10.A.
City Council Meeting - DRAFT
- Meeting Date:
- 11/17/2015
- Co-Submitter:
- Rebecca Sayers, Interim Recreation Director
- From:
- Glorice Pavey, Recreation Supervisor
Information
TITLE:
Consideration and Approval of Street Closure(s): Dew Downtown Flagstaff Urban Ski and Snowboard Festival
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
- Approve the street closure at San Francisco Street (between Aspen Avenue and Cherry Avenue) and Birch Avenue (between Agassiz Street and Leroux Street) on January 28, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. through January 30, 2016 at 11:59 p.m.
- Approve the street closure on Aspen Avenue (between San Francisco Street and Leroux Street) on January 29, 2016 at 6:00 am through January 30, 2016 at 11:59 pm
Executive Summary:
Special events are important to our community. They bring excitement to our city and enhance our quality of life. If done correctly by addressing parking, trash, noise and congestion, a community event street closure has the potential to enhance business in the surrounding area.
The City of Flagstaff office of community events brings forward requests for street closures on behalf of the event organizer. The office encourages the event organizer to conduct outreach and address any concerns that the community may have regarding this event. As this is a joint effort, outreach has been conducted by the city, the Downtown Business Alliance (DBA) and the event organizer. As a courtesy, the community event's office produces a monthly newsletter for downtown residents and business owners to inform them of upcoming City Council meetings, street closures and events at Heritage Square.
The City of Flagstaff office of community events brings forward requests for street closures on behalf of the event organizer. The office encourages the event organizer to conduct outreach and address any concerns that the community may have regarding this event. As this is a joint effort, outreach has been conducted by the city, the Downtown Business Alliance (DBA) and the event organizer. As a courtesy, the community event's office produces a monthly newsletter for downtown residents and business owners to inform them of upcoming City Council meetings, street closures and events at Heritage Square.
Financial Impact:
Street closures change traffic patterns for local businesses and may have the potential to affect sales.
Connection to Council Goal and/or Regional Plan:
COUNCIL GOALS: Does not meet a Council goal.
REGIONAL PLAN: Economic Development
Goal ED.3. Regional economic development partners support the start-up, retention, and expansion of existing business enterprises.
Goal ED.6. Tourism will continue to provide a year-round source for the community, while expanding specialized tourist resources and activities.
Goal ED.7. Continue to promote and enhance Flagstaff's unique sense of place as an economic development driver.
Has There Been Previous Council Decision on This:
City Council approved street closures for the Dew Downtown Festival in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Options and Alternatives:
Deny the request to close the proposed down streets and not hold the event.
- Pro: No impact to the traffic flow in the north downtown area.
- Con: Economic benefit may not be seen by Flagstaff businesses during a traditionally slow sales period.
Background/History:
In the past, the event featured snowboarding and skiing on an urban course in the heart of historic downtown. Snow was packed onto San Francisco Street between Aspen and Cherry Avenues, allowing skiers and snowboarders the chance to complete "tricks." The event included a ski and snowboard competition, vendors, a beer garden, ski and snowboard related activities and a family festival.
This year, in partnership with the Downtown Business Alliance (DBA), an outside event producer will plan and implement the event. The DBA has met with downtown businesses and some members of the community. Based on their feedback, this year's event will
1) take place on one day, with the competition portion moving to Snowbowl on Sunday
2) require significantly less snow
3) reduce City staff time
4) expand family friendly activity with a skating rink, ski and snowboard lessons, bounce houses, inflatable slide, sledding, a snow play area and craft center
5) engage gallery and business owners to be part of the event
In 2012, the Dew Downtown Flagstaff Urban Ski and Snowboard Festival received the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association's award for "Most Outstanding Community and Neighborhood Event for a population of 25,000-100,000."
This year, in partnership with the Downtown Business Alliance (DBA), an outside event producer will plan and implement the event. The DBA has met with downtown businesses and some members of the community. Based on their feedback, this year's event will
1) take place on one day, with the competition portion moving to Snowbowl on Sunday
2) require significantly less snow
3) reduce City staff time
4) expand family friendly activity with a skating rink, ski and snowboard lessons, bounce houses, inflatable slide, sledding, a snow play area and craft center
5) engage gallery and business owners to be part of the event
In 2012, the Dew Downtown Flagstaff Urban Ski and Snowboard Festival received the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association's award for "Most Outstanding Community and Neighborhood Event for a population of 25,000-100,000."
Key Considerations:
Street closures are permitted by City Council action under the special events' rules and regulations packet.
Expanded Financial Considerations:
The Dew Downtown event has the potential to draw up to 5,000 people to the downtown area on a single day in January. This influx of visitors to the downtown area has the potential to increase tax revenue. In 2012-2014, tax revenue grew over previous years. While city sales tax numbers showed a small increase in 2015, overall we did not see a substantial increase in tax revenues. Some downtown businesses, including Mountain Sports and Bigfoot BBQ, indicated they saw increased sales over the weekend of the event.
Community Benefits and Considerations:
The Dew Downtown Festival is managed for the threefold purpose of (1) providing an economic stimulus for the community during the traditionally low performing month of January; (2) continue to brand Flagstaff as a four season tourism destination; and (3) provide a family-friendly winter event for all ages.
Community Involvement:
Consult: The Director of the DBA has conducted outreach with those businesses affected by the street closure.
Involve: The event coordinators and city staff held a public meeting on November 9, 2015.
Inform: The recreation section produces a monthly newsletter for downtown businesses and residents. The newsletter contains event information regarding upcoming City Council meetings, Heritage Square activities and street closures. Notice of the Council meeting has been included in the November newsletter.
Inform: The event coordinators, Matt Zeigler and Rand Jenkins have conducted outreach with the residents affected by the closure via door-hangers.
Involve: The event coordinators and city staff held a public meeting on November 9, 2015.
Inform: The recreation section produces a monthly newsletter for downtown businesses and residents. The newsletter contains event information regarding upcoming City Council meetings, Heritage Square activities and street closures. Notice of the Council meeting has been included in the November newsletter.
Inform: The event coordinators, Matt Zeigler and Rand Jenkins have conducted outreach with the residents affected by the closure via door-hangers.