FISCAL IMPACT: Any funds reimbursed to the City will be placed into appropriate accounts.
EXHIBITS:
1.Grant Agreement
2.Traffic Control Invoice
AGENDA
REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
BUENA SANITATION DISTRICT
JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY
This item was removed from the agenda.
GRANT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT ("Agreement') is made and entered into as of Agreement Date"), by and between the CITY OF VISTA, a chartered municipal corporation City") and the VISTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, a non-profit 501(c)(6) organization Recipient').
RECITALS
A. Recipient proposes to supplement payment of expenses for the annual holiday parade in City-
B. City wishes to provide a grant to Recipient for those purposes.
Now therefore, in consideration of the mutual agreements, obligations, and representations, City and Recipient hereby agree as follows:
1.0 RECIPIENT OBLIGATIONS
1.1 Use of Grant Funds. Recipient hereby agrees to use the grant funds provided by City for only legal purposes solely associated with a seasonal holiday parade that takes place in the City of Vista during the fourth quarter of 2023.
1.2 Representation and Warranties. Recipient hereby represents and warrants to the City as follows: Recipient is a nonprofit organization organized under the laws of California.
1.3 Compliance with Law. Recipient shall cant' out the proposal in accordance with all ordinances, resolutions, statutes, rules, and regulations of the City and any Federal, State or local governmental agency having jurisdiction.
1.4 Licenses, Permits, Fees and Assessments. Recipient shall obtain, at its sole cost and expense, such licenses, permits, and approvals as may be required by law for the performance of the proposal.
2.0 DISBURSEMENT OF GRANT FUNDS
2.1 Maximum Amount of Grant Funds. The maximum amount of grant funds to be provided to Recipient is $8,500.
2.2 Method of Payment. Disbursement of grant monies will be broken up into two payments, with 75% of the funding being released in November 2023 and the final 25% being released upon the conclusion of the parade and receipt of a final audit report and payment request. Audit report shall be presented in an organized manner and include an itemized cover sheet and all related event receipts.
2.3 Reimbursement. The City may limit reimbursements for items such as alcohol or other items that may be considered improper. Questionable items should be approved in advance.
2. 4 Proposal Income. Any parade income received by Recipient shall be retained by Recipient. The parade revenues received by Recipient shall solely be used for the event. All provisions of this agreement shall apply to activities funded by parade revenues. All parade 00111830 1112/12/2023 D1 2 of 13
EXHIBIT 1
revenues shall be expended by Recipient before the City is obligated to advance any other grant funds to Recipient under this agreement.
3.0 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
3.1 Schedule of Performance. Recipient shall commence and complete the proposal within the time periods established.
3.2 Term. Unless earlier terminated in accordance with Sections 9.3 and 9.4 of this agreement, this agreement shall continue in full force and effect until June 30, 2024.
4.0 COORDINATION OF WORK
4.1 Representative of Recipient. Chamber CEO is hereby designated as being the representative of Recipient authorized to act in its behalf with respect to this agreement and make all decisions in connection therewith.
4.2 Agreement Officer. Agreement Officer shall be the City's Director of Economic Development or such person as may be designated by the City Manager. It shall be the Recipient's responsibility to assure that the Agreement Officer is kept informed of the progress of the performance of the services and the Recipient shall refer any decisions that must be made by the City to the Agreement Officer.
4.3 Prohibition Against Subcontracting or Assignment. Neither this agreement nor any interest herein may be transferred, assigned, conveyed, hypothecated, or encumbered voluntarily or by operation of law, whether for the benefit of creditors or otherwise, without the prior written approval of City. Transfers restricted hereunder shall include the transfer to any person or group of persons acting in concert of more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the present ownership and/or control of Recipient, taking all transfers into account on a cumulative basis. In the event of any such unapproved transfer, including any bankruptcy proceeding, this agreement shall be void. No approved transfer shall release the Recipient or any surety of Recipient of any liability hereunder without the express consent of City.
4.4 Independent Contractor. Neither the City nor any of its officers or employees shall have any control over the manner, mode, or means by which Recipient, its agents or employees, perform the services required herein, except as otherwise set forth herein. City shall have no voice in the selection, discharge, supervision, or control of Recipient's employees, servants, representatives, or agents, or in fixing their number, compensation, or hours of service. Recipient shall perform all services required herein as an independent contractor of City and shall remain at all times as to City a wholly independent contractor with only such obligations as are consistent with the role. Recipient shall not at any time or in any manner represent that it or any of its agents or employees are agents or employees of City. City shall not in any way or for any purpose become or be deemed to be a partner of Recipient in its business or otherwise of a joint venture or a member of any joint enterprise with Recipient.
5. 0 INDEMNIFICATION
5.1 Indemnification. Recipient shall defend, indemnify and hold City and its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers (collectively, "Indemnitees") harmless against any and all liability, loss, damage, fine, penalty, expense, claim or cost (including without limitation costs and fees of litigation) of every nature (collectively, "Liability") arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or its performance, including defects in design, except: (1) Liability caused by Indemnitees' sole negligence or willful misconduct; or (2) for Liability caused by Indemnitees' 00111830 1} 212/12/2023 D1 3 of 13
active negligence, in which case the indemnity received by Indemnitees shall be reduced by the amount: (i) that Indemnitees' active negligence contributed to the Liability on a comparative basis; or (ii) such other amount as may be required by law.
5.2 Subrogation. Recipient, on behalf of itself and all parties claiming under or through it, hereby waives all rights of subrogation and contribution against Indemnitees, while acting within the scope of their duties, from all claims, losses and liabilities arising out of or incident to activities or operations performed by or on behalf of the Recipient regardless of any prior, concurrent, or subsequent active or passive negligence by the Indemnitees. In the event there is more than one person or entity named in the Agreement as a Recipient, then all obligations, liabilities, covenants and conditions under this instrument shall be joint and several.
5.3 Termination. Termination of the agreement by either party, by any means, does not relieve Recipient of the indemnity obligations in Section 5.1.
6. 0 INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Recipient shall comply with the insurance provisions set forth in Exhibit A.
7. 0 CIVIL RIGHTS
7.1 Recipient agrees to comply with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the California Fair Employment Practices Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, any other applicable federal and state laws and regulations hereinafter enacted.
7.2 Recipient shall not knowingly deny an opportunity or benefit, discriminate against or harass, any event participant, spectator, employee, or applicant for employment on account of the person's race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, veteran status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, age, or other status protected from workplace discrimination by state or federal law.
8.0 ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS
8.1 Documentation and Record -Keeping
8.1. 1 Records to be Maintained. The Recipient shall maintain records that are pertinent to activities funded under this Agreement.
8.1.2. Retention. The Recipient shall retain all records pertinent to expenditures incurred under this agreement for a period of four (4) years after the termination of all activities funded under this agreement.
8. 2 Client Data. The Recipient shall maintain client data demonstrating client eligibility for services provided. Such data shall include, but not be limited to, client name, address, income level or other basis for determining eligibility, and description of service provided. Such information shall be made available to City's monitors or their designees for review upon request.
8.3 Disclosure. The Recipient understands that client information collected under this agreement is private and the use or disclosure of such information, when not directly connected with the administration of the City's or Recipient's responsibilities with respect to services provided under this agreement, is prohibited unless written consent is obtained from such person receiving service and, in the case of a minor, that of a responsible parent/guardian. 00111830 1 ) 312/12/2023 D1 4 of 13
8. 4 Performance Monitoring. The City will monitor the performance of the Recipient against goals and performance standards required herein. Substandard performance as determined by the City will constitute non-compliance with this agreement. If action to correct such substandard performance is not taken by the Recipient within a reasonable period of time after being notified by the City, agreement suspension or termination procedures will be initiated.
8.5 Audits and Inspections. All Recipient records with respect to any matters covered by this agreement shall be made available to the City, at any time during normal business hours, as often as the City deems necessary, to audit, examine, and make excerpts or transcripts of all relevant data. Any deficiencies noted in audit reports must be fully cleared by the Recipient within 30 days after receipt by the Recipient. Failure of the Recipient to comply with the above audit requirements will constitute a violation of this agreement and may result in the withholding of future payments.
9.0 ENFORCEMENT OF AGREEMENT
9.1 Applicable Law. This agreement shall be construed and interpreted both as to validity and to performance of the parties in accordance with the laws of the State of California and the United States, as applicable. Legal actions concerning any dispute, claim or matter arising out of or in relation to this agreement shall be instituted in the Superior Court of the County of San Diego, State of California, the United States District Court for the San Diego District of California, or any other appropriate court in San Diego County, and Recipient covenants and agrees to submit to the personal jurisdiction of such court in the event of such action.
9.2 Disputes. In the event of any dispute arising under this agreement, the injured party shall notify the injuring party in writing of its contentions by submitting a claim therefore.
The injured party shall continue performing its obligations hereunder so long as the injuring party commences to cure such default within ten (10) days of service of such notice and completes the cure of such default within thirty (30) days after service of the notice, or such longer period as may be permitted by the injured party; provided that if the default is an immediate danger to the health, safety and general welfare, such immediate action may be necessary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City may suspend any further payment of grant funds until Recipient is in compliance with this agreement. Compliance with the provisions of this Section shall be a condition precedent to termination of this agreement for cause and to any legal action, and such compliance shall not be a waiver of any party's right to take legal action in the event that the dispute is not cured.
9.3 Remedies Upon Default by Recipient. In addition to any other rights or remedies available at law or in equity, if Recipient fails to fulfill its obligations under this agreement, City may, after compliance with the provisions of Section 9.2:
9.3.1. Temporarily withhold payment of grant funds pending correction of the default by Recipient;
9.3.2. Refuse to advance all or any part of the grant funds for the project and reallocate said funds to another activity;
9.3.3. Wholly or partially suspend or terminate the grant and this agreement;
9.3.4. Require Recipient to repay any grant funds that the City determines were not expended in compliance with the requirements of this agreement. 00111830 1} 412/12/2023 D1 5 of 13
9. 4 Termination by Recipient. Recipient may terminate this agreement provided it returns all grant funds not expended for the proposal. Termination is only effective after written notice to the City continuing an accounting of grant funds expended which is satisfactory to City and the unused grant funds, if any, are returned.
9. 5 Waiver. No delay or omission in the exercise of any right or remedy by a non - defaulting party on any default shall impair such right or remedy or be construed as a waiver. A party's consent to or approval of any act by the other party requiring the party's consent or approval shall not be deemed to waive or render unnecessary the other party's consent to or approval of any subsequent act. Any waiver by either party of any default must be in writing and shall not be a waiver of any other default concerning the same or any other provision of this agreement.
9.6 Rights and Remedies are Cumulative. Except with respect to rights and remedies expressly declared to be exclusive in this agreement, the rights and remedies of the parties are cumulative and the exercise by either party of one or more of such rights or remedies shall not preclude the exercise by it, at the same or different times, of any other rights or remedies for the same default or any other default by the other party.
9.7 Legal Action. In addition to any other rights or remedies, either party may take legal action, in law or in equity, to cure, correct or remedy any default, to recover damages for any default, to complete specific performance of this agreement, to obtain declaratory or injunctive relief, or to obtain any other remedy consistent with the purposes of the agreement.
10.0 CITY OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
10.1 Non -liability of City Officers and Employees. No officer or employee of the City shall be personally liable to the Recipient, or any successor in interest, in the event of any default or breach by the City or for any amount which may become due to the Recipient or to its successor, or for breach of any obligation of the terms of this agreement.
10.2 Conflict of Interest. No officer or employee of the City shall have any financial interest, direct or indirect, in this agreement nor shall any such officer or employee participate in any decision relating to the agreement which affects his financial interest or the financial interest of any corporation, partnership or association in which he is, directly or indirectly, interested, in violation of any State statute or regulation. The Recipient warrants that it has not paid or given and will not pay or give any third party any money or other consideration for obtaining this agreement.
11.0 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
11.1 Notice. Any notice, demand, request, document, consent, approval, or communication either party desires or is required to give to the other party or any other person shall be in writing and either served personally or sent by prepaid first-class mail. In the case of the City, to the City Manager, to the attention of the Director of Parks and Community Services, City of Vista, 200 Civic Center Drive, Vista, California 92084. In the case of the Recipient, to the person at the address designated on the execution page of this agreement. Either party may change his/her address by notifying the other party of the change of address in writing. Notice shall be deemed communicated at the time personally delivered or in seventy-two (72) hours from the time of mailing if mailed as provided in this Section.
11.2 Integration; Amendment. It is understood that there are no oral agreements between the parties hereto affecting this agreement and this agreement supersedes and J00111830 1} 512/12/2023 D1 6 of 13
cancels any and all previous negotiations, arrangements, agreements and understandings, if any, between the parties, and none shall be used to interpret this agreement. This agreement may be amended at any time by the mutual consent of the parties by an instrument in writing.
11.3 Corporate Authority. The persons executing this agreement on behalf of the parties hereby warrant that (i) such party is duly organized and existing, (ii) they are duly authorized to execute and deliver this agreement on behalf of said party, (iii) by so executing this agreement, such party is formally bound to the provisions of this agreement, (iv) entering into this agreement does not violate any provision of any other agreement to which said party is bound.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and entered into this agreement as of the Agreement Date.
IlCity"
CITY OF VISTA, a chartered municipal
Corporation
Recipient"
VISTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, a non-
profit 501(c)(6) organization
By: BY _ 2_ _-r! 1'l!_Id
NYEY,CCONLIrTY MANAGER
ATTEST:
KATHY VALDEZ, CITY CLERK
By.`,_ i==,, k 11.0-L,
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
WALT f CHUNG, CITYATTORNEY
B:f e jm
RISK MANAGEMENT REVIEW:
DOLORES GASC N, RISK MANAGER
By:
APPROVED
Walter C. Chung
20230920143238
RACHEL GELD, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
00111830 1) 6
12/12/2023 D1 7 of 13
EXHIBIT A
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Licensee shall procure and maintain for the duration of the License Agreement, insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the work hereunder by the Licensee, its agents, representatives, employees, or subcontractors.
MINIMUM SCOPE AND LIMIT OF INSURANCE
Coverage shall be at least as broad as:
1. Commercial General Liability ("CGL"): Insurance Work Office Form CG 00 01 covering CGL on an "occurrence" basis, including products, completed operations, property damage, bodily injury, and personal & advertising injury with limits no less than 2,000,000 per occurrence. If a general aggregate limit applies, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to this Project/location or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit.
2. Automobile Liability: Insurance Work Office Form Number CA 0001 covering Code 1 any auto), with limits no less than $2,000, 000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage.
If the Licensee maintains higher limits than the minimums shown above, the City requires and shall be entitled to coverage for the higher limits maintained by the Licensee. Any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of insurance and coverage shall be available to the City.
Deductibles and Self -Insured Retentions
Any deductibles or self -insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the City. At the option of the City, either: the Licensee shall cause the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self -insured retentions as respects the City, its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers; or the Licensee shall provide a financial guarantee satisfactory to the City guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration, and defense expenses.
Other Insurance Provisions
The insurance policies are to contain, or be endorsed to contain, the following provisions:
1. The City, its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers are to be covered as additional insureds on the CGL policy with respect to liability arising out of with respect to liability arising out of work or operations performed by or on behalf of the Licensee including materials, parts, or equipment furnished in connection with such work or operations and automobiles owned, leased, hired, or borrowed by or on behalf of the Licensee. General liability coverage can be provided in the form of an endorsement to the Licensee's insurance (at least as broad as ISO Form CG 20 10, CG 11 85 or both CG 20 10 and CG 20 37 forms if later revisions used), unless otherwise approved in advance by City.
2. For any claims related to this Project, the Licensee's insurance coverage shall be primary insurance as respects the City, its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers.
Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City, its officers, officials, employees, or volunteers shall be excess of the Licensee's insurance and shall not contribute with it. 00111830 11 EXHIBIT A, Page 1
12/12/2023 D1 8 of 13
3. Each insurance policy required by this clause shall provide that coverage shall not be canceled, except with notice to the City.
Claims Made Policies
If any coverage required is written on a claims -made coverage form:
1. The retroactive date must be shown, and this date must be before the Effective Date of the License Agreement.
2. Insurance must be maintained and evidence of insurance must be provided for at least one (1) year after the termination of the License.
3. If coverage is canceled or non -renewed, and not replaced with another claims -made policy form with a retroactive date prior to the License Agreement Effective Date, the Licensee must purchase extended reporting period coverage for a minimum of one (1) years after termination of the License.
4. A copy of the claims reporting requirements must be submitted to the City for review.
Acceptability of Insurers
Insurance is to be placed with insurers with a current A.M. Best rating of no less than A: VII, unless otherwise acceptable to the City.
Waiver of Subrogation
Licensee hereby agrees to waive rights of subrogation which any insurer of Licensee may acquire from Licensee by virtue of the payment of any loss. Licensee agrees to obtain any endorsement that may be necessary to affect this waiver of subrogation.
Verification of Coverage
Licensee shall furnish the City with original certificates and amendatory endorsements, or copies of the applicable insurance language, effecting coverage required by this License Agreement. All certificates and endorsements are to be received and approved by the City before work commences. However, failure to obtain the required documents prior to the work beginning shall not waive the Licensee's obligation to provide them. The City reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, including endorsements, required by these specifications, at any time.
Special Risks or Circumstances
City reserves the right to modify these requirements, including limits, based on the nature of the risk, prior experience, insurer, coverage, or other circumstances. 00111830 11 EXHIBIT A, Page 2
12/12/2023 D1 9 of 13
VISTC HA-01 MJ I M EN EZ
ACORO DATE (MMIDD/YYYY) FCERTIFICATEOFLIABILITYINSURANCE 10/13/2023 THIS CERTIFICATE IS ISSUED AS A MATTER OF INFORMATION ONLY AND CONFERS NO RIGHTS UPON THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER. THIS
CERTIFICATE DOES NOT AFFIRMATIVELY OR NEGATIVELY AMEND, EXTEND OR ALTER THE COVERAGE AFFORDED BY THE POLICIES BELOW. THIS CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE ISSUING INSURERS), AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OR PRODUCER, AND THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER.
IMPORTANT: If the certificate holder is an ADDITIONAL INSURED, the policy(ies) must have ADDITIONAL INSURED provisions or be endorsed.
If SUBROGATION IS WAIVED, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy, certain policies may require an endorsement. A statement on this certificate does not confer rights to the certificate holder in lieu of such endorsement(s).
PRODUCER License # OC36861 CUVCT Patricia K Guisler
Irvine-Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
18100 Von Karman Ave 1 Oth FI
PHCC.
No. Ext): 'A"/ No): Irvine,
CA 92612 A s_ pgui&[email protected] INSURED
Vista
Chamber of Commerce 170
Eucalyptus Avenue, Suite 115 Vista,
CA 92084 COVERAGES
CERTIFICATE NUMBER: INSURER
E : INSURER
F : MSURERM
AFFORDING COVERAGE NAl American
E & S Insurance Comoanv 137532 REVISION
NUMBER: THIS
IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE POLICIES OF INSURANCE LISTED BELOW HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO THE INSURED NAMED ABOVE FOR THE POLICY PERIOD INDICATED.
NOTWITHSTANDING ANY REQUIREMENT, TERM OR CONDITION OF ANY CONTRACT OR OTHER DOCUMENT WITH RESPECT TO WHICH THIS CERTIFICATE
MAY BE ISSUED OR MAY PERTAIN, THE INSURANCE AFFORDED BY THE POLICIES DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO ALL THE TERMS, EXCLUSIONS AND CONDITIONS OF SUCH POLICIES. LIMITS SHOWN MAY HAVE BEEN REDUCED BY PAID CLAIMS. MSR
ADDL SUBRI POLICY EFF POLICY EXP LTRTYPE
OF INSURANCE p POLICY NUMBER 0 gyp LIMITS A
X COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY EACH OCCURRENCE 5 2,000,000 CLAIMS - MADE rX] OCCUR X y 12145200069/29/2023 9/29/2024 DAMAGE TO RENTED PREMIEoccurrence)5 1, 000,000 X
GL DED: $1,000 MED EXP (Any oneperson)S 0 PERSONAL &
ADV INJURY 5 2,000,000 GENT_
AGGREGATE LIMIT APPLIES PER: GENERAL AGGREGATE 5 0
PRODUCTS -
COMPIOP AGG 2,000,000 XPOLICYFJPO-ETF-] LOC 5
OTHER: A
AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY COMBIcNdED enSINGLE
LIMIT
Ea_ S
2,000,000 BODILY INJURY
iPerperson) S ANY AUTO2145200069/29/2023 9/2912024 BODILY INJURY Per accident 5 OWNED SCHEDULED
AUTOS ONLY
AUTOS f ear
amenDAMAGE S
I
XAURf3ONLYXAUOTNOOSONEDXASY.&
O DED: UMBRELLA LIAB
OCCUR EACH OCCURRENCE S HCLAIMS-MADEAGGREGATESEXCESSLIABDEDRETENTION $
WORKERS COMPENSATION
AND EMPLOYERS'
LIABILITY YIN PER
OTH-
T ANY
PROPRIETOR/
PARTNER/EXECUTIVE E.L. EACH ACCIDENT S OFFICER/MEMBER
EXCLUDED? Mandatory in
NH) N I
A E.L.
DISEASE - EA EMPLOYEE S _ E.L.
DISEASE - POLICY LIMIT If yes,
describe under DESCRIPTION OF
OPERATIONS below I 1
DESCRIPTION
OF
OPERATIONS / LOCATIONS f VEHICLES (ACORD 101. Additional Remarks Schedule, maybe attached If more space is required) Additional Insured endorsement attached. Policy form does not contain a General Liability Aggregate. Notice of cancellation will be delivered only to the participating named insured as stated in Item 1 of the Participation Endorsement. Subject to policy terms, conditions and exclusions. AS RESPECTS THE CHRISTMAS PARADE ON DECEMBER 2, 2023. CITY OF VISTA, ITS OFFICIALS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS ARE NAMED AS
ADDITIONAL INSUREDS FOR GENERAL LIABILITY ONLY ARISING OUT OF WORK AND OPERATIONS PERFORMED BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE ADDITIONAL INSURED WITH REGARD TO THE VISTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S CHRISTMAS PARADE ON DECEMBER 2, 2023. SEE ATTACHED ACORD 101 City of
Vista 151 Civic
Center Drive Vista, CA
92084 CANCELLATION SHOULD
ANY
OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED POLICIES BE CANCELLED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION
DATE THEREOF, NOTICE WILL BE DELIVERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICY PROVISIONS. AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE
ACORD 25 (
2016/03) ©1988-2015 ACORD CORPORATION. All rights reserved. The ACORD name and logo are registered marks of ACORD12/12/2023 D1 10 of 13
ACRE)
POLICY NUMBER
EE PAGE 1
CARRIER
ME PAGE 1
ADDITIONAL REMARKS
AGENCY CUSTOMER ID: VISTCHA-01
LOC #:
ADDITIONAL REMARKS SCHEDULE
vista, UA 9rU84
NAIC CODE
ME P 1 1 EFFECTIVE DATE:
THIS ADDITIONAL REMARKS FORM IS A SCHEDULE TO ACORD FORM, FORM NUMBER: ACORD 25 FORM TITLE: Certificate of Liability Insurance Description of Operations/Locations/Vehicles:
Carriers on Policy:
Great American E$ S Insurance Company
StarStone Specialty Insurance Company
1'i R] I N14 Z' I *A
ACORD 101 (2008/01) © 2008 ACORD CORPORATION. All rights reserved.
The ACORD name and logo are registered marks of ACORD12/12/2023 D1 11 of 13
THIS ENDORSEMENT CHANGES THE POLICY. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY.
Additional Insured - Designated Person or Organization
This endorsement modifies insurance provided under the following:
SPECIAL LIABILITY POLICY FOR PUBLIC ENTITIES AND NON-PROFIT
CORPORATIONS
Name of Person or Organization:
Any person or entity that the "Named Insured" has entered into a written agreement, prior to a loss, to provide defense, indemnity or additional insured protection.
CITY OF VISTA, ITS OFFICIALS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS ARE NAMED AS
ADDITIONAL INSUREDS FOR GENERAL LIABILITY ONLY ARISING OUT OF WORK AND
OPERATIONS PERFORMED BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE ADDITIONAL INSURED WITH REGARD TO THE VISTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S CHRISTMAS PARADE ON DECEMBER 2, 2023.
The following is added to Section V. PERSONS OR ENTITIES INSURED:
Any person(s) or organization(s) listed in the Schedule above is an Additional Insured, but only as respects "Personal Injury" (including `Bodily Injury") and "Property Damage" arising, in whole or in part, out of the operations of the Named Insured. The inclusion of such Additional Insured shall not serve to increase the "Company's" Limit of Liability as specified in the participation endorsement of this Policy:
However, additional insured coverage provided by this insurance will not be broader than coverage required in the written agreement.
GL330138 0916 Includes copyrighted material of ISO Properties, Inc., 200=4 with Pagel of 1 its permission
12/12/2023 D1 12 of 13
INVOICE
Invoice Date Invoice No.
11/21/2023 00003732
Terms: NET 30
City of Vista
c/o Accounts Payable
200 Civic Center Drive
Vista, CA 92084
Job ID: 001899
Various Locations
Vista, CA
3482 La Mirada Drive
760-212-1230
Lic. #757488
Traffic Safety Solutions, LLC
San Marcos, CA 92078
Date Description From - To Qty Days Total Qty Price Total ------------------------ LABOR -----------------------
11/17/23 Unapproved Traffic Control Plan Redraw for 2023 Event 1 1 $495.00 $495.00 Customer Customer Job No.Customer P.O. No.Period Covered Foreman Name / Phone# 12026 Christmas Parade2023 11/17/2023 - 11/17/2023 Sam Hasenin 760-643-5411 Note: The * indicates taxable items.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS
SALES/ONE-TIME CHARGES
SALES TAX (7.75%)
TOTAL CHARGES
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$495.00
*** Job Complete ***
EQUIPMENT RENTAL TOTAL
LABOR TOTAL $495.00
SUBTOTAL $495.00
PLEASE PAY THIS AMOUNT $495.00
12/12/2023 D1 13 of 13
EXHIBIT 2
From:John Conley
To:Kathy Valdez
Cc:Walter C. Chung; Imelda Huerta
Subject:FW: Item D1, 12/12/23 City Council Meeting - 65th Annual Vista Christmas Parade Date:Thursday, December 7, 2023 7:02:37 AM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.gif
2023 Parade Grant Reconcile DRAFT.pdf
Announcer Guidlines - draft.pdf
Kathy,
Please add this e-mail and the attachments to the agenda report for D1 on 12/12. Thank you.
From: Rachel Beld
Sent: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 6:41 PM
To: John Conley
Cc: Rachel Beld
Subject: RE: Item D1, 12/12/23 City Council Meeting - 65th Annual Vista Christmas Parade Dear Mr. Conley,
I want to apologize to the City for the comment made in support of a political candidate at the Vista Christmas Parade held on December 2, 2023. Our volunteer announcers do a great job and intend to promote everyone. The Chamber provides a script and additional talking points, and we encourage the announcers to provide ad-libbed commentary, engage with the crowd, and be lighthearted and fun. When the parade bottlenecks, the announcers sometimes allow participants the opportunity to address the crowd to fill time. I realize now that the Chamber can do a better job with providing direction to our announcers regarding ad-libbed comments related to political candidates and I take responsibility for this. I have attached a draft document which, when finalized, will be provided to any future announcers along with their scripts and speaking points. We will provide the final version to the City when completed, if requested.
Per your request, please see the attached parade grant reconciliation form which we provide each year to wrap up the $8,500 parade grant. The income reflects all the entry fees and sponsorship for the event but does not reflect the grant funds already received. This form is not yet signed as I expect we may have a few more small expenses to include on the final report – likely totaling less than $100. We do not expect to receive any further income related to this event.
The Christmas Parade is a gift to the Vista community which takes months of planning, dozens of volunteers, and thousands of details to coordinate. As the report indicates, the event is not a profit- generator. The financial contribution from the City for the parade ensures that the Chamber can continue to provide a fun day of community pride showcasing local businesses, nonprofits, and schools for thousands of participants and spectators. Thank you for the opportunity to apologize for this ad-libbed comment as we did not willfully or knowingly violate our agreement. We pride ourselves on being non-partisan and fair. We hope this mistake does not jeopardize the future of the parade nor our positive partnership with the City.
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I invite you to view the photo album of images from this year’s parade on the Chamber Facebook page.
Respectfully,
Rachel Beld
Vista Chamber of Commerce
170 Eucalyptus Ave, #115
Vista, CA 92084
(760) 726-1122
[email protected]
www.vistachamber.org
PARADE ANNOUNCER BEST PRACTICES
Thank you for volunteering as an announcer for the Vista Christmas Parade. We appreciate you! As a volunteer for this event, your comments and behavior are an extension of the Vista Chamber of Commerce. Please read the following guidelines and sign below to indicate that you understand and agree to adhere to them.
- The Vista Chamber will provide you with a script for each parade entry as well as additional speaking points to fill time. Make sure to say the entire provided script for each entry. Do feel free to ad lib, make jokes, and engage with the crowd as time allows. Keep your comments positive and lighthearted. Have fun!
- The Vista Chamber is a non-partisan organization and does not endorse political candidates.
Please do not use language in support of any specific candidate or encourage voting for or against any candidate. Provide equal opportunities for candidates to address the crowd.
- The Vista Chamber has core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please refrain from negative or derogatory comments about any race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age or any other protected class.
- The Vista Chamber promotes positivity and does not allow libel, slander or negative comments about any parade entry, participant, or spectator. Overall, just keep your comments positive.
- The Parade is a family event. We do not promote generic alcohol consumption, drug use, or smoking/vaping. Brewery entries are allowed in the Parade and can be referred to by name or as a Brewery or Tap Room.
- If you have questions before, during, or after the parade, ask! Feel free to call/text the parade coordinator. Their cell phone number is included at the top of the script.
I have read these best practices and agree to adhere to them.
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Sign Print Date
DRAFT
CITY OF VISTA
Grant Funding Final Audit and Payment Request
APPLICANT: Vista Chamber of Commerce
PROJECT TIT LE: Vista Christmas Parade, 2023
1. Contrast your project expectations with your anticipated results : The 65 th Annual Vista Christmas Parade was a success. The theme, Viva Vista , was very popular and garnered high participation with outstanding float decorations. Santa looked spectacular on the Vintage Fire Engine.
2. Summary of project:
Income: $ 11,130.00
Expenses: $ 21,692.52
Net
Income:
$
(10,382.52)
Date Transaction Type Invoice # Name Memo/Description Amount 10/17/2023 Bill 2453688
Alliant Insurance
Services
23-24 1 day limit
increase for
insurance $ 366.54
10/26/2023 Bill 34699
Signarama of San
Marcos
High Performance
Digital Print Vinyl $ 100.81
10/30/2023 Bill 1403
North County Daily
Star.
Christmas Parade
Ad 400 x 400 from
10/30/22 to 12/3/22
includes E-blast
calendar of events $ 300.00
11/13/2023 Bill
Day Wireless
Systems Qty 15 Radios $ 173.66
11/13/2023 Bill 0005030917
Diamond
Environmental
Services LP
Christmas Parade
Bathrooms -S.
Santa Fe & Pala
Vista $ 935.40
11/15/2023 Bill 12-2-23 Pompeo DJ Company
S. Santa Fe ( Up to
4 hours of
continuous DJ/ MC
performance time,
all set-up/break -
down time and
sound system) $ 850.00
11/16/2023 Bill Joe Brown Santa's fire truck $ 250.00 11/20/2023 Bill
North County Transit
District.
Special Event
Permit $ 602.62
11/20/2023 Bill 12259 USPS
Mailing of noticing
of postcards $ 415.00
11/22/2023 Bill
114-
5418122-
6297859 Amazon.com
Decorations for
float $ 235.72
11/27/2023 Bill 1147
Heyday Records and
Events
Vista Village
Parade Route
System includes:
PA, Wireless
Mic/iPod
Connection
Extension Speakers
for each end of
main street all
associated cables,
etc. $ 800.00
11/30/2023 Bill Lowes
batteries and paint
sticks $ 31.81
12/01/2023 Bill 165953 SignArt Graphix Inc
13 oz Banner full
color print with
pole pocket 4' x 8' $ 232.74
12/01/2023 Bill Cart Mart Inc.
4 passenger Golf
Carts Qty 2 $ 823.93
12/01/2023 Bill 16093 Copymax Inc.
Mail noticing: 6 x 9
postcards no bleed,
6 x 9 white
uncoated accent
opaque cover 100#,
digitally printed in
full color on 2
sides, bulk mail
prep qty 1670 $ 695.57
12/01/2023 Bill
Traffic Safety
Solutions, LLC.
T-1 Barricade,
Delivery Charge
(SD Co.) Stacked in
one location, R11-2
Road Closed on T-1
Barr, Return
Charge (SD Co.)
From one stacked
location $ 212.20
12/01/2023 Bill Rachel Beld. float decorations $ 71.33 12/02/2023 Bill
Jackson's Sports Bar
and Grill. VIP Lunch $ 936.00
12/2/2023 Bill Rachel Beld.
Gift Cards-Archers
Arrrow for judges $ 100.00
12/04/2023 Bill Rachel Beld. U-Haul $ 95.81
12/05/2023 Expense 57760 Dollar Tree for winner trophies $ 20.30 12/05/2023 Expense
114-
4015506-
3193027 Amazon.com Pinatas for trophies $ 48.68 12/5/2023 Bill JMB Designs Inc. Event Photography $ 525.00
Copies: $ 75.00
Employees wages $12,794.40
TOTAL
EXPENSES: $21,692.52
3. Program Evaluation: The parade was a great success with great community attendance. It brought the Vista Community together and it was a great day.
4. Will this program be continued? Yes
Payment Request
1. Total grant application $ 8,500.00
2. Grant funds paid to date $ 6,375.00
3. Remaining $ 2,125.00
AMOUNT OF THIS REQUEST $ 2,125.00
CERTIFICATION
I certify that the submitted information is correct and that all funds received have or will be expended in accordance with the approved grant request.
___________________________ CEO ___________________ Signature Title Date
APPROVED FOR PAYMENT: ____________________________________________________
From:Nani Martinez
To:Public Comments
Subject:Chamber of Commerce 2023 Parade Funding
Date:Thursday, December 7, 2023 12:09:26 PM
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to you today to express my admiration for the Vista Chamber of Commerce and their vital role in community building in Vista. The chamber has been instrumental in organizing public events that bring together thousands of people from all walks of life. These events are a great way for families to make memories while enjoying a fun and safe atmosphere.
One of the things that impresses me most about the Vista Chamber is their commitment to inclusivity. They work hard to ensure that everyone feels welcome at their events, regardless of their background or beliefs. This is especially important in today's divided world, and I am grateful for their efforts to bring people together.
Recently, I heard that one of the volunteers at a Vista Chamber event made a comment that was deemed not appropriate. While I understand the need to take such incidents seriously, I hope that the staff at the Vista Chamber will not be penalized for the actions of one individual.
They work tirelessly year-round to make Vista a better place, and I believe they deserve our support and encouragement.
In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to the Vista Chamber of Commerce for all that they do for our community. They are truly making a difference, and I am proud to be a part of such a vibrant and welcoming city.
Sincerely, Nani Martinez
Vista Chamber Member and Citizen of Vista of 26 years.
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From:Figueroa, Kathy
To:Public Comments
Subject:D1 Chamber of Commerce 2023 Parade Funding.
Date:Thursday, December 7, 2023 2:13:11 PM
Dear City Council Members,
I trust this email finds you well.
I am reaching out to you today as a concerned member of the community, expressing my earnest support for the Vista Chamber of Commerce. Specifically, I am seeking your consideration in retaining the grant funding allocated for the holiday parade, notwithstanding a lighthearted, spontaneous comment made by the announcer during the event.
I am sorry this situation occurred, but I believe that the comment in question was in jest and I truly hope that the residents of Vista, as well as the parade attendees, possess the discernment to understand that as such—assuming they were even listening at that moment.
Considering the Chamber's outstanding track record as an exemplary community organization, perhaps a warning, if deemed necessary, would be more than sufficient in this context.
The Vista Chamber of Commerce has always offered its unwavering support to me and Vista Adult School. Like so many organizations and businesses in our community, we are grateful to the Chamber for their hard work and dedication. What is more, the Chamber's commitment to making the Vista parade a holiday staple is evident in the time, resources, and passion they invest each year. The impact of withdrawing grant funds extends beyond the financial aspect, potentially jeopardizing the future success and growth of this vital, welcomed, community event.
In closing, please give this concern the full consideration it deserves. Retaining the grant funds with the Chamber will not only provide a fair resolution but also contribute to ensuring the ongoing success of their efforts for the parade and beyond.
I am confident that, with your thoughtful consideration, a reasonable and equitable solution can be reached.
Thank you kindly!
Sincerely,
Kathy FigueroaVista Adult School, CTE/Community Outreach Coordinator 760 758-7122 ext. 80003
Schedule: M) 1:15pm-9pm, T) 1:15pm-9pm, W) 9am-5pm, Th) 9am-5pm, F) 8:30am-4:30pm. Hours may vary during holidays, school breaks, and intersessions.
From:Chris Ryan
To:Public Comments
Subject:Supporting The Chamber of Commerce (related to the Christmas Parade) Date:Thursday, December 7, 2023 11:40:28 AM
To whom it may concern,
I have researched this issue of the Christmas Parade and a flippant comment about voting for a City Council candidate because her dog is cute. This issue is scheduled to be on the agenda for the December 12th Council Meeting. I find it absurd that an off-the-cuff statement, clearly made in jest, would be considered a violation of the grant agreement. This announcer wasn't reading from the script and he's not a Chamber staff member. In fact, he's a volunteer! His job was to fill time, ad-lib and have fun. It's a shame to take up valuable time on the City's agenda for such a trivial comment. Anyone who is pursuing this has very thin skin and must feel easily threatened. The Chamber has helped me build my business and our friendships go deep.
It's really not wise for a City employee to try to take funds away from a civic event that brings people together. We have had enough division in our politics. Let's learn to laugh and move on. This was not a serious endorsement of a candidate. The Chamber does a lot of good and people worked hard on this event. Why ruin the moment with something so forgettable.
The ironic thing is, if this person bringing the complaint were really worried about who votes for who, they would be wise to drop this and not make a bunch of enemies in the business community. It's silly to think anyone is voting based on what that announcer said. But it is VERY realistic to think people will not want to vote for someone so insecure that they take this seriously and try to pull $8,500 away from the Chamber. Now THAT will change votes!!!! Thank you for listening.
Chris
_____________________________________________________
Chris Ryan Video
www.ChrisRyanVideo.com
+1-760-410-4443
____________________________________
Kindness Certified by Kids For Peace
www.TheGreatKindnessChallenge.com
From:Don Hein
To:Public Comments
Cc:Rachel Beld
Subject:Chamber of Commerce 2023 Parade Funding
Date:Thursday, December 7, 2023 3:56:10 PM
Vista City Council Members & City of Vista Residents,
My name is Don Hein. I am a Vista resident as well as being the owner of a Vista business, Little Cakes Kitchen, for over a decade.
I have emceed the Vista Parade numerous times, including this year and each time I was a volunteer, offering my time free of charge, accepting no public funds - or any funds for that matter. I do it because I believe it is an amazing addition to this great City and, especially with the current staff of the Vista Chamber of Commerce, it is incredibly well run.
Regarding this past parade, I have read the Agenda Report which states “one of the announcers approached and interacted with the candidate and announced to the public to vote for the candidate in 2024.” I wish to make a correction to this statement, which seems to imply there was a preconceived plan in place by one person to endorse a political candidate.
I, myself, one of the two announcers, made the choice to go to the vehicle and interact with the candidate on my own, in the spur of the moment. Primarily, for no other reason than because there was a lag in the parade, and I wanted to fill space. She spoke briefly, wishing the City a Merry Christmas, I asked her about the dog she was holding and then declared I thought she was great. Because of her dog.
The other announcer, who had no idea I would approach this person, then made a joke about voting for her. Because of how great her dog was.
I would also like to share that I had never met the candidate before that moment and that I, in fact, never met my fellow announcer before the parade. I knew nothing of the policies or even the chosen political party of either candidate at the time. I also had not even read the script for the parade before the day of the event, but, to be perfectly clear, no endorsement was in the script.
While this may seem to be simply semantics, I would argue that these details prove this was in no way, shape or form any sort of preconceived plan to support a
candidate. This was the action of two, separate volunteers who need to speak to a crowd for over two hours (much of which is unscripted) making off-the-cuff jokes in an effort to fill time at an incredibly well-run, large scale parade that, I would say, was, ultimately, immensely successful. (Which is no small feat.) The Best Practices the Chamber has drafted and presented before you today appears to me to be an excellent way to avoid this issue in the future. I applaud their efforts and would recommend the City require these forms, signed by emcees, for disbursement of future parade funds.
But refusing promised funds for this event to the Chamber due to the ad libbed comments made by two volunteer emcees seems utterly ridiculous. The Chamber performed amazingly well in putting on a challenging logistical event and, in my humble opinion, they deserve every promised penny of those previously allocated tax dollars.
If you wish to punish someone, I would recommend you ban me from further emceeing at the parade or other public Chamber events. I was the one that made the decision to approach and interact with the candidate. And then declare how great she was. Because of her dog.
(All for the fee of $0 of public - or any other - funds, may I add.) But please do not deny promised funds to a group that worked incredibly hard to put on a goodwill event for the betterment of the City.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Don Hein
Owner/General Manager
Little Cakes Kitchen
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important From:Kathy Valdez
To:Kallison Leahy
Subject:FW: Chamber of Commerce 2023 Parade Funding
Date:Monday, December 11, 2023 3:44:51 PM
From: McCurdy, Gary AKA Rick
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2023 9:25 AM
To: Public Comments
Subject: Chamber of Commerce 2023 Parade Funding
To Whom it may concern,
Please reconsider the potential action of pulling funding for the Holiday Parade hosted by the Vista Chamber.
Yes, a mistake was made and public apologies should (and have been made.) Therefore, to "punish" the Chamber by withholding funding, actually damages the community members of Vista more than the Chamber by threatening the longevity of this great community building event.
Thank you for your consideration.
Rick McCurdy (He/Him) (what's this?)
Career Pathways & Internships TOSA
Educational Excellence & Innovation
Vista Unified School District
760-726-2170 Ext 92009
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You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important From:Kathy Valdez
To:Kallison Leahy
Subject:FW: Chamber of Commerce 2023 Parade Funding, Item #D1 Date:Monday, December 11, 2023 3:45:01 PM
From: Bill Hornung
Sent: Friday, December 8, 2023 8:17 AM
To: Public Comments
Cc: Rachel Beld
Subject: Chamber of Commerce 2023 Parade Funding, Item #D1
To Vista City Council:
Please maintain the City’s continued support of the Vista Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas Parade.
I respect the concern over a single comment made by a volunteer parade announcer that could have been interpreted as a political endorsement of a Council candidate. But I do believe the comment was made in an honest attempt to have a little fun with the crowds on hand — not to show favoritism for any one person.
The parade is a shining example of community engagement for which Vista can be proud. If anything, we need more activities like the parade that keep Vista a strong and respectful community for all.
It would be sad to negatively impact an event that brings so much joy for thousands every year for a simple misunderstanding.
Sincerely,
Bill Hornung
1889 Turnberry Drive
Vista, CA 92081
(760) 908-6931
From:Don Sando
To:Public Comments
Subject:Chamber of Commerce 2023 Parade Funding
Date:Tuesday, December 12, 2023 10:57:21 AM
Attachments:image001.png
image003.png
image004.png
image006.png
image007.png
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Hello City Council,
Regarding the inadvertent comments made by a parade volunteer supporting a particular candidate at the 12/2/23 Vista parade, there is no question that the comments violate both the city’s & the chamber’s policies prohibiting publicized support of any candidate. Consequently, corrective action is certainly required. Either the speaker forgot or was unaware of the policy, so corrective action is required to ensure that all volunteers clearly understand and agree to adhere to the policy.
However, when viewing the video of the comments, it’s clear that this local pastor was not intentionally violating the policy, but just trying to be supportive of a passing candidate.
Nonetheless, a public apology, while probably not necessary, wouldn’t hurt.
However, taking punitive action and withdrawing or reducing promised funding is an overreaction to an honest mistake. Especially in light of the fact that this is not a profit generating activity for the chamber, but simply a service to the community. Does the city want to take over the administration of the parade? I’m sure it would cost us taxpayers more than having the chamber do it.
So while appropriate corrective action should be taken, I oppose any withdrawal or reduction in the modest funding provided to the chamber.
Sincerely,
Don Sando
President
Strategic Results Group.
Mobile: 760-518-3148
1428 Via Christina
Vista, CA 92084
www.StrategicResultsGroup.com
www.InnerCirclePeerGroups.com
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From:Matt Koumaras
To:Public Comments
Subject:D1 - Chamber of Commerce 2023 Parade Funding
Date:Tuesday, December 12, 2023 9:07:09 AM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Dear Mayor Franklin and Vista City Council representatives, As a Board member of the Vista Chamber and Vista resident, I am writing in strong support of the Vista Chamber regarding the incident at the Christmas Parade.
I completely agree that the volunteer's comments were a mistake and have no place in a public forum. In reviewing the video, I don't think the comment was malicious in nature nor met to support any particular party. The volunteer feels horrible and the fault lies with the Chamber in onboarding volunteers. However, I believe the Chamber has made the appropriate steps to prevent a lapse in judgement in the future.
I care about the City. By levying a fine of $8,500, it is vindictive in nature and reflects poorly on the City and will draw negative attention to all the fantastic work happening around the City- I love what the City is doing to revitalize downtown, fun family events, upgraded parks, providing additional housing and emergency shelters. I'm almost sold on roundabouts too- but that's my issue I need to overcome and driving lessons.
I care about the Chamber. They do tremendous work for the community in terms of supporting our businesses, schools, and families. The Christmas parade is a beast of an event to put on and the Chamber should be commended for putting on the event for the benefit of the City of Vista. There are so many moving parts that it is so hard to make everything go perfect with the run of the show. Rachel, Kent and the Chamber team of volunteers navigate this seamlessly and do so much behind the scenes to make this event a real highlight every year.
Please do not penalize the Chamber for an honest lapse in judgement and help both the Chamber and the City move on to celebrate all of Vista's accomplishments together.
Kind Regards,
Matt Koumaras
From:Kerri Taylor
To:Public Comments
Cc:Rachel Beld
Subject:D1 - Chamber of Commerce 2023 Parade Funding
Date:Tuesday, December 12, 2023 7:47:14 AM
Attachments:image001.jpg
image002.png
image003.png
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important To whom it may concern,
I am writing with respect to the concern about the volunteer announcer who made an off-the-cuff comment about a City Council candidate at the Christmas Parade. The Vista Chamber of Commerce does such an amazing job with the Christmas Parade. Based on the video that was provided, this appears to be unintentional, only intended as a funny comment that was then construed as politically motivated. Given all the great work the Chamber does to promote the community and the businesses within the community, I would like to appeal to the council that the Chamber not be penalized in any fashion. I know Rachel is putting measures in place to keep this from happening in the future. As a non-profit, the Chamber is dependent upon volunteers – and it would be such a shame to penalize them for a comment that was not intentional or posturing for political gain.
I trust this will be duly considered and the Chamber will not be held financially liable for this action.
Sincerely,
Kerri Taylor
Kerri 2023 Kerri Taylor Vice President
O: 760. 477. 9455 C: 760. 305. 3643
SOLATUBE 2210 Oak Ridge Way
Vista, CA 92081
Favorite hobby/sport : Hot Yoga
Why I love daylighting : It makes everything look amazing! signature_1861839866
From:Scott Raitt
To:Public Comments
Subject:D1. Vista Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Christmas Parade Funding (CC) Date:Monday, December 11, 2023 4:20:58 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Hello to Council City Members and all those in attendance, I wanted to speak on this matter as I have seen and heard some talk that funding for future events and other matters could be in jeopardy.
I have moved from England to Vista and had to start over from scratch on all fronts. Family, friends, clients, contacts. As a financial professional (as i'm sure other business owners and professionals think), joining, supporting and participating in all things Chamber of Commerce associated is near essential to become part of your community and business network.
Over the year and change that I have been a member - I can say that all of the networking, community and news in general for my new home town of Vista has come via the chamber. I will never leave and only found access to my city of Vista news, struggles with 4th July and Leadership academy. I would never have been able to assist with finding a supplier for the city annual event and never knew about the communication from the city I am responding to right now.
Please consider this one life that has been changed and multiply it to the many members that have joined and are yet to in the coming years with the Chamber. The city thrives when its community and businesses do as well as all of the amazing work I saw during my Vista Leadership academy this fall by our amazing City and Council members.
Any and all funding from the City (in my opinion) is money well spent and is multiplied many times over in terms of value to residents and visitors. I have become more invested and engaged in my hometown of Vista so much more in 3yrs than I ever did in over 30yrs in Watford, England.
In closing, please accept the apology from the Chamber, accept and trust that the Chamber members and staff will honor the spirit in which funding is granted/donated and as a volunteer and member I will support the City and chamber fully to the best of my/our ability and I simply dont like to see things escalate to such a level where the thought of funding is being considered for withdrawal.
If you need to contact me for clarification please feel free to do so. I am a resident and live on Concord Ct, Vista, 92081 (Escondido is work office address).
Warmest regards
Scott
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From:
rfm3
To:
PublicC nznts
Subject:
(]iamber of Commerce 2023 Parade Fording
Date:
Tuesday, December 12, M231:14 43 PM
Gcod afternoon City of Vista,
My name is Jeff Fox and I am writing to you as a long time resident of Vista as well as a business owner. The Vista Chamber of Commerce is a backbone of our City and I think we should be very proud of what they do for us. I am personally a member of the Chamber for my business, and the amount of work they put in to help our local businesses is amazing.
I love all of the events that the Chamber puts ou, usually at a loss, as a gift to ore corumtioity, and I don't want to see Vista lose one of its most popular and beneficial events because of an off anded joke from an unpaid volunteer.
A volunteer, by the way, who is me of the most kind, generous, and selfless members of our community. I'm sure that hem appalled by the outcome of this and would have never made thejoke if he knew it was going to negatively impact anyone.
While I am not a lawyer or an expert in contract law, I am sure the City bas some discretion on what to do in case of mwor inadvertent breaches in any contracts or agreements, and defending the whole event seems like an obvious overreaction. Since the Chamber has publicly apologized and is taking steps to make sure this doesn't happen again, I believe a warning is more than sufficient.
I love Us city and only want what is in the best interest of our community, and in no way do I believe detuding and potentially getting nd of the Chnstrnas parade would further that goal. I urge the City Council to do whatever is in thew power to stop this travesty.
Thank you,
Jeffrey Fox
Proud Vistoviau
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