Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Special Events Permits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee approves Kiwanis permit for Fort Marcy fireworks; capacity questions remain
Summary
The Quality of Life Committee approved a permit for the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe to hold fireworks and burn a Zozobra effigy at Fort Marcy Park on Aug. 29, 2025, but members said park capacity and public-safety details need follow-up; deputy city manager confirmed city insurance limits and the organizers' primary coverage.
The City of Santa Fe Quality of Life Committee voted to approve a public fireworks display permit submitted by the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe for fireworks and the burning of a Zozobra effigy at Fort Marcy Park on Aug. 29, 2025.
Geronimo Griego, the fire marshal, told the committee the item under consideration was the permit itself and urged the committee to focus on permit criteria rather than unrelated tree concerns. Deputy city management staff told the committee the city is self-insured with a general liability limit of $5,000,000 and a self-insured retention (deductible) of $1,000,000; the event organizers provide primary insurance and the city is listed as additional insured on the organizers’ policy.
Councilor Alma Castro said she had pulled the item after constituents raised concerns and told the committee residents would prefer a smaller-capacity event at Fort Marcy Park if possible. Castro then voted against approval and explained she wanted to see firm park-capacity numbers before the full governing body considers the permit. "I am a little concerned about the capacity. I would love to see those numbers before us at governing body," Castro said.
Councilor Jamie Cassette moved to approve the permit; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. Recorded votes on the motion were: Alma Castro — No; Amanda Chavez — Yes; Michael Garcia — Yes; Pilar Faulkner — Yes; Jamie Cassette — Yes. The motion passed.
Deputy city management staff said the packet included a certificate of insurance and additional information about the event’s insurance coverages but that capacity figures for Fort Marcy Park were not available at the meeting and staff would follow up with the committee to provide those numbers.
The committee did not place additional conditions or capacity limits on the permit at the meeting; staff said they would follow up with event organizers and provide capacity information and any recommended safety measures ahead of the governing body review.
