1998 NEW YEAR'S EVE EVENT

Recommendation

Staff recommends that Council:

1. Direct staff to accommodate any effort downtown merchants and/or the Chamber of Commerce may make towards funding and producing a New Year's Eve event on the Pier Plaza; and
2. Focus City staff efforts and sponsorship solicitation on the Hermosa Beach Year 2000 Celebration.

Background

At the September 22 meeting, Council approved a conceptual plan for a Year 2000 Celebration.

Last year, Council also voted to suspend a plan for a 1997 celebration to allow adequate planning time for a potential 1998 event. In addition, Council directed staff to "facilitate this event by working with merchants in the area."

Analysis

To that end, staff prepared a FAX poll for downtown merchants to determine what if any interest they have in a New Year's Eve event (Attachment A).

Due to the ambitious nature of the Year 2000 Celebration, staff wanted to focus all planning and fundraising efforts in that direction. As such, for 1998, an event that is more merchant-driven and funded may be in the best interests of the City.

As an alternative to staff recommendation, if Council wishes the City to fund and produce an event for New Year's Eve 1998, staff would recommend a big band and/or swing bands with a rented dance floor on the Pier Plaza at an estimated cost of $25,000.

Fiscal Impact: None

Agendas / Minutes Menu | Back to Agenda | Top of Page