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CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING THE JULY 4, 2016 INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS FESTIVAL AS A CITY-SPONSORED EVENT
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-024 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE JULY 4, 2016 INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS FESTIVAL AS A CITY-SPONSORED EVENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016/2017
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
Per City Council direction, staff researched two options for holding an Independence Day Fireworks show in Chula Vista: at the Chula Vista Bayfront and at the U.S. Olympic Training Center (OTC). The OTC provides the best option for 2016 because the City is the permitting authority, there is a suitable location for launching the fireworks on OTC grounds, and the City can celebrate the 2016 Olympics and the local Olympic athletes with a fantastic fireworks display.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Environmental Notice
Environmental Notice
The Project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines Section 15304 Class 4 (Minor Alterations to Land) and/or Section 15323 Class 23 (Normal Operations of Facilities for Public Gatherings).
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Environmental Determination
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15304 Class 4 (Minor Alterations to Land) and/or Section 15323 Class 23 (Normal Operations of Facilities for Public Gatherings) because it is a temporary event that would not involve the removal of mature, scenic trees or have any permanent effects on the environment. Thus, no further environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable
DISCUSSION
Per City Council direction, staff researched two options for holding an Independence Day Fireworks show in Chula Vista: at Chula Vista Bayfront or at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. The City of Chula Vista is teaming with Local Media San Diego, a San Diego-based broadcasting company, to produce the Independence Day Fireworks Festival. In order to hold fireworks on the Bayfront in 2016, the City would have to pursue extensive environmental studies. The Port of San Diego is developing an Environmental Impact Report that would allow for fireworks on tidelands in 2017. Because of the issues related to holding the event on the Chula Vista Bayfront, staff worked with Local Media to pursue the Olympic Training Center location for a festival and fireworks on July 4, 2016.
The Olympic Training Center welcomes the opportunity to host a fireworks show at the facility. Additionally, because this is an Olympic year, a fireworks show is an excellent promotional opportunity for the City and the athletes training at the OTC.
Local Media operates five of San Diego County’s top radio stations: Z90.3, 91X, Magic 92.5, KFMB-FM 100.7 and AM 760. Local Media will promote the Independence Day Fireworks event on all of its stations, hold community festivals at the Olympic Training Center and at Mountain Hawk Park on July 4th, as well as sponsor the fireworks show.
The return of an Independence Day Fireworks show to Chula Vista in 2016 will be a great event. Residents and visitors alike will enjoy a beautiful day at the Olympic Training Center and Mountain Hawk Park, listening to music from local radio stations and celebrating our 2016 Olympic hopefuls while showing civic and national pride.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has determined that the action contemplated by this item is ministerial, secretarial, manual, or clerical in nature and, as such, does not require the City Council members to make or participate in making a governmental decision, pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18704(d)(1). Consequently, this item does not present a conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City’s Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community. The Independence Day Fireworks Festival supports the Connected Community Goal which emphasizes activities that enrich the community's quality of life. The Independence Day Fireworks Festival also advances the Economic Vitality goal by promoting the city as well as the Olympic Training Center by bringing new and returning visitors to Chula Vista.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
There is no current year fiscal impact from approving the Independence Day Fireworks as a City-sponsored event.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Staff will recommend funding for this event as part of the development of the FY 2017 budget. Staff estimates City costs will be $15,000 to $20,000. If grants and/or sponsorships are secured, this amount will be reduced.
ATTACHMENTS
None
Staff Contact: Olga Berdial