HomeMy WebLinkAboutC37020A 2018 Independence Day Celebration Fireworks Display CONTRACT NO. C37020A
STAFF REPORT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
MEETING DATE: May 10, 2018
PREPARED BY: Amy Lawrence, Management Analyst
REQUEST: Approval of Palm Desert's 2018 Independence Day Celebration
Recommendation
By Minute Motion,
1. Preapprove and authorize expenditures in an amount not to exceed $60,000 from the
FY 2018/19 Budget for production of the 2018 Independence Day Celebration event;
2. Authorize City Manager to execute contract with Pyro Spectaculars, Inc. in the amount
of $40,000 for the fireworks display; and
3. Authorize City Manager to execute ancillary vendor contracts associated with production
of the event in an amount not to exceed $20,000.
Strategic Plan Objective
Approval of Palm Desert's 2018 Independence Day Celebration would help address the following
priorities as specified in the 2013-2033 Strategic Plan, Envision Palm Desert-Forward Together.
- Economic Development Priority 3: Create and attract entertainment and events to
enhance and expand the Palm Desert economy and lifestyle.
- Tourism and Marketing Priority 2: Grow existing events and develop new events to
enhance the desirability of Palm Desert as a year round destination.
Discussion
Each year the City of Palm Desert invites the community to celebrate our country's freedom by
producing a large scale Independence Day Celebration at the Civic Center Park. Palm Desert
staff works closely with police and fire officials, as well as other agencies to ensure a safe and
successful event each year.
Staff published a Request for Proposals (RFP)for the City of Palm Desert's 2018, 2019, and 2020
Independence Day Celebration fireworks displays. Due to the sensitive nature of pyrotechnics,
with the ultimate goal of safety, professionally trained technicians, and quality products, it was
noted in the RFP that price and quantity of shells (i.e. the number of fireworks to be used during
the display) would not be the most important factor in evaluation of proposals. In response to the
City's RFP, the following two proposals were received:
Company Price Location
Pyro Spectaculars, Inc. $40,000 Rialto, CA
Pyro Engineering $40,000 Bethpage, NY
May 10, 2018 - Staff Report
Approval of Palm Desert's 2018 Independence Day Celebration
Page 2 of 2
Upon the Palm Desert Fire Marshal and Risk Manager's review of the proposals, the decision
was to continue contracting with Pyro Spectaculars, Inc. for the City's annual fireworks display.
Pyro Spectaculars, Inc. has produced Palm Desert's fireworks display for close to 30 years
without incident and has provided highly trained pyro-technicians to operate the show that can
function in our desert climate under pressure. This fifth generation company is regarded as one
of the most reputable pyrotechnic companies in the nation. They have produced shows for the
Olympics, the World Cup, the Statue of Liberty's 100th and 125th anniversaries, and a presidential
inauguration. The company purchases only high quality products from Spain and China and
stores them at a facility in Riverside, CA.
Additional festivities for this year's event include food trucks and other vendors, children's
activities, a color guard presentation, and a performance by the "Swing Cats Big Band" followed
by the 20-minute fireworks display synchronized to patriotic music simulcast on local radio
stations. Anticipated expenditures for the celebration include professional sound and lighting
services in conjunction with the concert, two live onsite radio remotes, radio promotion, shuttle
service for attendees between the Gardens on El Paseo and the park, event insurance, health
department permit, golf cart rentals, two-way radios for staff and other agencies to communicate
during the event, and other related expenditures.
Fiscal Analysis
Staff is pleased to report that the City of Indian Wells has agreed to provide a $2,500 sponsorship
to help offset costs associated with production of the event. However, Rancho Mirage has opted
to no longer contribute due to their association with the fireworks display held at the Agua Caliente
Hotel and Casino.
Funding for this event will be included as part of the FY 2018/2019 Budget and available in City-
Produced Events Account No. 1 1 0441 6-43061 01.
APPLICANT: None
ATTACHMENTS: None
LEGAL REVIEW DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT FINANCIAL CITY MANAGER
REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW
Not Applicable �---
Thomas Soule Martin Alvarez
Robert W. Tourism and Director of Janet Moore
Hargreaves Marketing Economic Director of Lauri Aylaian
City Attorney Manager Development Finance City Manager