HomeMy WebLinkAbout31. 12-617
DECEMBER 11, 2012 12-617 RESOLUTION
(CARRIED___6-0___LOST________LAID OVER________WITHDRAWN________)
PURPOSE: AUTHORIZE CITY SPONSORSHIP OF INDEPENDENCE DAY
FIREWORKS DISPLAY / JULY 5, 2013 / MENOMINEE PARK
INITIATED BY: CITY ADMINISTRATION
BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Oshkosh that the
appropriate City staff are hereby authorized and directed to take those steps necessary for
City Sponsorship of the Independence Day Fireworks Display to be held on Friday, July 5,
2013 at Menominee Park in the City of Oshkosh.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff is authorized to solicit and work with any
other donors or sponsors of such display and to provide appropriate recognition of those
persons/organizations in the promotion of this event.
Money for this purpose is hereby appropriated from:
100-0911-6466-00000 General Fund – Miscellaneous Contractual Services
OSIIKO 511 SAWDIJS'I' DAYS
HISTORIC FESTIVAL
December 4,2012
Oshkosh City Council
215 Church St.
PO Box 1130
Oshkosh, WI 54903
Dear City Council Members:
Thank you for taking the time to meet with us recently and share your thoughts and ideas for the 2013 event. We
appreciate your input and help in these matters.
Many years ago former Parks Director Boyd Kraemer requested that Sawdust Days coincide with the 4th of July Celebration
to consolidate city manpower and two events. At that time,the city was paying for the entire fireworks display. Then for
several years a local bank sponsored the show. When they were bought out the new owners decided to no longer
support the fireworks. Then for two years Sawdust Days paid the entire cost of the display. When Festival Foods opened in
Oshkosh they became a partner and title sponsor of the fireworks display,sharing the cost half and half with the event.
Over time this one half payment by the event has caused Sawdust Days to deplete our rainy day fund. The extremely hot
weather during the 2012 event has now left us with a deficit due to greatly reduced revenue this year.
Oshkosh Sawdust Days,Inc.would ask the City Council to consider having the city be a named sponsor with Festival Foods
for the 2013 Sawdust Days fireworks display. We would like to request of the city:
• Fund a minimum of$12,500.00 and the hazardous material fee for the fireworks display.
• The fireworks display will be held in conjunction with the 2013 Sawdust Days event at Menominee Park on Friday,
July 5th.
• The city will be responsible for all costs of the Oshkosh Police Department on the day of the fireworks.
If the city is willing to be the second sponsor of the fireworks display,we would anticipate not having to request a waiver of
fees under the Special Events Policy for 2013. We have met with most of the Council and hope we have achieved a better
relationship with the City Council. There are new people serving on our Executive Board with new ideas. There has been
discussion about the changes we will be making to raise more funds and have new sponsorships while still remaining a
significant free admission festival for Oshkosh and the Fox Valley. In 2012 the hot weather significantly decreased our
revenue and we have struggled to pay the bills. The plan is to hold a fund raiser and pay the bill for the 2012 fireworks as
soon as possible.
Sawdust Days is an all volunteer organization and we are essentially revenue/expense neutral. We use the revenue from
the event to pay for non-sponsored items such as tents,toilets,insurance,private security, park labor, clean up and so
forth. Any surpluses in the past have been used for equipment upgrades,and permanent electrical enhancements in the
park. In addition,this festival is an opportunity for various nonprofit organizations to raise funds. This was the original
premise for Sawdust Days,and to provide a free admission community festival. This includes several veteran groups,
churches,and other nonprofits such as Noon Optimists,Oshkosh Area Humane Society and more. This event is the main
fund raiser for some of these groups.
I look forward to your response and to continuing our successful partnership.
Best regards,
m�1
Oshkosh Sawdust Days, Inc.
By Ellen Schmidt, Chaim 4 n I iU DEC DE 0 5 2012
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P.O. Box 436 • Oshkosh, WI 54903-0436 • Phone: 920-235-5584 • www.sawdustdays.com