HomeMy WebLinkAboutFourth of July Steering Committee Minutes 2013-07-174th of July Steering Committee
Minutes
July 17, 2013
Robin Hall
Rufino Ramirez
Michelle Scarpa
Tommy McDonald
Stefanie Karacostas
Stacy Scarpa
Terri Corbett
Chris Scarpa
Tony Scarpa
Rachel Vargas
Judy Dealejandro
James Toney, Director of Community Services
Kimberly Ramirez, Staff
Drew Pennywell, Staff
Michael Boyett, Staff
Mike Jones, FISD Transportation Liasion
Pat McGinnis, Council Liasion
Doug Lauersdorf, FPD Liasion
1. Call to order: The meeting was called to order at: 7:05pm
2. Communications from the public: James informed the group that we have
received a host of emails and received a lot of positive feedback from 4th of
July participants and attendees. He stated a lot of people noticed and thought
the event was organized and well ran. We did receive notification that the
coast guard was left out of the fireworks program and that the Ray Charles song
was left out as well during the Fireworks show, they missed that song. James
stated that next year Dennis Senter will be the PD liaison for the 4th of July.
3. Discussion and possible action regarding June 26, 2013 minutes: Chris Scarpa
made a motion to approve the minutes as presented, Stacy second the motion
and the motion passed unanimously.
4. Discussion and possible action regarding the 2013, 4th of July Celebration
A. Breakfast: James stated the dignitary breakfast went very well.
B. Parade: Stacy stated that she felt that the parade went great this year.
Stefanie stated that there was a request for a porta potty needed near the post
office. Tony stated that the dignitary line up went smooth. James stated he
apologized about the radios that they were set up incorrectly. The radio
company promised that they will offer radios again next year and will test them
before use. Committee suggested asking Pearland High School Band and the
Clear Springs High School band to participate next year. Robin suggested
having the police car that she announces from to be there earlier.
Stacy suggested having the parade staged at the front of city hall next year.
We can have the officer bring over Robin to the judges staging area and use a
popup tent for the front of city hall, where the judges will set under. Robin
stated she announced the information about the schedule and sponsors before
the parade while people are waiting for the parade to start. James suggested
putting up more signage for the judges. Robin stated the descriptions all the
participants included in their parade applications helped her announce the
parade this year. She suggested if the list could be ready earlier next year.
James stated we had issues with traffic near Stonesthrow and Cedarwood,
Doug suggested getting a resolution on no parking on one side of the road next
year and order more "no parking" signs.
C. Day program: Michelle stated all was good with the day program. She
stated the health inspectors stated everything was good except for Dippin Dots
booth which kept tripping the breaker. Dipping Dots needs their own power
supply next year. She stated FFA wants to be moved to a more visible location.
This year the inflatables for Party Animals were right in front of FFA. James stated
FFA will need to get a tent for the vendor booth next year. Tommy suggested
making a food court next year; there were 62 booths this year that includes the
train and FFA. Kimberly stated the event cost $87,348; we went over $16,104 this
year due to salaries. James stated we'll need to promote for more sponsors next
year. Judy stated that you couldn’t hear the emcee at the gazebo. James
stated we should consider purchasing our own sound. Michelle suggested
having a DJ one year. FOX26 News taped the day program; committee
suggested some film footage from that day. James stated that the Zydeco Dots
played a lot better this year with the help of Emcee, Michelle Mehar.
Committee suggested more signage for rides and add to next year’s itinerary.
D. Evening: Committee suggested posting a schedule of events posted next to
the gazebo.
Michael stated he received good feedback on getting people out of
Centennial in a timely manner. Mike stated we had 21 buses this year. FISD
shuttled 2388 to the park, 4579 total transport. We received a lot of good
feedback from people in the bus lines. Michael stated we loaded 40 people at
a time and had 2 lines for both buses. Doug stated that the gates closed at
11pm, more buses were coming in and it was slowing down the process just a
bit. James stated we received a lot of good feedback from the fireworks, they
were outstanding this year. Tommy suggested to get a list for Lighthouse
volunteers to get in at the gate. Email all the groups that they can't get in after
6pm. Committee stated the fencing along the sidewalk worked perfectly.
Need table, popup tent and fencing around the games, need to purchase
more orange fencing approx. 500 ft. Health inspector stated we need to put
6pm set up time on the evening program booth applications and give the
health inspector a contact number for the evening program. We'll need more
workers to help for the amusement rides. Tony stated everything went very well
from a committee point of view. Doug stated that it was a lot nicer and things
went very well this year. The announcements from 92FM were very professional.
Everyone really like Dave Smith as the evening emcee. Suggested to feed bus
drivers Sonic next year. Will need to get theme and band by the next meeting,
in September. Committee suggested having the high school design the 2014
theme logo.
5. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:26 pm.
Approved by:
Kimberly Ramirez
Date:
September 18, 2013