Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutFourth of July Steering Committee Minutes 2014-09-174th of July Meeting Minutes September 17, 2014 Committee Members in Attendance: Rufino Ramirez Barbara Blanchard Kathy Molinaro Michelle Scarpa Tommy McDonald Terri Corbett Robin Hall Tony Scarpa Stefanie Scarpa Chris Scarpa Renae Rives James Toney, Director of Parks and Recreation Kimberly Ramirez, Staff Lucy Woltz, Chamber Liasion Billy Enochs, Council Liasion Aaron Hoot, Sky Wonder Pyrotechnics Cpt Sherri Forward, Friendswood PD 1. Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 6:58p.m. 2. Communications to the public: New committee members were introduced to the committee, Kathy Molinaro new committee member, Barbara Blanchard Renae Rives are official as of Monday. Tommy stated we met with Aaron with two months ago to discuss a fireworks show at Centennial, they provided an aerial view of Centennial park using a drone. Robin asked how long Aaron has been involved with the fireworks company. Aaron stated the past 2 years with this company and shooting shows for the past 5 years, he’s a mechanical engineer during the day and shoots fireworks at night. All shows fire electronically, if it rains, all modules are waterproof. Robin asked where they fired last year, Aaron stated West Columbia. They have fired at West Columbia East Bernard, Brazoria, and proposed for City of Pearland. Aaron stated he would be shooting the Friendswood show if hired. James asked once you’re on site will there always be someone there; he stated yes according to ATF, you’re not allowed to leave your explosives unattended. We have never had any issues with our shows. They have a 2 million dollar life insurance policy. They offer aerial videography and also coordinate music with the show. James asked how do you prepare for the show, they have a special software to see the show on a video before the event, once approved they would purchase the fireworks for the event. You’re able to see the show 30 days before the event. James asked Aaron to explain other type of fireworks they offer, they can shoot off the light poles and off the stage. Robin asked the price tag on this. Aaron stated $18,200. Using 711 shells and 10 cakes the show will be around 18 to 20 minutes. James stated if you book 3 years he would give us a discount for next year. Robin asked James if he has called West Columbia yet, James stated no not yet. He can add hearts and diamonds to the show. Committee decided to make motion on fireworks at the October meeting. The provide everything the only thing they request is security. 3. Discussion and possible action regarding July 16, 2014: Robin made a motion to approve the minutes as presented, Stacy second the motion and the motion passed unanimously. 4. Discussion and possible action: A. Nominate and Vote for Chair and Vice Chair: Chris nominated Tommy as the vice chair of the committee, Rufino second the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Barbara nominated Tony as chair, Tommy second the motion and the motion passed unanimously. B. Parade: Stacy stated we should have one. Grand marshal? Committee suggests Dick Digguard, JJ Watt and Judge Woltz. Kimberly will send out a list of the themes, committee will decide the theme at the October meeting. C. Day program: Lucy suggested having a DJ at the gazebo this year for the day program, they use it for the car show and it’s very successful. James stated the Zydeco Dots are not heard throughout the park. DJ can provide louder music. Committee suggested trying a DJ this year. Renae stated that she knows a DJ that performs at the schools and will ask for a quote. Committee would like to have someone from Fox News MC the program again next year. Terri suggested having a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophy for the bicycle entries. Stacy asked if there are too many categories, she will go thru the booth application and see if she can consolidate some of the categories. James asked how we better police the entries. Stacy stated we have no idea what the entries are going to bring the day of the parade. Renae stated p ossibly put it in the booth application. Robin suggested contacting the parade entry before the event. James stated he will talk to the entry we had issues with the past two years. James stated to have parade marshals and will check entries before the start of the parade. Robin also wanted to make sure we advertised the winners at the park and on Facebook during the day event. Billy stated that Mayor and Council would like to hang out at city hall instead of the chamber since they couldn’t see the parade after they were done. D. Evening: Tommy stated everything worked out great last year. James stated we can add more entertainment during the evening program. As for the fireworks we will do a reference check on the fireworks company. Stacy made a motion to use Sky Wonder Pyrotechnics as the fireworks vendor for 2015 4th of July event, pending reference check, Michelle second the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Keep the stage and sound the same. James stated sound had some issues this past year. Sound check was late. Robin asked to have multiple gators and the 6 seater. Judy wants to be assigned to the back gate along with Robin. Judy stated she wants to add something to the tennis courts during the day program, possibly have a tennis tournament, and have a proset starting at 8amk. James asked if there’s an entry fee, Judy stated it’s usually around $25 and the revenue can go towards the event. James asked if they would have sponsors and asked Judy to meet with him to discuss this event and they will come back with a plan and present to the committee next month. 5. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:16pm. Approved by: Kimberly Ramirez Date: October 15, 2014