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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.3 St Pats Parade Council Participation STAFF REPORT CITY CLERK File #950-40 CITY COUNCIL DATE:February 4, 2014 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM: Christopher L. Foss, Acting City Manager SUBJECT: City Council St. Patrick’s Day Parade Participation Prepared by Martha Aja, Environmental Coordinator EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Annual Dublin Lions Club St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2014. Each year the Dublin City Council participates in the parade. Last year the City Council walked in the parade and handed out giveaways to the crowds. The City Council will consider alternatives for participating in the 2014 St. Patrick’s Day parade. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Funds are available in the Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget to cover the expense of the selected alternative chosen by the City Council. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council consider alternatives for the 2014 City Council St. Patrick’s Day parade entry and provide direction to Staff. Submitted By Reviewed By Assistant to the City Manager Acting Assistant City Manager DESCRIPTION: For more the 15 years, the City Council has participated in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The form of participation over the years has varied from year to year, and Staff is seeking input from the City Council on how it would like to participate in the 2014 parade. A recap of past participation is provided for reference below. ITEM NO. 8.3 Page 1 of 3 Means of Year Description Participation 1999 Float Flatbed truck with straw for seats, signage, a balloon arch and festive decorations. 2000 Golf Carts Staff drove the golf carts, which had signage indicating the City Council person on board. 2001-2003 Float Flatbed truck with straw for seats, signage, a balloon arch and festive decorations. 2004-2006 Antique Fire Truck Decorations and signage were included on the vehicle. 2007 Float Birthday cake celebrating the City’s 25 th anniversary. 2008 Fire Truck Decorations and signage were included on the vehicle. 2009 Float Balloon rainbow with pots of gold for decorations. 2010-2011 Fire Truck Decorations and signage were included on the vehicle. 2012 Cable Cars Decorations and signage were included on the vehicle 2013 On Foot - Walk Staff carried signage and drove a decorated electric vehicle full of giveaways, which the City Council passed to the crowds along the parade route. In preparing for the 2014 Parade, Staff would like to offer several alternatives for the City Council to consider when planning its entry: Alameda County Fire Truck 1. . The City Council would ride on an Alameda County Fire Truck. In 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010 and 2011, the City Council rode on the Antique Fire Truck. In 2008 and 2010, the City Council rode on a regular Fire Truck. This year the Antique Fire Truck is not available. The Fire Chief would drive the vehicle or, if unavailable, an alternate could serve as the driver. Appropriate decorations and signage would be included in this alternative. Cable Cars 2. . As was done in 2012, the City Council would ride together in a decorated Cable Car. Walking. 3. Councilmembers would walk the parade route together as was done last year. Festive balloons and signage (such as banners) would be developed for this alternative. The option of walking sends the message to the community that “Dublin Is Green” and is committed to healthy lifestyle choices. If this option is chosen, Councilmembers could hand out giveaways to the crowd. If the City Council elects to walk this year, a brisk pace will be required to ensure that the flow of the parade is not impeded. City Council Float. 4. Councilmembers would ride together in a float decorated consistent with the parade theme. Bicycles. 5. Councilmembers would bike the parade route together on bicycles provided by a local Dublin bicycle shop (Dublin Cyclery). There would be front and back signage on each bicycle identifying the rider. If this option is selected, each Councilmember would go to the bicycle shop prior to the parade and choose a bicycle to ride in the parade. Golf Carts 6. . Councilmembers would be able to drive alone or buddy-up in rented golf carts that would be decorated for the occasion. Councilmembers could drive or be driven along the parade route. There would be front and back signage on each cart identifying the rider(s). Other Alternative. 7. The City Council may have other alternatives that are feasible for the parade entry. A modest budget is available for the float entry and for small item giveaways to the crowds along the parade route. Due to liability issues with the Lions Club’s insurance company, the Page 2 of 3 tossing of giveaway items into the crowd is not permitted; however, handing out giveaway items is permissible. In the past, all City Council floats have been prepared the day before the parade by City Staff. NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH: Not Applicable. ATTACHMENTS: None. Page 3 of 3