HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.A. Request for Deviation from the Approved Fee Schedule for Aerial Fireworks Display pwtm General Business 4. A.
SHiW- 0PFE
TO: Mayor and City Council
Mark McNeill,City Administrator
FROM: Tom Pitschneider,Fire Marshal/Inspector
DATE: 06/03/2014
SUBJECT: Request for Deviation from the Approved Fee Schedule for Aerial Fireworks Displays(D)
Action Sought
To approve a variance for Valleyfair to the 2014 fee schedule for aerial fireworks displays during the 2014
operating season.
Background
In years prior to 2012 Valleyfair had held aerial fireworks displays only on various weekends throughout the
summer months with a total of 7 or 8 shows each year. During these years Valleyfair has paid the normal fee
schedule rate. Beginning in 2012 Valleyfair held aerial fireworks displays on various nights from June I to
September 3. Again this year Valleyfair would like to conduct aerial fireworks displays on 33 days between June 8
and August 30.
The current adopted fee schedule was based on the need for an inspection each show as the shooting area was
set-up and broke down each week which resulted in fees being charged for each show. For the 2014 season the
fireworks display contractor will be leaving the shooting area set-up throughout the 32 days being proposed. There
will also be a special set-up for the shows on June 8,July 3 and July 4.
Based on the current fee schedule the fees for 33 shows would be$1,270.00. Valleyfair has asked that the fee be
reviewed based on the continuous set-up. Staff also notes that nightly inspections would create a substantial burden
on the current department staffing for these inspections.
Based on a review of past inspections the Fire Department would suggest that two inspections be conducted each
week with an additional inspection to occur on June 8,July 3 and July 4. Using that basis the proposed permit fee
for 2014 would be$500.00.
Recommendation
Staff recommends approving a variance for Valleyfair related to the fee schedule for aerial firework displays for the
2014 operational season.
Budget Impact
Although this is a reduction in collected fees the adjusted amount is consistent with the amount of work to be
performed.
Relationship to Vision
This supports goal D. Maintain, improve and create strong partnerships with other public and private sector entities.
Requested Action
If the council concurs, it should offer a motion to authorize the approval of a variance to the existing fee schedule
for Valleyfair reducing the 2014 fee for fireworks displays at Valleyfair from$1,200.00 to$500.00.