11.4 SR 04-20-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Request for Action To Item Number Mayor and City Council 11.4 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Work SessionApril 20, 2015Steve Benoit, Recreation Manager Item Description Reviewed by Independence Day Fireworks Location Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director Reviewed by Cal Portner, City Administrator Action Requested Review and discuss a request to consider moving the Independence Day fireworks from the Elk River High School to Orono Park Background/Discussion Staff was directed to explore a request to hold the Independence Day fireworks at Orono Park versus the Elk River High School. Representatives from Parks and Recreation, Police and Fire met to review the concept. Following is a history of the Elk River Independence Day fireworks events:  1981 – 2008 - The Elk River Chamber of Commerce held an event at Orono Park which included activities such as a carnival, ski show, and food vendors.  2009 – 2010 - No events were held.  2011 – 2013 - A volunteer group held an event with the fireworks launched at the Elk River High School. Food vendors and entertainment were offered at Lion John Weicht Park.  2014 – The volunteer group ceased their event and donated their funds to the city. The city hired the company used previously by the volunteer group to launch the fireworks at the Elk River High School. Minimal amenities such as food vendors and entertainment were offered. Staff determined that holding the fireworks at Orono Park will require a significant level of staff resources as compared to the Elk River High School property. Following is a list of issues that will cause the increase in staff resources:  Orono Park will draw a larger crowd for a longer period of time due to amenities available such as the beach, destination playground, picnic areas, and open play space. This will require staff to be on site to manage safety issues.  Less parking will be available compared to when the Chamber of Commerce held their event at Orono Park due to the construction of the Y and road improvements.  Traffic will have a greater negative impact on the city due to traffic flow issues relating to road access to Orono Park.  The event at Orono will require the involvement of additional agencies. The Minnesota State Highway Patrol will need to be involved due to the impacts on Hwy 10 and the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Department will need to oversee Orono Lake.