City staff and councilors discussed plans to expand July 4th activities in Redmond, fund a larger fireworks show at the fairgrounds and consider a code change to ban legal fireworks on dates other than July 4.

Staff said the city has spoken with a local event organizer, Aaron Schwitzer of Lay It Out Events, and that the organizer is willing to serve as a central coordinator. Staff estimated the city may invest about $20,000 in the event and recommended developing a budget, seeking business donations, and determining whether the fairgrounds will open for parking and a managed fireworks area.

Why it matters: Council members said a single, expanded, professionally managed fireworks show at the fairgrounds could reduce dangerous dispersed fireworks use and concentrate oversight and security; council also tied the discussion to fire-season risk and public-safety costs.

Code change and timeline: Councilors expressed a preference for a permanent code change restricting legal consumer fireworks to July 4 only, rather than making an annual temporary decision. One councilor asked for a recommendation and cost details in September; staff said they will return with a recommendation on the contract with the event organizer, event budget, and proposed code language. The city indicated the fair board would be consulted at its September joint meeting.

Funding and logistics: Staff described two expense lines: a proposed contract with the event organizer (approximately $5,000 annually to engage the firm) and the event budget itself (fireworks and production), which could consume a large portion of the seed budget if the city opts for an expanded show. Councilors suggested third-party donations and in-kind contributions could offset costs. Staff also noted the need for security, parking arrangements at the fairgrounds if used, and coordination with the fair board and police.

What was not decided: Council made no final appropriation or ordinance at the meeting. Staff will prepare cost estimates, draft contract terms for review, and proposed code language for council consideration in September.