HomeMy WebLinkAbout43. 19-267 APRIL 23, 2019 19-267 RESOLUTION
(CARRIED 6-0 LOST LAID OVER WITHDRAWN )
PURPOSE: APPROVE PIONEER ISLAND AS THE SITE FOR THE JULY 4TH
2019 FESTIVAL FOODS FIREWORKS SHOW
INITIATED BY: PARKS DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, Hazel Street reconstruction which is occurring this summer adjacent
to Menominee Park is anticipated to make parking and access to Menominee Park more
difficult for purposes of the traditional July 41h fireworks show at that location; and
WHEREAS, City staff has worked with the Oshkosh Rotary Club who are
organizing a special event to be held at Leach Amphitheater on July 41h and the
owner/agent for the former Pioneer Inn property to provide a suitable alternative to
Menominee Park by relocating the fireworks show to Pioneer Island.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Common Council of the City of
Oshkosh that the use of Pioneer Island as the site for the July 41h 2019 Festival Foods
Fireworks show is hereby approved and the appropriate city staff are hereby authorized
and directed to take such actions as are reasonably necessary for this purpose including
without limitation the completion of necessary permits and applications, defining and
enforcing safety zones and areas, and working with the Fireworks contractor to provide
appropriate insurance coverage and relocate the show.
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council
FROM: Ray Maurer, Parks Director
DATE: April 17, 2019
RE: Approve Pioneer Island as the site for the July 41h 2019 Festival Foods Fireworks Show
BACKGROUND
The July 4th fireworks show has historically been held at the Miller's Bay/Monkey Island area in
Menominee Park in conjunction with Sawdust Days. Festival Foods has generously sponsored 50% of
the cost of the show and the city funds the other 50%.
ANALYSIS
The Hazel Street reconstruction project is scheduled to begin in May and extend into fall this year. This
will be a complete reconstruction from Washington Avenue to East Irving Avenue. City staff has
discussed concerns regarding getting thousands of spectators for the fireworks show and any event that
would be considered for Menominee Park in and out safely. When Sawdust Days organizers decided to
discontinue their event and a new event was being discussed for the Leach Amphitheater/Riverside Park
area on July 4th, city staff began discussing the possibility of relocating the fireworks show to Pioneer
Island.
Mr. Art Dumke was contacted for his input on the idea and he fully supports this as does the current
property owner. The fireworks contractor, Wolverine Fireworks, will provide a certificate of liability
insurance listing the property owner as an additional insured on their $10,000,000 insurance policy. City
staff and Wolverine Fireworks have been in contact with the Coast Guard and Winnebago County
Sheriff's Department to complete the necessary applications for permits that may be necessary and
request possible assistance on the water during the show.
Staff believes this would be a welcome addition to the downtown and Sawdust District areas of the city
as well as the entire Riverwalk.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to locating the show at Pioneer Island. In fact, additional funding
to enhance the show is anticipated if this location is approved.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of Pioneer Island for the July 41h Festival Foods Fireworks Show.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ray Maurer, Parks Director
Approved,
Mark A. Rohloff, City Manager