10.B.
City Council Meeting - FINAL
- Meeting Date:
- 10/07/2014
- Co-Submitter:
- Brian Grube, Recreation Services Director
- From:
- Glorice Pavey, Recreation Supervisor
Information
TITLE:
Consideration and Approval of Street Closure(s): 2015 New Year's Eve Event
Consideration and Approval of Amplification Exception: 2015 New Year's Eve Event
Consideration and Approval of Amplification Exception: 2015 New Year's Eve Event
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
- Approve street closure on Aspen Avenue between San Francisco Street and Beaver Street.
- Approve the amplification exception to allow music to be played between the hours of 10:00 pm on December 31, 2014 and 12:15 am on January 1, 2015.
Policy Decision or Reason for Action:
By approving the New Year's Eve event street closure and amplification exception, the City is providing a safe location for participants at this event.
Subsidiary Decision Points: No subsidiary decision points.
Subsidiary Decision Points: No subsidiary decision points.
Financial Impact:
Street closures change traffic patterns for local businesses and may have the potential to affect sales.
The cost for barricades is approximately $780.00
The cost for barricades is approximately $780.00
Connection to Council Goal:
COUNCIL GOALS:
Fund existing and consider expanded recreational services
Fund existing and consider expanded recreational services
Has There Been Previous Council Decision on This:
City Council has approved the street closure in the past. The amplification exception is new and has not been approved by City Council in the past.
Options and Alternatives:
Deny the request to close the proposed downtown streets.
- Pro: No impact to the traffic flow of the North Downtown area.
- Con: This would restrict pedestrian traffic to the sidewalks and Heritage Square only. With the large number of participants expected, this would force participants onto unsecured streets.
Deny the request for an amplification exception.
- Pro: No impact to surrounding businesses or neighborhoods.
- Con: The music adds a festive feel to the event. The stage would disperse the crowd between three main focal points: the fireworks, the stage and the Pine Cone Drop. Additionally, the stage provides an opportunity for families with children to celebrate the event in an area where alcohol is not being consumed.
Background/History:
New Year's Eve festivities have become increasingly popular, drawing thousands of people to the downtown area. Starting in 2009, the City initiated street closures to help ensure the safety of the public during the New Year's Eve events. The Pinecone Drop and the fireworks display occur at both 10:00 PM and 12:00 AM. The Flagstaff Police Department feels it is important to close the street for safety reasons at 8:00 PM. Barricades will be provided and placed by Action Barricade Company and the Flagstaff Police Department will begin to take them down at 12:30 AM.
This year, Peaks Audio approached the City with the idea of adding a stage and music to the event. The New Year's Eve committee seemed amenable to the idea and discussed placement of the stage to ensure that there would be access for emergency vehicles. If this event goes well this year, the City discussed transitioning the event to Peaks Audio in the future, who would hold the permit and take over the scheduling and payment of the barricades and street closure.
This year, Peaks Audio approached the City with the idea of adding a stage and music to the event. The New Year's Eve committee seemed amenable to the idea and discussed placement of the stage to ensure that there would be access for emergency vehicles. If this event goes well this year, the City discussed transitioning the event to Peaks Audio in the future, who would hold the permit and take over the scheduling and payment of the barricades and street closure.
Key Considerations:
Street closures are permitted by City Council action under the Special Events rules and regulations. Leroux Street is a two-way street and its closure is allowable under the special event permit guidelines, without requiring permission from City Council
Expanded Financial Considerations:
Street closures change traffic patterns for local businesses and may have the potential to affect sales.
The cost for barricades is approximately $780.00
The cost for barricades is approximately $780.00
Community Benefits and Considerations:
Provide a safe space for families and participants to ring in the New Year. The addition of the stage provides the option for individuals to celebrate an event outside of the local bars.
Community Involvement:
Inform/Collaborate: The proposal to bring live music to the New Year's Eve event was brought before the Downtown Business Alliance. They recommended that the producer provide additional portable toilets and trash containers. Additionally, the October 7th City Council meeting was advertised in the September and October issue of the Downtown Newsletter.
Expanded Options and Alternatives:
Deny the request to close the proposed downtown streets.
- Pro: No impact to the traffic flow of the North Downtown area.
- Con: This would restrict pedestrian traffic to the sidewalks and Heritage Square only. With the large number of participants expected, this would force participants onto unsecured streets.
Deny the request for an amplification exception.
- Pro: No impact to surrounding businesses or neighborhoods.
- Con: The music adds a festive feel to the event. The stage would disperse the crowd between three main focal points: the fireworks, the stage and the Pine Cone Drop. Additionally, the stage provides an opportunity for families with children to celebrate the event in an area where alcohol is not being consumed.