Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Rocklin Approving a Waiver of the Public Display of Fireworks Fee for the Celebrate America 2020 Event

Prior to 2009, the City of Rocklin held an annual Jubilee event, which provided the community with a fireworks display and an opportunity to gather with neighbors to celebrate Independence Day.  When the economic downturn occurred, the City was not able to continue funding the annual Jubilee and Destiny stepped up to organize and produce this annual event for the community.

Destiny has presented Celebrate America at Twin Oaks Community Park for 11 years, which has become a two-day event normally held on the weekend preceding the 4^th of July each year.   The event is open to the public at no charge and features family friendly activities and entertainment such as bounce houses, local food trucks and business vendors, musical performances, presentations recognizing Veterans, Military helicopter tours, and a fireworks display set to music at the end of both evenings.

Destiny has shouldered the majority of the financial burden associated with providing this event to the community.  However, recognizing the community benefits to Rocklin residents and business owners, the City has also supported the event by discounting Parks & Recreation fees and providing a variety of event support at no charge.  The estimated value for the City’s annual support of this event is $20,000.  

In 2019, the Fire Department charged $2,448 total for fireworks display permit fees.  Due to optimal weather conditions last year, there was no need to require an additional Fire engine and crew, or additional standby hours.  Had such add-ons been required, the cost would have been $1,102 per day for an extra Fire engine and $277/hour for additional standby time.

Due to the adoption of an amended Schedule of Fees for City Services effective December 1, 2019, the Public Display of Fireworks fees and related Fire Department expenses have increased.  The projected fees for Celebrate America 2020 fireworks will range from a minimum of $3,672 up to $6,168 (not including additional standby time at the hourly rate of $301).  Destiny has expressed concerns about this fee increase and has requested relief from the City.

After considering the substantial annual support provided by the City through the Parks & Recreation Department and the broad community benefits of the event, staff recommends waiving 50% of the Public Display of Fireworks fees for Celebrate America 2020. 

The purpose of the public display of fireworks fee is to recover the costs associated with providing extraordinary services to the community. If 50% of the fireworks fees are waived for this event, 50% of the City's costs associated with event's fireworks display will not be recovered.