Parks staff review two fireworks bids; vendors compared on shell counts after prior misfire

Parks staff said Sept. 9 that they received two bids for the town’s fireworks show and are reviewing proposals, focusing on shell counts and prior vendor performance. "The only other thing is the fireworks, we're still reviewing the bids. Although, we did receive 2 bids on that. It takes a while to go through and review. We're looking at shell counts," the Park Director said. Staff identified one bidder the town has used previously and a second vendor that has worked in the area; staff said familiarity with both firms will factor into their review. Board members asked whether the town should stick with the previously used vendor. The Park Director recounted a prior misfire of a water-cake device during an earlier show; the vendor removed the device from inventory and could not identify the manufacturer defect that caused the malfunction. "They launched that water cake that misfired 200 times and never got it to do it again, so they can't identify what caused it," the Park Director said. Staff said both bids remain under consideration as they assess shell counts and other technical details. No contract awards were made at the meeting. Staff said they will return with a recommendation after completing their bid review.